If you have a concern about the safety and/or well-being of a child or youth under 18, immediately contact your local Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agency.
Local contact information for these agencies is available here.
Quick Links
- Help Lines/Crisis Services
- Mental Health
- Intimate Partner Violence/Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking
- Alcohol and Addictions Misuse Support
- Housing and Food Insecurity
- Financial and Employment Supports
- Resources for Teens and Youth
- Families and Caregivers
- First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Resources
- Health and Primary Care Providers
- Rights, Policies, and Legal Resources
We know that children, youth, and families in Ontario continue to struggle with the impacts of the pandemic. They are facing challenges of all kinds, including food and housing insecurity to mental health and addictions to intimate partner violence. We have put together a list of resources and supports that will hopefully serve to show that there are lots of places to turn to when you, or someone you know, is in need of help.
Help Lines / Crisis Services
In the case of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
For lists of local distress/crisis lines, visit Distress Centres and Crisis Lines Ontario or ementalhealth.ca.
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| Assaulted Women’s Helpline | 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line to all woman who have experienced abuse including: counselling, emotional support, information and referrals. | 1-866-863-0511 (Toll Free) 1-866-863-7868 (TTY) 416-863-0511 (Toronto) |
| Kids Help Phone | 24/7 confidential professional online and telephone counselling and volunteer-led, text-based support in English and French to youth across Canada. Kids Help Phone has expanded its mandate to include former youth in care of any age. | 1-800-668-6868 |
| National Suicide Prevention Support Line (Crisis Services Canada) | Call and chat support available for those considering suicide or those worried about a friend or loved one. Services available 24/7 for voice and 4pm to 12 am ET for text. | Call: 1.833.456.4566 Text: 45645 |
| First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line | Immediate, culturally competent telephone counselling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available in English, French and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. | 1-855-242-3310 |
| Talk4Healing | Culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario. Available 24/7. | Call or Text 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) |
| Fem’aide | Service offering French-speaking women who have experienced gender-based violence, support, information and referral to appropriate front-line services within their communities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | 1-877-336-2433 |
| Black Youth Helpline | Serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools. | 1-833-294-8650 416-285-9944 |
| Trans Lifeline | Peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. | 1-877-330-6366 |
| TeenLine | Confidential hotline for teenagers for mental health. | 1-310-855-HOPE 1-800-852-8336 Text: TEEN to 839863 |
| Good2Talk | Free, professional and confidential counselling support for post-secondary students in Ontario. | 1-866-925-5454 |
| Naseeha Youth Helpline | Peer support for Muslim youth. | 1-866-627-3342 |
| LGBT Youthline | Confidential and non-judgmental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services for lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, queer and questioning young people. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM. | Call: 1-800-268-9688 Text: 647-694-4275 Chat: www.youthline.ca |
| Connex Ontario | Mental health, addictions and problem gambling help line. | 1-866-531-2600 |
| Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline | Dedicated, confidential, 24/7 human trafficking hotline for victims seeking help, people with a tip to report a potential case, and members of the public wanting to learn more about the subject. | 1-833-900-1010 |
| Métis Nation of Ontario | 24-hour mental health and addictions crisis line for Métis culturally specific mental health and addiction supports for adults, youth, and families in Ontario in both English and French. Once connected services can be delivered in person, over the phone, or by video conference. | 1-877-767-7572 |
| National Eating Disorder Information Centre | Information, resources, referrals and support to those affected by eating disorders. Helpline open 11am to 7pm Monday – Thursday and Friday from 11 am – 5pm. Instant chat available 9am – 9pm Monday – Thursday and Friday from 9am to 5pm. | Instant chat: Click here Call: 1-866-NEDIC-20 416-340-4156 (Toronto) |
| ONTX Ontario Online & Text Crisis Services | It is very important that you register first for this service now before you are in crisis. Available 2pm to 2am. | To use online: http://dcontario.org/ontx.html Text: 258258 |
| Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse | 24-hour, multilingual, toll-free phone line for immediate crisis and referral services. | 1-866-887-0015 |
| Distress Centres and Crisis Ontario | A list of distress centres in Ontario. Most centres are open 24/7. | Website |
| Telehealth Ontario | Free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse. | 1-866-797-0000 |
| National Residential School Crisis Line | Provides support to former students of residential schools. | 1-866-925-4419 |
| Victim Support Line | The multilingual Victim Support Line provides services across Ontario, in most languages spoken in the province. Talk to an information and referral counsellor. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. | 1-888-579-2888 416-314-2447 (GTA) |
| Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice Grief Support Line | Available 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., this service aims is to provide accessible, short-term peer brief grief emotional support for children, youth, parents/caregiver and adults who have experienced a death from a pet or someone in their lives. It is not a mental health crisis/or distress service and will not provide mental health therapy. | Text: 289-278-1885 |
Mental Health
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| Government of Ontario | Webpage dedicated to helping Ontarians get free, confidential support for depression, anxiety, addiction, gambling and other problems. | Website |
| Telehealth Ontario | Free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse. | 1-866-797-0000 |
| Togetherall | A digital mental health support service available online, 24/7. It is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained Wall Guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members. | Website |
| Children’s Mental Health Ontario | Find your nearest child and youth mental health provider. | Website |
| Mindyourmind | A space where youth can get information, resources and tools to manage stress, crisis and mental health related problems. | Website |
| Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario | Find your nearest CMHA branch, which offer a range of mental health support services. | Website |
| Bounce Back and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) | Skill-building program for adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, depression, anxiety and stress. | Website |
| Therapist Aid | Resources related to stress, anxiety, and self-care including videos and worksheets. | Website |
| Centre for Clinical Interventions (Australia) | Self-help resources for range of mental health problems. | Website |
| SilverCloud (Shoppers Drug Mart) | Online stress management program. | Website |
| The Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) | Provides trauma-informed and highly specialized services for children and youth of Ontario (age 0-18 years) who experience complex and long-standing combinations of mental health difficulties and/or developmental challenges where: these difficulties significantly impact functioning in multiple areas such as home, school and community and; appropriate community interventions have not produced the desired response. | Website |
| PLEO | A non-profit family peer support organization for parents whose children to age 25 are facing mental health challenges. Programs include a parent’s helpline, parent support group, and mobile one-on-one support. | Helpline: 613.321.3211 (Ottawa) 855.775.7005 |
| Psychotherapy Matters | An online directory of therapists in private practice (who pay in order to be listed in the directory). | Website |
| Takecare19 | A compilation of accessible and inclusive mental health resources for coping through COVID-19. | Website |
| The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health | Public health information from a trusted source. It takes a wealth of knowledge to tackle the hard questions about mental illness and addiction. Whatever you want to explore, CAMH is here to help you learn. | Website |
| Adolescent Mental Health and Addictions Centres | There are more than 400 agencies across Ontario that offer help to children and youth with mental health and addictions concerns up to 18 years of age. To book an appointment with a child and youth mental health agency in your area go to the Government of Ontario Health Care Option Directory. | Website |
Intimate Partner Violence / Sexual Assault / Human Trafficking
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| ShelterSafe | An online resource for women and their children seeking safety from violence and abuse. The clickable map serves as a quick resource to connect women with the nearest shelter that can offer safety, hope, and support. | Website |
| Assaulted Women’s Helpline | 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line to all woman who have experienced abuse including: counselling, emotional support, information and referrals. | 1-866-863-0511 (Toll Free) 1-866-863-7868 (TTY) 416-863-0511 (Toronto) |
| Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline | Dedicated, confidential, 24/7 human trafficking hotline for victims seeking help, people with a tip to report a potential case, and members of the public wanting to learn more about the subject. | 1-833-900-1010 |
| Fem’aide | Service offering French-speaking women who have experienced gender-based violence, support, information and referral to appropriate front-line services within their communities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | 1-877-336-2433 |
| Legal Aid Ontario | Legal services for those who have experienced domestic violence and need help with a family law or immigration and refugee matter, Available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in more than 300 languages. | Toll-free: 1-800-668-8258 GTA: 416-979-1446 Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511 |
| Ontario Network of Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Treatment Centres | A list of the 37 Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres across Ontario. | Website / Find a Centre |
| Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse | 24-hour, multilingual, toll-free phone line for immediate crisis and referral services. | 1-866-887-0015 |
| Victim Services Directory (Ministry of the Attorney General) | Find online information about services for victims of crime, searchable by geographic location. | Website |
| Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres | A list of sexual assault centres in Ontario that provide free counselling and information about sexual violence. | Website |
| Government of Ontario | A list of shelters for Indigenous women and children. | Website |
| Government of Ontario | A list of healing lodges for Indigenous individuals and families. | Website |
| Programs for women’s economic empowerment and financial security | Learn about government of Ontario programs that can help low-income women and women experiencing violence and abuse gain new skills, new careers and new opportunities. | Website |
| Investing in Women’s Futures | Find initiatives that prevent violence against women and promote women’s economic independence by helping you develop skills and abilities that will reduce your vulnerability to poverty and abuse. | Website |
| Services for victims of human trafficking | Find organizations across Ontario that help survivors of human trafficking and learn about supports that are available. | Website |
| Indigenous-led services for human trafficking survivors | List of Indigenous-led services for human trafficking survivors, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Indigenous survivors can get counselling, cultural programming, addictions treatment and leadership development services. | Website |
| Steps to Justice (CLEO) | Step-by-step information about legal topics, including housing, employment and work, abuse and family violence, and income assistance. | Website |
| Radius Child and Youth Services | A specialized community-based organization that provides clinical assessment and counselling services to children, youth and families affected by interpersonal abuse: physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or who have witnessed domestic violence. | Website |
| Ontario Women’s Justice Network | Promotes an understanding of the law with respect to violence against women, in a way that is clear and easy-to-understand. Aims to increase access to justice by explaining women’s legal rights and options, the legal system and processes, and by posting legal updates, with a focus on Ontario. | Website |
| Luke’s Place | Devoted to improving the safety and experience of women and their children as they proceed through the family law process after fleeing an abusive relationship. | Website |
| Domestic Violence During Health Emergencies: Staying safe when stay-at-home restrictions are in place | When families are sheltering at home together and service agencies can’t support women face-to-face, women experiencing violence may need to consider additional safety strategies. These recommendations are based on more than 100 interviews with service providers and women with lived experience of intimate partner violence, as well as searches of the research literature. |
Alcohol and Addictions Misuse Support
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF) | Free addiction counseling for anyone within Canada. | Website |
| Connex Ontario | Mental health, addictions and problem gambling help line. | 1-866-531-2600 |
| Government of Ontario | Webpage dedicated to helping Ontarians get free, confidential support for depression, anxiety, addiction, gambling and other problems. | Website |
| Addiction Group | An informational web guide that was created to help those struggling with alcohol use disorders (AUD), substance use disorders (SUD), and/or co-occurring mental health disorders find treatment for their addiction. | Website |
Housing and Food Insecurity
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| Affordable housing in Ontario | Learn about programs to help you have a safe and affordable place to call home. | Website |
| Renting in Ontario: Your rights | Laws that affect tenants and landlords in Ontario. | Website |
| Black Legal Action Centre | Help with education, human rights, income assistance, housing law, police complaints etc. | Website |
| Steps to Justice (CLEO) | Step-by-step information about legal topics, including housing, employment and work, abuse and family violence, and income assistance. | Website |
| Government of Ontario | Listing of the 47 service managers in Ontario who can be contacted to access housing programs in your municipality or district. | Website |
| Guide to Ontario’s standard lease for newcomers | A guide, in multiple languages, to help landlords and tenants understand and complete the Standard Form of Lease (standard lease). It also contains helpful information about rights and responsibilities under the act. | Website |
| Victim Services Directory (Ministry of the Attorney General) | Find online information about services for victims of crime, searchable by geographic location. | Website |
| Feed Ontario | A network of 130-member food banks and over 1,100 affiliate hunger-relief programs and agencies across the province that serves 522,000 people each year. Find your closest Feed Ontario member food bank by searching with your postal code or address. | Website |
| Landlord and Tenant Board | Resolves disputes between residential landlords and tenants. | Website |
Financial and Employment Supports
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| Government of Ontario | Learn how to get short term financial support if you are in a crisis or an emergency situation and don’t have enough money for things like food and housing. | Website |
| Ontario Works (OW) | OW helps people in financial need through two types of assistance: financial assistance and employment assistance. | Website |
| Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) | ODSP offers: • financial assistance to help you and your family with essential living expenses • benefits, for you and your family, including prescription drugs and vision care • help finding and keeping a job, and advancing your career | Website |
| Government of Canada | Find financial help during COVID-19 tool. | Website |
| Government of Canada | Overview of income and other supports. | Website |
| Settlement.org | A breakdown of the various financial supports available through government programs. | Website |
| Employment Ontario | Employment Ontario can help you get training, build skills or find a job. We also help employers train their staff and find the talent they need. | Website |
| Investing in women’s futures | Find initiatives that prevent violence against women and promote women’s economic independence by helping you develop skills and abilities that will reduce your vulnerability to poverty and abuse. | Website |
| Service Canada | Dedicated number for Employment Insurance claims exclusively related to COVID-19. | 1-833-381-2725 |
| Steps to Justice (CLEO) | Step-by-step information about legal topics, including housing, employment and work, abuse and family violence, and income assistance. | Website |
| Second Career Program | Program of the Government of Ontario. Provides skills-training and financial support for qualified applicants. Apply for up to $28,000 for costs including: • tuition • books • manuals, workbooks or other instructional costs • transportation • basic living allowance (maximum $410 per week) • child care | Website |
| Steps to Justice (CLEO) | Employment laws related to COVID-19. | Website |
| Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) | Get help paying for school when you qualify for OSAP. | Website |
| Skills for Change | Provide learning and training opportunities for immigrants and refugees to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community. | Website |
| Canada Workers Benefit (Government of Canada) | A refundable tax credit that provides tax relief for eligible low-income individuals and families who are in the workforce. The CWB includes a disability supplement for individuals who have an approved Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, on file with the CRA. If you do not have a Form T2201 on file, send your completed form to the CRA to see if you qualify for the disability supplement. | Website |
| Child Disability Benefit (Government of Canada) | A tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. | Website |
| Canada Child Benefit (Government of Canada) | Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The CCB may include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs. | Website |
| Disability Tax Credit (Government of Canada) | A non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. | Website |
Resources for Teens and Youth
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| Kids Help Phone | 24/7 confidential professional online and telephone counselling and volunteer-led, text-based support in English and French to youth across Canada. Kids Help Phone has expanded its mandate to include former youth in care of any age. | 1-800-668-6868 |
| TeenLine | Confidential hotline for teenagers for mental health. | 1-310-855-HOPE 1-800-852-8336 Text: TEEN to 839863 |
| Good2Talk | Free, professional and confidential counselling support for post-secondary students in Ontario. | 1-866-925-5454 |
| Naseeha Youth Helpline | Peer support for Muslim youth. | 1-866-627-3342 |
| Black Youth Helpline | Serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools. | 1-833-294-8650 416-285-9944 |
| LGBT Youthline | Confidential and non-judgmental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services for lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, queer and questioning young people. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM. | Call: 1-800-268-9688 Text: 647-694-4275 Chat: www.youthline.ca |
| Mindyourmind | A space where youth can get information, resources and tools to manage stress, crisis and mental health related problems | Website |
| CHEERS Mentoring Program | Mentorship program for youth 21 – 35 years of age of African descent from the child welfare system. | Website |
| Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) | Get help paying for school when you qualify for OSAP. | Website |
| Children’s Mental Health Ontario | Back-to-School Mental Health Kit to empower families who are concerned about their child’s mental health and help you find further mental health supports if you need them. | Website |
| McMaster Children’s Hospital | Practical materials to support families during the transition back-to-school, including masking tips, talking to children about COVID-19, coping with uncertainty, and some autism-specific resources. | Website |
| COVID-19 Community Response Networks | City-wide groups across Canada organized virtually over Facebook for community support. | Full Directory |
| Face Coverings, Cloth Masks and You: Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies | Resource specific for children and youth to understand what are face coverings/masks, how to wear them, and how to care for them. | Link |
| National Zakat Foundation | Funding for Canadians who may be experiencing financial hardship. | Website |
| Brampton Youth Task Force | Social support online forum for access to food or shelter. | Complete intake form: click here or call 311 |
| Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada | A range of supports for youth, including employment, funding, mental health, and education. | Website |
| Justice for Children and Youth | Provides select legal representation to low-income children and youth in Toronto and vicinity. Legal aid clinic that specializes in protecting the rights of those facing conflicts with the legal system, education, social service or mental health systems. | Website |
| Multiple Organizations | Online professional development links. | Website |
| Sick Kids Hospital | Information hub and resources for coping with COVID-19. | Website |
| Native Youth Resource Center (NCFST) | Provides support and advocacy in the areas of housing, education and employment for Aboriginal youth ages sixteen to twenty-four. | 416-969-8510 ext. 4119 Instagram: @nyrcnativeyouth |
| StepStones for Youth | Provides preventative intervention programs for vulnerable young people, including youth support services, education and employment, mentorship, and summer camp. | Website |
| Creating Roots | A registered non-profit that helps former foster youth, under the age of 29 in Ontario, transition into adulthood by providing one months rent alongside career, financial and housing supports. | Website |
| Radius Child and Youth Services | A specialized community-based organization that provides clinical assessment and counselling services to children, youth and families affected by interpersonal abuse: physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or who have witnessed domestic violence. | Website |
| Children and young persons’ rights resource | Learn about your rights as a child, youth or young person. Find out about the laws that protect you, where you can go to make a complaint and other helpful resources. | Website |
| Youth Rising Above | Provide marginalized youth with the opportunity to live wholesome, successful and enriching lives through engaging and dynamic programs, while stimulating positive social change. | Website |
| Adolescent Mental Health and Addictions Centres | There are more than 400 agencies across Ontario that offer help to children and youth with mental health and addictions concerns up to 18 years of age. To book an appointment with a child and youth mental health agency in your area go to the Government of Ontario Health Care Option Directory. | Website |
| PFlag Canada | Canada’s only national organization that offers peer-to-peer support striving to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. | Website |
| FrancoQueer | FrancoQueer est l’association des personnes gaies, lesbiennes, bisexuelles, bispirituelles, transsexuelles, transgenres, en questionnement, queer, intersexuées, asexuelles et leurs alliés (LGBTQIA) francophones à Toronto et en Ontario. | Website |
Families and Caregivers
Most cities/towns have a list of parent-related resources and information on their municipal website. Search “parent resources” and the name of your city/town and you will likely find a range of service providers local to you.
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| The Government of Ontario | Resources on parenting, schools and other topics that affect your family’s well-being. | Website |
| Children’s Mental Health Ontario | Useful information from CMHO about parenting and mental health issues. | Website |
| EarlyON Child and Family Centres | Find your nearest EarlyON centre, open to all families in Ontario. | Website |
| 211 Ontario | Social, recreational and educational get-togethers for parents or caregivers and the young children they care for. | Website |
| Government of Ontario (Ministry of Education) | A range of resources related to school and your child’s well-being. | Website |
| PLEO | A non-profit family peer support organization for parents whose children to age 25 are facing mental health challenges. Programs include a parents helpline, parent support group, and mobile one-on-one support. | Website Parents helpline: 613.321.3211 (Ottawa) 855.775.7005 |
| The Association of Parent Support Groups in Ontario (APSGO) | For parents struggling with the behavior of a youth or young adult. APSGO support groups help parents develop effective strategies, set limits and boundaries, and build better relationships with their children. | Website |
| Positive Parenting Tips | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Helping Children Regulate their Emotions | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Family Meetings | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Descriptive Praise and Encouraging Good Behaviour | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Emotional Messages: How the Language We Use Can Affect a Child’s Behaviour | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Spending Time with Children | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Family Ground Rules | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Transition Times to Avoid Meltdowns | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Requests for Teenagers | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Helping a Child with Anxiety | Audio file from Durham Children’s Aid Society. Click on each link to play the file in your browser, or right-click and choose ‘Save As’ to save a copy to your computer. | Audio file |
| Managing Anxiety in Teens | A documentary film that examines the science behind teen’s emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and most importantly, what can be done in our schools and homes to help them build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression in our digital age. | Watch Movie |
| Parent2Parent Support Network | Flyer for a support network that allows adoptive parents and kinship or customary caregivers to connect with and support one another. | Link |
| Foster Parents Society of Ontario | Dedicated voice of foster families in Ontario. | Website |
| League of Ontario Foster Families | The provincial voice for the protection, support, education and advocacy for all foster family care providers. | Website |
| Ontario Caregiver Organization | Collection of caregiver tips and resources. | Website |
| Young Parents No Fixed Address | Google Document with a list of community resources including food banks, mental health resources, and agencies. | Link |
| A Centre for Conscious Care: Direct Support Series and Leadership Series | Free online professional and personal training for supporters of people with autism and developmental disabilities. | Website |
| City of Toronto | A number of resources and community programs are available to help your child’s speech and language development, monitor your child’s development and support your parenting journey. | Website |
| City of Toronto | Information and tips on common topics related to parenting. | Website |
| Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) | A program of the Public Health Agency of Canada. Provides long term funding to community coalitions to deliver programs that address the health and development of children (0-6 years) who are living in conditions of risk. It recognizes that communities have the ability to identify and respond to the needs of children and places a strong emphasis on partnerships and community capacity building. Their Ontario listing is searchable by both population and program keywords. | Website (Ontario listing) |
| Partners for Planning | Empowers peoples with disabilities and their families with free resources to create meaningful lives and secure futures, firmly rooted in community. | Website |
| AboutKidsHealth | Health education website for children, youth and their caregivers. From SickKids | Link |
| PFlag Canada | Canada’s only national organization that offers peer-to-peer support striving to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. | Website |
| Family Service Ontario | Network of leaders from community-based social service agencies across Ontario, built of 42 not-for-profit member agencies serving more than 250,000 individuals, couples, families each year. | Website |
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Resources
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is offering virtual services during the pandemic. While NCFST primarily serves the Toronto urban Indigenous community, any agency or organization supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit young people and families is welcome to share the virtual services. Some of the virtual services currently available are highlighted below – please visit the NCFST website or Twitter account to learn more about all services and programming on offer.
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| Holistic Healing Services (NCFST) | Support to community members through video or telephone counselling. | 416-969-8510 ext. 3290 |
| Native Youth Resource Center (NCFST) | Provides support and advocacy in the areas of housing, education and employment for Aboriginal youth ages sixteen to twenty-four. | 416-969-8510 ext. 4119 Website Instagram: @nyrcnativeyouth |
| Talk4Healing | Culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario. Available 24/7. | Call or Text 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) Website |
| Aboriginal EarlyON and Aboriginal Head Start programs | Virtual programming: SCFLC – EarlyON Program @scflcearlyon SCFLC Youth/Community Programs @house_of_giizhik_scflc MALVERN EarlyON Program @malvernaboriginalearlyon Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Unit (AECD) @nativechild_earlyyears Mount Dennis EarlyON @mountdennis_earlyon Shaawnong Aboriginal Head Start/Dundas Before & After School Care @ncfst_early_years_central | Aboriginal Head Starts: Website |
| Métis Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program | Support to Métis folx, expectant parents and families with children 0-6, including peer counseling, referrals, diapers, groceries etc. | 1-647-615-6724 Email: alexandrian@metisnation.org |
| First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line | Immediate, culturally competent telephone counselling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available in English, French and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut | 1-855-242-3310 Website |
| Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) | MNO delivers programs and services to its citizens through these branches: Healing and Wellness; Education and Training; Infinite Property Services; Lands, Resources and Consultation; and Economic Development | Crisis Line: 1-877-767-7572 Website |
| Government of Ontario | A list of shelters for Indigenous women and children. | Website |
| Government of Ontario | A list of healing lodges for Indigenous individuals and families. | Website |
| Government of Ontario | List of Indigenous-led services for human trafficking survivors, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. | Website |
| Traditional Indigenous Kinship Practices at Home Guide | Being Child-Centred During the Pandemic from Indigenous Motherhood. | Website |
| 7th Generation Image Makers | Arts program for Indigenous Youth. | Link |
| The Native Youth Advisory Council | The Native Youth Advisory Council is a group of urban Indigenous youth ages 15-29 who have a passion to lead and advocate for positive change | Link |
| Aboriginal Legal Services | Provides legal-related programs for Aboriginal people in Toronto. | Website |
| Government of Ontario | Learn about Indigenous health and wellness strategy, youth work exchange and internship programs, education strategies, housing, legal help, and Northern Ontario roads. | Website |
| Indspire | An Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. | Website |
| The Human Rights Legal Support Centre | Providing Indigenous people with an accessible legal service. Services are provided in 140 languages including Cree, Oji-Cree, Mohawk, and Ojibway. | Website |
| The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) | Friendship Centres are not-for-profit and charity corporations that are mandated to serve the needs of urban Indigenous people by providing culturally appropriate services in urban communities. | Website / Find a Centre |
| The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) | ONWA delivers culturally enriched programs and services to Indigenous women and their families regardless of their status or locality. We are committed to providing services that strengthen communities and guarantee the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage. | Website |
| Alliance for Healthier Communities / Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs) | AHACs provide different types of health and social support services to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. No referral is necessary and there are no costs. | Find A Centre, and then type in your city and postal code. Under the drop-down menu for Type, choose Aboriginal Health Access Centre and then Search. |
| National Residential School Crisis Line | Provides support to former students of residential schools. | 1-866-925-4419 |
| Aboriginal Housing Support Centre (Toronto) | A non-profit housing help centre that was created to support Aboriginal people with their current housing needs. | Website |
Health and Primary Care Providers
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| Telehealth Ontario | Free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse. | 1-866-797-0000 |
| Babylon by TELUS Health | Virtual appointments with physicians. Doctors cannot provide sick notes. | Website Download Babylon app on your smartphone. |
| Dial A Doc | Phone consultations and connection to a family doctor who is accepting patients. | Complete intake form |
| Government of Ontario | How to find a family doctor, nurse practitioner or specialist and details about the Health Connect program. | Website |
| Ontario Medical Association | Information about how to live a healthy life – on everything from water safety for kids to end of life care and planning. Find various downloadable resources categorized by life stage. | Website |
| Drug Smart Pharmacy | Virtual ‘walk-in’ clinic covered by OHIP. | Website |
| Cover Health | Virtual healthcare covered by OHIP. | Website |
| Alliance for Healthier Communities | Alliance members serve diverse communities across the province, and they are rooted in the communities they serve. They share a commitment to advancing health equity through the delivery of comprehensive primary health care. | Website / Find a Centre |
| City of Toronto | Information from health professionals on a variety of topics including sexual health, smoking and substance use. | Website |
| City of Toronto | Chat live with a health professional including sexual health, prenatal and postpartum information and mental health. | Website |
Rights, Policies, and Legal Resources
| Organization / Resource | Description | How to Access |
| Ombudsman Ontario | Promotes fairness, accountability and transparency in the public sector by resolving and investigating public complaints and systemic issues within the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction. The list of topics they cover includes: children and youth, employment, education, health, money and property, and social services. | Website Have a complaint? |
| Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario | Provides oversight of Ontario’s access and privacy laws. These laws establish the rules for how Ontario’s public institutions, health care providers, children’s aid societies and other child and family service providers may collect, use, and disclose personal information. | Website Make a complaint |
| The Office of the Children’s Lawyer | Represents children under the age of 18 in court cases involving custody and access and child protection, as well as in civil, and estates and trusts cases. | Website |
| Legal Aid Ontario | Legal services in English and French for financially eligible low-income Ontarians in family law, refugee and immigration law, criminal law, mental health law, and clinic law. | Toll-free: 1-800-668-8258 GTA: 416-979-1446 Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511 Website |
| Black Legal Action Centre | A non-profit community legal clinic that provides free legal services for low or no income Black residents of Ontario. Help with education, human rights, income assistance, housing law, police complaints etc. | Website |
| Aboriginal Legal Services | Provides legal-related programs for Aboriginal people in Toronto. | Website |
| Justice for Children and Youth | Provides select legal representation to low-income children and youth in Toronto and vicinity. Legal aid clinic that specializes in protecting the rights of those facing conflicts with the legal system, education, social service or mental health systems. | Website |
| Steps to Justice (CLEO) | Step-by-step information about legal topics, including housing, employment and work, abuse and family violence, and income assistance. | Website |
| Ontario Human Rights Commission | Works to promote, protect and advance human rights through research, education, targeted legal action and policy development. | Website |
| Human Rights Legal Support Centre | Provides legal assistance to individuals when they take an application to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario to resolve a human rights dispute. Services are provided in 140 languages including Cree, Oji-Cree, Mohawk, and Ojibway. | Website |
| Pro Bono Ontario | Offers free legal help to vulnerable persons across the province. | 1-855-255-7256 Website |
| The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) / Protecting the Rights and Interests of Mentally Incapable Adults | Delivers a unique and diverse range of services that safeguard the legal, personal and financial interests of certain private individuals and estates. | Website |
| Legal Resources and Information (Law Society of Ontario) | A list of Law Society resources and other organizations that provide legal information and services in Ontario. | Link |
| Ontario Legal Information Centre | Free 30-minute meeting with a lawyer. Confidential, no appointment or eligibility criteria. | Website 1-844-343-7462 613-842-7462 (Ottawa) |
| Family Justice (Ministry of the Attorney General) | A summary of legal issues that can be dealt with in family court, including: divorce and separation, family justice services, child custody and access, support for you, your spouse and children, child protection and adoption, and more. | Website |
| Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) | Develops clear, accurate, and practical legal rights education and information to help people understand and exercise their legal rights. | Website |
| Ontario Women’s Justice Network | Promotes an understanding of the law with respect to violence against women, in a way that is clear and easy-to-understand. Aims to increase access to justice by explaining women’s legal rights and options, the legal system and processes, and by posting legal updates, with a focus on Ontario. | Website |
| Luke’s Place | Devoted to improving the safety and experience of women and their children as they proceed through the family law process after fleeing an abusive relationship. | Website |
| Tribunals Ontario | A group of 14 adjudicative tribunals that play an important role in the administration of justice in Ontario. They are: Assessment Review Board, Animal Care Review Board, Child and Family Services Review Board, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, Custody Review Board, Fire Safety Commission, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Landlord and Tenant Board, Licence Appeal Tribunal, Ontario Civilian Police Commission, Ontario Parole Board, Ontario Special Education Tribunal (English), Ontario Special Education Tribunal (French) and Social Benefits Tribunal. | Website |
| Children and young persons’ rights resource | Learn about your rights as a child, youth or young person. Find out about the laws that protect you, where you can go to make a complaint and other helpful resources. | Website |
