Residential Treatment
East Metro Youth Services operates three co-ed residential treatment programs in typical community homes located in Scarborough. The Megan program is a fully funded residence suitable for community referrals through Centralized Access to Residential Services (CARS). The Ellesmere and D’Arcy programs are per diem residences that accept referrals from local child welfare authorities.

Our residential programs accommodate adolescents between the ages of 12 and18 who are coping with an array of psychiatric, emotional, or behavioural challenges that interfere with their ability to function.

Teens enrolled in one of the residential programs are given priority access to other EMYS services, such as individual and family therapy, or school-based day treatment programs, to cite just two examples.

The programs are flexible enough to provide individualized treatment on a short- or long-term basis, depending upon the needs of the youth involved. Daily routines are highly structured, providing a safe, predictable environment for even the most vulnerable resident. Activities are designed to foster age appropriate self-reliance in preparation for independent living, or a move to adult mental health services.

We encourage parents to get involved in their youth's treatment because we believe it maximizes the youth's experience and eases the transition back into the community.

The Megan Transitional Unit
The Megan Transitional Unit offers respite, stabilization, and intervention to young men and women between the ages of 16 and 25. The program operates two beds within a supervised, low stimulus, self-contained apartment in the lower level of the Megan Residence. Placements are expected to be short-term, with a maximum stay of three months.

Apartment & Program:
The Megan Residence has its own private entrance at the back of the house. In addition to two separate bedrooms, there is a small living room, a bathroom with a shower, and a kitchen with a hot plate and microwave. There is also an office adjacent to the living area, which is a suitable work space for the staff hired specifically to support the individuals admitted to the program. Programming is planned by the referring agent and the Megan team supervisor or designate, on an individualized basis, depending upon the needs of the person involved.

Expenses:
Daily living expenses, including the cost of hiring the staff required by each individual case, are the responsibility of the referring agent. Specific costs are negotiated prior to admission on the basis of a standard contract designed for this purpose.

Staffing:
The needs of the residents determine staffing, programming, and safety and security considerations. Full-time members of the Megan team will regularly monitor the area. However, all active programming will be facilitated by the staff contracted to work on a per case basis. All case management will be the responsibility of the referring agent or the contract staff. The Megan residential team will maintain the case file, coordinate the program schedule, supervise the direct service staff, and organize clinical conferences. A review of services and outcomes will be scheduled approximately 30 days after admission, when all parties will decide the duration of the placement. Any stay longer than the initial six weeks will require a clearly established exit plan.

Admissions :
All admissions are to be planned during regular working hours and must be voluntary in nature. EMYS explicitly reserves the right to refuse admission to a referral based upon a perception of significant risk.

Referral Sources:
East Metro has previously negotiated agreements with a number of community partners and has successfully entertained referrals to the transitional unit from a broad cross-section of referring agents, including hospitals, child welfare authorities, private agencies and adult mental health service providers.

Inquiries should be directed to Janice Sellon, Director of Milieu Services.