Portage’s Mother and Child Program is a residential drug addiction rehabilitation program for pregnant women and mothers with young children. Whereas many mothers hesitate to seek help for fear of losing custody of their child, at Portage they can get treatment together, while at the same time strengthening their bond.
Through therapeutic groups and a supportive environment of peers who have been through similar struggles, the mothers work through the issues that caused their drug addiction problems and develop the skills and competencies to be able to better handle the challenges of everyday life.
Specialised educators work with the children at the on-site childcare service while the mothers are involved in therapeutic groups, and also with the mother-child duo in order to build and strengthen the mother’s parenting skills.
Aftercare and Family Services reinforce the process by providing the client with a solid support network following treatment.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
Upon admission, new residents are welcomed by those currently in treatment, who help them understand how the program works. Under the supervision of a team of clinical staff members, residents support and encourage each other through the program, helping each other to acquire the necessary competencies and knowledge to move through the phases and eventually become role models to new residents. THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY APPROACH
Objectives
- Eliminate abusive consumption of drugs/alcohol
- Develop self-esteem and acquire social skills to better handle life’s challenges
- Develop and build upon parenting skills
- Improve interpersonal skills and family relationships to develop a strong support system
- Prepare for social reintegration and a continued positive lifestyle
Typical Day
- Morning routine and breakfast with children
- Bring children to childcare service
- Morning meeting
- Therapeutic groups
- Activities/Workshops
- Lunch
- Therapeutic groups
- Pick children up at childcare service
- Dinner
- Mother-child activities
- Night meeting
My life really changed with respect to my relationship with my son. I feel more valued, I feel a lot closer to him. I have more confidence in myself, in my role as a mother, and I feel less guilty.
