The the Kids in Control (KIC) program is a program of the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) that has been provided to your communities in the last few years.   The focus of the group is to help children cope with and understand their parent’s illness. Following the tremendous success of the KIC program in several communities in BC, BCSS has heard your demand for a similar program for teens to be created and offered.  We are pleased to announce that we have met your demand.

The TIC program builds on the curriculum offered in the original with some age-appropriate adaptations.  In the group, teens learn:

1. that their parents’ mental illness is not their fault nor responsibility to care for or fix
2. how to deal with stigma about mental illness
3. the facts about mental illnesses and treatment
4. how to identify feelings and defenses
5. about healthy boundaries and how to communicate feelings
6. how to make conscious and responsible choices
7. communication and listening skills through role-play exercises about the connection between attitudes and self-esteem (negative self-talk and the power of positive thinking)
8. healthy self-care practices and means to cope with stress.
9. that they are resilient and to recognize their means for future success.

The group is run in a relaxed and social setting. One of the greatest benefits of the group is that teens get the support of other teens who share their unique experience.  Whether teens have a parent with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or any other mental illness, they all find that they have some common experiences and ways to cope.

For more information offering this group in your region, or when the next session will be held, please consult our calendar or contact the BCSS Provincial Office in Richmond at 604-270-7841 or 1.888.888.0029.