Quality, accessibility and affordability of child-care services are critical issues for many Canadian families. In 1994, 1.5 million children under the age of 12 spent an average of 21.2 hours in child care. The majority of children are cared for by relatives or in family home day care. Funding cutbacks threaten the services available. The majority of Canadian families are resilient in facing the challenges of a changing society.
Most parents have a positive, affectionate and consistent parenting style.
Most parents are mentally healthy. These children are under physical and emotional stress, and they require additional help. Injury is the leading cause of death among children between the ages of one and 20. The majority of injury-related deaths are caused by motor vehicle accidents. Youth between the ages of 15 and 19 are the most at risk of death from injuries, particularly teenage boys.