Michelle DaCruz
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 20/02) - Liesbeth van Blarikom's soft, sweet voice and calm manner are perfect tools for dealing with anxious children.

Van Blarikom runs the child recovery program: a support group for children and youth ages five to 16 years.

The sessions are catered to children of divorce or those who have witnessed violence or drug and alcohol abuse by family members.

"Most kids have experienced two, if not three of those factors," said van Blarikom, community child and youth counsellor.

Children in need tend to exhibit signs like lying, stealing, temper tantrums, depression, difficulty concentrating, or even an intense desire to be perfect at school and home.

The main goals of the program are specific. They include providing a safe place for kids to express their feelings, helping them understand how violence has affected their lives, and giving them the tools to develop safety plans.

"The children develop individual plans, catered to their own living situations and ages," said von Blarikom. "Older children may phone a relative, but young ones could find safety in their bedrooms."

Helping kids understand

Individual counselling is available, but von Blarikom is convinced that group sessions are integral to the healing process. They are less threatening than a one-on-one session where the child must participate. They also help kids understand they are not alone, and they can learn safety strategies from each other.

"This is learning through fun, so if they are having fun within the group, they are more likely to come," she said.

An example of a session dealing with the cycle of violence would begin with a snack and the question, "Where have you witnessed violence?" Then the group leader would read a story about explosive violence, symbolized by a volcano. The children would then be asked to draw an experience with an angry person, and finally discuss their individual safety plans.

The sessions also involve boards games, like "Angry Animals: Coping with life's big and little problems," and videos.

The program has just received its annual funding until March 2003, when co-ordinators will have to reapply.

"We are confident we will get funding again next year. We might possibly expand the program soon."

The program costs approximately $75,000 and is funded by the Department of Justice's victim's assistance fund, and Alison McAteer House.

It is run by a coalition between the YWCA and the YK Women's Centre. So far about 100 children have been helped.

Children can be referred by anyone, including their own parents. Groups are held once a week for 10 weeks from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Rockhill apartments and the YWCA of Yellowkife.