Searching for Community Legal Services

Variety of programs and services that help individuals, families and youth

Active Parenting Program a video based program guided by a JHS facilitator helps parents of 5-12, and teens, break down communication barriers and enhance the quality of family life * programs available between September and April

Employment Services (see separate listings) to assist any job seeker with their resume, cover letter, job search, skills upgrading and more. Ask about our Ready to Go program for youth up to age 30 which has pre-employment training and certifications followed by a paid job trial

Extrajudicial Measures Program community partnership to assist in the delivery of the Youth Criminal Justice Act

Clarington Youth Centres (Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle) (see separate listings) teen drop-in program in Bowmanville * youth up to the age of 18, after school recreation space, skills development, community volunteer hours opportunities

Group Counselling Anger Management for adults and young adults * Dads Aiming for Direction and Support (D.A.D.S.) helps fathers gain skills they need to nurture their children * Active Parenting groups for parents of children 5-12 and teens, Cooperative Parenting and Divorce. Continuous intake except in July/August

Housing (see separate listings) work with clients to find permanent, adequate and affordable housing * eviction prevention, landlord and tenant education * maintains a registry of landlords with rental space available * assistance with personal identification (ID)

ID Clinic Identification replacement clinic, applications for birth certificates for all parts of Canada

Income Tax help for low-income persons * available only in March and April

Inmate Return persons from Durham nearing release may request assistance for planning their return to Durham

Learning Alternatives
Non-credit upgrading program for adults who wish to improve reading, writing, math and computer skills in preparation for employment, apprenticeship, secondary, post-secondary or independence goals * one-to-one instruction is provided in a small group setting * offer flexible schedules and provide year round intake and assessment

Project X Change needle exchange program for intravenous drug users * old needles can be handed in for safe disposal * condom and safe sex information available * connections to rehab programs and counselling * Naloxone kits and nasal spray refills are now available for opioid overdose * PLEASE NOTE this program is NOT available on weekends

Public Speaking Presentations available to present to community groups, agencies, schools, media, service clubs, churches etc * topics include drugs and alcohol, suicide, sexual abuse, the prison system, violence, employment, housing issues * able to speak about any program the JHS delivers

Record Suspension assistance with process formerly known as a 'Pardon' available at Whitby, Oshawa and Bowmanville locations

Residential Program (see separate listing) designed to develop independent living skills in person aged 15 and over * participants share in the responsibility for meal planning, grocery shopping and other life skills needed for a home

Womens Drop-In Program drop-in program for persons involved in the sex trade providing access to support, information, laundry/showering facilities, and community referrals

COVID19 - Resource room open for drop in, computers available for use for housing and employment related needs * Harm Reduction Programs continue to operate, although differently to ensure the health and safety of clients and staff * Oshawa and Whitby Residential services and Harm Reduction Programs continue to operate, although differently to ensure the health and safety of clients and staff

Services offered include

• assistance and support with housing search
• support with eviction prevention and mediation with landlords
• assistance with forms including applications for housing stability funds and rental applications
• information and referrals to JHS programs and services and other community resource
• Canadian birth certificates

Services includes

• family mediation
• monthly Family Law Information session

Promotes and supports the cultural, scholastic, artistic, economic needs of the francophone community in Durham Region

• 31 francophone organizations in Durham Region are under the umbrella of COFRD
• sells french printed materials, books and cards
• photocopy and fax service
• employment centre for francophone community
• settlement services for newcomers
• family justice services
• computer repairs
• St Albert cheese sale
• francophone shows

Legal information and referrals relating to family law in French

• French workshops on family law
• referral to specialized services

Legal clinic

• free legal advice to all residents of Durham Region on many areas of law
• assistance or representation to those who qualify at hearings in several areas of law including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Canada Pension Plan, Employment law, WSIB/WSIAT, Housing, tenant issues, Small Claims Court, Consumer Law, Senior Law, Human Rights
• Domestic Violence Legal Aid advice referrals
• staff from the clinic are available to speak on a variety of legal topics to groups in Durham Region
• Commissioning available daily
• Notarizing available by appointment

Satellite offices in Ajax, Uxbridge and Cannington

COVID19 -- offices are closed temporarily, service by telephone only, call 1-800-668-8258 * extended hours of service from Monday-Friday, 8 am-7:30 pm * if you are in a correctional facility or seeking services such as summary legal advice, call from 8 am-5 pm

• Legal services to disadvantaged communities for a variety of legal problems
• criminal matters, family disputes
• immigration and refugee hearings
• poverty law issues such as landlord/tenant disputes
• disability support and family benefits payments
• eligibility test is conducted by the advice lawyer
• provides certificates to people who qualify for financial and legal reasons
• clients present certificate to a participating lawyer
• Family legal advice is available from the Family Law Information Centre

Legal Aid Ontario does not handle small claims court issues

Assists clients, particularly those not represented by a lawyer, entering the family court system for the first time

• information and referral on alternative dispute resolution options
• issues related to separation and divorce and available community resources
• court staff provide information about court process and court forms
• legal advice from an advice lawyer from Legal Aid Ontario
• pamphlets and publications available on separation and divorce and child protection matters
• information available about family mediation services, Mandatory Information Program (MIP)
• information about other community resources to support families experiencing divorce or separation

Justices of the Peace are officials of the court

• Justices preside in provincial offences and bail hearing courts
• swear documents, affidavits for the police and general public, swear and determine process on private complaints from the public
• sign search warrants and conduct mental health hearings

Family Court

• jurisdiction over family related legal matters and disputes
• child access and custody
• child and spousal support
• property and divorce
• enforcement of family court orders and adoptions

Information and Referral Coordinators located at the Family Law Information Centre give non-legal information

• about issues related to separation, divorce child protection matters and options for resolving disputes including Family Mediation
• help clients determine needs and provide referrals to information sessions as well as community agencies and services

Mandatory Information Program (MIP)

• free 2-hour session for adults experiencing separation and divorce
• information about mediation and other options for resolving disputes, legal issues, Family Court process
• legal and non-legal community services for children and adults

On-Site Family Mediation

• free service available to clients on the date of their court appearance at the Durham Region Courthouse
• family mediators help resolve issues such as custody, access, child support, other narrow issues before the court

In-person services suspended ​

For women in Durham Region

• providing service by phone 905-728-0978 ext 221
• individual consultations over the phone with Legal/Family Court Support Workers
• free summary legal advice from family law lawyers available via phone or video conferencing
• information and assistance with court documents
• virtual legal information group sessions on a range of topics

For women outside of Durham Region

• access a family law lawyer for free summary legal advice through Virtual Legal Clinic - to book an appointment, call 1-866-516-3116 ext.235, or email intake@LukesPlace.ca

Assist female abuse survivors and their children as they deal with family law issues

• individual information, support, guidance and referral on family law system
• group sessions offered including Early Information Sessions, Legal Information Workshops
• access to extensive print and video resources
• weekly pro-bono summary advice clinic to receive lawyer's opinion based on facts of situation
• help with legal preparation and preparing for court
• consultation, education and training to the service community and general public

Family Court Support Worker Program

• information on the family court process
• assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Formerly known as DRIVEN

COVID19 - All support is currently provided virtually, by phone or video

Access to multiple supports in one location for women experiencing abuse and gender-based violence

On-site Services - subject to change

• abuse/violence counselling, sexual violence counselling
• parenting support in regards to children witnessing/experiencing abuse, advice and support of Durham Children's Aid Society
• help developing plan to safely leave, safety planning, injury documentation, admission to shelter
• family law support and guidance
• connection to government financial assistance, help identifying housing options, support in completion of subsidized housing paperwork
• quarterly hygiene bags for those in financial need, clothing vouchers, access to language interpreters, and referrals to other needed supports

Off-site Services (accessed over phone)

• legal support, legal consultation with family lawyer
• Legal Aid Ontario certificates and summary legal advice (if eligible)
• admission to shelter
• young parent support services
• employment support
• specialized addictions counselling
• HIV, sexual health, and drug use information and support
• culturally specific services, Settlement Services for newcomers to Canada
• monthly food boxes for those in financial need
• financial assistance to address immediate safety concerns (if eligible)
• police support
• Outreach Services, a service of the Student Association at Durham College/ UOIT, and other referrals

Video chat connection to Safety Network Durham is available through the Welcome Centre Immigrant Services in Ajax, the Welcome Centre Immigrant Services in Pickering, New Life Neighbourhood Centre in Oshawa, and North House in Uxbridge

Partnered with Provincial Offences Court Services

• prosecute provincial offences, primarily traffic offences, but also other non-criminal offences involving liquor, trespassing, health and public safety
• for some of the local municipalities prosecute Dog Owner Liability Act (DOLA) charges, by-laws, Fire Code, Planning Act and Zoning charges
• variety of resolution programs where defendants can discuss options directly with a prosecutor
• disclosure to defendants, upon request

COVID19 - Resource room open for drop in, computers available for use for housing and employment related needs * Harm Reduction Programs continue to operate, although differently to ensure the health and safety of clients and staff * Oshawa and Whitby Residential services and Harm Reduction Programs continue to operate, although differently to ensure the health and safety of clients and staff

Services offered include

• assistance and support with housing search
• support with eviction prevention and mediation with landlords
• assistance with forms including applications for housing stability funds and rental applications
• information and referrals to JHS programs and services and other community resource
• Canadian birth certificates

Access to a wide range of Ontario government services and information ; staff assistance, information and referral

Driver and Vehicle

• vehicle permits and plates
• driver's licence renewals
• accessible parking permits
• copies of records
• product sales including information packages on specific used vehicles

Health

• Ontario health card registration, renewal, replacement (lost, stolen or damaged) and change of name or address
• organ and tissue donor registration

Photo Identification

• Ontario Photo Card provision, renewal or replacement

Authentification of Documents

• Commissioner of Oaths

Fishing, Hunting, and Camping

• Outdoor Card - obtain, replace, renew, change of address
• fishing and hunting licences
• export permit

Support and secretarial services to Council and Committees and various Citizen Advisory Committees including

• the production and preparation of agendas, notices of meetings, minutes and correspondence
• oversees the management and co-ordination of the Town's records and archives, including the preparation of responses to requests made under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• administers municipal elections, Commissioner of Oaths services to the public
• Civil Marriage Solemnization Service

COVID19 - Resource room open for drop in, computers available for use for housing and employment related needs * Harm Reduction Programs continue to operate, although differently to ensure the health and safety of clients and staff

Services offered include

• assistance and support with housing search
• support with eviction prevention and mediation with landlords
• assistance with forms including applications for housing stability funds and rental applications
• information and referrals to JHS programs and services and other community resource
• Canadian birth certificates

Program to prevent homelessness by helping clients find and/or maintain housing

• meet clients within their community
• provide support and referrals to access community resources and income supports
• education about Residential Tenancies Act, and tenant rights and responsibilities
• provide basic budgeting support and workshops
• advocacy and mediation services on behalf of clients with landlords or Landlord Tenant Board
• informal counseling for clients in financial or housing crisis
• aid clients with application process for Housing Stability funds for rental deposits, moving costs and utility or rental arrears where necessary
• help clients to obtain ID
• follow-up support as needed
• outreach to landlords, support workers and other community agencies

COVID19 - for settlement services call the Welcome Centre Communication Centre at ­1-877-761-1155


Guidance and information about settlement and orientation to immigrants and refugees

Information and referrals regarding:

• immigration, employment, social assistance, transportation, and legal services
• childcare and health care
• language classes
• housing - Landlord-tenant issues
• education - finding and enrolling in schools, other training programs, and credential assessment
• housing search information
• supportive counselling, problem solving

Assistance and guidance on:

• filling out government forms
• commissioner of oaths for original documents
• affidavits, travel consents, and letters of invitation assistance
• applying for various types of ID such as OHIP, Driver's Licence
• setting appointments, such as for doctors, court, government agencies
• understanding documents and referrals to translation services

COVID19 - Building is closed but meeting with clients digitally and still offering all services * new clients are welcome


Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) assists people

• to find housing
• access and apply for housing support services and subsidies
• advocate with landlords
• with support at Landlord Tenant Tribunal
• by providing harm reduction services and supports

Assistance applying for social housing and rental supplements (when available)

• help resolving landlord/tenant disputes
• counselling, workshops and support groups of interest to Indigenous tenants
• information and referral to general services
• housing search
• advocacy assistance with landlords, workers and other agencies

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 -- information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm --automated information, payment details, file status

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance