Family Program
Family Sessions
5-week sessions
Kackaamin's core programs run on site at our Port Alberni campus. Families live here together during the program in their own housing unit, on a working schedule, with support available around the clock.
This is a later-stage recovery program. Coming to Kackaamin's 5-Week program is not the first step in someone's recovery, it comes after individual stabilization, when a family is ready to do the deeper work together.
Over five weeks, families live on site. Parents attend structured programming during the day. This can include workshops, group and individual counselling, cultural ceremony, AA/NA while children are cared for and continue their education at the Learning Centre. In the evenings and on weekends, families are together.
The program moves in an arc. The early weeks focus on building safety and understanding. The middle weeks go deeper and can have complex trauma, grief, the impact of addiction on families, cultural oppression and lateral violence. The final weeks focus on family recovery planning and preparing for what comes after.
Upcoming Sessions
Family Session
Family Session
What the program covers:
Communication and emotions. Addictions and their impact on families. Cultural oppression and lateral violence. Grief and loss. Healthy coping. Family recovery planning. Nuu-chah-nulth parenting. Circle of Security Parenting Program. Cultural ceremony and Indigenous healing practices. AA/NA. Community games, potlucks, and Family Fridays.
Who this program is for:
Adults with children who are at a later stage of recovery, stable enough to engage in intensive programming, and ready to commit to five weeks on site as a family. Both BC and Yukon residents are eligible. Applications are submitted per family member, with sections completed by a referral worker, doctor or nurse, and counsellor.
The wait list is typically 1–2 sessions.
This program cannot accept:
Anyone requiring detox or withdrawal management on site, including those on short-acting OAT for both adults and youth. Adults with a history or conviction of sexual violence are not able to attend this program. If domestic violence is a factor, contact the intake team before applying to discuss options.
Reasons a family may be discharged early:
In the first two weeks, the team assesses fit carefully and provides honest feedback. Early discharge may happen if someone uses substances, is unable or unwilling to engage in the program, poses ongoing safety concerns for others, or if information on the application that affects group safety was inaccurate. The team will always work to connect people with appropriate referrals and support if discharge is necessary.
Is this right for me?
Kackaamin has three program pathways and each one focuses on a different point in a healing journey. Find the one that fits where you are right now.
Not sure? Call us.
You don't need to have it figured out before you reach out. The intake teams can help point you in the right direction.
Stabilize
Before applying, a few things need to be in place, not as barriers, but because they're what makes the five weeks work.
Wellness prep
Get your health in order while stabilizing. These are required before arrival.
Confirm you're a fit
An honest check before spending time on the application.
Apply
Each family member needs their own package and different sections are completed by different people.
- You — Fill out main application sections
- Your referral worker — Fills out referral and support sections
- Your doctor or nurse — Needs to fill out medical section
- Your counsellor — Fills out counselling section
- Child's teacher or support person — Fills out children's sections
Download applications and fax to (250) 723-5926
Intake and arrival
Once your complete package is received, the intake team will call to confirm. The wait is typically 1–2 sessions. Once confirmed, you'll receive a letter with dates and arrival details.
You can ask to be added to the cancellation list on your intake call as you may be able to come sooner.
Apply Now
Download the application package for your program, complete it with your support team, and fax it to our intake team. Once your application is received, you will be added to the wait list for the next available session.
Family Program
For families with children at a later stage of recovery
Fax completed packages to 250-723-5926 · One Application is required per family member.