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Did You Know?

It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder - the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.

20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.

1 to 3% of Canadians have a developmental disability.

Of 80,000 individuals with a developmental disability in Ontario, 24,000 have a dual diagnosis.

It is estimated that 77% of adults with a developmental disability also live in poverty.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 14 times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth experience substance abuse problems 3 to 5 times higher than heterosexual youth.

Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.

Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures.

It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder - the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.

Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives.

Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild to severe impairment.

Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age.

The mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among women.

Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.

Mental illnesses can be treated effectively.

Everybody Counts

COMMUNITY/FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES (CFSS)

Griffin Centre provides support for youth and families dealing with conflicts and concerns at home, in school or in the community. For youth with emotional or mental health challenges which may be accompanied by a mild developmental disability.

Who can access?
  • Youth 12 – 18 yrs of age at the point of referral
  • Have mental health challenges or a dual diagnosis (mild to moderate developmental disability and mental health challenges)
  • Have mental health challenges and live in North York
  • Have developmental disabilities and mental health challenges and live in the City of Toronto

How can we help?

  • Individual, family, and group counselling or crisis support
  • Telephone support and drop in services
  • Assessment of family strengths, concerns, the current request for service and to explore and coordinate service options with the youth and family
  • Parent education groups and workshops
  • School-based counselling, crisis supports, outreach, and consultation services
  • Assessment and treatment services for youth who have sexually offended
  • Substance use and mental health counselling and day program
 COMMUNITY/FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Click here to download CFSS Brochure

Services Include:

Hospital Transitional Services

A service to assist youth, 12 to 18 yrs of age, with developmental disabilities and/or mental health challenge, transition back into the community from a hospital environment.

Intensive Child & Family Services

Griffin Centre provides in-home support to assist parents and youth to strengthen the ability to function effectively at home, in school or in the community.

Who can access?

  • Youth 12-18 yrs of age, at the age of referral
  • Have mental health challenges or a developmental disability and mental health challenges
  • Are currently receiving services or involved with an organization similar to Griffin Centre

To read more click here

Keeping Families Together - Child Welfare Diversion

For youth between 12-16 years of age, with mental health needs, and their families who are experiencing conflict. The purpose of the program is to prevent admission of youth into child welfare agencies, or facilitate the safe return of youth to their homes by providing meaningful, timely and supportive intervention to the family and strengthening family relationships and family functions.

ReachOUT (up to 30 yrs. of age)

A creative, inclusive & accessible program that support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTT2IQQ) youth.

Who can access?

  • Individuals under the age of 30 (see group details regarding specific age limits)
  • Identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTT2IQQ)
  • Live and/or play in the City of Toronto and surrounding areas

To read more click here

Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice conferences or circles are a creative and effective way to bring youth who have offended together with those they have affected. This helps the youth understand what they have done and creates opportunities for them to take responsibility. These conferences can either replace or supplement the youth justice response to offending behaviour.

Who can access?

  • Youth between the age of 12 and 16 years of age
  • Have engaged in offending behaviour that puts them at risk of becoming involved in the youth justice or child welfare systems, or that may further entrench them
  • Have suspected or identified mental health concerns
  • Are able to participate in a conference and can benefit from a community based response
  • Acknowledge their actions and are prepared to take some responsibility for the harm they have caused
  • Live in the city of Toronto

To read more click here

Sexual Offending Risk Needs Assessment Treeatment - SORNAT

The SORNAT Program provides community-based assessment and treatment services for youth with a dual diagnosis who have committed a sexual offence or have engaged in problematic sexual behaviour, and their families or care providers.

Who can access?

  • Youth 12 to 18 who are years of age at the age of referral
  • Have a dual diagnosis (mild developmental disability and mental health challenges) and who either:
    • Live in the City of Toronto and participate voluntarily, or
    • Live in Toronto, York Simcoe, Halton or Peel and have been referred by Youth Justice Services

To read more click here

Whatever it Takes (WIT) (0-18 yrs. of age)

Facilitates the collaboration of service providers to respond to children/youth with complex needs or whose needs surpass the ability and capacity of any one service provider or service sector.

Who can access?

  • Children & Youth who are between 0 –18 years of age;
  • Have needs that cross sectors; and
  • Require highly individualized treatment plans
  • Live in the City of Toronto;

To read more click here

Y-CONNECT (16-24 yrs. of age)

Community based mental health and substance use services including outreach, case management drop in, individual, family and group counselling for youth and young adults in the Jane-Finch and surrounding communities.

Who can access?

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  • Individuals who are 15-24 years of age
  • Live in the Jane-Finch and surrounding community
    (Steeles to 401, Humber River to Dufferin)


To read more click here

Youth Mental Health Court Services

This program identifies youth with mental health needs in the justice system and provides support in a timely manner.

Who can access?

  • Youth who are between 16 and 17 years of age at the age of referral
  • Have been or is at risk of being charged with an offence
  • Have a diagnosed or suspected mental health problem, traumatic brain injury or developmental disability


To read more click here

Youth Outreach Services

Griffin Centre Youth Outreach Workers help youth in the Westminster-Branson area to connect to resources such as employment, housing, recreation, health, mental health support and legal concerns.

Who can access?

  • Youth 12-21 years of age
  • Live in North York
    (Westminster-Branson Community)


To read more click here



© 2010 Griffin Centre