Resources for Families
Supporting parents and their children during the early years - a smart investment
In the early years particularly, parents are the most significant influence in a child's life. They nurture, support, protect and stimulate, and are the mediators of all their children's experiences within the family, with others, and with their community. These primary caregivers need information, support, and guidance.
All families have questions; all families need support. To make sure all kids can build healthy brains and bodies, we need universal supports with targeted strategies that give us the best chance of reaching all families.
Emergency Services (Ambulance, Fire and Police: 24 hours)
Dial 911
Health Link (24 hours)
Free nurse advice and general health information for Albertans
Dial 811
Parent Distress Lines
Calgary 1-403-266-HELP (4375)
Edmonton 1-780-482-HELP (4375)
Early Start Parent Information Line
For infants under 2 months
1-403-244-8351
Income Support Contact Centre (24 hours)
1-866-644-5135
Family Violence Info Line (24 hours)
1-403-310-1818
Canadian Paediatric Society Caring for Kids
Catholic Family Service: Motherhood Matters Mattered
Women’s Health Programs & Services
Alberta Health Services (AHS)
A province wide health system responsible for delivering health services to Alberta residents.
Alberta’s online health resource offers valuable information on more than 8,700 health topics and tools that can help you make important decisions about you and your child’s health.
Healthy Parents, Healthy Children (HPHC)
Provides reliable, up-to-date, and standardized information and resources during pregnancy and birth and your child’s early years (up to 6 years of age).
Mental Health Help Line
1-877-303-2642
Mental Health During Pregnancy
Families Matter: Family Mental Health Programs
Child and Adolescent Referral from physician required
Referral from physician required
Walk-in and appointment based; no physician referral required
Fee for service based on sliding scale according to income
Provides a broad guide to mental health agencies and resources in Calgary
Behavioural Cues: Birth to 6 Months
Healthy Parents, Healthy Children
Search "Developmental Milestones"
What to Expect When a Baby is Born Early
Preemie Care: A Guide to Navigating the First Year With Your Premature Baby
Canadian Premature Babies Foundation
Life’s Little Love
A free app that provides information for parents of preterm babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Download from the Apple iStore and Google Play Store.
A Partner’s Guide to Breastfeeding Support
Canadian Premature Babies Foundation
Alberta Father Involvement Initiative
Encourages the responsible involvement of fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and any other man who is influencing a child.