Family and Children's Services provides child protection services for children from birth to the age of 16 years. Youth 16 years and older are outside of our jurisdiction for service. However, care and support can be extended to youth currently in our care until the age of 18 or 21 if they remain in school, an apprenticeship or career training. FACS Foundation also provides financial assistance for post secondary education through our Bursary Program.

Regional Adolescent Centre

The Regional Adolescent Centre was established in 1976 and is located in Welland behind our offices at 654 South Pelham Road. The Centre is a youth home and treatment centre for those youth whose needs cannot be met in a regular foster home. It is not a detention centre.

Many youth come to the Centre in a time of crisis in their lives. Our goal is to help stabilize their situation and help them make a successful transition back to the community, a foster family, their family of origin or independent living. The Centre provides round the clock staffing and a structured and supportive environment for youth.

The Centre offers a residential setting in two separate houses, Brant and Merritt. Each has 5 bedrooms for girls on one level and 5 for boys on a separate level, a total capacity for 20 youth. Each home has a common dining and living area as well as office space for staff. The Centre serves the entire Niagara Region and while most youth will continue to attend their regular schools, there is also a classroom on site.

The Centre also offers psychiatric support, a visiting nurse and case management for the young people in our care. Youth may stay for an overnight placement, several weeks, months or even years based on their needs. Each year we serve approximately 50 youth, aged 12 to 16 years, at the Centre. The only service of its kind, youth would have to leave Niagara for service if not for the Regional Adolescent Centre.

New Outlooks and Beginnings

Growing up in care is a different experience than growing up in a regular family. By the time youth reach their teen years, they may have had several foster care or other placements and likely have little or no contact with their biological families. Getting ready to make the transition to independent living in the community can be a little scary, especially without the safety net of parents.

New Outlooks and Beginnings helps youth prepare to leave the care of FACS and establish independent living in the community. New Outlooks educates and prepares youth for the many adult responsibilities they will soon face and provides support and continuity for them as they make this important transition.

Through group work and one on one support, New Outlooks tackles issues such as communication skills, managing a budget or a household, how to find an apartment or how to apply for a job. Teens have an opportunity to discuss sexuality, relationships and making healthy choices.

We also work on personal care skills and building self-esteem so that these young people can feel more confident about going out on their own. We provide support, guidance and advice. We are there to celebrate the successes and to provide a supportive shoulder to lean on when things don't go so well.

The Youth Advisory Committee provides a voice for young people in care and works with Board Members to identify issues of concern for youth and to help improve the in-care experience for all children and youth served by FACS.