Families First

We exist to support, nurture, empower, and promote continued family, community, and cultural connections in consultation with Child and Family Services  and partner agencies, and our goal is to ensure Alberta families and Individuals are supported one step at a time.

Our services

We provide safe, flexible, and family-centred support using a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach to promote healthy family relationships and positive outcomes for children, youth, and families.

Supported Family Time 

Program Description

Our Supported Family Time Coaching Program, delivered by trained Family Time Coaches (FTC), provides safe, structured, and meaningful connections between parents and children. We support children, youth, and families to strengthen relational, cultural, physical, and legal connections and promote long-term stability and positive outcomes.

Through trauma-informed coaching, we support parents to build confidence, strengthen parenting skills, and promote healthy attachment.

 

Key Coaching Areas:

  • Positive discipline

  • Emotional regulation and stress management (parent)

  • Emotional regulation (child)

  • Serve and return interaction

  • Meeting basic needs

  • Healthy attachment

  • Structure and routines

  • Child development education

  • Cultural connection

 

Supported Family Time Services Include:

  • Fully Supported, Semi-Supported, and Unsupervised Family Time

  • Family time in locations identified by the service team

  • Supported Family Time coaching, including long-distance transportation

  • Support to attend cultural, community, and nation-based events

  • After-hours and weekend availability

These services promote safe, consistent, and meaningful family connections while supporting positive and lasting family outcomes.

Access Drives Transportation

Program Description

We believe maintaining children’s connections to their schools, communities, families, and culture is essential in reducing trauma and supporting emotional well-being, stability, and healthy development. We support children and youth to remain connected to important people and familiar environments, including family members, friends, teachers, neighbours, and cultural networks.

Our Access Drive Transportation Program, delivered by trained Transportation Providers (TPs), uses a trauma-informed, child-centred, and strengths-based approach to support safe, consistent, and supportive transitions while promoting stability, belonging, and continuity of care.

 

Our transportation services include:

  • Morning drop-offs and after-school transportation between placements, as identified by the service team

  • Therapy and clinical appointment access drives

  • Connection to community resources and supportive services

  • Transportation to cultural events, ceremonies, and visits to the Nation

  • Access drives for unsupported family time

  • Long-distance and out-of-town transportation

  • After-hours and weekend availability

Our practice prioritizes safety, dignity, emotional regulation, cultural identity, and relationship preservation, while supporting children and youth to maintain meaningful connections and reduce disruption during transitions.

Youth Support Program

Program Description

Our Youth Workers (YW) provide one-on-one, individualized support to youth and young adults connected to Child and Family Services and partner agencies. Many youth may be disconnected from family, community, and culture and may be impacted by trauma, high-risk situations, and unstable environments.

Using a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and relationship-focused approach, Youth Engagement Workers build safe, supportive relationships that promote stability, belonging, and positive development. Youth are supported to strengthen support networks, develop life skills, and increase independence.

 

Support includes:

  • One-on-one mentoring and emotional support

  • Cultural connection and identity support

  • Life skills, education, and employment readiness

  • Financial literacy and independent living skills

  • Healthy relationships, communication, and conflict resolution

  • Connection to housing, community, and support services

  • Recreation, hobbies, and positive community engagement

  • Additional support for pregnant and parenting youth

  • Coverage for shifts in youth homes when required

Our approach promotes safety, dignity, empowerment, and resilience, supporting youth toward stability, independence, and positive life outcomes.

Urgent Support Program

Program Description

At Informed Support Services, we understand that urgent situations may require immediate support during both working hours and after hours. We recognize the importance of providing safe, stable, and supportive connections for children and youth in varying and sometimes crisis circumstances. Our Urgent Support Program delivers responsive, trauma-informed, and child-centred support when it is needed most.

 

Support includes:

  • Support for children at CIRRT

  • Hospital-based support for babies, children, and youth in care

  • One-on-one staffing for youth in the community

  • Staffing support for group home placements

  • After-hours support for children entering care

  • Transportation and access drives when required

  • Overnight support services as needed

  • Out-of-town and extended travel support

  • Support provided during weekends, public holidays, and non-standard service hours

Our approach prioritizes safety, emotional stability, dignity, and continuity of care, ensuring children and youth receive consistent and supportive care during urgent and transitional situations.

Medically Fragile Children Support Services 

Program Description

At Informed Support Services, we understand the unique challenges families face when raising children who are medically fragile. These children often require continuous medical care, specialized equipment, and extra emotional support. Our role is to stand beside families, making sure no child is left without the care, dignity, and opportunities they deserve. We work with a team on Registered Nurses , LPNs and PSW's that will support you with the following:

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  • Personalized Care Plans – We work with families, doctors, and Child and Family Services to build care plans that fit each child’s needs.

  • In-Home Support – Trained support workers assist with feeding, mobility, personal care, and medical routines, helping children stay safe and comfortable at home.

  • Respite Care – We provide safe, short-term care so parents and guardians can rest, recharge, or attend to other responsibilities.

  • Hospital & Community Coordination – We help families connect with hospitals, schools, and community programs, ensuring smooth communication and access to services.

  • Transition Planning – For youth approaching adulthood, we support families in preparing for the shift into adult programs and long-term care options.

Contact us

Contact Details

 

Operating Area

Edmonton, Alberta, and Area

Operating Hours

Sunday to Sunday  24/7

Reliable Service 

 

Call:    (780) 200 -8486

 

Email Address:  informedsupportservices@gmail.com