Smilezone Transformation
We’re happy to share that TPYS was selected for “transformation” by Smilezone! The Smilezone Foundation transforms an existing waiting room, treatment room, or client/family care room into a “Smilezone,” which is custom designed with features such as fresh paint, colourful murals, furniture, cabinetry and storage, and interactive technology. They have transformed more than 330+ Smilezones at over 80 hospitals and community health centres since 2013. Smilezone will be transforming some of our welcoming and client spaces at our head office at 95 Wellesley St. East. Pics to follow in the new year!
Honouring Our Promise: Ending Anti-Black Racism (HOPE) Symposium
TPYS Staff and Management attended the “Invitation to Honouring Our Promise: Ending Anti-Black Racism (HOPE) Symposium.” This symposium launched the background report “that explores the issues affecting the mental health of Black infants, children and youth in Toronto and the accompanying strategy, Honouring Our Promise: Ending Anti-Black Racism (HOPE), which documents the sector’s commitment for the next four years.”
A number of TPYS managers and staff from our EDI Committee attended in person and virtually, participated in the discussion groups, and helped to shape ideas for the work plan that will be developed for the child and youth mental health (CYMH) providers in Toronto. A copy of the “Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy (2023-2026)” can be found on our Anti-Oppression & Anti-Racism page.
Anti-Black Racism Task Force: Toronto Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health Anti-Black Racism Project (Jan 18 – Feb 3, 2022)
Have your say! We are pleased to be working with @DiversityMusing and Toronto’s infant, child, and youth mental health sector to develop an Anti-Black Racism Strategy for the sector.
Members of Toronto’s Black community are invited to share their perspectives and participate through an online survey and small group discussions in January and February 2022. Learn more and register at www.HOPE-Strategy.com.
#BlackMentalHealth #AntiBlackRacism
TPYS and COVID-19
At TPYS, the health and safety of youth, families, caregivers, staff and visitors is a top priority. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and have implemented protection measures based on guidance from Public Health and medical experts. As an agency offering essential services, we continue to provide help to those most in need, while taking needed measures to keep everyone safe.
Here are some of the changes we have implemented:
- We have enhanced safety measures such as the use of PPE, screening, cleaning, service prioritization and social distancing.
- All individuals coming to one of our sites must have an appointment and will be screened for signs and/or symptoms of COVID-19/potential exposure to COVID, travel history and more.
- We are offering virtual and telephone appointments.
- Some onsite visits and face-to-face meetings are possible when necessary and by appointment.
- Everyone entering our sites or in face-to-face contact with our staff are required to wear a mask.
- All visitors and staff must be symptom free, wash their hands when entering any sites and in contact with others, all while maintaining proper distance (2 metres).
If you are a youth or parent needing mental health information, counselling services or access to live-in facilities, please call our Intake worker at 416-925-9250 Ext. 224
We are committed to ensuring your safety and well-being. As new information becomes available, TPYS will respond appropriately and modify operations as needed.
We thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Turning Point Youth Services
Launch of In-Home Intensive Program
Responding to an increased demand for services that do not require youth to be absent from the home, we are very excited to announce the launch of our new In-Home Intensive Program. Facilitated by Toronto’s Lead Agency for Infant, Children and Youth Mental Health (East Metro Youth Services) and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and in partnership with The George Hull Centre for Children and Families and SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health, Turning Point will soon be adding a new service delivery model to our existing services. The In-Home Intensive Program is for youth ages 12 to 17 who have mental health concerns and difficulties functioning at home and in the community. By providing therapy and supports in the home, the program aims to preserve and strengthen family cohesion and enhance the family’s ability to manage their challenges. Our Counsellors will be teaming up with an In-Home Support Worker to help youth and family members develop the skills they need to live together.
Youth Court Screening Project
Turning Point Youth Services is launching a one year pilot project at the Ontario Court of Justice at 311 Jarvis. The project offers each young person with a criminal justice matter at 311 Jarvis the opportunity to take part in a short screening that will help identify youth’s needs in areas including mental health, substance abuse and other factors that may contribute to involvement in the justice system. Based on the results of the screening, young persons are referred to a service provider at court that is best suited to help them address their needs. TPYS thanks the Law Foundation of Ontario, the project’s principal funder, as well as contributing funders University of Toronto Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The project is also supported by the in-kind contributions of many different organizations operating at 311 Jarvis.
New Recording Studio
We are pleased to announce the opening of our new recording studio. The studio provides an opportunity for young people to learn new skills, take advantage of some pretty cool equipment, and ultimately to record their own creations. Come on down and learn to rap, make beats, record a song or learn a new instrument.
Thanks to our partner, Regent Park School of Music, for their assistance in supporting the arts!
