Crisis Care for Children and Youth
Crisis Care for Children and Youth at VitalSteps Support Services Inc. provides immediate, short-term protection and stabilization for children under 13 and teenagers ages 13–17 who are experiencing acute personal or family crisis. This service offers a safe, nurturing, and emotionally supportive environment where young people can receive immediate care away from harm, stress, or instability. Our goal is to ensure safety, reduce emotional distress, and connect children and youth with the appropriate long-term supports they need to regain stability and well-being.
What This Service Includes
1. Immediate Safety and Stabilization.
We provide a secure, comforting environment for children and youth who require urgent intervention due to family breakdown, conflict, neglect concerns, emotional distress, or unsafe situations. Our crisis team ensures that every young person feels protected, supported, and cared for during their stay.
2. Emotional and Behavioural Support.
Trained crisis staff offer compassionate emotional support, de-escalation, and age-appropriate coping strategies to help young people process overwhelming feelings. We use trauma-informed practices to help reduce fear, anxiety, and confusion during critical moments.
3. Basic Needs and Daily Care.
Children and youth receive nutritious meals, clothing (if needed), hygiene support, rest, and structured daily routines. Our goal is to create a sense of normalcy and comfort while addressing immediate physical and emotional needs.
4. Assessment and Short-Term Planning.
Our team assesses the needs, safety risks, and immediate concerns of the child or youth to determine appropriate next steps. We work collaboratively with families (when safe), social workers, and community partners to develop a short-term stabilization plan.
5. Connection to Long-Term Resources.
Crisis care serves as a bridge to more permanent supports. We connect children and youth to long-term services such as therapy, family counselling, community programs, foster or kinship care (when required), and ongoing case management.
6. Family Engagement and Mediation (When Safe and Appropriate).
When the crisis involves family conflict or breakdown, we provide supportive communication, mediation, and coordinated planning to help families navigate challenges and work toward resolution—always prioritizing the child’s safety and well-being.
7. 24/7 Crisis Response Availability.
Crisis situations can arise at any time. Our team is prepared to respond promptly, providing immediate stabilization and ensuring children and youth have safe, supervised care whenever crisis occur.
Interested?
