Supports and Services
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
- Adoption and Legal Custody
Children’s Aid Societies provide supports to families who give children in their care a home through adoption, legal custody, kinship, and customary care. Additional financial help is available to families who are adopting or taking legal custody of children in Extended Society Care who are siblings or 8 years of age and older. If your family's income is $93,700 or less, a tax-free subsidy is available. If adopting, you may be eligible for subsidized services to support your child’s special needs.
POST-ADOPTION SUPPORT
Adopt4Life has a number of support groups led by adoptive parents for prospective, kin and adoptive families in and around the Waterloo Region. In addition to informal gatherings, such as play and chats or their monthly Parent Connections, they also offer one-on-one parent support, buddies and mentors, information sessions and adoption related resources. Create your support network by connecting with them in the following ways:
Heather Richardson Teresa McQuillin
519-588-7485 teresa@adopt4life.com
heather@adopt4life.com 1.888.274.6222 x 115
1.888.274.6222 x107
Website - www.adopt4Life.com
- Walk-In Counselling Clinic
KW Counselling Walk-In Clinic offers professional services to assist with a wide variety of issues. Open Thursdays from 12-6 pm at 480 Charles Street, East in Kitchener. No appointment necessary. For more information, call 519-884-0000 or email info@kwcounselling.com
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
When a child or youth is experiencing mental health, emotional or behavioural problems, knowing where to get help may be confusing and stressful. Front Door provides a one-stop first contact for families and young people who are looking for assistance and services.
ATTACHMENT PARENTING
Daniel A. Hughes is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children and youth who have experienced childhood trauma and attachment disorganization. Not having much success helping these children with traditional treatments, he developed an attachment-focused treatment to guide his model of treatment and parenting. Dan has written a number of helpful books and articles, available on his website .
Heather T. Forbes is an adoptive mother, therapist and author. She is committed to empowering parents with a new perspective on unconditional love in raising children and in relationships. Find her on Facebook, Twitter or visit her website.
SUBSTANCE USE DURING PREGNANCY
FASD Waterloo Region offers strategies, tips and local supports for families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Waterloo Region has a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Support Group for families parenting children with FASD. Contact Bonnie Holmes at 519-883-2223 or bholmes@region.waterloo
FASD Ontario Network of Expertise (FASD ONE) is working to respond to emerging issues, changing environment, and available resources by focusing on priorities related to gaps or challenges associated with this complex disability.
HELPFUL LINKS
The Ministry for Children and Youth Services is working with government and community partners to develop and implement policies, programs and a service system that helps give children the best possible start in life, prepare youth to become productive adults and make it easier for families to access the services they need at all stages of a child's development. Follow MCYS on Twitter.
The Adoption Council of Canada raises public awareness of adoption, promotes the placement of waiting children and youth, and stresses the importance of post-adoption services. They provide adoption resources, referrals, education and support. Find the ACC on Facebook and Twitter.
The Adoption Council of Ontario educates the community about adoption, connects families and children, supports them on their lifelong journey, and advocates for all those touched by adoption. Connect with ACO on Facebook or Twitter.