About Us
Delisle has been in the business of helping Toronto’s children, youth, and their families for more than 35 years and over time we have evolved into an organization that offers a diversity of programs that is virtually unparalleled in the city of Toronto today. We are also one of the only service providers in the city that functions in two capacities - as both a direct service provider and as a system service provider. That’s important because as a system service provider we have an overview of all of the residential programs in the city and that enables us to identify gaps in direct service provision, predict future trends, and work with community planners and government funders to help the system plan services in an efficient way on behalf of the children and families in Toronto
In the capacity of direct service provider, Delisle offers counselling, a long-term group home program, and a day treatment program for troubled youth who are preparing for the challenges of independent living. We also offer lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, two spiritied and questioning youth programs ; homeless programs for youth who can no longer live with their families; and ongoing case management and case brokering for children with complex special needs.
Through our system programs, we provide access for children with mental health problems into child and adolescent group home resources and we provide a single point of entry into residential services for children with complex special needs.
Whether in the capacity of direct or system service provider however, it’s important to note that Delisle has always distinguished itself by:
• responding in a positive and timely way to system requests;
• delivering on our commitment to establish individual plans of care for each and every one of our clients;
• being creative with respect to problem solving;
• using trust as the cornerstone for relationship building;
• and, using the keywords “integrity” and “compassion” as the foundation for the services we offer.
In 1970, Delisle Youth Services provided services to 16 youth. In 2008, we provided care and support to more than 2,000 clients.
Who we serve
Delisle Youth Services supports children and youth through difficulties at school, at home, among their friends, or in the community. Some clients come to us because they have mental illness or emotional difficulties. Some have addictions. Some find themselves in conflict with their families, their school or the law. Some come from troubled families struggling with mental illness, suicide, poverty or abuse. Some have left home.
Delisle works closely with families, schools and other professionals. But our clients are the children and youth we serve. We are committed to serving our clients in the most caring, least intrusive way possible. All clients come to us voluntarily. We do not force anyone to use services they do not want.
“Research shows adolescents need at least three significant adults involved in their lives, beside their parents, to be successful. Most of our youth are lucky if they have one. That is where Delisle staff come in.”
Marg Campbell, Executive Director