Make Children First provides feedback from local families; Network receives good news on raising kids in the Valley
Alberni Valley Times
May 13, 2009
By: Heather Reid

The Alberni Valley Make Children First Network (MCFN) serves young children and their families.

A few months ago they surveyed families in the area to hear what people love, and what they don't love, about raising young children in this community.

… The people who responded listed the great recreation facilities, support programs and community values among the positives.

"This was a list of things we heard over and over again," said fellow MCFN representative Tracy Smyth.

Areas for improvement ranged from accessible child care to transportation issues. It's no secret that here, and across most of Canada, there are not enough quality child care spaces. Then there's the high costs that make it prohibitive for a parent to take on a part-time or low-paying job because it won't cover the cost of child care.

West told the story of a family, where the primary earner became unemployed, that resulted in the family living separately for nearly a year, then having to move away from Port Alberni due strictly to financial pressures.

It's one illustration of the need for assistance to affordable housing and employment difficulties.

Parents feel the need for better information distribution around advocacy with government agencies, or support for families in a crisis situation….

MCFN has done Parent Voice Surveys four times in the last 10 years….

The survey results will be posted at http://www.albernichildrenfirst.ca ….