Searching for Child Abuse Services

Services offered by appointment only

Community social services include:

• individual assistance for families struggling to meet basic daily needs
• Christmas Hamper Program

Offers various programs and peer support groups

Education and Training:

• courses: anger management (currently on hold) * applied suicide intervention skills training * Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) virtual courses
• workshops, displays and presentations on a variety of mental health issues
• community mental health promotion
• workplace mental health promotion

Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST):

• provides telephone support and mobile intervention to persons who are in crisis and have a mental health concern

Case Management:

• Transitional Case Management program: assists individuals who are experiencing significant mental health concerns by providing: service coordination, care planning, skill development and supportive counselling to support recovery. People are supported with their goals in areas such as life skills, housing, employment and managing symptoms
• Dual Diagnosis Program: for people who have both a mental health concern and /or intellectual disability
• Justice services: providing assistance and court support services for people who have a mental health/addiction concern and are involved in the criminal justice system
• Court support: for people who have a mental health and/or addiction concern and are accused of an offence * help patients get the mental health and/or addictions support they need while they are in the midst of court proceedings, such as the community treatment court
• Release from custody: help people to reintegrate back into the community in a safe and supportive manner

Call-In Counselling:

• single session counselling available over the phone, video platform and in-person (select days) * call 289-291-5396 to schedule an appointment

Psychotherapy:

• CMHA Halton provides Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program

Groups and Workshops:

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-based skills groups and workshops: develop skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness
• AFFIRM: group focused on developing new skills, meeting new people, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression for LGBTQ2S+ youth and adults
• Structured Relapse Prevention: for clients with moderate to severe substance use concerns looking to work towards changing alcohol/drug use, and learn how to cope with daily substance use triggers, cravings and risk situationsCommunity

Concurrent Disorders Program:

• integrated care-team support for individuals living with serious mental illness and addiction issues * increasing coping skills * goal setting * planning * supportive listening * education * advocacy * increasing quality of life including personal and social functioning * accessing community resources
• psychotherapy
• care team also includes a registered nurse

Peer Support Program

• virtual peer support groups * weekly drop-in groups * email [email protected] for information

• 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)

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

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

Safety Zone Program

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

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

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
• email
• 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

Crime Stoppers of Halton

• 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

Distress Centre Halton

• 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)

EFry Hope and Help for Women

• 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

Halton Women's Place

• 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)

Access 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

Joseph Brant Hospital

• 905-632-3737

Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital

• 905-845-2571

Milton District Hospital

• 905-878-2383

Georgetown Hospital

• 905-873-0111
  
  

Support for people younger than 18 or have dependents younger than 18

Halton Children's Aid Society

• 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

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

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

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

Safety Zone Program

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

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

• 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

• child protection services: investigation of suspected child abuse or neglect; strengthening of family support networks
• foster care: foster parents work with social workers to develop a plan for each child in their care; agency provides ongoing support and training for foster families
• family support program: immediate, intensive, time limited in-home support to families in crisis
• adoption services: trained staff assist persons / families wishing to adopt and birth parents who wish to make an adoption plan for their child(ren), including an unborn child; places children for adoption; support provided for adopted persons / birth families who request information about the adoption
• pregnancy counselling: helps women examine available options; facilitates decision making

• Education Support Program
• Enrichment Program
• Prevention and Early Help Program
• Permanency Partnerships

• Emotional support, trauma counselling, safety planning and follow-up care.

• duty counsel (legal aid lawyer in an Ontario courthouse) - criminal, refugee and immigration, family or youth courts, mental health
• summary legal advice for family law (criminal matters referred to local services)
• certificate program for complex cases
• poverty law, civil services - delivered through community legal aid clinics
• referrals to other social assistance agencies

• Criminal Duty Counsel - 36 Wyndham St S (Ontario Court of Justice Criminal Division)
• Family Duty Counsel - 74 Woolwich St (Ontario Court of Justice, Family and Superior Court of Justice, County of Wellington Courthouse)

• information and assistance to support participation in the criminal court process
• wervices begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
• case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions)
• court preparation
• needs assessment
• emotional support
• crisis intervention
• referrals to community agencies

• travel arrangements and expenses
• language interpretation
• real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities

• individually-developed service plans based on client need and comprehensive assessments
• clients are assigned a primary worker

• crisis supports are in collaboration with addiction, mental health and crisis services - Here 24/7
• clients actively in long-term services would not be arbitrarily discharged at age 65 but may benefit from a continuity of support with new linkages related to supports and services for seniors; clients agree to participate in services, as this program is voluntary

• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• assistance with applications to VQRP+

• 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

• confidential and anonymous
• connection to appropriate services - safe shelter, safety planning, legal / medical / housing assistance, counselling
• referral / liaison with other community supports and resources
• support for family members and concerned friends