Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)
As of April 1, 2026, this program is now the Community Action for Prenatal and Child Health Program (CAPCHP). CAPCHP brings together the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) and the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) into one unified program.
Projects in the province of Quebec will continue to be funded under CAPC until March 31, 2028.
The Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) provides funding to community groups that promote the healthy development of young children from birth to age 6, and their parents/caregivers, who face challenges that may put their health at risk, such as:
- Poverty
- Teen pregnancy
- Social and geographic isolation
- Substance use
- Family violence
Through this initiative, the Public Health Agency of Canada funds approximately 380 CAPC projects serving over 191,000 children and parents/caregivers across Canada each year.
Goals of the Community Action Program for Children
Improve healthy child development by:
- Increasing access to culturally sensitive programs and supports for families facing challenges
- Improving parenting knowledge, skills and parent-child relationships
- Promoting positive health practices for child and family wellbeing
- Decreasing social isolation
Promote and create partnerships within communities to:
- Work together to identify needs and strengthen support for vulnerable children and families
- Strengthen community capacity
Types of support
CAPC projects adapt their activities to meet the needs of the people they serve. Their programs may include:
- Parenting classes
- Parent-child drop-ins and play groups
- Child health and development activities for children and parents
- Collective kitchens, healthy snacks and meals
- Outreach and home visiting programs
- Referrals to other programs
Evaluating the Community Action Program for Children
Funding
All funding for CAPC projects is currently committed.