Public Health Services and Resources for Children & Youth (0-19 yrs) - Island Health Area

Provided by Island Health

Provides access to free health information, programs, and resources to support children and youth from birth to 19 years old. Topics include development, physical and mental health, safety, child care, school-age health, adolescence, and resources for parents and families.
Island Health offers a collection of health information, educational resources, and services. These have been designed to help parents, caregivers, families, and young people access reliable health information, better understand developmental stages and health concerns, and navigate available supports.

All children, youth, and their families living on Vancouver Island are eligible to access any of the following services and resources. Please note that availability for some offerings may vary depending on the community

Services Available Include:

  • Assessments for Children and Youth through VICAN: Provides assessment services for children on Vancouver Island with complex developmental needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorders and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
  • General Behaviour & Developmental Difficulties: Information on how to discuss concerns with a healthcare provider if a child has significant social, behavioural and school problems, and the potential assessments that could follow.
  • Child Abuse & Neglect Situations: Includes information on how to report suspected instances of child abuse or neglect, and the potential process(es) that may follow, including the introduction of the VI SCAN program.
  • Immediate Help During a Mental Health Crisis, for Children & Youth: Summarizes urgent and crisis services for children and youth experiencing serious emotional, behavioural, or psychiatric difficulties on Vancouver Island.
  • Head Lice for Island Health Children & Youth: Learn what to do if a child comes home with lice, relevant school policies, and updates from the Health Authority and BCCDC on how best to counter them.
  • Healthy Body Program for Teenagers: Provides health information and resources to help youth understand and care for their bodies. Topics focus on physical health, healthy habits, and making informed choices to support overall well-being.
  • Mental Health Services for Children & Youth: Offers a range of services including short-term crisis intervention, multidisciplinary assessment and treatment and in-patient assessment and treatment planning. In-patient services are provided at Ledger House, while various outpatient programs are offered at Queen Alexandra Centre. Island Health offers additional information and supports for children, youth, and their families.
  • Information and Programs for Preschool-aged Children (0-5 years old): Provides health information and resources to support the growth, development, and well-being of children from birth to age five. Offers guidance for parents and caregivers on early childhood health, developmental milestones, and healthy habits.
  • Preschool Age Safety and School Age Safety: Provides safety information and resources to help parents and caregivers prevent injuries and promote safe environments for children and youth aged 0–19. Topics include age-appropriate safety considerations, common risks, and practical guidance to support children's safety at home, at school, and during everyday activities.
  • Information and Programs for School-aged Children (5-19 years old): Provides health information and resources to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of school-age children and youth aged 5–19. Offers guidance for parents, caregivers, and young people on healthy development, common health concerns, and accessing appropriate supports including immunizations, speech and hearing services, Public Health Nursing program supports, and more.
  • School Age Development and Health: Information on programs and resources to support the healthy growth, development, and well-being of school-age children and youth aged 5–19. Topics include physical, emotional, and social development, healthy habits, and common health concerns, with guidance for parents and caregivers to support children through different stages of development.
  • Toddler Health: Provides health information and resources to support toddlers’ physical health, growth, and development. Offers guidance for parents and caregivers on healthy habits, common health concerns, and supporting toddlers’ overall well-being.
  • Toddler Resources & Available Programs: Offers a collection of health information on programs and resources to support toddlers’ growth, development, health, and safety. Includes guidance for parents and caregivers on developmental milestones, healthy habits, and navigating the toddler years.
  • Toddler Safety: Provides safety information and resources to help parents and caregivers prevent injuries and keep toddlers safe. Offers practical guidance on common safety risks and creating safe environments as toddlers grow, explore, and become more independent.
  • Youth Services & Resources: Offers a collection of health information and resources to support youth in making informed decisions about their health and well-being. Topics include physical and mental health, healthy relationships, personal safety, and navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Compilation/directory: https://www.islandhealth.ca/services...

Interpreter available upon request.

Cost: No cost or Fees may apply

Referral options:

  • Self-referral
  • Health professional referral
  • Ministry of Children & Family Development referral
  • Family physician or nurse practitioner referral

Details: Some programs may require a referral from a healthcare provider or from a MCFD case worker.

Associated Programs/Services

Also offered by Island Health:

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Availability

Service area: Island Health Area + show cities

Service area cities: Alert Bay, Bamfield, Black Creek, Brentwood Bay, Campbell River, Cathedral Grove, Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Comox, Coombs, Cortes Island, Courtenay, Cumberland, Deep Bay, Denman Island, Duncan, Fanny Bay, Gabriola Island, Galiano Island, Gold River, Hornby Island, Horne Lake, Kyuquot, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Langford, Lantzville, Long Beach, Mayne Island, Merville, Mill Bay, Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, Nitinaht, North Saanich, Parksville, Pender Island, Penelakut Island, Port Alberni, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Quadra Island, Qualicum Beach, Quathiaski Cove, Saanich, Saanichton, Salt Spring Island, Saturna Island, Sayward, Shawnigan Lake, Sidney, Sointula, Sooke, Tahsis, Tofino, Ucluelet, Victoria, and Zeballos

The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.

Pathways does not provide medical advice. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1. If you require assistance navigating services please call 8-1-1.

For general inquiries or for assistance, please email us:

community-services@pathwaysbc.ca

If you are requesting clinical access to medical Pathways, please provide the following information via the email above:

  1. First Name
  2. Last Name
  3. Email
  4. In which city/town do you work?
  5. What is your role? E.g. Family Physician, Office Staff, Medical Resident
  6. Employer Name (for office staff)
  7. Office Phone

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