KidStart is an accredited Support & Prevention program.
KidStart volunteers help kids age 6+ who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
KidStart Mentoring Program
The KidStart Mentoring Program is for children and young people who are at risk of experiencing serious difficulties in their lives. They may be struggling with problems at school, with their family, with their peers or in the community. The adult volunteers who work with them are consistent and positive role models. They plan one-to-one activities that offer the youth with opportunities to experience fun, success and achievement. They spend time together each week, enjoying a wide variety of outings and activities.
The primary goal of KidStart is to strengthen resilience and reduce the risk factors that are known to lead to victimization, violence and criminal activities. It is a positive youth development program with a proven track record of improving participants' capacity to overcome adversity and become more active in their communities. Early engagement helps families prevent more difficult problems in the future.
Volunteer Mentors are thoroughly screened. They are supported and supervised
by Coordinators of Volunteers. Mentoring relationships typically last for
one year, but are longer in many cases. Parents and guardians are kept informed
about activities and the developing relationship. During the past year we
supported over 180 Volunteer Mentors, and worked with over 300 children
and youth. KidStart is an accredited youth support and prevention program.
KidStart 6+
KidStart 6+ is a service which parents can access directly. We also accept diversion referrals from the Vancouver Police Department. This program is supported entirely by charitable donations, fundraising and gaming revenue.
*Donations gratefully accepted through our Vancouver office or here on our website. donations
Contracted KidStart Services
The Ministry of Children and Family Development, Vancouver Coastal Region, refers young people aged 12–17 who are on probation, who are diverted from court, or who may be transitioning from other PLEA youth justice programs. The MCFD youth teams in the Tri-Cities and Ridge Meadows also refer youth to KidStart. Family Services of Greater Vancouver refers children and youth whose families are accessing their family counselling services.
Vancity Award Update
We made great progress in utilizing funds from the 2005 Vancity Award. Our partners, the John Howard Society of Victoria and the John Howard Society of North Island, now have active KidStart programs. We purchased a fine property in Vancouver for the KidStart Centre.
KidStart Summer Camp Trust
For several years, a Board member has donated funds to support program
participants to attend summer camp. We were honoured this year to receive
a significant donation for the purpose of establishing the KidStart Summer
Camp Trust, which will provide ongoing revenue for this purpose. Last year
we supported 31 young people to attend camp.
Volunteer – KidStart Mentoring
Our primary volunteer opportunities are with the KidStart Mentoring Program.
KidStart volunteers support young people through two of the most precious
gifts citizens can give – time and friendship. KidStart opens doors
for kids with challenges by providing positive mentoring services, delivered
by carefully screened and trained volunteers, to children age 6+ who are
experiencing difficulties in their lives. KidStart volunteers engage kids
in positive activity that supports healthy development.
Who can volunteer?
You can! Our volunteers are caring responsible men or women, over the age
of 19, who come from a variety of religious or cultural backgrounds and
from all walks of life.
The first step to becoming a KidStart volunteer is to attend an information session. Sessions run frequently at our office locations:
Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey: ktaylor@plea.bc.ca
North Vancouver/Vancouver: hnugent@plea.bc.ca
South Vancouver/Richmond: lgill@plea.bc.ca
Vancouver Youth: lnixon@plea.bc.ca
Tri Cities: jmason@plea.bc.ca
Surrey: ktaylor@plea.bc.ca
Maple Ridge:mcherak@plea.bc.ca or rhilger@plea.bc.ca
Please send an email to the above contacts for more information about available dates and to register at the location nearest you!
Or call 604-375-KIDS (5437)
If you would like more information about whether KidStart is right for your child or to make a referral contact us at 604-629-3359 or e-mail ktaylor@plea.bc.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this program?
Your child will be paired with an adult mentor who they will see on a weekly basis. The role of the mentor is to work at developing a supportive relationship, be a consistent, positive role model and encourage participation in recreational activities that provide opportunities to experience success and achievement. The time they spend together will not only give your child new and exciting experiences but also the opportunity to relate to someone outside of the family.
Is there a cost involved?
There is no program fee. KidStart Volunteers are encouraged to engage kids in positive activity that is normally available to children and youth in the community, especially using facilities and recreational programs that are free or inexpensive. Any contributions parents are able to make toward the cost of the outing may be helpful, but are not required.
Who makes arrangements for an outing?
The volunteer will likely arrange a time that is good for you both. You should be sure your child is ready to go when the volunteer arrives and that you are home when they get back. The volunteer will pick up your child and drop him or her off at your home.
What will the volunteer and my child do when they are together?
They will spend three or more hours together every week. Activities might include a visit to a park, a sporting event or any other activity friends typically do together. PLEA encourages volunteers to look for activities that interest both adult and child, that encourage the child to experience success and that provide natural opportunities for learning.
Will my child be safe with the volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers are carefully screened and interviewed by experienced PLEA staff. Volunteers must provide three references, and go through two interviews with PLEA and a police record check. PLEA also offers First Aid and CPR training to its volunteers.
What is my role as a parent?
The PLEA volunteer will meet with the parents to discuss the program and answer any questions. You will be asked to provide some information and sign a consent form.
Is KidStart Counseling?
No. This program is not counseling or social work. Your child will spend some recreational time with another adult who is not a member of the family. The volunteer can be a positive influence as your child grows up.