This is a general overview of Crisis & Distress resources, serving Halton region
- In an emergency call 9-1-1 for police, fire and/or ambulance
- for emergency shelters in Halton and surrounding area, see listing BTN4778
General Crisis & Distress
YOUTH (17 yrs & younger)
ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids)
- 905-878-9785
- for children and youth in crisis, and caregivers/community members
- see listing, BTN4032
ADULTS (16 yrs & older)
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
- 1-877-825-9011
- telephone support and mobile intervention program for those who are in crisis and have a mental health concern
- see listing, MHH0509
ALL AGES
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- call or text 9-8-8, or 1-833-456-4566
- national telephone and text suicide prevention and support
- see listing, MET7492
Distress Centre Halton
- Oakville: 905-849-4541
- Burlington: 905-681-1488
- North Halton: 905-877-1211
- Hamilton: 905-561-5800
- see listing, MHH0488
Addiction & Gambling
ConnexOntario
- 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247
- online chat
- access to addiction, mental health and problem gambling services
- see listing, LON6230
Caregivers
Ontario Caregiver Organization
- Toll free helpline 1-833-416-2273 (CARE)
- supports Ontario's caregivers by being the one point of contact for information about existing services and supports
- online chat
- peer and community support groups
- see listing, MET8105
Children and Youth Mental Health
One Stop Talk (available Mon-Fri 12 noon-8 pm & Sat 12 noon-4 pm)
- 1-855-416-8255
- connect directly with a counsellor through online chat, video and voice
- offers children, youth (under 18 yrs) and their families immediate access to free mental health support through single session counselling and ensures direct referral to additional service when needed
- services are provided through an integrated network of infant, child and youth mental health agencies across Ontario
- see listing, MET1991
Kids Help Phone
- 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- online chat
- bilingual help-line provides free counselling, information and referral on anonymous basis to children and youth
- ages 5-30
- see listing, MET6983
Good2Talk (post-secondary school students)
- Counselling Line: 1-866-925-5454
- Crisis Text Line: text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
- provides information and referrals about services and supports for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus or speak anonymously with a professional counsellor
- see listing, MET2344
Naseeha (available daily, 12 noon-3 am)
- Helpline and Text line: 1-866-627-3342
- Muslim youth helpline serving Muslim and non-Muslim youth across North America
- a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need
- provides workshops, web therapy sessions, and phone & texting mental health support
- see listing, PEL1127
Youthspace.ca (available daily 9 pm-12 midnight)
- Text line: 778-783-0177
- Online crisis and emotional support chat service for youth
- chat online or via text message
- conversations limited to 60 minutes
- see listing, IMP0305
First Responders
Boots on the Ground
- Toll free 1-833-677-2668
- peer support for first responders
- services offered to retired and serving police officers, firefighters, EMS, corrections officers, and nurses across the province
- able to provide in person peer support as needed
- see listing, OAK0181
Indigenous peoples
Hope for Wellness Helpline
- 1-855-242-3310
- online chat
- a mental health helpline, telephone or online chat, for Indigenous peoples
- provides immediate, culturally relevant crisis counselling support
- refers callers to additional supports if needed
- see listing, IMP0326
TALK4HEALING
- Helpline and Text line: 1-855-554-4325 (1-855-554-HEAL)
- online chat
- 24/7 help, support and resources for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, all across Ontario
- services in 14 Indigenous languages
- see listing, IMP0327
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
- 1-866-925-4419
- immediate and culturally appropriate counselling supports to former students who are experiencing distress
- see website
2SLGBTQ+
LGBT YouthLine (available Sun to Fri, 4 pm-9:30 pm)
- Text 647-694-4275
- email: [email protected]
- online chat
- peer support by email, text and online chat
- information and referral
- anonymous and confidential
- Youth Line blog
- referral database of LGBTQ+ youth services
- see listing, MET7095
Trans Lifeline (available Mon-Fri 1 pm-9 pm)
- Toll free 1-877-330-6366
- a hot-line that is staffed by transgender people for transgender people in crisis
- based out of the USA
- see listing, IMP0092
Interligne
- Phone or Text 1-888-505-1010
- confidential information and support service for individuals concerned with sexual orientation and gender identity issues
- service offered through telephone, text, chat, and email
- Acts of Homophobia Registry
- see listing, IMP0133
Veterans
Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service
- Toll free 1-800-268-7708
- TTY 1-800-567-5803
- psychological support for veterans, former RCMP members, their families and caregivers
- see website
VETS (Veterans Emergency Transition Services) Canada
- 1-888-228-3871
- for Canadian veterans who are in crisis, at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless and their family members
- see listing, IMP0122
Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Violence
YOUTH
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (see full listing, BTN0483)
For children in need of care/protection, report to either:
- Halton Children's Aid Society at 905-333-4441 or toll free 1-866-607-5437
- Halton Regional Police Service, Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau at (non-emergency) 905-825-4747 ext 8970
ADULTS
Halton Womens Place
- South Halton: 905-332-7892
- North Halton: 905-878-8555
- 24 hour crisis lines and shelter for abused women and their dependent children, emergency transportation to shelter available
- see listing, BTN2544
SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services)
- 24 hour crisis line: 905-875-1555
- free individual counselling for ages 16 and up
- support services for friends and family members
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
- see listing, OAK2741
Femaide
- 1-877-336-2433 (1-877-FEMAIDE)
- provincial crisis line and confidential services for Francophone women who are victims or survivors of any form of violence or are in distress
- crisis intervention, support and referral to community agencies
- see listing, MET4619
Assaulted Women's Helpline
- 1-866-863-0511 or text #SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile phone
- telephone crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services
- ages 16 and up
- see listing, MET5691
Seniors Safety Line
- 1-866-299-1011
- 24 hour crisis and support line for seniors in Ontario who have experienced any type of abuse or neglect
- see listing, MET5690
Other three-digit (N11) helplines serving Halton
- 811 - Health Care Information & Service Navigation Assistance (Health Connect Ontario)
- 711 - Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS, relay service, IP-relay)
- 611 - Telephone Service Provider
- 511 - Provincial Road Conditions & Tow Truck Services, in restricted Tow Zones (Ontario 511)
- 411 - Commercial & Residential Directory Assistance (YellowPages)
- 311 - Regional Services Intake & Information, Public & Family Health Information Line (Access Halton)
- 211 - Community Information, Resource & Service Navigation (Ontario 211)
For a larger list of resources available, visit General Crisis Intervention Hotlines or Distress Phone Lines
Major Services:
- 24 hour crisis lines for abused women
- HWP Chat provides online support, Mon-Sun 24 hrs, from a training Violence Against Women Counsellor
- safe shelter accommodation, food, and basic personal items for a maximum of 8 weeks for abused women and their dependent children
- individual and/or supportive group counselling at the shelter
- community agency information and referral when necessary
- court support for interim custody and restraining orders
- children's services
- emergency transportation to shelter, if necessary
- depart planning
- SafePet Program
- advocacy and public education around ending violence against women
- transitional support program
- accepts donations of goods for those in the shelter and those moving from the shelter to permanent housing (see list of needs here)
Family Court Support Worker Program
Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the familly court system.
Support provided includes:
- information on the family court process
- assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
- debriefing with clients following family court appearances
- referral to specialized services and supports in the community
- safety planning
- court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate
Schools programs
- EngageMENt 'male ally' program is a conversation-based 8-week program led by a male facilitator that guides male students through discussion around popular and sports culture, through a gender lens, and discusses what 'healthy masculinity' means, wrapping up by planning an experiential or service learning initiative (participants may receive up to 15 volunteer hours toward their Community Involvement requirement)
By law, any individual (including professionals, officials and members of the public) witnessing or with reasonable grounds to suspect an act of child abuse, neglect, abandonment, desertion or need for protection must report the incident to:
Halton Children's Aid Society, 905-333-4441
If the matter is urgent and the Children's Aid Society cannot be reached, call Halton Regional Police Service, 905-825-4777 ext 8970
The Duty to Report applies to any child who is, or appears to be, under the age of 16 years, and to children already under a child protection order who are 16 and 17 years old
On January 1, 2018, Ontario raised the age of protection from 16 to 18. A professional, or member of the public, who is concerned that a 16 or 17 year old is or may be in need of protection may, but is not required to, make a report to a society and the society is required to assess the reported information
The Duty to Report applies even when the information is otherwise confidential or privileged, and overrides any other provincial statutes, specifically any provisions that would otherwise prohibit someone from making a disclosure.
Visit Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: It's Your Duty which provides definitions as well as responsibilities of professionals, officials and members of the public under the Child and Family Services Act (or download brochure here)
If you witness or suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation or if a victim comes to you there are agencies in Halton Region that offer help and support services:
Reporting to Police
Halton Regional Police Service
- call 905-825-4777 and ask for the on-duty Vice unit officer
- 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Crisis Support & Counselling
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)
- 24/7 crisis line 905-875-1555
- Anti-Human Trafficking Services 905-825-3622
- 24/7 distress line Oakville 905-849-4541, Burlington 905-681-1488, North Halton 905-877-1211
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
- 24/7 crisis line 1-877-825-9011
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
- 24/7 helpline 1-833-900-1010
Peer Accompaniment or Mobile Support Workers
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)
- 905-825-3622 (after hours call crisis line 905-875-1555)
- 905-624-1755 (after hours call Female Mobile Support 905-459-1315 ext 250)
Restorations Second Stage Homes
- 905-962-7378
Emergency Shelter and Practical Assistance
- 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)
- call 3-1-1
- emergency shelter intake and referral to Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter (men) or Wesley Housing Services - Halton (women and families)
Halton Regional Police Service - Victim Services
- 905-825-4777 ext 5239
Health Care Support (sexual assault or abuse) & Hospital Emergency Rooms
Nina's Place (located at Joseph Brant Hospital)
- 905-336-4116
- Halton Region's only sexual assault and domestic violence care centre
- 905-632-3737
Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
- 905-845-2571
- 905-878-2383
- 905-873-0111
Support for people younger than 18 or have dependents younger than 18
- 24/7 helpline 905-333-4441
Halton Regional Police Service - Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau
- 24/7 non-emergency 905-825-4747 ext 8970
Internet Child Exploitation Counselling Program (ICE)
- 1-866-264-8900, Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12 noon, 1 pm-4:30 pm
- referrals to short-term counselling
Milton, ON, L9T 1Y7
Provides Information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process
- services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
- information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
- needs assessment and referrals to community agencies
- crisis intervention, emotional support, victim advocacy
- facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation
- information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
- facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
- debriefing and follow-up support
Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund -- financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court
- travel arrangements and expenses
- language interpretation
- real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities
Milton, ON, L9T 4Z9
A Christian organization which provides community programming and Christian teaching for both children and adults
Community and Family Services include:
- food bank
- spiritual needs
- subsidized Summer Day Camp
- youth programs
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), providing one time help with those struggling to pay their hydro arrears
- diaper voucher program (in partnership with MCRC Infant Food Bank)
- clothing and household voucher program
- Christmas assistance
- volunteers always welcome, contact office for more information
Milton, ON, L9T 4X5
A program supports children's healing from the effects of exposure to abuse and supports mothers to assist their children in this healing process
- 12 week therapy group for mothers and children (4-16 years)
- free program that runs twice per year in Oakville and once per year in Milton and Burlington
- group program provides children, teens and their mothers with safe, nurturing environments in which they can discuss the violence and abuse they have experienced
- separate groups for children, teens and their mothers are offered at the same time
Milton, ON, L9T 4X5
Offers individual and group counselling for women who have experienced emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner
- available in-person, by video or phone
Individual counselling:
- individual counselling and therapy services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each woman
- information on abuse, safety planning and community resources is also available
- services are free of charge and offered in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Georgetown
Education and support groups:
- eight week group provides an opportunity to decrease isolation and to gain insight into the experience and impact of living with abuse and control
- group is offered frequently, day and evening groups are available
Milton, ON, L9T 4X5
Professional counsellors/therapists offer individuals, couples and families hope, comfort and guidance when faced with the challenges of life
Major services:
Counselling:
- individual, couples, family and group treatment
- individual counselling for survivors of sexual abuse
Client advocacy:
- assistance to cope successfully within the system
Employee assistance services:
- improving employee welfare and productivity, trauma intervention, management, consulting
Grief counselling
Service for abused women:
- individual and group counselling
- group counselling for children
Milton, ON, L9T 1P5
Services include:
Adoption/Adoption Disclosure
- recruitment, assessment, support, pre- and post-counselling to adoptive parents
- match children and youth with adoptive parents
- provide adoption disclosure information and counselling to adopted persons over 18 years of age and their birth parents
Child Protection
- mandated by the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) to protect children from abuse and neglect
- provide emergency after hours service for children and youth who are at risk
Community-based Services
- workers co-located in various community locations, e.g., schools, counselling agencies, the Halton Regional Police Service, to provide protection services to at-risk children and youth
Connecting Youth to the Community
- life skills programs to assist youth in the transition to independent living
Family Support
- assessment and supportive services to parents to maintain children and youth in their homes and when children and youth come into care, which expedites their return home
- supervise access for children, youth and their families, when required
Foster Care
- recruit, train and support resource parents
- match children and youth to appropriate placements
Fundraising
- for programs and services not covered by government funding that help the children and youth served by the Society
Volunteer Programs
- special events volunteers, summer camp volunteers, mentors/special friends, seasonal, Food for Life volunteer, volunteer drivers
For resources, including guidelines on what age a child can be left alone or for babysitting another child, see resources here
There is also a South Halton/Head office in Burlington
Milton, ON, L9T 0H8
A free legal clinic with volunteer lawyers from across Halton Region, on a rotating schedule, in the following areas:
- family law
- immigration law
- criminal law
Free legal advocacy workers offer emotional and practical support navigating the family law and court system
Milton, ON, L9T 0H8
Acts as resource hub for women in crisis, distress or transition in a caring, confidential, non-judgment and safe environment and empowers women to alleviate social isolation, foster independence, and promote self-sufficiency
Services at this location include:
Halton Hills, ON, L7G 4Y5
- Food Bank operations Tue and Thu, 10 am-12 noon by appointment only
- Emergency Services Response will be in operation where required from our Regional Office as required
- phone calls to local office will be accepted in this regard
Provides emergency assistance to those in need in many different ways:
- food assistance
- clothing
- temporary shelter
- pastoral counselling
- information about and referral to other agencies
- community services (Eg. camping services, Christmas assistance, etc)
- emergency disaster services (operated Regionally)
Mississauga, ON, L5N 3W5
Mississauga, ON, L5N 3W5
- halal meals
- personal wellness and professional counselling available
Mississauga, ON, L5N 3W5
Domestic Services include:
Domestic Zakat Program
- emergency relief for families
- non-clinical counselling
- education on family and parenting issues for Muslim families
- family support including referral to other community services
- counselling, orientation and referral for potential foster parents
- financial support to families in need
- community engagement and social groups, various locations
- for students in grades 9-12 with university students as leaders * fee
International programs in the areas of relief and development
Mississauga, ON, L5L 5S9
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry; childminding and transportation assistance may be available for eligible attendees
Settlement and Integration Services
- orientation, information
- translation and interpretation
- job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques
- counselling and support for women exposed to family violence
- information and referral
- violence prevention education
Oakville, ON, L6M 0L8
Services include:
- psychiatric assessment and treatment
- medication and symptom management
- case management, group and individual counselling
- relapse prevention planning and strategies
- collaboration and referral to community partners
- family/caretaker education and support
Oakville, ON, L6M 0L8
Services include:
- individual and group therapy for people experiencing depression and anxiety disorders
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness CBT
Mississauga, ON, L5N 2W5
Child protection services, including investigation, care and supervision
- family counselling and parenting support
- adoption and foster care services and recruitment
- adoption disclosure
Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence (CWICE)
- consultation and support for Children's Aid Societies managing complex child protection and immigration cases
- short-term interventions to assist children and crown wards with immigration related status challenges
- awareness, partnerships, protocol development, data collection, research and resource development related to immigration status issues
Halton Hills, ON, L7G 4B5
A program supports children's healing from the effects of exposure to abuse and supports mothers to assist their children in this healing process
- 12 week therapy group for mothers and children (4-16 years)
- free program that runs twice per year in Oakville and once per year in Milton and Burlington
- group program provides children, teens and their mothers with safe, nurturing environments in which they can discuss the violence and abuse they have experienced
- separate groups for children, teens and their mothers are offered at the same time
Halton Hills, ON, L7G 4B5
Offers individual and group counselling for women who have experienced emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner
- available in-person, by video or phone
Individual counselling:
- individual counselling and therapy services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each woman
- information on abuse, safety planning and community resources is also available
- services are free of charge and offered in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Georgetown
Education and support groups:
- eight week group provides an opportunity to decrease isolation and to gain insight into the experience and impact of living with abuse and control
- group is offered frequently, day and evening groups are available
Halton Hills, ON, L7G 4B5
Major services:
Counselling:
- divorce
- separation
- family relationships
- anger
- self-esteem
- depression
- stress
Assessment referral for abused women available in certain locations and includes:
- individual assessment appointments
- individual counselling/therapy
- education/support groups
- therapy groups for women
- therapy group for children who have witnessed abuse
- developing healthy relationships
Employee Assistance Program
Oakville, ON, L6H 0G6
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) - program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
Offers short-term support and essential expenses for victims, their immediate family members and witnesses in the immediate aftermath of a violent crime
- assistance may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
- additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
- no direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
A Ministry of the Attorney General funded program delivered by the HRPS Victim Services Unit
Oakville, ON, L6H 0G6
Responsible for investigating all reported cases of sexual assault as well as child abuse cases where the following has occurred:
- there is serious injury inflicted on a child
- the child has previously been a victim of abuse that has been investigated by police or the Halton Children's Aid Society
- the suspect under investigation has been previously investigated for abuse
CASA investigators are specially trained in:
- major case management
- search warrants
- interviewing
- sexual assault investigations
- offences against children
The CASA Unit maintains close working relationships with a number of community-based agencies, including:
