0 to 6 Children’s Mental Health (Early Years CMH) SERVICE AREA Sault Ste. Marie & District of Algoma  Program headquarters in Sault Ste. Marie  Homes, schools and other community locations within the District of Algoma WHO DOES THIS PROGRAM SERVE? Algoma Family Services provides services to children in Sault Ste. Marie who are less than 6 years of age and are who demonstrating signs of early emotional/behavioural problems. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM Services providing a family assessment of strengths and needs, sensitive to the child’s developmental stage, that encourages the family to work together to develop parenting skills and strategies adapted to meet the needs of their child. The Program also educates the family about supports and services that are available in the community, and collaborates with community partners in providing a continuum of supports, education, consultation, and services designed to meet the needs of families. Services are community based and are designed to be delivered in the most client-friendly and least intrusive settings promoting positive outcomes for young children. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION In conjunction with the Algoma District School Board and the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board, the following group programs are offered in a classroom setting:  Al’s Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices  Building Bridges  Taming Sneaky Fears (more information about these school-based programs is available on the AFS website) WAIT TIMES Wait lists vary according to service demand and placement capacity. ACCESSING SERVICE Contact AFS at 945-5050 (or toll free 1 800-461-2237 from the District) and ask for a 0 to 6 program counsellor or support staff.  Parents who are interested in having Al’s Pals and/or the Building Bridges Programs in their school should speak to their school principals.  Services are available in French – as requested  Services are available in First Nations communities – as requested