Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs

Covid19 Email, phone and online only; client referrals accepted

Programs and supports for individuals and families experiencing violence and abuse, including integrated multi-agency intake procedure, and onsite services through partner agencies

• information, referrals, counselling
• job skills training
• children's services
• women and children's support groups
• financial loans and support
• legal and court support, referrals to shelters, safety planning and risk assessment
• moving services in partnership with Shelter Movers (see separate listing)

Calendar of on-site agencies and programs:

Monday: Yellow Brick House legal support, supportive counselling, outreach; When Love Hurts support group; art therapy

Tuesday: Sandgate Women's Shelter housing transition support and individual counselling

Wednesday: Legal Aid Ontario family law; Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Centre supportive counselling, forensic services, risk assessment; Sandgate Women's Shelter parenting support and Let's Talk Child Witness Program

Thursday: Sandgate Women's Shelter housingtransition support; Womens Centre of York Region Financial Empowerment group

Friday: Community Legal Clinic information and support on landlord/tenant issues, social assistance, EI appeals, CPP, criminal compensation, employment standards, and consumer issues; Sandgate Women's Shelter housing transition support; The Housing Help Centre housing assistance and social assistance

Individual and group counselling for women and their children, parenting support, transitional and housing support, immigration support, and access to family court support worker

Family Court Support Workers
Assist with information on family court process and preparations for proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)

• assistance in finding legal representation if needed
• referral to specialized community services and supports
• safety planning
• court accompaniment as required

COVID19 In-person and virtual services available; phone and virtual counselling to frontline health workers and their families, and others members of the public, in Ontario; also assists permanent residents, convention refugees, student visa and work permit holders with Employment Insurance (EI)and Canada Emergency Resource Benefit (CERB) applications

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Linguistically and culturally sensitive counselling and settlement services for individuals and families

Counselling and Psychotherapy
Individual, group, couple, marital and family counselling and mental health psychotherapy, for issues such as elder abuse, family violence, wife assault, male batterers, incest, sexual assault, offenders, bereavement, problem gambling, substance abuse; crisis intervention; referrals to community partners as necessary

• consultation for human service providers
• satellite offices (limited hours, by appointment only) in Toronto (602 Queen St W), Markham (5665 14th Ave), Mississauga (720 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Unit 2), and Unionville (600 Village Pkwy)

Family programs, including parenting and family life education, and youth counselling and leadership development

Partner Assault Response (PAR)
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress
• group counselling in Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese

Settlement Program
Orientation, needs and eligibility assessments, interpretation and translation; information and referral topics include immigration, issues of concern to refugees and foreign domestic workers, citizenship, social assistance benefits, legal aid, housing, child care, English classes, and education and employment training

• computer access
• job search and employment counselling
• assistance in accessing services

Housing and Transitional Support Program
Counselling, information and referrals, crisis intervention and case management for women who have experienced violence, and their children

• community services information on issues such as housing, legal, financial, health care, immigration, children's services
• settlement support including assistance setting up safety plan, ongoing counselling and support

24-hour emergency care

• medical assessment and treatment
• crisis intervention, counselling
• forensic documentation and evidence collection
• risk assessment, safety planning
• referral to community resources

Follow up counselling services provided at Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities, 416-847-4144, see separate listing

Partners with North York General Hospital, see separate listing

Culturally sensitive counselling and advocacy

Violence Against Women (VAW) Program

• counselling for women in an abusive relationship and for children who witness acts of violence
• safety planning for protection while in transition
• crisis intervention, advocacy, and legal referrals
• interpretation, information and referral
• assistance for stress and depression related to separation from the familial surroundings, lack of adequate finances, physical and mental health issues, and support services and housing assistance within the Greek community
• counselling to develop the life skills of self-confidence and courage, parenting guidance, encouragement for further education
• referral to counselling groups for abusive men
• preventive community education, and public awareness as to the social and criminal consequences of domestic violence

Counselling -- to improve family relationships, parenting or children's education; referrals for anger management

Newcomers -- referrals for housing, employment, language training and settlement

Division of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

COVID-19 -- counselling conducted virtually and in-person

• individual counselling, transitional housing and support, violence against women counselling, Together We Can Youth Mentorship sessions run virtually or in-person
• START for Life Skills Training Groups are facilitated in-person, pending public health advisories
• Stop Now And Plan for Black African & Caribbean Kids Groups are facilitated virtually
• all other in-person sessions are suspended

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Counselling

General counselling -- clinical support for individuals and families

Violence Against Women Counselling and Transitional Housing and Support - for women and children who have experienced gender-based violence

• clinical counselling, crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy and referral
• supportive counselling to help access housing, safety and transition planning, educational groups, court accompaniment

Youth Counselling -- clinical counselling for at-risk or high risk youth age 12-21 years

• facilitates re-engagement with a caring adult, connects youth with supportive services and enhances their identity, sense of culture and belonging

Intervention Groups

SNAP BACK (Stop Now And Plan for Black, African & Caribbean Kids) -- 13-week cognitive behavioural program for children ages 6-11 years with disruptive behavioural problems and their parents or caregivers

• instruction for children about stopping to think before they act, making better choices
• parents/caregivers learn effective parenting/caregiving skills including how to support children in decision-making
• includes individual and family sessions and in-school support

START For Life (Success Through Aggression Replacement Training) -- life skills development

• 10-weeks, skills training sessions with a cognitive behavioural intervention and prevention group that supports individuals 18 years or older to strengthen positive social skills, anger control and healthy decision-making

Socio-educational Groups

• Women Empowering Women Support Network: life skills educational activities
• Gentlemen's Forum: life skills educational activities for men
• Caribbean Lime: life skills and recreational programs for individuals 50 years or older, including book club, bingo, Lime Time and social check-ins

Youth Support -- social and educational programs for ages 9-24 years

• Together We Can Youth Mentorship Program -- Black, African, Caribbean youth or others develop the social skills to be successful in education, civic engagement and employment through interaction with positive role models

Youth Development & Education

Rise Above Youth -- for youth ages 14-18 years, self-development and self-awareness program

• group activities and discussions, focus on building self-esteem and self-worth
• online platform with games for connecting

Defy Your Label Boys & Girls -- support, inspiration, and guidance for ages 9-13

• promotes cultural experiences
• healthy communication, self-esteem, prosocial skills
• online platform with games for connecting

Education -- some programs have fees

• tutoring for grades 1-12, in math, English, science
• programming in STEM and coding

Social/Recreational

March break and Camp Tropicana for children and youth age 4-13 years

COVID19 -- services by phone and email during office hours, programs and in-person services are temporarily suspended ; workshops/seminars -- if you are registered you will receive a call regarding changes, in-person appointments will be rescheduled, due to high call volumes we ask for your patience


Employment Services -- one on one employment counselling, resume clinic, interview skills, career training referrals, career networking club, employment workshops, job fair

Family Services

• counselling for individuals, families, couples
• safety plan development for victims of domestic violence, transition planning and housing support
• referrals to community services
• legal information
• educational workshops
• self-help group

Health Services

• education and information seminars
• mobile health clinic for cervical cancer screening, Pap tests, screening for sexually transmitted infections * breast cancer support group

Settlement Services

• one-on-one orientation or workshops, form filling, interpretation and translation, citizenship preparation, referrals

Social Services

• assistance in accessing social assistance and other services
• recreational and educational programs to reduce social isolation
• translation and interpretation
• seasonal income tax clinic

COVID19 -- services continue by phone and email; no walk-in service


Information and Orientation Services -- settlement services for newcomers who have been in Canada for less than 4 years, including landed immigrants, Convention refugees and foreign-born Canadian citizens

• orientation, information sessions, supportive counselling
• information and referral including housing, access to community resources
• employment assessment and preparation, job fairs, computer with free Internet access
• advocacy, interpretation
• English conversation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; care for newcomer children -- childminding for parents attending sessions

Newcomer Settlement Program

• volunteer recruitment and training
• outreach, advocacy
• cultural activities

Violence Against Women

• individual and family counselling for assaulted women and children
• support group for abused women, educational workshops
• assists victims of domestic violence who are at risk of abuse
• domestic violence prevention workshops

Men Make a Difference -- culturally appropriate group sessions to learn techniques for developing healthy relationships, resolve conflict, and cope with anger

Seniors Services

• recreational activities
• support groups for isolated Afghan senior women
• assistance accessing community resources

COVID19 -- services by phone and email during office hours, programs and in-person services are temporarily suspended ; workshops/seminars -- if you are registered you will receive a call regarding changes, in-person appointments will be rescheduled, due to high call volumes we ask for your patience

Employment Services -- one on one employment counselling, resume clinic, interview skills, career training referrals, career networking club, employment workshops, job fair

Family Services

• counselling for individuals, families, couples
• safety plan development for victims of domestic violence, transition planning and housing support
• referrals to community services, legal information
• educational workshops
• self-help group

Health Services

• education and information seminars
• mobile health clinic for cervical cancer screening, Pap tests, screening for sexually transmitted infections
• breast cancer support group

Settlement Services

• one-on-one orientation or workshops, form filling, interpretation and translation, citizenship preparation, referrals

Social Services

• assistance in accessing social assistance and other services
• recreational and educational programs to reduce social isolation
• translation and interpretation
• seasonal income tax clinic

Specialized Youth Services (formerly Attendance Program) -- alternative sentencing program

• group and individual counselling for anger management, substance abuse, violence prevention
• part-time employment program
• skill development workshops and training
• youth group for girls

Youth Justice Committee (YJC) -- court diversion committee for youth with low level offences

• services offered at Newmarket and Sault Ste Marie locations

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

Prevention, intervention and awareness, case management, street outreach, self defence program, and chaplaincy and pastoral care, including counselling * case management includes individual counselling, life skills and goal setting, referrals, advocacy and accompaniment * Sojourners Program builds community connections through group and one-on-one interactions * partnerships with organizations serving children and youth * organizes Ride for Refuge

As of April 17, 2023 this location will no longer operate as a courthouse. All adult matters previously heard at this location (except bail) will be heard at 10 Armoury St. All adult bail matters previously heard at this location will be heard at 2201 Finch Ave W


Also Justice of the Peace 416-314-4213 -- for privately laid charges, issuing of peace bonds and acting as commissioner for signing of criminally related affidavits

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, phone, email and virtual services

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services, including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support
Confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services

• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
Specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning

• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training
Includes English as a Second Language (ESL), computer classes, citizenship preparation classes

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, phone, email and virtual services

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services, including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support
Confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services

• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
Specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning

• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training
Includes English as a Second Language (ESL), computer classes, citizenship preparation classes

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

As of May 8, 2023 this location will no longer operate as a courthouse. All adult and youth matters previously heard at this location (except bail) will be heard at 10 Armoury St. All adult bail hearings previously heard at this location will be heard at 2201 Finch Ave W

Also Justice of the Peace 416-325-0354 -- for privately laid charges, issuing of peace bonds, and acting as commissioner for signing of criminally related affidavits * Duty Counsel Office funded by Legal Aid Ontario

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

Health and mental health information

• education and referral
• Psychosocial Education for the Community - zoom: 918 584 6813
• elder abuse
• addiction counselling
• crisis intervention and trauma counselling
• concurrent disorders group for people with mental health and addictions issues
• gaming addiction group and individual counselling
• family education
• intergenerational recreation group
• seniors social group
• individual advocacy
• research on Tamil's mental health issues
• community development and capacity building
• yoga and meditation

Help obtaining a legal aid certificate for women who are involved in family court matters

• referrals to vetted lawyers
• referrals to community resources
• court and legal accompaniment

Interpreters, including interpreters for women who are victims of domestic violence and sexual violence, as well as those who have been sexually exploited through human trafficking

• certified translations
• interpreter training
• language testing
• language consulting
• social enterprise

COVID19 -- services continue by phone, email, and video, online workshops and webinars available * offices are closed except for refugee shelters * see website page linked here for phone numbers to contact staff at specific services
COVID-19: SERVICE NOTICE

Counselling -- individual, marital, family

Crisis counselling and support group for women experiencing abuse and children who have witnessed or experienced abuse

• confidential and culturally competent
• information and referral
• telephone counselling
• transitional support worker

COVID-19 -- location is closed, no walk-in service * programs offered by phone


Interdisciplinary coordination of services for child abuse victims and child abuse investigations

• assessment, support and intervention for child abuse victims and their families
• research, consultation, training and education on child abuse prevention, recognition, intervention, trauma
• in partnership with Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, Jewish Family and Child, Toronto Police Service, Radius Child and Youth Services, and Hospital for Sick Children Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Program (see separate entries)

Child Abuse Protocol

• establishes guidelines for coordinated investigations, prosecutions and case management of child abuse cases

Assessment Directed Therapy

• contact Intake at 416-515-1100 ext 59231
• referral through children's aid societies, police, other professionals, or self referral where appropriate
• individual trauma assessments for children 4-17 years who have been abused or have experienced trauma due to violence
• child-focused, family-centred, strength-based therapy
• facilitation of interagency responses
• adolescent and parent/caregiver support groups

Child Victim Witness Support

• contact Intake at 416-515-1100 ext 59231
• referral through children's aid societies, Crown Attorney, police, school board, or other professional
• individual court preparation and support for witnesses 3-17 years and supporting adults prior to criminal court proceedings
• Cory Goes to Court, www.corycourthouse.ca and courtprep.ca -- supportive interactive websites

Empowering witnesses, survivors, families and communities of violent deaths * Provides culturally responsive, compassionate, non-denomination mutual peer support for youth individuals, families and communities in the following capacities:

• individual grief support
• monthly Group support - youth, mothers, families and residents of all ages (gender inclusive)
• response to community crisis, with focus on trauma and gun-violent deaths
• trauma-focused training on the Introductory, Intermediary and Advanced levels
• provide certificates on completion of training
• consultation and post-crisis intervention to all ages
• support before, during and after funerals
• mentorship for youth of all ethnicity
• restorative justice groups and presentations

COVID19 Essential services available, including wraparound services for female survivors of human trafficking

Transitional housing and services for female survivors of human trafficking aged 16-26, including wraparound services, counselling and employment assistance

• 6 bedroom transitional residence, stays up to one year

Support for individuals who have experienced human trafficking, prostitution, sexual exploitation and its root causes including child abuse, pornography

• provides help to victims with breaking free of their exploiters, exiting the industry, and accessing the necessary resources for healing the emotional and physical trauma of being sexually exploited

Provides support groups to parents and caregivers of trafficked persons

Also offers public education on human trafficking to medical professionals, teachers and others who come in contact with victims