The Nipissing Parry Sound District Children’s Aid Society will use $1.5 million in provincial money to develop an eight-bed licensed children’s residence called The Arbour House.
According to the group's website, Arbour House will ensure children remain in the north by offering short-term crisis and stabilization placements for youth between the ages of 12 and 18.
"We specialize in trauma-informed and individualized programming to suit the needs of children and youth," it says.
The temporary placement length of stay is 60 days with a possible extension to 90 days.
“The Arbour House will have a positive impact in determining a different trajectory for northern youth, while keeping them close to home,” said MPP Vic Fedeli in announcing the grant.
“We look forward to the rollout of this project, which is a prototype that could be replicated in other areas of the north, where similar resources currently do not exist.”
“This residence has been a long term vision for Nipissing & Parry Sound Children’s Aid Society as well as that of the 14 other CASs and Child Well-Being agencies," said Gisèle Hébert, Executive Director at CAS Nipissing and Parry Sound.
“Community connection and support is vital for children and youth, providing stability in their lives. We need to look at all avenues for our children and youth to keep them as close to home as best possible,” said Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues. “This local initiative will develop short-term residential placement supports specifically designed to keep youth in their communities."
The Arbour House program is designed to provide quick access to a short-term crisis stabilization home and develop the capacity to return the youth to their home community in a timely manner.
Arbour House is located in the underutilized Near North Youth Centre, the former secure youth justice custody facility.
