About SNAP®
SNAP® was developed in 1985 by Child Development Institute, an accredited children’s mental health organization in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. SNAP® was originally developed as an intervention program for boys under 12, in conflict with the law. Since then, the program has grown and evolved into an internationally recognized model for teaching children struggling in certain areas, and their parents, effective emotion-regulation, self-control and problem-solving. Today, SNAP® offers gender specific programs for children ages 6-11.
The primary goal of SNAP® is to keep children and youth in school and out of trouble.
What is SNAP®?
SNAP®, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is an evidence-based, cognitive-behavioural model powered by the
minds at Child Development Institute (CDI). SNAP® helps children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and ‘keep problems small’.
The gender-sensitive SNAP® Boys and SNAP® Girls programs are designed for children ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, anti-social behaviour and/or have come into contact with authority figures at school or in the community. Experienced and highly trained staff work with each family to assess challenges and problems and develop an action plan. Children and families may participate in the following components, with the goal of preventing future anti-social behaviour and reducing the chances of conflict with family, peers and authority figures
SNAP® Boys & SNAP® Girls Components
SNAP® Boys/SNAP® Girls Groups
Boys and girls attend gender-specific weekly group sessions for 13 weeks. They learn how to use SNAP® in different situations through engaging activities including discussions, role-playing and interactive games. A variety of topics, including dealing with angry thoughts and feelings, self-control, problem solving and bullying are addressed.
SNAP® Parenting Group
The parent group meets concurrently with the SNAP® Boys/SNAP® Girls groups. Parents learn effective child management and SNAP® strategies. The group also provides parents with an opportunity to make connections with other parents facing similar challenges.
Who should attend SNAP®?
Boys and girls ages 6-11 experiencing behavioural problems (listed below) at home, at school, with persons in authority, and/or in the community can be referred to the SNAP program.
Difficult family relationships
Physically aggressive behaviour
Angry outbursts
Verbally aggressive or defiant behaviour
Lacks self-control and problem solving skills
Has difficulty making and maintaining healthy relationships
Stealing
Bullying behaviour(s)
Vandalizes or damages property
ONLINE REFERRAL FORM for SNAP®
For more information please visit the SNAP website. www.stopnowandplan.com
SNAP® Programming in Niagara is possible with the support of community partners and is funded by Public Safety Canada.