Our Homes

These homes are founded on attachment theory, particularly the insights of theorist Gordon Neufeld, which emphasize the importance of building connections before implementing corrections. For the youth to fully engage and benefit from the program, it is essential for them to develop strong, therapeutic relationships with staff members. The program accommodates only two youth, each with high complex needs, providing 24-hour staffing support for tailored assistance. Each youth in the program receives an individualized plan designed to meet their unique requirements.

  

Additionally, a clinical trauma counselor meets weekly with the youth to provide specialized counselling, support and guidance. This counselor also attends staff meetings to coach and guide the frontline staff working with these high-need youth. Should a youth leave the program without permission, staff members are trained to follow them in a safe and supportive manner. The approach is further enhanced by a trauma-responsive philosophy and harm reduction strategies, ensuring that each youth receives comprehensive care that prioritizes their emotional and psychological well-being, fostering their healing, growth, and empowerment. 

 

Key Principles: 

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1.  Connection and Safety:  

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Creating a safe environment is paramount, both physically and psychologically. A therapeutic relationship fosters a sense of security, allowing the youth to feel safe as they adapt to their new surroundings. This relationship is built on mutual trust and understanding.

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2.  Learning and Growth:  

 

Once the youth feel secure, they can acquire essential skills, as a safe mental state is crucial for learning. The program encourages intrinsic motivation rather than relying on external rewards or consequences. 

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3.  Trauma-Informed Practice:  

 

Staff adopt a trauma-informed approach and response, recognizing the profound impact of trauma on individuals. The focus is on engagement and support to avoid re-traumatization during the healing journey. 

 

4.  Principles from the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute:  

 

• Safety and trust

• Choice and voice 

• Strengths and resilience 

• By adhering to these principles, the program aims to empower youth to build their inner strength and achieve future success.

 

5.  Unconditional Acceptance:  

 

The program operates on a foundation of unconditional acceptance, moving away from consequence-driven models, which may foster conditional acceptance. It emphasizes the importance of relationships and attachment as integral to personal growth. 

 

Addressing Challenges: 

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Understanding that many children and youth do not wish to be in the child welfare system, the program acknowledges the reasons behind potential runaways—both "pull factors" (e.g., reunification with loved ones, access to substances) and "push factors" (e.g., family dynamics, caregiver relationships). Utilizing the Stages of Change model, along with a Harm Reduction strategy and Motivational Interviewing, empowers youth to make informed choices. 

 

Specialized Case Management: 

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Youth in our program receive tailored case management that addresses several critical areas to ensure comprehensive support: 

 

• Physical Health: Many youths face significant medical needs due to experiences of neglect and abuse. They may require treatment for untreated injuries, sexually transmitted infections, and nutritional deficiencies stemming from inconsistent medical care. 

 

• Behavioral Health: Youth often exhibit complex behavioral health challenges because of traumatic experiences. They require intensive, long-term behavioural health services to facilitate their transition to healthier lives, focusing on issues such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use. 

 

• Education: The program offers flexible educational options to accommodate varying comfort levels with traditional schooling. This may include non-traditional learning environments specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of each youth. 

 

• Life Skills and Mentorship: Youth frequently need assistance with practical life skills, including financial literacy, healthcare management, and job training. Establishing mentorships is also a key component, providing long-term guidance and support to help youth navigate adulthood successfully. 

 

• Cultural Diversity: Our case management approach recognizes and celebrates the diverse cultural backgrounds of the youth we serve. We strive to incorporate cultural competence into our support services, ensuring that each youth’s cultural identity is respected and integrated into their care plan. This includes attention to cultural practices, language preferences, and the incorporation of culturally relevant resources to enhance their overall well-being. 

 

Through this specialized case management approach, we aim to empower youth to thrive in all aspects of their lives, enabling them to achieve their individual goals and overall well-being while honouring their unique cultural identities. 

 

 

Profiles of Individuals Best Suited for Stepping Out:  

 

When the suitability of a youth for our program, we assess several key factors to ensure that we can provide the best possible care and support. Our evaluation process includes: 

 

1.  Availability: We first consider whether there is an open spot in our program that can accommodate the youth. 

 

2.  Compatibility: We evaluate whether the youth will be a good match with the other individuals currently in the program, considering their unique needs and dynamics. 

 

3.  Experience with Behaviours: We assess our experience in managing the specific behaviours demonstrated by the youth to ensure that our staff is equipped to provide effective support. 

 

4.  Individualized Programming: We determine whether we can design a tailored program that addresses the unique needs and circumstances of the youth. This involves considering the therapeutic approach that would be most beneficial for their development. 

 

5.  Community Support: We look for available community resources that can contribute to the youth’s care and integration, as collaboration with external organizations can enhance the support network. 

 

We emphasize the importance of total transparency in this process, as having complete and accurate information is crucial for us to effectively support the youth. In specific cases, such as those involving active fire-setting behavior, we may need to determine that youth are not appropriate for our program, as safety is our top priority. 

 

While we are open to developing specific programs tailored to the youth’s needs, these discussions must take place collaboratively and thoughtfully to ensure the best outcomes for everyone involved. Ultimately, our goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters healing, growth, and empowerment for all the youth in our care. 

 

​If you are a youth or young adult transitioning out of care that would benefit from this program you are required to apply.

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