Service Description

What is SNAP®?

SNAP®, which stands for STOP NOW AND PLAN, is an evidence-based, cognitive- behavioural model powered by the minds at Child Development Institute (CDI). SNAP® helps troubled children and their parents learn how to effectively manage their emotions and ‘keep problems small’.

The gender-sensitive SNAP® Boys and SNAP® Girls programmes are designed for children ages 8-11 engaging in aggressive and anti-social behaviour at school or in the community. Experienced and highly trained staff work with each family to assess challenges and problems and develop an action plan. Children and families may participate in interventions that aim to prevent future anti-social behaviour and reduce the chances of conflict with family, peers and authority figures.

Who should attend SNAP®?

Boys and girls ages 8-11 experiencing  behavioural problems at home, at school and in the community are referred to these programmes. Referrals are made through the child’s school and the referral is then passed to the Snap Programme for an assessment.

Children can be referred by their  school,  Educational Psychologist CAMHS, Social Services or self referral by the child’s parent.

Presenting problems may include:

• Problems with family relationships
• Physically and/or verbally aggressive behaviour
• Defiant behaviour
• Lacks self-control and problem solving skills

• Has difficulty making and keeping healthy relationships
• Stealing
• Bullies others
• Vandalism or damages property

13 week Group work Programme for child in a gender and age appropriate group. Run in parallel with a 13 week parent programme working through a programme tackling the issues outlined above.

Family Intervention
Intervention is available to help families deal with challenging situations as they arise.

Individual Child Counselling and
Community Connections

Individual counselling with
SNAP® staff provides children with individualised support to enhance the skills learned in the SNAP® groups and continue work on goal attainment.

School Advocacy/Teacher Support
Programme staff aim to work in partnership with schools to ensure that children receive the help and support needed at school.

SNAP® Parenting: Family Counselling Ongoing, outcome oriented counselling related to implementing SNAP® strategies and individual issues is offered to parents and/or families.

Costs

Funding from North Ayrshire Council, as part of the prevention and early intervention, agenda allows us to offer this service at no cost.

Free child care for younger children is available while parents attend group sessions.

Duration

SNAP® Boys/SNAP® Girls Groups
Boys and girls attend gender-specific weeklygroup sessions for 13 weeks. They learn how to use SNAP® in different situations through engaging in activities such as discussions, role-playing and interactive games. A variety of topics, including dealing with angry thoughts and feelings, self-control, problem solving, and bullying are addressed.

SNAP® Parenting Group
The parent group meets at the same time as the SNAP® Boys/SNAP® Girls groups. Parents learn effective child management and SNAP® strategies. The group also provides parents with an opportunity to make connections with other parents facing similar challenges.

Childcare is provided for the siblings of group members and activities provided.  Transport is also provided to and from the group.

Resources and Amenities

Please Download and print our SNAP Leaflet for Children .

Areas Covered

Opening Times

• 9am - 4.45pm | Monday-Friday