The STEPS – Youth Community Counselling Program is an outreach-based and/or virtual counselling and case management programs for youth ages 15-17 years. Counsellors meet youth where they are at, providing support to youth experiencing on-going mental health challenges, who may be under-housed or homeless and/or likely to transition into adult services. This program utilizes a strength-based, client-centered approach, focusing on immediate needs and long-term goals.
Goals of the Program:
- To improve day-to-day functioning and overall well-being of youth
- To assist youth with an effective transition to other support systems as needed, including adult mental health services
- Response to immediate needs of youth and development of strategies related to:
- Mental health challenges
- Basic needs (food, clothing, housing)
- Education
- Employment and employment readiness
- Substance use issues
Inclusionary Criteria:
- Youth ages 15-17 years who are residing in the Region of Peel
- Youth with persistent mental health issues (with or without a formal diagnosis) requiring ongoing support and service
- Youth with mental health issues and several of the following: disconnected from family and in an unstable and unsafe living situation (i.e. residing in shelters/homeless), disconnected from school and/or employment and mainstream services, negative peer relationships, substance misuse, history of trauma, aggression, criminal/anti-social behaviour
Exclusionary Criteria:
- Youth who are actively suicidal, homicidal or in need of immediate crisis stabilization
- When the safety of the Worker cannot be ensured
Referral Source:
- Self-referrals
- Community Mental Health Services
- Peel CAS
- Peel School Boards
- Hospitals
- Youth Justice Services
Referral Process:
Community partners, youth and caregivers can contact AYSP’s Youth Intake Specialist 905.890.5222.
Youth and caregivers can also make a self-referral by contacting WhereToStart.ca or by calling 905.451.4655.
Partner organizations and AYSP staff working with clients who meet eligibility requirements can make a referral to the STEPS – Youth Community Counselling Program via the Internal Transfer Protocol.
The STEPS – Youth Community Counselling Program Supervisor is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the referral process or program criteria and can be contacted via this email: STEPS@aysp.ca.