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POINT - People and Organizations in North Toronto

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Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS) - POINT - People and Organizations in North Toronto

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Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS) is a community-based, accredited Children’s Mental Health Centre that serves many of Toronto’s most vulnerable youth. We believe in building the strength and resiliency of young people in ways that are engaging, respectful and empowering. Programs & Services: Co…

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Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS)

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"If they are not mentally well, folks will have a hard time experiencing a positive class experience"

In partnership with TDSB (Toronto District School Board)

Goal: Alternative program that puts the emphasis on folks' mental wellness. The main purpose of the program is to connect with schools to help young folks fulfill their academic requirements while addressing their mental health to ensure their success. Also offers "transition spaces" for folks who finished high school but still require mental health support.

Intake process: Young people come into the program through an intake process that highlights criteria such as mental illness, a diagnosis, psychological issues- they have to be functioning (mostly be ready for the program and mentally well enough for the type of intervention the program offers) and willing to participate in the program.

Approaches: Therapeutic programming, counselling sessions, guide them through resources available to them

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"My clients are wonderful human being who have been dealt a hand of cards for many years from our health care structures that did not have all the answers. Now that they are in a setting that appreciates their needs and feelings, they are reminded that they are important and valid and can achieve their goals!"

Age group: 12 to 24 years old

Setting: They are in a setting that celebrates their diversity and provides them a safe space to discuss mental health topics that have major stigmas (for example: delusional thoughts)

Referral process: If the clients are in a mainstream school system and struggling, social workers can flag folks' needs and connect them with the agency. The intake worker reviews the files and gives them to the CYCPs who then interview the client. The client gets a half day to get an idea of the program and then decide if the program is a good fit for them or not.

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"The direct role of the CYCP is to initially connect with the young person and ensure they are a good fit for the program"

Help support them and provide specific strategies around their mental wellness to make sure they are successful

Implements Therapeutic programming

Connect with families and caseworkers inside and outside of the agency to make sure the circle of care is operating smoothly

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"Folks appreciate the hybrid model and it has been functioning well so far!"

The school board decisions greatly impacted the operations of the agency

Hybrid model: Instead of attending the program five times a week, clients now attend five days in person and a half-day online on Wednesdays. They call it "Wellness Wednesday" and everyone enjoys the little mid-week break.

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"The agency offers different programs that require  different qualifications. Your experience is what will determine your eligibility in those specific programs"

Qualifications:

A graduate/master level degree in a relevant field and/or equivalent experience.

Registration in a Regulated Health College (R.P. /R.S.W.) is required.

Minimum two years’ experience working in Children’s Mental Health.

Demonstrated experience providing clinical counselling to youth and families.

Experience providing brief therapy interventions an asset

Experience supporting racialized and 2SILGBTQ communities.

Skills in assessment, formulation, counselling, case planning and coordination with youth and families.

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"You should definitely register as an OACYC and it will be standing out point in any given interview!"

OACYC:

Includes publication that needs, provides literature and resources essential for CYCPs.

A space to exchange professional ideas and innovation- our advices is being up to date and we are able to keep up with society’s perspectives.

A place to hold counsellors accountable -  permits us to grow and have opportunities to share our own experiences.

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"This field does not have a high salary range but we were drawn to this profession for a reason, like a helper spirit and that in itself you cannot put a price to it!"

Alternatives and advices:

You can generate income from personal interests that are outside of the field. The key is to know how to  balancing out being a CYCP and those other interests.

You can always build on your qualifications after you have obtained your diploma and figure out a career path that fits your interest and salary expectations.

Possibilities are endless - find the value in what you are doing and let this evolve organically and see where your experiences take you.

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"With time and experience you get into a groove where you establish your own style. You must exist in the world outside displaying your profession"

Pros and advices:

Depending on the environments where you work you will develop certain skills - for example group homes will help you develop counselling skills.

Overtime you will get comfortable in your skin and overcome some of your insecurities.

You will get into a groove where what you’re saying becomes real and authentic.

Your clients will also feel your authenticity and presence so it is important that you remain real and authentic to build a genuine connection.

Challenges:

Funding can be a challenge.

Regular burnout.

Folks with mental health challenges - there is an unpredictability, people can become unwell.

You cannot save everybody but you should believe you can.

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How to manage the field's challenges and personal well-being 

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How to manage the field's challenges and personal well-being 

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"It is extremely important that you take care of yourself to overcome the burnouts that come with the expectations of the field"

Find your emotional balance- how are you going to fill out your emotional tank at the end of the day

Mindfulness- workout your brain, reinforce your focus (mindfulness exercises, yoga)

Learn to self-talk - breathing through difficult situations, changing the narrative (change your thoughts)