Haldimand Norfolk REACH

The Police told me to call REACH. Who do I talk to?
- Often, police officers suggest services from REACH for children, youth and families.

- If this is a crisis situation, please call the crisis phone number at 1.888.327.3224.

- If this is not a crisis situation and you are unsure of the specific program, call REACH and ask for our Contact Division. They can help you decide what services would be most helpful.

- If the police involvement was due to a youth aged 12-18 committing an illegal act, then this youth may have been offered the opportunity to participate in the Diversion program. If this is the case, the youth needs to call REACH at 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087, x 307, within 7 days of the police involvement, and leave a message for the Diversion worker.

What qualifications do you need for a position in.....(all the different areas of REACH)
Please call 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087 and ask to be connected to our Human Resources Department. We also invite you to visit the Volunteer section of our website.

I'm taking a ----certain course -------and need to know if I will be qualified for work at REACH.
Please call 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087 and ask to be connected to our Human Resources Department. We also invite you to visit the Volunteer section of our website.

How do you apply for work or volunteering with families in the community? (Respite, Licensed Home, Special Services at Home)
Please call 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087 and ask to be connected to our Human Resources Department. We also invite you to visit the Volunteer section of our website.

What's the wait for counselling / IHI services in the Clinical dept?
When a child or youth is referred to the Child Counselling Program or the In Home Intervention Program offered through Child Clinical Services, there may be wait before they can be seen by a therapist or worker. This is because the demand for these services exceeds our resources. When a child/youth is referred to these programs, there is a system in place to look closely at the information provided by the family as to what the child's needs are, and determine from there what their priority would be regarding wait for service. We also stay in touch with families to make sure that we have all of the most recent information about the child/youth so we can continue to review and assess priority for service. While people wait, they can access services that are more immediate in nature if they wish. Families can use the Child and Youth Crisis Service and the Walk In Counselling Clinic, both of which provide a quick response and short term supports.

What's a telepsych?
Telepsych is short form for Telepsychiatry, a program that is offered at REACH. If children and youth require a psychiatric assessment to support their treatment plan, REACH has the ability to refer children and youth to a psychiatrist for a consultation using video technology. Children, youth and their families would meet face to face via video with psychiatrist that is based in London or Windsor. This service is for consultation only, but provides people with a convenient way to meet with a psychiatrist without leaving their home communities. You can ask your worker or therapist about Telepsychiatry or you can call REACH and speak with a Resource Coordinator at Contact Haldimand & Norfolk to find out more.

How do I make a referral?
Access to services at REACH is offered through several ways. Most programs that are described on our website have a section that specifically directs you on how to make a referral for that service. For children's mental health programs, you can call REACH at 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087and ask for Contact Haldimand & Norfolk. For the Child and Youth Crisis Service, please call the service directly at 1-866-327-3244.

What's the wait time for receiving service?
It would be difficult to provide a detailed response about general wait times for the many and varied services offered at REACH. This question may be answered more accurately for you at the time you are making the referral. The person taking your information would be able to provide you with information about how long waiting periods are for that particular program and what other options may be available while you wait. It is important to note however that most REACH programs do not have waiting periods and can be accessed very quickly.

What is REACH?
Please visit our website at About Us

What does REACH do?
Please visit our website at About Us

Does REACH offer counselling?
REACH offers several counselling programs for children, youth, individuals and families. Visit our website ~ Counselling Supports for Children and Youth or Counselling Supports for Adults and Families

Can I get an assessment at REACH?
There are several opportunities to receive more information about your child through an assessment process depending on the program you are involved in. It would be best to speak with your worker or clinician, or to call and speak with one of our Contact Resource Coordinators to get more specific information about what assessments may be needed and available through our services. REACH does not provide Custody and Access assessments for Family Court, nor do we have the capacity to provide a "diagnosis" for your child. Again, it is important to have a discussion with someone who can help you determine what your needs are, and assist in determining what your next steps should be, that may include a referral to another service provider. Visit our website at Access to Services.

What is an Ontario Early Years Centre?
An Ontario Early Years Centre is a place for children up to the age of six and their parents and caregivers to take part in programs and activities together. Parents and caregivers can also get information about their children's development and about services to support that development.

Every Ontario Early Years Centre offers the services listed below. The programs and services are free to all parents and caregivers of young children.
- Early learning and literacy programs for parents and children.
- Programs to help parents and caregivers in all aspects of early child development.
- Programs on pregnancy and parenting.
- Links to other early years programs in the community.
- Outreach activities so all parents can get involved with their local Ontario Early Years Centre.

What types of services do the Ontario Early Years Centres offer?
Ontario Early Years Centre offer services and programs for parents of children up to the age of six. Staff at the Centres can help you:
- Get ready to be a parent if you are going to have a baby.
- Help your child learn to talk, play and read.
- Learn new parenting skills.
- Search for child care and information on how to choose quality care.
- Meet the needs of your family by offering information about other community programs.

Why are the early years important?
The years before six are the most influential to a child's development. How we care for our children during the first six years sets the stage for their lifelong learning, behaviour and health.

Who works at Ontario Early Years Centre?
The Ontario Early Years Centres employ staff with a range of expertise in early childhood development including trained early years professionals and volunteers.

Are the services offered at the Ontario Early Years Centres free?
Yes. All services at Ontario Early Years Centres are free to parents and caregivers of young children. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child, up to the age of six, you are welcome at the Ontario Early Years Centre in your community.

My child care provider has concerns about my child but I don't see the problem - what can I do?
The Family Early Intervention Program can help. Sometimes children act differently when they are away from their parents. The Family Early Intervention Program can assist the childcare provider in finding ways to help the child do well. We work with children in their child care programs to help the child care centre employees learn way to support all children.

Where is the Infant and Child Development Program delivered?
Most services are provided in the home of families or guardian but could also be done in the Ontario Early Years Centre.

What is the Infant and Child Development Program and what does this service offer?
The Infant and Child Development Program provides support in relation to your child's development.
- We use assessments and screening tools to monitor your child's development.

- We do home visits independently or with other professionals to help support the family.
- We can make further referrals to community agencies or share information about other services.

- We can help you establish goals and strategies to support your child's development.

How do I know if my child's development is normal?
Every child develops at their own rate. A child can be below their age level or above in different areas. One area of development may develop quickly while other areas plateau, such as gross motor skills related to walking. We are able to review your child's rate of development using an assessment or screening tool. Infant and Child Development Services offer the ‘1-2-3- Look at Me' Screening Clinic to help you understand your child's development. If you have any questions please call 519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087 and ask to speak with a Contact Haldimand-Norfolk Resource Consultant.We also welcome you to visit our website and read about our Access to Services.

Do you have information on other community services?
Yes. Please visit our Community Information Database or you may contact a Resource Coordinator from Contact Haldimand-Norfolk for assistance.

Who is eligible for Developmental Services?
Individuals qualify for Developmental Services if they are a child or adult diagnosed with a Developmental Disability and are a resident of Haldimand or Norfolk counties. Children up to the age of 18 years of age with a physical disability qualify for some services offered by Developmental Services at H-N REACH.

Is there a cost for this program?
There is no cost for this program.

How much does it cost to receive individual, couple or family counselling through REACH's Family Services Unit?
The Family Services Unit fee for counselling is $75.00 per hour. This cost may be covered for some people through their Employee Assistance programs and, unlike some benefits, you do not have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.

Does OHIP, Ontario Works (OW), or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) cover the cost of individual, couple or family counselling offered through the Family Services Unit?
No.

Does the Family Services Unit offer an anger management program?
- The Family Services Unit provides individual counselling that can address issues related to anger.
- The Family Services Unit also offers a program called P.A.R. (Partner Assault Response). P.A.R. is an educational counselling program for individuals who have been mandated by the court following a guilty plea, or finding of guilt of a domestic violence related charge.

How long is the wait to receive individual, couple or family counselling through the Family Services Unit?
People with the means to pay will be offered a face to face appointment time that is within one week of the initial call. There is a waiting list for counselling when fee assistance is required.

Does the Family Services Unit offer evening counselling appointments for individual, couple or family?
The Family Services Unit offers appointments in the day and evening. There may be a longer wait for evening appointments.

Does the Family Services Unit Counselling Program offer couple counselling?
Yes. Our counsellors use a positive approach focusing on strengths to develop solutions in a timely manner. Couples often seek help for a variety of issues affecting their relationships.

Who are your counsellors and what are their credentials?
All of our Family Services counsellors have a Masters Degree in Social Work or equivalent and have at least 5 years of experience.

Where are the Family Services Unit programs offered?
REACH's Family Services are offered at various locations across Haldimand and Norfolk Counties. Visit our website at ‘Access to Services' to find out where.