VANCOUVER - The BC Council for Families will offer more programs and support to families across B.C. with the help of one-time grants totalling $460,000, announced Tom Christensen, Minister of Children and Family Development.

"We are committed to supporting programs that make positive differences in the lives of children, youth and families," said Christensen. "This funding will allow BC Council for Families to provide parents with the tools and support to ensure their children get the best start possible."

The BC Council for Families received three separate grants totalling $460,000 to support the following:
* $100,000 for Home Visiting Training to maintain best practice standards in home visiting programs;
* $110,000 for the revitalization and growth of the Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program; and,
* $250,000 to help fund resources and promote the development of a cross- ministry provincial parenting education and support strategy for the BC Centre for Parenting Education and Support.

"This year marks the organization's 30th anniversary and we are thrilled to receive these new dollars," said Carol Matusicky, executive director for the BC Council for Families. "We will use to provide more preventive programs and supports, especially those that focus on strengthening the relationship between parents and their children."

The BC Council for Families works to help create healthy families in a healthy society. This funding will allow the Council to provide research and resources on family issues and support professionals to work effectively with families.

The council's work on the establishment of the Centre for Parenting Education and Support began last year with the assistance of a one time grant of $266,000 from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.