PROGRAM OFFERS CHILDREN A BETTER START

Released on April 4, 2001

Kids First, a program to give the province's children a better start in

life, was unveiled today by the provincial government. Ten million dollars

will be directed this year toward intensive early childhood supports for

vulnerable children up to the age of five and their families.



Health Minister John Nilson says Kids First will draw on co-operation

between government and partners such as health districts, school divisions,

aboriginal organizations and communities to address a vitally important

issue - the well-being of our children and their productive, healthy

development.



"Many of the social, educational and health problems faced by Saskatchewan

children are preventable," Nilson said. "Through this program, we will

focus on our most vulnerable children, helping them avoid a lifetime of

problems and benefiting society as a whole."



Under the program, babies born in Saskatchewan hospitals will be screened

to help identify families facing challenges such as poverty, low education

levels, dependence on social assistance, single parenthood or lack of

social supports. A key component of the program is pre-natal assistance

for pregnant women with substance abuse problems.



"As co-chair of the federal/provincial/territorial ministerial group

working on this project, it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction to see

this vital initiative is now up and running," Social Services Minister

Harry Van Mulligen said.



Seventeen urban neighbourhoods and communities and the northern part of the

province need special support programs. They will receive funding to

develop intensive programs and services, notably a pre-natal outreach

program to locate and support pregnant women, with a focus on prevention of

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Also included are home visiting programs to

promote the healthy development of children and community supports such as

expanded child care, early learning programs and family support programs.



In other communities, developers will work with community partners to align

existing programs and services, raise awareness and accessibility of these

services and increase the number of high needs families using them.



"Together with families, communities will be able to enhance early learning

opportunities to better prepare preschool children for their educational

experience," Education Minister Jim Melenchuk said.



The federal government is providing Saskatchewan with $73 million over five

years for these programs.



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For more information, contact:



Peter Mayne

Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-7296