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Le Centre de pédiatrie sociale Laval
The Centre de pédiatrie sociale Laval (CPSL) contributes to the overall development of children and adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds who manifest health, developmental or socialization problems. Established in the heart of Laval in three locations (Place St-Martin, Chomedey and Pont-Viau), the organization provides activities and health care for young people from birth to the age of 14. It also works to promote the interests and defend the rights of children and their families.
Clinic Day is at the core of the CPSL’s work. Intake, evaluation and follow-up of children are done in the presence of a doctor, a clinical assistant, parents and intervenors. Together, they create an activity plan that will meet the needs of the young person. Young people can thus take advantage of cooking courses, arts workshops, music therapy, occupational therapy, help with homework or speech therapy.
Resources for everyone
Parents are not left out. Other activities and services are there for them: legal aid, or “coffee clubs” on different topics: establishing a routine, helping with homework, simple and healthy meal plans, the ideal bedtime, managing screen time, educational games, etc.
The CPSL was supported by the Foundation of Greater Montréal’s COVID-19 Collective Fund, in aid of a project to hire an interpreter to facilitate communication with parents and children from 20 allophone immigrant families from the Chomedey area in Laval. Thanks to this new resource, parents have been able to receive essential information from the Centre and understand directives stemming from the pandemic lockdowns. They could also obtain assistance from local public institutions or community organizations.
The pandemic required significant adjustments on the part of team members. Despite this, the CPSL assisted more than 355 children and their families in 2021.