Kinark Delivers Virtual Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Each year, Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) is acknowledged during the first week of May. The week is about increasing awareness of the signs of child and youth mental health issues and decreasing stigma to help children, youth and families receive the treatment they need and it’s about celebrating the people who help kids and families with complex needs achieve better life outcomes.

Kinark wants to recognize and thank frontline workers for their commitment and dedication to improving the lives of children, youth and their families, not just this week or during this pandemic, but year-round.

To the children, youth and families who need help, Kinark is here for you. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we stand committed to providing services and supporting our communities.

During Children’s mental health Week, Kinark staff are collaborating with community partners to deliver free workshops online. Kinark is also providing free resources during the pandemic for children, youth and families on our website here.

The health and safety of Kinark’s clients and the health and safety of the Kinark staff supporting clients is our top priority – every day and particularly during this difficult and stressful time. Kinark’s Live-In Treatment services and Syl Apps Youth Centre continue to operate with in-person service with enhanced health and safety/infection prevention and control measures. Central Intake remains open for inquiries and new referrals for service.

Kinark offices and locations are closed to the public. Kinark has launched virtual clinical services for clients in community-based Child and Youth Mental Health, Autism and Intensive Support and Supervision Programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are regularly assessing and re-assessing our clients’ needs and adjusting our approach to service and support as needed. Our menu of available services continues to expand. We are also working with the Ministry of the Attorney General to explore options for virtual Supervised Access visits.

We are providing updates on our website here.

About Kinark
Kinark Child and Family Services is a leading provider of services and supports for children and youth with complex needs and their families. Serving approximately 10,000 children, youth and families throughout Ontario annually, services are provided in the areas of Child and Youth Mental Health; Autism; Forensic Mental Health/Youth Justice; Supervised Access; Childcare and the Kinark Outdoor Centre. Kinark is Lead Agency for Child and Youth Mental Health in York, Durham and Haliburton/City of Kawartha/Peterborough area.