A strong family needs a network around it.
Not every problem has a government program attached to it. Community navigation, peer support and practical help often fill the gaps.
Information reviewed September 2026. Program rules can change, so use the linked official source for eligibility and current requirements.
Use 211 as a doorway when you do not know the program name
211 PEI is useful when the need is clear but the right organization is not. It can help locate community, social, government and non-urgent health services covering food, housing, counselling, legal help, transportation, recreation and family support.
Family Resource Centres are worth knowing
PEI's Family Resource Centres offer programs and resources for children and families, including parent education, support groups, drop-in play, toy lending and outreach. There are centres serving communities across the Island, including francophone and Mi'kmaq families.
Ask for practical help in specific terms
"Let me know if you need anything" is hard to use. Specific requests are easier for everyone: one school pickup, groceries on appointment day, a meal on Tuesday, two hours with the child, help filling out a form, or transportation to an activity.
Respite can be formal or informal
Formal respite
Some children and families may qualify for respite or caregiver supports through disability, child welfare or other programs. Ask the worker or program whether respite is part of the approved support plan.
Informal respite
Trusted relatives or friends may be able to provide safe short breaks. If Child Protection, a court order or GACP agreement is involved, check whether there are restrictions or approval requirements before arranging overnight or unsupervised care.
Ordinary childhood experiences matter
Children in kinship care can end up surrounded by appointments and adult systems. Sports, camps, libraries, clubs, arts programs and community events can create ordinary childhood experiences and widen the family's support network.
Look at the child's disability or complex-needs supports separately
AccessAbility Supports and the Children with Complex Needs Navigation Program may help eligible families find or fund specific supports. These are separate from general kinship-care programs.
Build a visible family network
Keep a list of the people and organizations around the family. Include school, health, legal, social work, neighbours, relatives, community groups, recreation and emergency backup. A network that exists only in your head is hard to use when you are exhausted.
Useful PEI resources
Keep going with the next question.
Basic household needs
Housing, food, clothing, child care and transportation resources.
Read: Basic household needsMi'kmaq and Francophone supports
The resource library now includes dedicated Indigenous and Francophone filters.
Read: Mi'kmaq and Francophone supportsWhat is a grandfamily?
See who is included in the wider kinship-care community.
Read: What is a grandfamily?Keep planning around the whole child.
Sports & recreation funding
Find ways to keep children connected to sport, camps and activities.
Read: Sports & recreation fundingDisability & additional needs
Some disability programs include respite or supervision support.
Read: Disability & additional needsBackup care planning
Build a reliable network before emergency help is needed.
Read: Backup care planningKeep building the plan around the child.
Rural kinship care
Find realistic regional supports, transportation and virtual options.
Read: Rural kinship careMi'kmaq kinship families
Connect with Mi'kmaq-led family, health and community services.
Read: Mi'kmaq kinship familiesFrancophone kinship families
Find French-language family, school and health connections.
Read: Francophone kinship familiesCommunity, culture and practical access
These guides help families find support that fits where they live, their community connections and the practical barriers around transportation or access.
Rural kinship care in PEI
Read Rural kinship care in PEIResources for Mi'kmaq kinship families
Read Resources for Mi'kmaq kinship familiesResources for Francophone kinship families
Read Resources for Francophone kinship familiesNewcomer and immigrant kinship families
Read Newcomer and immigrant kinship familiesSports, recreation & activity funding
Read Sports, recreation & activity fundingHousing, food, child care & transportation
Read Housing, food, child care & transportationHousing for grandfamilies in PEI
Read Housing for grandfamilies in PEIYou do not have to know which system to call first.
Tell Building GRAND-Families what you are trying to sort out and we can help point you toward reliable information and services.
Community, activities, culture and ordinary childhood experiences can support recovery.
Protective factors are not only clinical services. Safe groups, trusted adults, outdoor time, culture, recreation and places where a child belongs can also matter.
Mi'kmaq kinship caregivers have local family, health, education and child-support routes.
Start with Mi'kmaq-led services where possible. Family PRIDE, Jordan's Principle, Abegweit, Lennox Island and MCPEI programs can address different parts of the family's situation.
Mi'kmaq kinship families
Use the main Epekwitk navigation hub for family support, health, education and cultural continuity.
Open Mi'kmaq kinship hubMCPEI Family PRIDE
For eligible families ordinarily resident on reserve, current services include respite, advocacy, therapy, transportation and emergency alternative-caregiver support.
Open Family PRIDE guideJordan's Principle
Eligible First Nations children may be able to access child-specific health, social and educational supports.
Open Jordan's Principle guideFamily, community & culture
Plan important relationships, family origins and community connection with guidance from the child, family and First Nation.
Open connection guideWas this page helpful?
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