National Directory for Canadian Families

In person crisis services

One-on-One supports for coordinating services. Includes personal advocacy, community referrals, assistance with filling out forms, and intervention and supports for people facing homelessness, critical life changes, abuse, or isolation.

Support Groups

Dundas Community Services offers caregivers an informal setting to share their experiences with one another in a confidential manner. Monthly meetings often include a speaker.

Support Groups

Volunteer Program: trained, screened, supervised volunteers to sit with clients in their homes companionship for clients and respite for caregivers, or provide other practical assistancePalliative Day Program: discussions, music, chair yoga, crafts, games, puzzles, pet therapies, meditation and occasional outings nutritious lunch and snacks provided transportation can be arrangedEquipment Loan Program (Palliative and Community): short-term and long-term loan of equipment such as electric lift chairs, walkers, wheelchairs, bath seats, raised toilet seats, etc soft supplies such as: sheepskin, bed pads, etcComplementary Therapies: in-home foot care, massage, meditation for less mobile clients as availableCaregiver Support: support for caregivers in a group setting, or one-on-one with volunteers or staff also connecting with other helpful community resourcesBereavement Support: support for grieving family and friends in a group setting, one-on-one with volunteers or staff, also connecting with other helpful community resourcesPalliative Education: online training for volunteers grief and bereavement enhanced volunteer training advanced care planning community education community presentations continuous learning opportunities library of books and resources (online and physical) touching on a number of relevant topics available for borrowing

Community Mental Health Centers & Support Groups

Parenting support groups throughout the region for familiesBreastfeeding Groups weekly drop in groups, mother to mother breastfeeding support, with public health nurse(s) availableS.M.I.L.E. (Supporting Mother and Infant Learning Experience) free prenatal classes for young expectant parents under 23 years of agePerinatal Mood Disorder Support Group (PMD) peer support group intended for pregnant women who are experiencing a mood disorder and new mothers who are having difficulty with postpartum adjustment and are experiencing symptoms of PMD group is facilitated by a Public Health NurseIndividual Parent Support - Durham Health Connection is a telephone help line staffed by public health nurses who provide information and counselling on health parenting issues information on community resources family health pregnancy, prenatal care breastfeeding support infant and child development parenting questionsHome Visiting may be offered to families needing support as part of the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program call the Durham Health Connection Line for details

Addiction Treatment & Addiction Counselling

Community Counselling intake, assessment, referral short-term individual, couple, family and group counselling professional counselling for a variety of issues including: substance abuse, problem gambling, other addictions anxiety, depression grief/loss anger/emotion management personal stress, self-esteem communication, couple/family conflict, extended family issues separation/divorce, blended family issues abuse/violence, sexual assault/abuse, trauma job stress, workplace violence/conflict school problems balancing work and family life caring for elderly parents Service is offered in-person at various locations throughout Durham Region, or remotely by phone or videoPartner Assault Response (PAR) (see separate listing) mandated structured group program for men and women who have been found and/or pled guilty to domestic violenceEmployee AssistanceAvailable for people whose employers contract with Family Services to provide employee assistance services and supports as part of their employee benefits program intake, assessment and referral counselling for employees and their family members critical incident counselling and support services organizational support and wellness seminars for employee groupsAdult Protective Services (see separate listing) assessment, information and referral service coordination and system navigation case management advocacy and supportive counseling for adults with a developmental disabilityMember agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario (central region)First Nations and Inuit Health Non-Insured Health Benefits CounsellingInternet Child Exploitation (ICE) counselling for children and youth who are victims of internet sexual exploitation and their immediate familyRetired or medically released Canadian Forces personnel and their families

Support Groups

Services and educational programs to promote self-reliance and cultural awareness within the Deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing communityAmerican Sign Language (ASL) Instruction American Sign Language classes are offered there is a fee for this serviceLiteracy and Basic Skills - Deaf Adult Upgrading Program upgrade math, English, reading, writing and computer skills classes are taught in American Sign LanguageCommunity Support Services assistance with telephone calls, filling out forms, reading correspondence, making appointments, etcChildren"s Programs integrated recreation program for children, both deaf and hearing, including a number of children and family events, special holiday partiesPublic Education Presentations provide speakers to visit service clubs, schools, businesses and other organizations to provide information about DDS and the Deaf communityInformation and Referral Services staff are available to answer inquiries about current and upcoming programs and services, and makes referrals as requiredDurham Deaf Club (DDC) and the Oshawa Deaf Senior Citizens (ODSC) clubs host social events for members of the Deaf community, and welcome hearing members wanting to become involved in the community

Support Groups

Parent support association assists parents to meet their child"s special needs social events for parents and families monthly meeting with guest speakers monthly eblast newsletter information and education for the public

Support Groups

COVID19 -- DFCC"s offices are closed except for pre-scheduled appointments * if you have a worker, contact them directly on their cell phone * for all other inquiries, please call 905-259-4248 Prevention and intervention programs and services to enhance and support the well-being of children, youth and families who have or may have involvement in the legal systemAdditional services include student nutrition program, youth engagement groups, therapeutic overnight camp experience, summer school, art expression groups support for youth who have emergency needs or require help with transportation to mandatory programsCollaborative Day Treatment Program (CDTP)Therapeutic environment for youth experiencing difficulty coping in the regular school system, two classrooms on-site promote the students" knowledge, skills and values through individual therapeutic and academic approachesCommunity Support Team (CST)Mobile, community-based clinical counselling and support services to youth who have been convicted of an offence and have a court ordered condition to attend counselling, regardless of their location in Durham RegionDurham Youth Gang Strategy (DYGS)One-to-one reintegration and intervention services for youth who have offended, and who have been identified through Youth Justice Services as gang involved or at risk of gang involvement * intervention and reintegration services include individual counselling and mentorship, linkages to community resources, support of gang exit strategies and development of life skillsEnhanced Youth Outreach Worker (EYOW)The EYOW works to support high-risk, high-needs youth (12-21 years) who may be experiencing challenges related to mental health, addictions, trauma, relationship violence, human/sex trafficking and/or may be involved in criminal activity * supports the youth"s family and caregivers * services are offered in the Ajax, Pickering and Uxbridge communities * youth may engage the EYOW independently or may be referred by a Youth Outreach Worker or community agencyIntensive Support and Supervision Program (ISSP)Alternative to custody option for youth who have been convicted of an offence and have a serious mental health diagnosis * intensive, clinically focused, community-based, individualized program designed to deliver services appropriate to the youth"s level of functioning, specific needs and mental health diagnosesViolence Prevention Program (VPP)Free service designed to promote a change in attitudes and beliefs regarding violence and bullying * interactive workshops are available for students who attend Durham Region schools * requests for workshops can be made by individual schools and community organizations, topics include anger management, healthy relationships, self-esteem, anti-racism and anti-homophobiaYouth Assessments Section 34, Youth Criminal Justice ActMedical, psychological or psychiatric assessment at any stage of Court proceedings involving a youth using multidisciplinary team including social workers and consultant psychiatrist and psychologists * assessment is used to identify both historical and current mental health issues and to make recommendations to the Youth Court for treatment purposesOn-Site AssessmentsOn a monthly basis, a psychiatrist/psychologist undertakes early clinical assessments at the Youth Court at the Durham Region Courthouse as part of a collaborative initiative to enhance support to youth in conflict with the law who have mental health concernsYouth Justice Family Worker (YJFW)Provides supports to families of youth (12-17 years) at risk and/or high risk, to support rehabilitation and address situations that put youth at risk of re-offending * works jointly with youth and their families to help them to make changes and improve their health and wellbeing * individualized and strength-based supports and services are provided and engaged to address the identified needs of the youth and family * services are offered in the Ajax, Pickering and Uxbridge communities * referrals are made through Youth Justice ServicesDurham Region Collaborative Support Services assessment and treatment for adolescents who have engaged in sexually harming behaviourSupport Group for parents and caregivers of adolescents who have offended/harmed sexuallyReferral Sources:Community Support Team - Probation; Intensive Support and Supervision Program - Youth Court; Section 34 Assessments - by Youth Court order; Collaborative Day Treatment Program - Probation, Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board, Durham Children"s Aid Society; Child Protection Mediation - Durham Children"s Aid Society; Violence Prevention Program - Schools and Community; Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker - Youth Outreach Workers, Schools, Community, Self-referrals, Families; Youth Justice Family Worker - Youth Justice Services; DYGS - Youth Justice Services

Youth Addictions

The Durham Family Court Clinic (DFCC) is an innovative, progressive charitable organization that is dedicated to fostering a healthy and safe community by enhancing and supporting the well-being of children, youth and families who have, or may have involvement in the legal system.   DFCC provides a spectrum of assessment, mediation and counselling services to meet the individualized needs of the clients we serve within our community. Services include: The Community Support Team; Intensive Support and Supervision Program; Assessments (including s. 34 YCJA Assessments); Durham Youth Gang Strategy (DYGS) for youth at risk or involved with gangs; Violence Prevention Program, interactive school based workshops on topics such as bullying, internet safety, gang awareness, healthy relationships and more. Collaborative Day Treatment Program, treatment based academic program for youth who face barriers in the traditional educational system; Youth Court On-site Assessment Program; Child Protection Mediation, under the auspices of Blue Hills Child and Family Centre. The above are part of DFCC’s core services, which are also supported by other initiatives that aid DFCC’s efforts to provide hope and the promise of a better future for young people and families in the community, including a student nutrition program; summer school; youth engagement groups; therapeutic overnight camp experience; support group for parents/caregivers of adolescents who have sexually offended; and art expression groups. Through fundraising efforts, DFCC is able to support youth who have emergency needs or require help with transportation to mandatory programs. Areas of specialty include: working with gang-involved youth and adolescents who have sexually offended/abused.

Addiction Treatment & Addiction Counselling

Health information line staffed by public health nurses family health, pregnancy and prenatal health, breastfeeding support and services infant and child development, parenting questions nutrition, healthy weights flu, immunizations, infectious diseases travel health, sun safety teen, adult, seniors issues smoking cessation substance misuse injury prevention car seat safety active living, health promotion community resources

Youth Addictions

Providing various mental health services for the Durham region, including: * Supportive housing * Case management * Crisis services * Mental health support services * Family support program Locations include two locations in Whitby (Brock Street South and Dundas Street East) and Ajax (Harwood Avenue). Funded by the Central East Local Health Integration Network, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and by Durham Region Department of Social Services.

Support Groups

Support for parents of multiple birth children education and advocacy for multiple birth issues friendship, other parents of multiples can truly understand monthly executive meetings family events monthly meet-ups organized for parents of multiples active facebook community information session for new parents expecting multiples an affiliate chapter of Multiple Births Canada

Youth Addictions

Durham Psychologists’ highly qualified, registered clinicians with over 10 years of experience provide a wide range of psychological services (assessments and treatments) for all ages. Our warm, welcoming atmosphere of the clinic provides our patients with a safe therapeutic environment.

Crisis lines

Support services to recent as well as historical or childhood survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and childhood sexual abuse and their families 24/7 crisis and support line free and confidential service individual and group counselling - by phone and secure video (Zoom) police, legal, and medical accompaniment court advocacy public education volunteer opportunities and crisis line training Wait time for individual counselling is currently 9-12 months ; once clients have completed an intake, clients are able to join groups via Zoom, including meditation, yoga, youth survivor"s circle, and survivor"s circle

Crisis lines

Police Services are provided by five community police offices located throughout Durham Region policing operations are supported by specialized units coordinated through the Regional Support Services InspectorSpecial UnitsTraffic Management investigate motor vehicle accidents involving death or life threatening injuryTactical Support hostage, barricaded persons and high risk incidents * includes Canine, Marine Patrol, Dive Team and Explosive DisposalPolice Services Crime Management Branch coordinates the operation of the Major Crime Unit which is responsible to investigate homicides, sexual assaults, robbery and major frauds provides crime scene investigation including fingerprinting, photography, blood splatter analysis and evidence collection through the Forensic Identification UnitHuman Trafficking Unit investigates and provides education related to human traffickingIntelligence, Surveillance, and Drug Units report to the Superintendent of Crime Management as do the Duty InspectorsAdministration Support Branch provision and management of resources which includes Human Resources, Police Learning, Information Services Communications 9-1-1 Centre Financial Facilities and Fleet Management