Treatment Resources for NWT Children, Youth and Families

The following guide is intended to provide Child and Family Services staff with a general description of Out-of-Territory Programs offered in the event where community resources are unable to meet the child/youth’s needs within the NWT. 

Out-of-Territory (OOT) Child, Youth

The following guide is intended to provide Child and Family Services staff with a general description of Out-of-Territory Programs offered in the event where community resources are unable to meet the child/youth’s needs within the NWT. 

It is not intended to provide an exhaustive description of all programs, but as a tool to assist with the planning in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Services.  All referrals are vetted through the OOT screening committee at the Department of Health and Social Services and where the needs are ultimately matched with the appropriate OOT resource.  All children/youth accepted into the program must be in compliance with the Provincial/Territorial Protocol on Children, Youth and Families Moving Between Provinces and Territories, 2016.  In addition, each program is required to provide a cultural component within their programming to ensure cultural/spiritual identity and connections are maintained.

Parkland Community Living and Supports Society

Location: Red Deer, Alberta

Phone: 403-347-3333

Parkland Community Living and Supports Society provides a home-like atmosphere for children who require permanent out-of-home placement for a variety of reasons including lack of school attendance, family breakdown or chronic illness and high needs. This specialized service provides housing and accommodation, combined with personal support staff. Children have the opportunity to grow and experience success in a safe and healthy environment conducive to learning.

Needs are typically complex and present with many challenges and at times, requiring 1:1 supervision and support. There is no set age limit for this program, although clients are typically within the range of 8-10 years of age.

PLEA Community Services

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Phone: 604-871-0450

PLEA Community Services offers a specialized support model within the context of a family or caregiver model supported by staff. Services are provided to youth typically between the ages of 10-18 years who are facing significant behavioral and developmental challenges. U-Turn is designed especially for those who have had limited success in other residential settings.

This program’s overarching goals include safety and stability, the building of effective relationships, the promotion of positive youth development and, where appropriate, strengthening family involvement. Academic support and moving towards independence or semi-independence is also a focus.

U-Turn tailors the services provided according to each youth’s individual strengths, needs, circumstances and goals, while providing each youth with a safe, nurturing, staff-supported family home coupled with the 1:1 support of a youth worker.

Catholic Social Services

Location: Red Deer, Alberta

Phone: 780-352-5535

Catholic Social Services offers supported living programs for children and youth aged 12-18 years with developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses and acquired brain injuries. The primary focus of the program is to increase the capacity of children and youth to effectively manage social relationships, life skills, school participation and community integration.

Catholic Social Services offers support in private homes or community-based settings that recognize the importance of family; be it biological, adopted, foster, or extended Families (unless clearly contraindicated) are included in every aspect of the child’s care from admission through all stages of life.

This specialized service supports needs that are typically complex for children and youth who present many challenges and may require 1:1 supervision and support due to unique needs with the goal of developing long-term stabilization.

EXCEL Society

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Excel Society supports, houses, and enriches the lives of people with complex mental health needs and disabilities. Supportive living homes are provided within the context of a caregiver model for children and youth under the age of 19 who present with significant emotional or behavioural challenges, learning disabilities, cognitive/physical disabilities and mental health concerns which require specialized residential care.

Excel provides support and guidance to children, some with developmental disabilities and/or complex needs including challenging behaviours and significant mental health needs.

Youth are provided with support 24 hours a day and receive support based on their unique needs such as: learning functional communication skills, life skills, addressing behavioural issues, and enhancing reading and writing skills. Children/youth will have access to full wrap around services and community supports including education, psychology, medicine, dentistry, recreation, cultural connections or spiritual connectedness and support, healthy living routines, community inclusion, positive behaviour support, communication development, life skills and personal living skills.

YWCA Edmonton Disability Services

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Phone: (780) 970-6507

YWCA provides comprehensive support designed to promote independence and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. This program is available to children and adults with developmental, physical, behavioral and medical needs.

Program offerings include respite, support homes, and family behavioural consultation. Services are accessed through referrals from Alberta’s Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FCSD), Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD), and other government agencies.

Rosebush Care Inc

Location: Edmonton

Phone: 416-939-0104

Rosebush Care is a Group Living Program with a 24/7 staffing model set in a home-like environment. The program provides support for persons who have experienced trauma or who have developmental disabilities. Rosebush can provide short- or long-term placements for children and youth between the ages of 0-18.

The program is adaptable and designed to address the specific needs of each individual. Support is provided to the individual’s family to maintain or enhance existing relationships that are considered natural support to the child or youth. Individuals are supported to stay engaged in educational and recreational activities, faith groups, and cultural activities. Each child or youth will receive an individualized service plan tailored to their unique needs. The program utilizes a trauma-informed, client centered, and strengths-based approach.

 

Wellspring Quality Care Inc.

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Phone: (780) 270-1035

Wellspring Quality Care Inc. offers trauma-informed care for children, youth, and young adults facing complex needs such as mental health and addiction challenges. The organization’s approach is client-centered and emphasizes healing, relationship-building, and personal development. Their services include group living 0-17, transitional housing 17-18, and supported independent living 18+.

Wellspring fosters a compassionate, family-like environment that promotes self-respect, cultural identity, and independence, improving the overall quality of life for those they serve. Wellspring’s highly skilled and diverse staff is dedicated to trauma-informed care and cultural competency, ensuring exceptional support for individuals with complex needs. They utilize a group care model with 24/7 staffing but have the capacity to support high risk youth who require individual placement. The organization is committed to creating positive outcomes by continuously supporting staff development and collaboration.

Goshen Quality Care

Location: Cold Lake, Alberta

Phone: 403-401-2001

Goshen Quality Care is a group residential care facility that provides a nurturing home environment for children and youth ages 0-18.

Goshen prioritizes safety, stability and holistic development through trauma-informed care, combined with cultural sensitivity to support young residents.

Children and youth have access to a wide range of services, including educational support, recreational activities, individual and group therapy (provided by professionals in and around Cold Lake), as well as assistance with family reunification whenever possible.

Kîstawâw Family Treatment Program

Location: Lethbridge, Alberta

Phone: 587-425-7450

The Kîstawâw Family Treatment Program offers individualized treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each family. The treatment plans guide a comprehensive support system that includes assistance with household tasks and personal care, healthcare monitoring, access to community resources, skill development and referrals to specialized supports.

Each family resides in their own personalized home equipped with 24-hour staff. Families have access to day care/school services, as well as transportation for groceries and appointments.

Families are supported through numerous structured activities, including addictions treatment, cultural programming, individual therapy sessions, and grief and loss counselling.