The Connections for Life Attachment Resource Kit
The Connections for Life Attachment Resource Kit Project was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, through the National Projects Fund (NPF) of the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) and Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP).
Families living in conditions of risk for developing insecure attachment relationships are often referred or seek the services of agencies such as CAPC/CPNP projects. These projects have the role of providing services and support to families to increase healthy child development. The NPF recognized the need to develop attachment resources to support the work of CAPC/CPNP project staff. A National Advisory Committee, with representation from CAPC/CPNP agencies across Canada was formed to guide and participate in the development of attachment related resources.
The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute was chosen as the project Recipient Agency (lead). A proposal was developed by the Prevention Institute, in consultation with the National Advisory Committee, to develop an Attachment Resource Kit . By developing and distributing an Attachment Resource Kit to CAPC/CPNP project staff, we aim to increase their:
- awareness of the importance of attachment in healthy child development, understanding of what factors impact attachment, and how to promote the development of healthy attachment relationships
- ability to work with and support families in building healthy, secure parent child relationships
- ability to identify problematic attachment relationships that require referral to appropriately trained professionals
A Best Evidence Report on Attachment was completed and used as the foundation for the resources developed.
The resources developed include:
- An educational DVD for staff that provides an evidence-based, consistent understanding of attachment; what it is, why it is important, what impacts it, and ways to promote secure attachment.
- Activities that parents can do with their children that will help promote the development of secure attachment. These include guidelines for staff on how to introduce these activities in parent groups.
- A Guide for the Resource Kit that provides guidance on how to use the DVD and the Attachment Activities, as well as provide the information in the DVD in a written, easy to understand format.
The primary focus of this project is to support CAPC/CPNP project staff. The Attachment Resource Kit, however, is available to other community agencies and professionals/practitioners who work supporting families.
