About Us

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centers and the Ministry of Children and Family Development continue to support Aboriginal Infant Programs in B.C. (AIDP) The Office of the Provincial Advisor for Aboriginal Infant Development Programs gives support and educational information to AIDP workers throughout the province in regards to aboriginal infant development programs.

AIDP are supported by an AIDP Provincial Advisor; AIDP Provincial Assistant; plus five AIDP Regional Advisors throughout the province that include the following regions:

• Vancouver Island
• Vancouver Coastal
• Fraser
• Interior
• North

Infant Development Programs are…

Aboriginal Infant Development Programs in British Columbia offer support to families of infants who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with developmental delays. Programs are voluntary, family centered, and primarily focused on children ages 0-3 (in some communities 0 – 6). Aboriginal Infant Development consultants support families by providing home visits, activity planning, and developmental and family needs assessments in culturally sensitive and meaningful ways. Consultants also assist families in accessing other health, social, and community services.

By supporting early identification of needs and early intervention for children and families at risk, Aboriginal Infant Development Programs are an integral piece of the early childhood development puzzle. The need for Infant Development services is growing as more and more Aboriginal communities in British Columbia develop comprehensive early childhood services. Consultants’ needs are also growing: To best serve Aboriginal families, consultants require ongoing, culturally relevant expert support and training.