YouthLink’s Approach

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YouthLink’s Service Philosophy

YouthLink believes that youth and their families are best served when they are full participants in their program or treatment, including in setting their own goals and deciding together with their service provider(s) how to achieve those goals. We believe in a collaborative approach in which the client, family (if involved) and staff person(s) work together, each bringing unique perspective, ideas and skills to the process. The work and effort made by the client is recognized as central to their achievements.  

YouthLink is committed to working with and in collaboration with the community of youth and families it serves. It strives to be representative of the community in its services, staff, volunteers, staff and board of directors.  

The Board commits to advancing DEI at the governance level by ensuring individuals chosen to serve on the Board are drawn from the diversity of communities and geographies served. This commitment will be evidenced through representation, skills, links to community, roles, responsibilities and/or activities. The Board commits to advancing DEI initiatives undertaken by the agency at a strategic and operations level. This commitment shall also be evident in its communication strategies and relationships with stakeholders, community and funders.  

The organization involves diverse people and communities it serves when it plans DEI initiatives. These initiatives include policies, strategies and training. 

We believe that youth and families are best served when: 

  1. They can choose from a range of services and options, including mental health, skill building, advocacy, prevention, educational supports, early intervention and intensive intervention/support services. 
  2. Services are provided in the communities where they live. 
  3. Services and supports are flexible, accessible, responsive and non-judgmental. 
  4. We are sensitive to their race, culture, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability and religion.  
  5. We understand the role that systemic factors like anti-Black racism, homophobia, gender discrimination and religious bias often play in their journey and are prepared to address them in the services we provide.  
  6. We build on their strengths, gifts and expertise to help them achieve their goals and objectives. 
  7. We recognize the relevance and impact of trauma and use a trauma-informed approach to support them. 
  8. We work collaboratively with other community partners to develop resources and deliver services that respond to community trends and needs. 
  9. They are informed of what they can expect from us and of their rights as a client. 
  10. They can actively participate in the planning, decision making and evaluation of services provided. 
  • Choice

We offer a range of services and options, including mental health, skill building, advocacy, prevention, educational supports, early intervention and intensive intervention/support services.

  • Participation

Youth and their families can actively participate in the planning, decision making and evaluation of services provided.

  • Community-based

We provide programs and services in the communities where are clients and their families live.

  • Client-centred

Our services and supports are flexible, accessible, responsive and non-judgmental

  • Culturally sensitive

We are sensitive to the race, culture, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability and religion of our clients.

  • Intersectional

We understand that systemic factors like anti-Black racism, homophobia, gender discrimination and religious bias often play a part in our clients’ journey and are prepared to address these inequities in the services we provide.

  • Strengths-based

We build on our clients’ strengths, gifts and expertise to help them achieve their goals and objectives.

  • Trauma-informed

We recognize the relevance and impact of trauma on our clients and use a trauma-informed approach to support them.

  • Collaborative

We work collaboratively with other community partners to develop resources and deliver services that respond to community trends and needs.

  • Healing-centred

We believe that recovery, healing and well being are achievable.

Client Rights & Responsibilities

YouthLink believes that all young people have certain rights, and will work to ensure these rights are upheld in the programming and services that we deliver.

Young people & their families have the right to:

  • Be treated with respect;
  • Be free from discrimination on any grounds;
  • Safety and freedom from violence;
  • Be informed in language that they can understand of their rights, program expectations, rules, and changes that may affect their care;
  • Give or refuse consent to service;
  • Be affirmed and celebrated in their social and cultural identities (for example, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and ability);
  • Express themselves, their feelings and opinions;
  • Participate fully in planning and decisions that affect their care, to be consulted, and to be heard;
  • Raise concerns and/or make complaints;
  • Privacy and the expectation of confidentiality.

YouthLink believes that along with rights, young people also have responsibilities while engaged in programs & services.  These include:

  • Participate in the treatment process, including developing treatment goals;
  • Provide staff with any information that may facilitate the treatment process;
  • Attend scheduled appointments and meetings and notify appropriate persons if unable to do so;
  • Meeting with and talking to your service provider and/or primary worker;
  • Respect differences of culture, religion, and the unique needs of others including other young people, staff and volunteers;
  • Respecting the rights, property, privacy and special needs of others, including other young people, staff and volunteers;
  • Following the rules set out for your programs, services or the locations where services are provided.