Mental Health & Wellness

Over 50% of the children and youth have mental health concerns. Concerns with their physical, emotional or cognitive health or behaviour. However, the health issues are not limited to children and youth. The family situation is often the cause of unsettled and vulnerable situations. As a result, there are various programs available to address issues in regards to mental health and wellness. DCAF is committed to provide support to pro-actively address concerns. In other words, through professional counselling, therapy and support, children and youth can experience a brighter future. The negative impacts of COVID has lead to the deterioration of mental health for many children and youth. Support is available for individuals and their families.

Behavioural Support and Therapy

Children and youth with traumatic experiences such as: abuse and neglect often require specialized therapy. Moreover, children and youth may be acting out through violent and aggressive activity. These behaviours are often from trauma, as they try to cope with past experiences. As a result, types of behaviour modification and treatment are often very expensive. Above all, a child can obtain the skills to properly cope with their past experiences with the proper care, encouragement and support.

Counselling and Wellness

DCAF provides support for counselling on behalf of children and families to help reduce the risk of abuse and neglect before they happen. Funding assists those children who are often not in the direct care of Durham Children’s Aid Society. Above all, the hope is to prevent situations that require having to bring the children into direct care. A pro-active approach makes a tremendous difference. The difference between children staying with their family, or children having to be placed in care. It is the goal that all preventative alternatives be explored prior to placing a child or youth in direct care.