Surrey’s ‘Caring Dads’ Program Expands to Tackle Family Violence
The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) has announced $750,000 in new federal funding to strengthen programs that prevent and respond to domestic and family violence across British Columbia.
The investment is part of the Canada-B.C. bilateral agreement to end gender-based violence, supporting initiatives that address both prevention and intervention.
“We know how devastating the impacts of family violence can be. When kids witness violence, they experience violence,” said Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development. “By making violence intervention programs more accessible, we’re tackling the root causes where they start—with those who use violence.”
Funding to Support Surrey’s ‘Caring Dads’ Initiative
As part of the new funding, Options Community Services in Surrey will receive $150,000 to expand its successful ‘Caring Dads’ program, a 17-week therapy-based course designed to help fathers recognize harmful behaviours, understand their impact, and build healthier family relationships.
The program, which supported 161 fathers last year across diverse communities, will now grow its reach through added sessions and accessibility improvements.
“This vital investment means more fathers will have access to the support they need to build stronger, safer families,” said Neil Arao, CEO of Options Community Services.
Earlier funding rounds enabled the organization to launch a Punjabi-language version of the program and a moms empowerment group, both aimed at supporting families from different cultural backgrounds.
Provincial Expansion and Broader Action Plan
Beyond Surrey, an additional $600,000 will go toward expanding domestic-violence intervention programs like Caring Dads in 12 B.C. communities, reducing wait times and ensuring timely access to counselling and behavioural support.
The funding aligns with Safer and Supported: B.C.’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan, which aims to:
- Expand survivor support and intervention programming
- Strengthen the response to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
- Deliver prevention and public awareness campaigns
“This agreement is a step forward for families in B.C.,” Wickens said. “It ensures more men receive the help they need to stop the cycle of violence, creating safer homes for children and communities.”
For a full list of community agencies receiving funding, visit the Government of B.C. website
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