Building the Path to Home

Services and resources for families

Some agencies are particularly willing to talk to families. Be persistent when looking for support. Find someone in your own support network who can help you to stay confident and energetic.

Child Development Resource Connection Peel has a collection of resources for parents. Look for "For Parents" in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
If you are calling a clinical, community, day or residential service to find support for your relative, make sure that the service will be able to support your family member well. Always ask for the name of the person you speak with so that you can get back to him or her if necessary.

See Questions to Ask a Service Provider for some suggestions about how to assess the ability of a program or service to understand your relative's needs and support them effectively.

Developmental services sector

For access to services for families that are caring for people with developmental disabilities, you can make a single call to any developmental service agency and get consistent information, assessment and response.

Respite care

Respite care is a family support service that offers caregivers a break from the physical and emotional demands of caring for a relative with a developmental and/or physical disability. Respite creates opportunities for all family members to live actively and allows caregivers time for themselves. If you need help accessing respite options in Toronto, contact respiteservices.com at 416 322-6317.

Special services at home

The Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) also helps families purchase resources through a program called Special Services at Home (SSAH). It is worth finding out what is available and if you are eligible. Call MCSS at 416 325-0624.

See Family Village for more information about developmental disability.

Mental health sector

Associations

• Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere (FAME)
• Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
• Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (1 800 449-6367 toll-free or 416 449-6830 in Toronto)
  

Books

• Challenges & Choices: Finding Mental Health Services in Ontario
• Supports & Services Resource Handbook

Click here for a list of family programs in Toronto.

If you are concerned about your own safety or the safety of your family member, call 911 or read about safety in Risks, crises and emergencies.

Case management services
Click here for a list of case management services where you can talk to someone about working with an expert who knows the system. 

Specialized dual diagnosis services
Here is some information about specialized services for people who have a dual diagnosis: 

• Dual Diagnosis Resource Service (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
• Surrey Place
• Concerned Parents of Toronto  (call 416 492-1468 for support from people who understand dual diagnosis).

If the situation is changing fast and you need specialized support right away, call the Griffin Community Support Network (a crisis service for people with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis).

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