Caring Dads

Caring Dads is a program designed to improve the safety and well-being of children by working with fathers who have a history of abusing or neglecting their children; or exposing them to abuse of their mothers. The program sets out to address the impact of abuse and family violence on their children’s lives and enhance the men’s capability to interact in a caring and respectful manner with their children and children’s mothers.

Through 14 group sessions fathers will:

• Develop skills to cope in healthy ways with frustrating situations
•  Understand how different fathering strategies and choices affect children
• Increase their awareness of controlling, abusive, and neglectful attitudes and behaviours
• Be provided with strategies to strengthen the father-child relationship

For more information about Caring Dads here in Ottawa or to register, contact Jeff Bondy:

• by phone: 613-233-8478 (ext 229)
• by email: jbondy@newdirectionsottawa.ca

For general information about Caring Dads, visit their website: Caring Dads

Walk In Counselling Clinic

Do you need someone to talk to?  The Walk-in Counselling Clinic provides counselling services for individuals, couples, and families on a first come, first served basis. No appointment or referral is necessary! The Clinic is a no-fee service aiming to help you deal with life’s challenges.

                      Click here for times and locations

                     For walk-in counselling clinics specifically for children:  Crossroads

                     For walk-in counselling clinics specifically for youth:  Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa

Funding provided by the Champlain Local Health Integration Network.

Counselling (for parents)

Our counselling services are designed to assist parents in crisis and/or in need of support. Our professional counsellors can help parents explore and understand the personal challenges they are facing that may be impacting their parenting.  We also help parents to develop skills to enhance their parenting abilities and overall improve their family’s well-being. Services available include: 

• Intake and assessments
• Individual counselling session
• Group counselling
• Workshops and presentations

Our counselling services are available within the following locations in Ottawa:

• 310 Olmstead (CFSO)
• 290 Dupuis Street (Vanier Community Service Ottawa)
• 40 Cobourg Street (Lowertown Community Resource Centre)
• 240 Centrum Boulevard (Orleans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre)

Our counselling services are available in English, French, and Farsi. Language interpretation, including sign language, is provided upon request. Cost: The fee for this service is assessed using a sliding scale and is based on your annual family income and number of dependents. 

This program is partially subsidized by the United Way and the City of Ottawa.

Capacity Building/Resilience Program (for parents)

Skill building groups that aim to build capacity to parent and foster and/or enhance resilience.

• Includes groups that focus on emotional regulation, anger management and skills for living.

Advocacy

The Advocacy & Community Outreach Program assists vulnerable and marginalized individuals/groups who face barriers in accessing services related to immigration, refugee status, disabilities, and living on low income.

Description of the program:

The Advocacy Worker is available to meet with individuals or representatives of organizations to help identify specific needs and develop the best course of action.

Services include:                      

• Information and referrals that link individuals and families to appropriate services and programs
• Information sessions & presentations to the public
• Outreach to vulnerable and marginalized groups who face barriers when accessing services
• Participation in community planning and coordination activities

Cost: Services for this program are free to residents of the City of Ottawa. Language interpretation and sign language interpretation available upon request

Contact information:

If you would like to access advocacy or community outreach services or would like more information, please contact the Advocacy and Outreach Worker by telephone at 613-233-8478 or by TTY at 613-233-1866.