About SNAP®
SNAP was developed by the Child Development Institute, an accredited children’s mental health organization in Toronto, Ontario in 1985 as an intervention program for children ages 6 -11 who were in conflict with the law. Since then, the program has grown and evolved into an internationally recognized evidence-based gender specific mental health program that uses traumainformed principles to teach elementary school-aged children with disruptive behaviour problems, and their parents, how to stop and think before they act and make better choices “in the moment” by increasing effective emotion-regulation, self-control and problem-solving skills. Today, SNAP offers a continued care model for families and children working with them until their 18th birthday.
The primary goal of SNAP is to keep children and youth in school and out of trouble.
SNAP is delivered internationally through licensed SNAP® Affiliates. For more information, please visit www.stopnowandplan.com
SNAP® Boys / SNAP® Girls
SNAP® is a registered trademark owned by Child Development Institute, Toronto and is used under license by:
CAFCAN Social Services
Tel: (416) 740-1056
Fax: (416) 746-7035
In partnership with BLACK ACTION DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Tel: (416) 656-2232
Fax: (416) 656-2252
What is SNAP®?
SNAP®, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is a proven cognitivebehavioural program. SNAP helps elementary school-aged children with disruptive behavioural problems, and their parents, learn how to stop and think before they act and make better choices “in the moment” and helping “keep problems small.”
CAFCAN is a licensed SNAP® affiliate site that offers this program to Black children ages 6-11 who have difficulty with emotion regulation and self-control and are engaging in disruptive behaviour, such as aggressive, rule-breaking and/or have come into contact with authority figures at home, school or in the community.
The gender-specific SNAP® Boys and SNAP® Girls programs are designed for children ages 6-11 who have difficulty with emotion regulation and self-control and are engaging in disruptive behaviour, such as aggressive, rule-breaking and/or have come into contact with authority figures at home, school or in the community. Experienced and highly trained staff work with each family to assess challenges and problems and develop an action plan.
Children and families may participate in the following components, with the goal of preventing future anti-social behaviour and reducing the chances of conflict with family, peers and authority figures.
SNAP Boys & SNAP Girls Components
SNAP Boys / SNAP Girls Groups Boys and girls attend gender-specific weekly group sessions for 13 weeks.
They learn how to use SNAP in different situations through engaging activities, including discussions, role-playing and interactive games. A variety of topics, including dealing with angry thoughts and feelings, self-control, problemsolving and bullying are addressed.
SNAP Parenting Group
The parent group meet at the same time as the SNAP Boys/SNAP Girls groups. Parents learn effective child management and SNAP strategies. The group also provides parents with an opportunity to make connections with other parents facing similar challenges.
Individual Child Counselling
Individual counselling with a SNAP staff provides children with individualized support to enhance the skills, coping strategies, and social skills training learned in the SNAP groups. Staff and children also continue to work together on goal attainment.
Who should attend SNAP?
Boys and girls ages 6-11 experiencing disruptive behavioural problems at home, school, with persons of authority and/or in the community are referred to SNAP.
Presenting problems may include:
- Problems with family relationships
- Physically and/or verbally aggressive behaviour
- Defiant behaviour
- Lack of self-control and problem-solving skills
- Difficulty making and keeping healthy relationships
- Stealing
- Bullying
- Vandalizing or damaging property
SNAP Parenting: Family Counselling
Ongoing, goal-oriented counselling tailors SNAP strategies to families’ individual needs, working to strengthen the parentchild relationship and address stressors that affect parenting.
Crisis Intervention
Available to help families involved with SNAP deal with challenging situations as they arise and/or refer them to appropriate crisis services.
School Advocacy/Teacher Support
Program staff help families ensure their children receive the help and support needed at school.
Victim Restitution
Children learn how to apologize and redress their behaviour. An apology letter or some form of community service are typical restitution approaches.
Referrals
Parents are encouraged to call (416) 740-1056 for intake to the program. Service providers may facilitate a referral.
Cost
Funding from the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services allows us to offer this service at no cost. Assistance with TTC transportation to and from group sessions is available upon request.