At St Leonard's Youth and Family Services, we are here for families and young people. We are here to witness transformation. We are here to inspire confidence. We are here to support parents to become the best parents they can. We are here to believe in youth when others have given up on them.
When people have someone to believe in them, change becomes possible. We believe. And as a result, we see people leave here with hope. They feel accepted and they feel respected. We invite you to learn more about us and the crucial social service supports we provide to those most in need in our community.
Services Offered
Outlook Community Youth Services * Outlook Alternate Education Program - The Outlook Alternate Education Program assists youth in Burnaby who at the present time are disconnected from local mainstream or alternate programs to get back into the public school system. Individualized education plans are established for each youth so the youth can work at their own pace and level. In addition, there is a family support component, outreach services, social and life skills training, and access to counselling services.
* Outreach to Sexually Exploited Youth - Our Youth Worker supports high-risk youth who are at risk of exploitation or are being exploited. We provide individualized care planning that may include finding safe and secure housing, getting into detox or counselling services, and just being a very non-judgmental supportive adult in their lives.
Family Development The Family Development Program is flexible and responsive, offering services within the family that address specific needs. Service delivery is based on an Integrated Case Management approach, which is centred on and driven by the young people and families we serve, and closely involves the significant others and professionals in their lives. Family Development Program staff help the family determine its own strengths and direction, and support the family in making practical and lasting change.
Services offered through the Family Development Program include: * Individual and/or brief family therapy * Parenting skills instruction * Assistance and advocacy to help parents access community, support and personal services * Family development support * Individual and group work with children, youth and/or families
Child and Youth Access The Child and Youth Access program helps children, youth and families deal with mental health issues, including behavioral, psychological, and emotional challenges. The program provides timely, appropriate and effective assistance that respects and promotes the independence and self-determination of participants.
Child and Youth Access offers: * Individual and family counselling and assessment * Crisis intervention * Consultation with parents, caregivers and professionals * Psychological assessment
SMILE for Young Parents - Supporting young mothers, fathers, and their family with love and education.
The SMILE program builds on the personal strengths of young mothers and fathers to help them develop confidence in their ability to become a good parent.
SMILE for young mothers: * Pre-natal and birth preparation classes * Pregnancy testing * Family counselling services * A lending library of books, videos and other parenting resources * Connection to additional support systems in the community * Midwifery appointments provided on site
Fees and Payment
Services are free.
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
