How We Work

  • All of our Child and Youth Mental Health Services are voluntary and require your consent to participate.
  • Most of our Youth Justice Program Services are mandated and require a referral from a probation officer or the court.
  • When you agree to use our services this means you will attend regularly, participate and contact us if you need to cancel.
  • We will encourage and help you to be actively involved in identifying your goals and what will be most helpful.
  • Youth 12 and over have the right to receive our services without parental consent or involvement. Youth may withdraw their consent to service at any time.
  • When a youth is under 12 we need parental/guardian consent. If parents are separated or divorced and have joint custody, both parents need to provide us with consent. Parents/guardians may withdraw their consent to service at any time.
  • Your involvement at Peterborough Youth Services is private and confidential unless you share safety issues around abuse, harm to yourself or others or if records are subpoenaed by the court.
  • Sometimes it is helpful to share or receive information from other services you have been or are involved with. This only happens if you sign a written consent form.
  • Peterborough Youth Services may have a waiting list for the service you need. If you are placed on the waiting list, you can call your waitlist case manager, if necessary, and they will look at options to support you at that time.
  • Written information will be documented in an electronic client information system. These files are available to you upon request and are stored securely and confidentially in the agency’s electronic client information system.
  • All PYS clients have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and without discrimination.
  • We strive to provide accessible and barrier-free services and offer a safe and secure service environment.
  • If you are unhappy or concerned with the service you are receiving, Peterborough Youth Services has a complaint procedure. We encourage you to speak directly to your case manager/counsellor to see if the concern can be resolved. If the problem cannot be resolved through talking with your case manager/counsellor, you are encouraged to speak or write to their Program Manager. If your concerns are still unresolved, you make contact the Executive Director in writing. You may also contact the Ontario Ombudsman at 1(800)263-1830 at any time.
  • Risks and benefits are unique to every person and situation. There are often many benefits to service and any risks are monitored and explored with you by your counsellor.
  • Any further questions, please feel free to ask!