Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
905-876-1682
Visit Website
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
This is a general overview of Crisis & Distress resources, serving Halton region
- for a larger list of resources available, visit General Crisis Intervention Hotlines or Distress Phone Lines
- for emergency shelters in Halton and surrounding area, see here
In an emergency call 9-1-1 for police, fire and/or ambulance
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)
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
- more information
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
- more information
ALL AGES
Distress Centre Halton
- Oakville: 905-849-4541
- Burlington: 905-681-1488
- North Halton: 905-877-1211
- Hamilton: 905-561-5800
- more information
Wellness Together Canada
- Adults: 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741
- Youth: 1-888-668-6810 or text WELLNESS to 686868
- PocketWell App
- many online resources
- more information
Addiction & Gambling
ConnexOntario
- 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247
- online chat
- access to addiction, mental health and problem gambling services
- more information
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
- more information
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 (within 18 years of age) 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
- more information
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
- more information
Good2Talk (post-secondary school students)
- 1-866-925-5454
- 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
- more information
Naseeha (available daily, 12 noon-12 midnight)
- 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
- more information
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 and corrections officers across the province
- able to provide in person peer support 24/7 in the GTA
- more information
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
- more information
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
- more information
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
- 1-866-925-4419
- immediate and culturally appropriate counselling supports to former students who are experiencing distress
- more information
2SLGBTQ+
LGBT YouthLine (available Sun to Fri, 4 pm-9:30 pm)
- Text 647-694-4275
- email: helpline@youthline.ca
- 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
- more information
Trans Lifeline (available daily 5 pm-1 am)
- 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
- more information
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
- more information
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
- more information
Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Violence
YOUTH
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (see full listing here)
For children in need of care/protection, report to either:
- Halton Children's Aid Society 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
- more information
SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services)
- 24 hour crisis line: 905-875-1555
- 24 hour anti-human trafficking crisis support line: 289-837-3999
- free individual counselling for ages 14 and up
- support services for friends and family members
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
- more information
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
- more information
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
- more information
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
- more information
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
- SAVIS Crisis Line -- 24/7 Crisis line: 905-875-15555
- SAVIS Anti-Human Trafficking Services -- 24/7 Human Trafficking Crisis Support Line 905-483-0472
- Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network -- 1-866-528-7109 for 24/7 telephone counselling
- Distress Centre Halton -- 24/7 Crisis 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 -- 1-833-900-1010
Peer Accompaniment or Mobile Support Workers
- SAVIS (Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton) -- 905-483-0472
- Elizabeth Fry Society of Peel Halton -- 905-459-1315 or 905-624-1755
Emergency Shelter and Practical Assistance
- Halton Women's Place -- 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)
- Salvation Army Lighthouse Emergency Shelter -- 905-339-2918
- Halton Regional Police Service - Victim Services -- 905-825-4777 ext 5239
Health Care Support (sexual assault or abuse) Hospital Emergency Rooms:
- Georgetown Hospital -- 905-873-0111
- Joseph Brant Hospital -- 905-632-3737
- Milton District Hospital -- 905-878-2383
- Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital -- 905-845-2571
- Nina's Place, Regional Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre, Joseph Brant Hospital -- 905-336-4116
Support for people younger than 18 or have dependents younger than 18
Non-emergency 905-825-4747 ext 8970
Visit Website
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:
Emergency After Hours Service: 905-363-6131
Toll Free: 1-888-700-0996
Visit Website
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
Mon-Sun 24 hours 905-333-4441
Visit Website
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 North Halton Office in Milton
* identify and remediate the traumatic impact of interpersonal abuse
* provide support, education and intervention to all non-offending family members or caregivers impacted by their child's trauma
* for sexually abused and/or abusive children, adolescents and their families
* family and individual assessment, treatment and long term support
* group therapy for female and male victims, non-offending mothers, juvenile sex offenders and offending parents
* self help component for the offending adolescent and a comprehensive family assessment
* also offers Training and Consultation programs
* Trauma Assessments: determines the effects of interpersonal abuse, most effective treatment approach
* Trauma Treatment: following assessment, a client may enter into a recommended combination of individual and family therapy
* Sexualized Behaviour Assessments/Treatment for children under 12 years that are involved in inappropriate sexual behaviours
* Risk Assessments/Treatment for sexually offending youths between the ages of 12-18 years, to understand the circumstances leading to the sexual offending behaviour(s), risks, strengths and treatment needs
* Sibling Incest Assessments/Treatment for families where sibling-on-sibling sexual abuse has occurred including a trauma assessment for the victimized child, a risk assessment
Crisis: 905-451-4655
Office: 905-795-3500
Visit Website
Specialized services for families coping with trauma involving sexual abuse or sexual assault * treatment focuses on remediating trauma of sexual abuse or assault, preventing future offences, and supporting family members when sexual abuse among siblings has occurred
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Includes individual counselling, group counselling, e-counselling and phone counselling
Regional lead agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario (central region)
Visit Website
- services provided by phone, online or in-person; walk-ins welcome
- group sessions offered in-person and online
- LINC classes offered in-person and online
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Settlement Services -- needs assessment and action planning, information and referral, supportive counselling, community outreach, education and workshops
- support with finding housing, accessing child care, health care and other community and social services
- help completing government forms and applications, including citizenship applications
- connection with community and volunteer opportunities
- seasonal income tax clinic
- monthly Service Canada clinics OAS, GIS, CPP, CPP disability and survival benefits
- weekly English conversation circle
Financial Literacy Services-- Newcomers are assisted to build skills and tools they need to take control of their financial lives. Through weekly guided sessions newcomers understand financial literacy concepts in addition to the connection between income and careers, and how student loans work.
Refugee Settlement Services -- a full range of settlement services tailored to the needs of newcomers in Arabic, Dari, Farsi, and Ukrainian languages.
Women's Wellness Services- wellness support services available in women-only setting to support newcomer women in enhancing their wellness literacy. Women participate in weekly wellness-related sessions to overcome their day-to-day challenges through guided wellness-focused activities
Women Support Services -- confidential counselling services for newcomer women and their children who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse; individual or group sessions
- short-term, goal focused counselling including the development of transition and safety strategies and information on rights and options
- crisis and support counselling to assist individuals seeking immediate assistance
- linking women to appropriate services in the community that address legal, housing, financial and long term counselling needs
Newcomer Mental Health Program -- culturally appropriate counselling support for newcomer individuals, couples and families
- Crisis Intervention Services - additional support for clients who encounter problems and crisis adjusting to life in Canada
- support and tools to manage the challenges of stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, parenting, family conflict, trauma and other life transitions through individual counselling and educational workshops
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Settlement Services
Assessment and action planning, information and referral, supportive counselling, community outreach, education and workshops
- support with finding housing, accessing child care, health care and other community and social services
- help completing government forms and applications
- seasonal income tax clinic
- connection with community and volunteer opportunities
- monthly Service Canada clinics to assist with OAS, GIS, CPP, CPP disability and survival benefits
- weekly virtual English conversation circle
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- (see separate entry), day and evening classes available in various locations
- workshops covering job search preparation and strategies, labour market information, workplace culture, resume, cover letter and interview preparation, career information and networking opportunities
Women Support Services -- confidential counselling services for newcomer women and their children who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse
- individual or group sessions
- short-term, goal focused counselling including the development of transition and safety strategies and information on rights and options
- crisis and support counselling to assist individuals seeking immediate assistance
- linking women to appropriate services in the community that address legal, housing, financial and long term counselling needs
- support and tools to manage the challenges of stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, parenting, family conflict, trauma and other life transitions through individual counselling and educational workshops
- activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning
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Crisis intervention, individual, couple and family counselling, therapeutic groups and psycho-educational workshops
Sexual assault centre
Clinical intervention by regulated health professionals
Enhanced Wellness Program
Stabilization, case management and system navigation, and support to meet basic and other needs before intensive trauma work
Hope On-Site
Serves youth, people who are homeless, sex workers and other at-risk populations
- coping skills
- social inclusion
- harm reduction supplies
- care kits
- healthy sexuality clinic
Member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario
- continuing to operate during COVID
- comprehensive care that includes crisis support, health and forensic services
- follow up and counselling services will also continue to be provided
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Assessment and treatment for those who have been recently sexually assaulted, those who have been recently assaulted by a partner or children who have been abused
Chantel's Place
- one-to-one care in a safe, private, secure unit
- assessment, documentation of injuries
- treatment
- safety planning, emotional support
- information concerning medical, legal and counseling options
- follow-up medical care
- free counselling for people who have been referred through the medical services
- counselling at Mississauga Hospital site
Crisis: If you are in immediate danger call 9-1-1 Mon-Sun 24 hours: Halton Women's Place Burlington 905-332-7892 ; Halton Women's Place Milton 905-878-8555 ; Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555
Visit Website
The regional sexual assault and domestic violence care centre of Halton
- team is made up of Registered Nurses (RN), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and physicians who provide care on an emergency basis
- RN's work with paediatricians when caring for children
- a registered social worker is also available
- offers choice of care
- services can be provided with or without police involvement
Services include:
- acute care for an assault has occurred within the last 12 days including crisis intervention and emotional support, documentation of assault and injuries, safety planning, and referrals to community agencies for further support
- non-acute care for an assault has occurred more than 12 days ago
- follow-up care
- sexual assault
- domestic abuse
Confidential coordinated access to services and supports, including system navigation and wraparound services, risk assessment, crisis intervention, and domestic violence, trauma and abuse counselling
- personalized safety planning
- housing and shelter placement support
- assistance with legal aid certificate application
- family court support and bail court updates
- settlement services
- case conferences
- child resource packages and parenting support
- financial subsidy application support
- partner in human trafficking prevention and intervention
- community partner collaborations, including Peel Regional Police
Office: Intake 416-744-9000 ext 327 * text only option 647-324-9444
Visit Website
- Clinical assessment and counselling services for youth affected by interpersonal abuse, or who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviour
- specialized services -- children under 12 years old who have engaged in concerning sexual behaviour, intrafamilial sexual abuse, reunification
- Provides workshops or professional development courses to community groups
Crisis: 519-824-2410 ; 1-800-265-8300
Toll Free: 1-800-265-8300
Fax : 519-763-9628
Fax: 519-766-4537
Visit Website
Support services include:
- 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
Crisis: 519-837-6440 ext 2210
Fax: 519-837-6415
Visit Website
- Emotional support, trauma counselling, safety planning and follow-up care.
Note: Guelph General Hospital is the designated sexual assault centre for the region
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Support, resources, and community for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including information and referrals, support groups and presentations
Child Abuse Investigation and Support Site
Child-friendly interview room for child welfare personnel and Toronto Police investigators
Child, Youth and Parents
Advice and support for children and youth 6-18 years, who have or are experiencing child abuse or neglect, and their parents/caregivers
- recognizing signs of abuse
- disclosure
- where to get help
- how to stay safe
- bullying
- healthy relationships
Gatehouse Adult Support Network
Peer led group support for adult survivors of childhood abuse, including men's support group for adult survivors of child sexual abuse
Visual Art Therapy
Programs in partnership with Full Circle Therapy Centre; visit website for registration details
French Language services: 1-855-550-3571
Visit Website
If you suspect a child is in need of protection or is being neglected or abused call.
- You do not have to be certain that abuse or neglect has occurred in order to report it.
- You can report anonymously.
- You are protected from liability resulting from any report made in good faith and on the basis of reasonable grounds.
- The duty to report applies to all children ages 0-15.
- You are encouraged to report any known or suspected child abuse or neglect for youth aged 16 and 17.
Specialized assessment and treatment services
- individual, group and family therapy programs for victims of childhood sexual abuse/sexual assault
- assessment and treatment of children under 12 years with sexual behaviour problems
- in partnership with participating Etobicoke/York agencies
Children's Programs
- individual counselling
- Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) Program
- Kambi Ya Watoto Summer Camp
- for children 7-12 years at risk of suspension or expulsion from school
- 10-week lunch time school-based skills training program addressing the social and emotional needs of children in developing a more positive attitude towards school and their community
- individual counselling
- Express Yourself / Anger Management Program
- Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) Program - supports high-risk youth who live in an identified priority community and/or or belong to a distinct priority population (such as Racialized, Indigenous, Somali, Roma, LGBTTQ2S) to make healthy life choices
- Ujima Youth Mentorship Program
Family Program
- individual and family counselling
- Effective Parenting Program -- 10 week program primarily for those referred by Children's Aid or the courts
- Kuponya - Collaborating with Black Families -- works with Black families from a trauma-informed perspective in collaboration with the Children's Aid Society and Jean Tweed Centre
- individual support, family mediation, mobile crisis counselling, and crisis intervention
- support to women and their families who are experiencing or have experienced violence, including human trafficking
- individual, group and crisis counselling designed to meet the needs of Black women and children
- legal and parenting support; housing search assistance; safety planning