Families experiencing AFCCA deserve care, empathy, and a community who understands.
AFCCA refers to Aggression towards Family/Caregivers in Childhood & Adolescence. AFCCA can be a difficult subject to talk about, and parents and caregivers often share they feel shame, stigma, and isolation when they do seek help. Everyone involved—including the youth themselves—is at risk of physical and/or psychological harm, as well as family instability and possible breakdown.
We know that families need understanding, and we offer a welcome, accepting community who are walking similar paths.
Aggression toward Family/Caregivers in Childhood & Adolescence (AFCCA) describes a pattern of behaviour in childhood or adolescence, characterized by aggressive behaviour by a child or adolescent toward family members or other caregivers. This causes significant harm (physical and/or psychological) to the child / adolescent, the person(s) the behaviour is directed toward, and other witnessing family members.
AFCCA stems from a common difficulty in which the child struggles to find co-regulation with the adult(s), resulting in progressive challenges with self-regulation. AFCCA is most often directed to parents, primary caregivers, and siblings in the home, but can also be directed toward other caregivers in other settings. The behaviour commonly becomes entrenched and escalates over time.*
Definition via the National Consortium on Aggression toward Family/Caregivers in Childhood & Adolescence (AFCCA).
AFCCA defined.
AFCCA Family Supports Program
Our AFCCA Family Supports Program provides families with access to specialized supports and services that are responsive to your family’s individual needs.
Building on the existing peer supports offered within our Peer to Peer Support Network, the AFCCA Family Supports Program offers additional intensive supports including:
Peer communities and clinical coordination for families with more complex needs.
Clinician-led therapeutic support groups.
On-demand learning, with specialized tools and resources, that promotes awareness and understanding.
Exploring strategies that promote and maintain safety for family members.
Intensive advocacy and navigation assistance with coordinated community referrals.