New Programs & Partnerships

Youth Beyond Barriers (YBB)
Youth Mental Health Court Worker

Youth Beyond Barriers (YBB)

General Program Description:

The Youth Beyond Barriers Program provides support and resources to queer and trans youth in Peel. The YBB Program provides a support and social group, one-to-one support and a confidential telephone line, email and “Facebook” contact for youth, caregivers and professionals, offering information, support and relevant resources. 

The youth group offers support and social opportunity as well as resources and mental health referral/information. The group aims to promote healthy living, healthy sexuality and queer & trans positive lifestyles & identities, through group and social activities, and community education and advocacy, where appropriate.

Additionally, the YBB program offers one to one support, consultation and referrals, including connection to the Gay-Straight Alliances in the Peel District School Board schools, to Peel PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and referral to queer positive counselling services.

The Youth Beyond Barriers Program also provides educational workshops and organizes community events to raise awareness regarding queer and trans issues and other forms of oppression.      

 Goals of the Program:

  • That all youth, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity be afforded equal access to service provision, including the freedom from harassment and discrimination due to sexual orientation and/or gender identity; and, that all youth reach an optimum level of comfort with regard to their identity, enabling them to achieve their full potential
  • To offer support and resources for queer and trans youth, and build capacity among service providers in Peel to work positively and in a celebratory way with this community, through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework

Inclusionary Criteria:

  • Living in the Region of Peel
  • Youth 12-19 (up to their 19th birthday)
  • Queer and/or Trans Identified youth
  • Youth in need of support
  • YBB also provides services to: parents/caregivers, allies and professionals

Exclusionary Criteria:

  • Youth who are actively suicidal, homicidal or in need of immediate crisis stabilization
  • When the safety of the youth worker can not be ensured

Referral Sources:

  • Self referrals by he adolescent or parent/caregiver in need
  • Community agencies, including: Schools, Children's Mental Health Agencies, Crisis/distress Services, Community Health Centres, Public Health Children's Aid, Community Mental Health Services, Centralized Intake for Children and Youth Mental Health Services
  • Internal referrals from other AYSP programs

Referral Process:

Community partners, youth and caregivers can contact the YBB Program directly by calling (905) 890-5222 or 1-800-762-8377 ext. 460 (toll free). The YBB Program can also be accessed by e-mail at youth@aysp.ca

Youth and caregivers can also make a self-referral by calling Centralized Intake for Children and Youth Mental Health Services at (905) 451-4655. 

Centralize Intake Partner agencies and AYSP staff working with clients who meet eligibility requirements can make a referral to the YBB Program via the Internal Transfer Protocol

The YBB Program Supervisor is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the referral process or program criteria.

Group Session Calendar coming soon.

 

Telephone: 1-800-762-8377 ext. 460

Email:  youth@aysp.ca
 
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