Resources

---

CUSTODY AND ACCESS:

Access for Parents and Children in Ontario

Access for Parents and Children in Ontario [www.accessforparentsandchildren.on.ca] is a non-profit organization that provides supervised access to separated families. Funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario, it has been serving the community since 1992. Its mission is to act as a neutral third party, provide a safe and child-focused setting for visits and exchanges and offer supervised visits and exchanges throughout the GTA.

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH:

Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS)

Central Toronto Youth Services [www.ctys.org] offer programs and services that meet a diversity of needs and challenges that young people experience, such as serious mental health issues, conflicts with the law and coping with anger, depression, anxiety, marginalization, rejection issues of sexual identity — lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, transgender, transsexual, or questioning. CTYS offers both one-on-one and group counseling and connect with youth in their homes, neighbourhoods, schools and communities.

Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO)

Children's Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) [www.kidsmentalhealth.ca] represents and supports the providers of child and youth mental health treatment services throughout Ontario. Their core membership consists of more than 80 community-based children’s mental health centres that serve some 150,000 children and their families annually. Other child-serving organizations and individuals are also welcomed as CMHO members. CMHO is governed by a Board of Directors made up of volunteers, consumers, and children’s mental health professionals who represent all regions of the province.

Aisling Discoveries Child and Family Centre

 Aisling Discoveries Child and Family Centre [www.aislingdiscoveries.on.ca] provides responsive services in partnership with families and communities to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of children and promote their healthy development. Aisling Discoveries are accredited by Children’s Mental Health Ontario. Their services are for children from birth to twelve years of age who have social, emotional or behavioural problems and their families.

Hincks-Dellcrest Centre

The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre [www.hincksdellcrest.org] is built on the collective history of two extraordinary children’s mental health centres – the C.M. Hincks Treatment Centre and the Dellcrest Children’s Centre. In 1998, the two centres amalgamated to form The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre. They are a leading edge, non-profit children’s mental health centre offering a comprehensive range of innovative mental health services to infants, children, youth, and their families. Their vision is to bring hope, optimism, and possibilities to the children and families that they serve. Each year, more than 8,000 children and families are helped through a variety of prevention, early intervention, outpatient, and residential treatment programs.
 

Tailored to each child’s needs, treatment at The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre may involve psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, child and youth workers, or early childhood educators. 

East Metro Youth Services (EMYS)

East Metro Youth Services (EMYS) [www.emys.on.ca] is an accredited community based mental health centre, accredited by Children’s Mental Health Ontario, which has been serving young people and their families in the East Toronto community since 1974.

Child Development Institute (CDI)

Child Development Institute [www.childdevelop.ca], in partnership with parents and communities, is committed to strengthening families and promoting healthy child development. They provide child development, early intervention, and family violence services for children under the age of 12 and their families. They build knowledge through research in child development, parenting, childhood aggression, children in conflict with the law, early childhood disorders, child abuse, woman abuse and related areas.

Jewish Family & Child

Jewish Family & Child [www.jfandcs.com] supports the healthy development of individuals, children, families, and communities through prevention, protection, counselling, education and advocacy services, within the context of Jewish values.

Turning Point Youth Services

Turning Point Youth Services [www.turningpiont.ca] is a multi-service accredited children's mental health centre. Located in Toronto's downtown core providing a range of mental health, counselling and support services to at-risk and vulnerable youth 12-24 and their families. 

Rosalie Hall 

Rosalie Hall [www.rosaliehall.com], with compassion and respect, assists young parents in need and their children to realize their potential through the provision of a wide range of community, residential, educational, and child development services. Rosalie Hall provides a comprehensive range of early intervention, prevention and treatment services meeting the needs of young families from Scarborough and across the Toronto Region.

Massey Centre

The Massey Centre for Women [www.massey.ca] provides a comprehensive range of programs and services for families and babies with a focus on pregnant and parenting teens. Massey Centre helps pregnant teens and young mothers learn how to care for themselves and their children, and aid them in setting and meeting their educational, vocational and life goals.

Adventure Place

Adventure Place [www.adventureplace.ca] is a child and family centre that provides prevention, early intervention, and treatment services to children and their families.  They help children realize their full potential, including those with special needs.

Oolagen

Oolagen [www.oolagen.org] is an accredited mental health centre helping Toronto youth and their families. Highly-respected for the work it does, Oolagen serves as a University of Toronto teaching facility and is long-term partners with the Toronto District School Board, the Children’s Aid Society, Catholic Children’s Aid, Ministry of Children and Youth Services, as well as other children’s mental health agencies and community groups.

Integra

Integra [www.integra.on.ca] is an accredited Children's Mental Health Centre located in Toronto, Canada. They are dedicated to helping children and adolescents who experience social, emotional and behavioural problems related to their learning disabilities. They deliver services in a manner that strengthens the family, in the belief that the family can be the most valuable resource for children and youth.

ADULT MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES:

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) [www.camh.ca] is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.

Renascent

Renascent [www.renascent.ca] is dedicated to helping Canadians reclaim their lives from addiction, so they can enjoy the things most non-addicted people and families take for granted. The simple things in life – being productive at work, enjoying family dinners or getting up in the morning ready to take on the day’s challenges are possible in recovery. Renascent facilitates recovery, education and prevention relating to alcohol and drug addictions through a continuum of programs and services for individuals, families and organizations.

Jean Tweed

The Jean Tweed Centre [www.jeantweed.com] was established in 1983 named after Jean Shannon Tweed - a woman who saw the need for a safe and supportive environment for women to address their substance use issues. Jean was a pioneer in advancing the cause of women-specific programming and it was to acknowledge and validate her beliefs that the Centre was named in her honour. Jean Tweed Centre is one of the most innovative, accessible and effective centres responding to the needs of women with substance abuse, gambling and their families.

The Last Door

Last Door [www.lastdoor.org] has partnered with Addiction Services in Toronto to better provide Ontario residents with access to Addiction Rehab and Continuing Care Services for mental health issues and recovery from Addiction.

Bellwood Health Services 

Bellwood Health Services [www.bellwood.ca] is a long-standing leader in the provision of addiction treatment and education, and is comprised of two divisions: Bellwood Total Health Centre Division, and Bellwood Hospital Division.
 

The Bellwood Total Health Centre Division provides a variety of treatment programs to the public on a fee-for-service basis, to address the following types of issues/problems: alcohol and drug addiction; problem gambling; eating disorders; sex addiction; concurrent trauma and addiction.

RESOURCES FOR WOMEN:

Barbra Schlifer Clinic

The Schlifer Clinic [www.schliferclinic.com] is a counselling, legal, interpretation, information and referral service for women who are survivors of violence. Read on to learn more about who we are and what we do. The Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic delivers high quality programs and services to women who are victims of violence, and to the community at large, through a broad range of education, professional development, community development and systemic reform initiatives. Our programs and services are designed to promote women’s autonomy and safety, increase women’s 

access to justice and community services, and to ensure better coordinated and more effective service provision to women. 

Jesse’s Place

Jesse’s Place [www.jessiescentre.org] is a pro-choice organization that supports women’s rights to make choices about her sexual health and pregnancy options. Their mission is to nurture the healthy development of pregnant teenagers, young parents and their children. 

Robertson House

Robertson House [www.toronto.ca/housing/sock/Robertson.htm] helps pregnant women and women with children who are homeless and in need. Robertson House has 37 rooms with shared bathrooms. Everyone eats their meals in the main dining room. A variety of meals are cooked each week to reflect everyone's cultural background. Toronto Children's Services runs a daycare for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Robertson House helps women access: counseling, children’s programs, young pregnant mom’s programs, housing and also workshops about housing readiness, life skills and job search.

Adelaide Resource Centre for Women

The Adelaide Resource Centre for Women [www.toronto.ca/housing/sock/Adelaide.htm] offers a safe, welcoming place for homeless women. The goal is to aid women who are socially alone and isolated or who are in need of assistance. With the support of social and government agencies, the Adelaide Resource Centre for Women can help homeless women get healthcare, housing, life skills and join social activities. On-site showers, phones and laundry are available, and lunch is provided daily.

Korean Canadian Association Family And Social Services (KCWA)

KCWA [www.kcwa.net] is a non-profit organization serving women, men, seniors and youth. KCWA Family and Social Services is a non-profit organization established in 1985 by a group of women who were concerned with women and family issues. KCWA’s mission is to empower vulnerable members of the community-at-large to live free from violence, poverty and inequity through the provision of culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services for the purpose of enhancing the well-being of immigrant families and promoting their successful integration into Canadian society.

Humewood House

Since 1912, Humewood House [www.humewoodhouse.com] has helped Toronto’s most vulnerable single parents and their children make their way in the world. In addition to helping young women give birth to healthy babies and transition into motherhood, Humewood House helps them plan and build goals for their future. Humewood offers pre and post-natal residential services, transitional housing, life skills, childcare, a high school program and counselling all delivered by our highly qualified and dedicated staff in a safe and caring environment

Birkdale Residence 

Birkdale Residence [www.toronto.ca/housing/sock/birkdale.htm] gives women and their children, and refugee families a safe place to stay when they have no home of their own. Birkdale Residence has three locations in the City, the main one is in Scarborough. Each family has their own room with beds, a fridge and a microwave. They share kitchens and laundry rooms. Families get money to buy food and take care of cooking and cleaning.

Women’s Residence 

Women's Residence [www.toronto.ca/housing/sock/womens.htm] is a place for homeless, single women in downtown Toronto. The shelter offers many services to help homeless women from all backgrounds. Residence staff can speak more than 15 different languages. Women's Residence has 34 bedrooms with two to five beds. Women share the washrooms and laundry facilities on each floor. There is a large, main-floor dining room where everyone eats their meals.

RESOURCES FOR MEN:

Dads Canada (DADS)

Since 1993, DADS Canada [www.dadscanada.com] has been dedicated to serving individuals with support, counselling, coaching needed when going through separation or divorce. DADS assist people to quickly gain a knowledge of the family law system and provide support by means of meetings and educational seminars. They also help people to get themselves organize their family law legal case and to complete family law forms to prepare for their lawyers. Many of these strategies result in lower stress and maintain your relationship with your children

Young and Potential Fathers

The Young & Potential Fathers [youngpfathers.org] Initiative addresses the cycles of disengagement, lack of resources and lack of visible role models for young racialized fathers in Toronto’s priority neighborhoods, with a specific focus on African Canadians. The initiative will strengthen the capacity of individuals, families and the community at large to provide direct support to young fathers and their children.

Fathers Resources International 

Fathers Resources International [www.fathers-resources.com] offers a variety of specialized referrals, services and resources for separated or divorced men and fathers seeking assistance with a Family Law matter in Ontario, Canada

Seaton House

Seaton House [www.toronto.ca/housing/sock/seaton.htm] can help up to 434 homeless men in downtown Toronto. The homeless men staying at Seaton House have a range of needs such as those with very poor health, drug and alcohol problems and mental illness. Seaton House has many programs to help homeless men. They help their clients gain new skills so they can find a job and someday live in a place of their own.

O’Neill House

O'Neill House [www.toronto.ca/housing/sock/oneill.htm] runs housing first programs on its first and second floors, helping men homeless men find permanent housing and reestablish themselves in the community.

Fort York Residence 

Fort York Residence [hwww.toronto.ca/housing/sock/fortyork.htm] has 24 bachelor units and 74 dormitory beds for men working toward getting a job. At Fort York, clients try to find and keep jobs, go to school and volunteer their time to learn job skills. They learn how to manage their money, saving accounts and plan for their future. The goal is to have clients get and keep a stable job, set aside some savings and eventually move into their own place.

Downsview Dells

Downsview Dells [www.toronto.ca/housing/sock/downsview.htm] is a large house in North York for 30 men who have stopped using alcohol and drugs. The men go to a treatment program at Humber River Regional Hospital nearby. Residence staff help the men explore future opportunities and develop personal goals.

Birchmount Residence 

Birchmount Residence [www.toronto.ca/housing/sock/birchmount.htm] in Scarborough is a home for men over the age of 55. With 23 bedrooms - most with two beds and a bathroom - Birchmount Residence can house up to 60 men at a time. Men can do their laundry, get clothing and eat together in the main dining room. Residence staff are there 24 hours a day. Residents are offered nursing, counselling and mental health services. Volunteers help residents with recreational activities under staff supervision.

CHILDREN AID SOCIETIES:

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST)

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto [www.nativechild.org] serve Native families and children in the Toronto area, including First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all those with Aboriginal heritage who choose to be served by our Agency.

Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST)

The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto [www.torontocas.ca] aims to provide the highest quality service to families and children. If there are concerns about our services, we want to work together with you to resolve them. We also have a formal process to review your complaints as required by the Child and Family Services Act.

Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAST)

The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto [www.torontoccas.org] is one of four Children’s Aid Societies in Toronto. Funded by the Government of Ontario and mandated by the Child and Family Services Act of Ontario. They work with Toronto’s Catholic community to protect children from neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. 

Children’s Aid Society of Toronto – Child Welfare Institute

The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST) Child Welfare Institute [www.childwelfareinstitute.torontocas.ca] is a Branch of CAST. Its mission is to enhance services to children, youth and families who have experienced or are at risk of abuse and neglect, through the provision of quality training and consultation. The Institute also works to promote excellence in the field of child protection and to improve outcomes for children and youth through a focus on research, program evaluation and evidence based practice

Jewish Family and Child Service of Toronto (JF&CS)

The Jewish Family and Child Service of Toronto [www.jewishtorontoonline.net/JFCS/home.do] is a non-profit agency comprised of 100 committed staff, including social workers, child care workers, family life educators, therapists, counselors, foster parents, and 900 devoted volunteers. For more than 125 years the emotional, social and physical needs of Toronto’s Jewish community have been served by Jewish Family and Child Service. 

Durham Children’s Aid Society

Durham Children’s Aid Society [www.durhamcas.ca] believes in providing the best services to children and families that they serve. Some children require specialized and intensive care, and additional protection. They offer the Family Support Program which promotes the wellbeing of children in their homes and assists in the reintegration of children to their family. As well as the High Risk Infant Nurse program. 

Peel Children’s Aid

Peel Children’s Aid [www.peelcas.org] protects children from abuse and neglect and helps parents and caregivers build healthy families. In addition to protecting children, which we do with the support of our Peel community, we also work with families who may be facing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, ill health, domestic violence, mental health issues, or caring for a child who has serious physical, emotional or developmental difficulties. Some families also just need parenting support.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES 

Homes For Kids

Homes for Kids [www.homesforkids.com] is a foster parent recruitment program currently serving 12 child protection agencies in Ontario.

Ministry of Children and Youth Services 

The Ministry of Children and Youth Services [www.children.gov.on.ca] envisions an Ontario where children and youth have the best opportunity to success and reach their full potential. In 2003, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services was created to:

● make it easier for families to find the services to give kids the best start in life,

● make it easier for families to access the services they need at all stages of a child's development,

● and help youth become productive adults.

Pape Adolescent Resource Centre (PARC)

The Pape Adolescent Resource Centre, (PARC) [www.parcyouth.com] is a preparation for independence program serving youth in care and former youth in care of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, (CAST), the Catholic Children’s Aid Society, (CCAS) and Jewish Family and Child Service. (JF-CS) between the ages of 15-24 years. PARC works with youth to help themselves and each other through their transition to self sufficiency, with acknowledgement and recognition of their own power. Since 1985 we've been helping young people in care from the age of 15 prepare for independent living - because you have the power to be anything you want to be.

OTHER HELPFUL SERVICES:

Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario (“Legal Aid”) [www.legalaid.on.ca] receives funding from the provincial government to provide legal services to people with low incomes.

The Family Responsibility Office (FRO)

The Family Responsibility Office [www.theFRO.ca] enforces child and domestic support orders and collects support payments for families. Separation and divorce are major life changes. Your role as spouse or partner will end, but your role as a parent continues. The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) helps more than 400,000 people every year by collecting and distributing support payments. 

Office of the Children’s Lawyer

The Office of the Children's Lawyer [http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/ocl/] is a law office in the Ministry of the Attorney General which delivers programs in the administration of justice on behalf of children under the age of 18 with respect to their personal and property rights. Lawyers within the office represent children in various areas of law including child custody and access disputes, child protection proceedings, estate matters and civil litigation. Clinical investigators prepare reports for the court in custody/access proceedings and may assist lawyers who are representing children in such matters. 

The Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM)

OAFM [https://oafm.on.ca/] is a not for profit association promoting family mediation as a dispute resolution process for separating couples and for families in conflict. OAFM also promotes professionalism within the family mediation community. It has been in existence since 1982 and is run by a volunteer Board Directors comprised of members from across Ontario, Canada.

Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies

Since 1912, OACAS [www.oacas.org] has represented Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario and provided service in the areas of government relations, communications, information management, education and training to advocate for the protection and well-being of children. 

The Family Law Act

A copy of the Family Law Act can be found at:

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90f03_e.htm

The Divorce Act

A copy of the Divorce Act can be found at:

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/D-3.4/index.html

The Children’s Law Reform Act

A copy of the Children’s Law Reform Act can be found at:

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90c12_e.htm

Ontario Child Support Guidelines 

http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/childfed.asp

Federal Child Support Guidelines 

http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/fcy-fea/lib-bib/pub/guide/index.html