Optimizing Mental Health for Infants Exposed to Early Adversity: A Comparison of Breaking the Cycle and Maxxine Wright

BTC is a prevention and early intervention program in Toronto, Canada, serving substance-using pregnant and/or parenting women with children under six years of age. Established by the Canadian Mothercraft Society in 1995, BTC is funded by the Community Action Program for Children and the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program through the Public Health Agency of Canada. BTC provides three program components that act synergistically: a) individualized services for mothers, b) individualized services for children, and c) relational interventions that enhance the mother-child relationship and promote infant mental health. Coordinated supports are offered through formal partnerships across service sectors. In 2004, BTC was recognized by the United Nations as an exemplary program serving pregnant and parenting women with substance use problems, and their young children.

Founded in 2005 and located in Surrey, British Columbia, the Maxxine Wright Community Health Centre (MWCHC) supports women who are pregnant and/or have young children and are impacted by substance use and/or violence. Women do not need to have children in their care to receive services. The program is funded and operated by the Fraser Health Authority, with additional in-kind support from the BC Ministry for Children and Family Development and the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. MW addresses maternal substance use and exposure to violence through women-centered, trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and interdisciplinary approaches. Primary services offered include addiction counselling, primary health care, and group therapy to address interpersonal violence. Within MW, child-focused services are limited to primary health (e.g., well baby checks, childcare).