Intensive Family Support Program (IFS)

The Intensive Family Support Program provides intensive family based therapeutic support for families with children (ages 0-11) whose significant early aggressive, oppositional or defiant behaviours place them at high risk for future 7 antisocial behaviour and negative outcomes. This program is designed to be an alternative to residential treatment; IFS focuses on children remaining and succeeding within their unique family/community contexts. IFS Workers engage with children and their families to complete a thorough assessment and develop a collaborative intervention plan. Intervention plans are highly individualized and may include: individual, family and group counselling; parenting strategies; homebased coaching and support; school support and advocacy; community support; and life skills coaching. Children are referred to this program through Toronto’s Centralized Access to Residential Services (C.A.R.S.).

Family and Community Counselling

The Family and Community Counselling team provides counselling services for families of children under the age of six who are experiencing social, emotional, developmental or behavioural difficulties. The program is also available for children ages 6-11 and their families who have been referred internally from another CDI program. Child and Family Clinicians provide counselling services tailored to each family’s needs. Services may include:family therapy; parent counselling; parent-child interventions; parenting guidance and support; specialized group programs; in-home coaching and support; liaison and consultation to schools; and service coordination. Clinicians focus on identifying and building on strengths, and addressing specific areas such as the child’s needs, family dynamics, stressors, coping strategies and parenting styles. Children are referred to this program through CDI’s Early Intervention Intake Services; priority is given to children under the age of three.