Families navigating separation, parenting conflict, or challenges with a child’s behaviour often need support that goes well beyond the legal system. As family lawyers, we see firsthand how emotional regulation, parenting strain, and behavioural difficulties can intensify conflict and complicate co-parenting arrangements.
That is why our team is proud to highlight SNAP Family Center, a vital community resource offering evidence-based support to children and their parents through the internationally recognized SNAP program (“Stop Now And Plan”). Their work directly complements the goals of family law by helping families build stability, improve communication, and reduce conflict.
What is SNAP Family Center?
Founded in 1999, SNAP Family Center is a community organization dedicated to supporting families with children experiencing behavioural, emotional, or learning difficulties. Over the past 25 years, they have become a key resource in the West Island thanks to their partnership with the Child Development Institute of Toronto, the creators of SNAP.
Their mission is simple but powerful: Help children and families manage emotions, strengthen parent–child relationships, and reduce the impact of challenging behaviours.
The SNAP Program
SNAP is an intensive 13-week program for children aged 6 to 11 who struggle with emotional regulation, impulsivity, or behavioural challenges. Children learn practical skills such as:
- Managing big emotions
- Problem-solving
- Communicating effectively
- Planning instead of reacting
Parents participate in parallel groups, where they practice:
- Consistent parenting strategies
- Emotion regulation
- Reducing power struggles
- Improving communication and connection
In 2023-2024 alone, SNAP Family Center delivered:
- 16 SNAP groups
- 840 interventions
- 95% of parents reporting an improved parent-child relationship
Parents consistently describe the program as life-changing, noting fewer escalations at home and stronger, calmer relationships with their children.
Additional support programs for parents
SNAP Family Center recognizes that parenting challenges do not start or end with childhood behaviour. Their complementary programs include:
- Mom’s Group & Dad’s Group: Safe, supportive spaces for parents to share struggles, find solutions, and connect with others who understand. Parents often report feeling less isolated and more empowered.
- 0-5 Parent Group: Workshops focused on communication, expectations, bonding, and early childhood behaviour. Sessions are offered virtually to accommodate parents’ schedules.
- Caregiver Support Program: Launched through a 3-year grant, this initiative helps caregivers who are raising children with behavioural challenges access support more quickly and efficiently.
Why this matters for family law
As lawyers, we understand that legal disputes involving children rarely occur in a vacuum. Behavioural difficulties, escalated parent-child conflict, and challenges with discipline often intensify stress in separated or blended families.
Programs like SNAP offer families:
- Healthier co-parenting dynamics
- Reduced conflict within the home
- Better communication between parents and children
- Tools to navigate emotional and behavioural challenges constructively
This often translates into more stable parenting arrangements, fewer emergency interventions, and improved long-term outcomes for the child-goals shared by both the legal system and the families we serve.
For more information, visit centrefamille.com or contact their team at info@centrefamille.com
