Campaign to maintain proximity work

As part of the provincial election campaign, the Estrie Collective for 0-5 year olds invited the political parties to commit to supporting proximity services for vulnerable families.
The socio-sanitary territory in the Estrie region includes 30,000 children ages 0 to 5.
While the majority of children are in good physical and mental health, inequalities remain. For instance, one child in ten lives below the low-income cut-off, which amounts to 3,000 children. One child in three from a disadvantaged background experiences delays in personal development upon entering kindergarten. Every week, five reports are filed with the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ) - child protection services - involving 0 to 5 year olds.
Growing up in unfavorable conditions increases a child’s risk of social and health problems. For instance:
  • During childhood: delays in learning and language, sleep disorders, physical health problems, agressive behavior, etc.
  • In adulthood: mental health problems, risky sexual behavior, drug use, homelessness, etc.
«Prevention is a powerful tool in combating social and health inequalities. Every dollar spent on early childhood ensures an economic return of four to nine dollars», says Dr. Irma Clapperton, medical adviser to the Estrie Public Health Department. Hence the importance of early action to support parents and the development of children, especially when they are in a vulnerable situation. However, it is well documented that vulnerable families are less likely to use so-called «traditional» services.
Proximity services provide services and support to vulnerable families where they are, directly in their home environment. This approach is aimed first of all at building a relationship of trust with families in order to offer support that is tailored to their particular situation and needs. What’s more, we are able to establish a relationship with the most isolated families and to reduce inequalities.
Proximity services for vulnerable families are available throughout the Estrie’s socio-sanitary territory. Here are a few concrete examples:
The Équipe Ressources Relais Memphrémagog is made up of five proximity workers, two of whom are dedicated to families.
These resource workers can be reached during the day, the evening, the week or the weekend. They travel throughout the Memphremagog MRC to reach families who are isolated, in difficulty or excluded. They offer daily support during difficult situations and make customized referrals to whichever resources or services meet the needs of the families.
The Relève du Haut-Saint-François provides a genuine home environment for families. As a community organization dedicated to families, it offers respite in two municipalities in the Haut-Saint-François, as well as activities for parents and children (workshops, coffee get-togethers, outings, etc.). The facilitators also refer and support parents according to their needs.
The Partenaires pour la petite enfance de la MRC des Sources established a neighborhood space in response to the need of area residents to have access to an open and friendly space close to their home. The space is a welcoming one that helps neighborhood residents come together. A variety of services and activities take place there: collective kitchen, coffee-chats, a broad range of group meetings. A daycare service is also available. Citizens and community groups in the territory, along with the CIUSSS de l’Estrie - CHUS, have partnered to make it possible for families to have access to a variety of services and activities.
MAINTAINING PROXIMITY SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE FAMILIES
Proximity services require ongoing support in order to be maintained or increased, and thus continue to have an impact on the well-being of vulnerable families and their children. «Part of the funding for our proximity workers will be phased out by 2020, and we will be unable to maintain the level and quality of existing services if additional financial support is not obtained», states Ms. Isabelle Mercieca, Coordinator for Memphré en Mouvement and member of the Équipe Ressources Relais Management Committee. «This situation is not unique to our MRC; it is happening throughout the Estrie», continues Ms. Mercieca. «We are managing to maintain our services, but we need to constantly think creatively to find funding sources» adds Mr. David Bouchard, Director of the Relève du Haut-Saint-François.