FAMILY & YOUTH INITIATIVE

This initiative is an outpatient program developed to meet the needs of youth, aged 12 to 25, and their family members and friends who are struggling with substance use concerns. Services are provided from a harm reduction approach in a supportive, non-judgmental manner.

We offer professional support, both to the youth with substance use concerns and their family. We can work with parents, guardians, or other family members whether or not the youth wants to engage in services. We also provide support to youth who are impacted by substance use within their families.

For intake or for more information on any of these services please contact our intake worker, Claudia. She can be reached through the phone at 416-537-9346 x 225, or via email at [email protected].

To call collect
Dial 0, follow the prompts to make a collect call, then dial 416-537-3224.

We offer help in identifying a client’s needs or goals around alcohol or substance use. Our comprehensive assessments can include the Staged Screening and Assessment Tools that are required to facilitate a referral to day or residential treatment programs. We also help source other services or programs that might offer further supports.

Harm reduction based counselling where clients can find:

• A safe and confidential place to talk
• An understanding of the connections between substance use and mental health
• Support in defining and achieving their goals
• Someone to listen without judgment or accusation
• Someone to advocate for the client or help them advocate for themselves

Through our partnerships with the TDSB and TCDSB, our clinicians provide services to schools in Toronto. The clinicians provide individual or group counselling with students who have been identified by educators to have concerns related to drug or alcohol use, at the school location, if needed.

If you are a TDSB or TCDSB staff person and would like to make a referral, you can complete the referral form here: SCHOOL REFERRAL FORM 2022

The Outreach Counselor’s role is to connect with youth to address issues relating to substances and substance use. They provide harm reduction-based presentations, workshops, and group support throughout Toronto, including in schools, youth shelters, drop-ins, and with youth in conflict with the law.

The Family and Youth Initiative program offers presentations to parents, professionals, educators students and young adults, whenever requested. These sessions provide information about drugs, youth at risk and parenting styles.

• The right to identify your own goals
• The opportunity to negotiate the frequency of your appointments
• The right to take a break or stop therapy at any time
• Confidentiality, subject to legal limitations

• Parent Orientation Night: our two-hour presentations are for parents and guardians who wish to know more about substance misuse and its effects. No scheduled sessions at this time.
• Stress Management Group