Adolescent Service

The Adolescent Service works with youth aged 12 to 18 involved with the legal system or who have other legal issues. We also work with youth who have problems with behaviour such as anger, aggression or sexual misconduct. Our team consults with youth and others, including families, probation service workers, schools and agencies.

Who we are

Our team includes social workers and psychiatrists. As we are a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto, our team also includes students and physician residents.

What we offer

We primarily do mental health and risk assessments for youth in the court system. We then offer recommendations to the courts, families and agencies, and help set up treatment referrals to community agencies. We can also do mental health and risk (of reoffending) assessments as a service to schools and probation services.

How it works

Judges, lawyers and probation services in the court system refer youth under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Families, doctors and agencies may refer directly. Once a referral is made, we will start to gather information about the youth, his or her family and any court-related issues. A staff person is then assigned to work with the client. We may assess the client through interviews, questionnaires and information from other involved professionals.

We try to understand the client’s situation, history and factors that might protect the client from further antisocial behaviour or put the client at risk for other problems. We discuss these issues with the youth and
family. This allows the youth and family to understand and be involved in diagnosis, treatment, legal issues and education plans. We can also arrange further services and referrals to community agencies.

How to reach us

For more information, or for a referral form, please call 416 535.8501 x4952

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Address

Adolescent Service
Child, Youth and Family Program
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
250 College Street
Toronto, ON M5T 1R8
Tel.: 416 535.8501 x4952
Fax: 416 979.4996