Connect
An attachment-based program for parents and caregivers
Adolescence is a remarkable developmental period, in which children are transformed neurobiologically, cognitively and interpersonally as they prepare for adult roles and relationships. The confluence of these diverse changes makes adolescence a “sensitive” developmental period, where vulnerability increases but opportunities for growth are also heightened.
Developed by Dr. Marlene Moretti, Professor and Canada Research Chair, in collaboration with government stakeholders and mental health practitioners, this evidence-based, manualized 10-week program promotes social, emotional and behavioural adjustment and attachment security in children and youth between the ages of 8 and 18 years of age. Different versions of the program are available for use with parents, kinship and foster carers, and for staff working in group home, residential and hospital settings.
What is Connect?
Connect is a manualized, 10-session, trauma-informed and attachment-based parenting program for parents and caregivers of children and youth ages 8–18. It is structured, emotion-focused, skills-oriented, and designed for delivery by community mental health professionals.
The program targets a transdiagnostic protective factor for youth mental health: parent–child attachment security. Rather than teaching a fixed set of behaviour-management techniques, Connect helps caregivers understand adolescent development and the relational meaning of behaviour, strengthen sensitivity and co-regulation, maintain appropriate structure, and repair relationship ruptures.
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Watch Connect In Action
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The Adolescent Health Lab and the Connect Team are committed to tailoring Connect Attachment Programs to the needs of diverse and underserved communities in the spirit of inclusion, respect and equity. We aim to develop collaborative relationships of mutual learning and respect as we grow together with the communities we strive to serve.
We respectfully acknowledge the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories Simon Fraser University's three campuses reside.