Children's Mental Health at Dufferin Child and Family Services
655 Riddell Road L9W 4Z5 Orangeville, ON, Canada

We wish everyone happiness & health heading into 2021. We thank all the front line workers and essential services that have continued to offer safety & support throughout the challenges of this past year. We look forward with hope & optimism...

Some suggestions to help kids work through their feelings, and conflict with friends...

Happy Kwanzaa to all those celebrating...reflecting on the 7 principles of Kwanzaa, and celebrating African culture!

The DCAFS office will be closed from December 24th @ 2pm, and will reopen on Monday January 4th at 8:30am. We have crisis and after hours services available in the event of a children's mental health or child protection emergency. Please call 519-941-1530, and follow the prompts if you need immediate assistance. Please note that the province-wide shutdown that has been ordered, will not affect our ability to provide access to services and support for those in need. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance. We wish you safe & happy holidays!

Another Canadian Musical Collaboration to get us in the holiday spirit

Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week is November 15-21. Our schools are committed to promoting a safe & positive learning environment for all students. Here is a resource for families about bullying and some information to guide open and supportive conversations with young people. We can all help stop bullying! https://www.prevnet.ca/bullying/parents

November is National Housing Month! DC Moves Dufferin County is excited to present this virtual lunch and learn discussion on Monday November 23 from 12-1:30pm. Featuring Iain DeJong, author of "The Book on Homelessness", he will be sharing his thoughts on Collaborative Leadership and how to better prepare for the challenges ahead. Here is the registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/collaborative-leadership-ticket

Effective Monday November 16th, WDG Public Health moves to ORANGE (Restrict) level with intermediate measures.

Come join this virtual update about Mental Health Services in Dufferin-Caledon. Nov 5th from 12:15-1:15. See info below Hills of Headwaters Collaborative

There are lots of FREE parenting workshops and programs happening in Dufferin County! Have a look at this schedule, or visit www.MyDufferin.ca

A group of key stakeholders is inviting Dufferin County residents to participate in the Community Safety and Well-Being Survey. This survey will help us understand the current well-being and feelings of safety of people in Dufferin County so we can work together to focus on local actions that will improve the quality of life for everyone. This survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Upon completion, you will have the option to enter a random draw for a ch...ance to win one of ten $25.00 President's Choice gift cards. Here is the link to complete the survey (deadline is Monday November 30, 2020). https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DufferinCSWB

Look at these outdoor family events that are planned for next week! Contact the Earlyon - Dufferin for more information. Get outside and bake together!

All things are possible if you BELIEVE Karen Ross Smith Believe Bags presents "Mugs for Moms" this year! The Dufferin Community always comes together to make a difference during the holiday season!

Today we celebrate Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day! This day recognizes the commitment, hard work and education of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and all staff who work with young children. The theme this year is "Rising Up" - from government cuts to the COVID-19 pandemic, our sector has faced many challenges this year. Educators have risen to the challenge and are now Rising Up to call for better wages, working conditions and support for the... sector. Thank-you...we appreciate the important work you do! https://www.childcareontario.org/ccwad_2020

With thanks and appreciation to all of our foster families. If you are interested in opening your home to a child or youth in need, please contact us for more information! www.dcafs.on.ca

DCAFS is in urgent need of foster parents in our community. We are seeking individuals and families from all communities, identities and backgrounds to ensure that our services are inclusive and responsive. In most situations, children and youth just need temporary care and support, and are able to be reunited with their families. A safe and nurturing home can have a lifelong impact on the development and well-being of a young person. To learn more, please contact us @ 519-94...1-1530, or visit our website: www.dcafs.on.ca #ShareYourCare See more

We need to help young children develop the language to describe how they are feeling...here are some suggestions!

And to start our weekend off right, here’s another Big Canadian Musical Collaboration - the 5th video showcasing our Canadian (and local Dufferin) talent

October 19-23, 2020 is recognized as Foster Parent Appreciation Week. During this time we want to officially recognize the incredible commitment and caring that our foster parents and families provide to our children and youth at DCAFS! Without their selfless support and unending compassion we would be unable to provide for the needs of our children and youth. Foster parents are the backbone of our residential services and they provide a depth of love and faith and energy that is inspiring and humbling to witness. Thank you to all of our foster and adoptive parents for opening your hearts and homes!! We need more foster parents - visit our website for more information about how you can #ShareYourCare https://dcafs.on.ca/child-protection/foster-care/

Camp Lifting Leaves is for children & youth 8-21yrs from 2SLGBTQ+ communities - it is a partner project of the Ten Oaks Project and child welfare agencies across Ontario. Dates for this virtual camp experience are Oct 16-18th. It is not too late to register...please reach out if you need more info or help to get registered! http://www.tenoaksproject.org/camp-lifting-leaves/register/

This virtual workshop "Cooperative Parenting through Divorce" is happening on Wed Oct 15th @7pm. It's not too late to register. See info below to register Dufferin Parent Support Network - DPSN Please share!

Today is World Mental Health Day - have a listen to this special conversation about anxiety with Bill Hader. You can also download a free tipsheet for managing stress & anxiety! https://childmind.org/wmhd/

This is happening today from 1-2pm. Mayor's Event for Mental Health! A virtual event that will explore how the roots of discrimination and racism affect mental health. It's not too late to register. Visit mentalhealthguelph.eventbrite.ca