Baby Steps is a program offered through the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc.EGADZ.Baby steps offers a safe supportive environment for the child, while still offering mothers support, structure, and guidance in their attempt to regain custody of their child(ren) in care.Baby Steps believes that in order for success there must be involvement from community, family, and a real partnership with all the stake holders involved with the client and their child.Baby steps also believes that the parent must be involved in case plans involving their children and their own personal needs to have long term success.Baby steps must follow the Youth Centered Continuum of Care when dealing with the parent as it involves;buy in, citizenship, and the need of government and non government agencies to work together in a real partnership teaching various skills that provide concrete outcomes for mother and child.Baby steps often provide the last chance for re-unification with parent and child.Baby steps will provide the opportunity for parent (s) to visit and strengthen the bond and allowing the parent access on a ongoing and flexible basis.Baby Steps is a partnership between EGADZ and the Ministry of Social Services with our street outreach and the community providing ongoing supports for the parent.
Michael’s Place
Attached to Baby Steps is another home named Michael’s Place.The home was named after the husband who donated the use of ½ of their duplex so mothers have a safe and structured environment while trying to re unite and gain back the parental responsibilities of their child(ren) in care.
Michael’s Place accommodates up to three women whose children are in the “Baby Steps” program.While in the Michael’s Place program, these women participate in various programming which includes but not limited to: Life skills to improve parenting skills, addictions and domestic violence classes, and personal counselling.EGADZ Street Outreach is the primary support for the women who reside in Michael’s Place.
Street Outreach helps the women with transportation for appointments, employment, education and visits with their children.Street Outreach takes the women grocery shopping, while teaching them to prepare healthy meals on a budget.Outreach also does a positive lifestyle activity with the women at least once a week.
When the program is successfully completed, Street Outreach continues to provide ongoing support so the women can maintain a healthy and positive environment for themselves and their children.
