FAQs for Parents

I’m not sure if my problem is an emergency. When should I access YSB crisis support?

We believe that there is no fixed definition of an emergency — if it feels like a crisis to you, we urge you to call the 24/7 Crisis Line. Our trained professionals will provide immediate assistance and can also help you make a plan to get further support from other services and programs.

24/7 Crisis Line:
In Ottawa: 613-260-2360
Long distance toll-free: 1-877-377-7775

Read more FAQs about the 24/7 Crisis Line.

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I don’t know the warning signs of a teenager in crisis. Can YSB help me?

Yes, we can help. Contact the 24/7 Crisis Line to speak to a trained professional. He or she can help you identify various warning signs and suggest how best to approach your teenager and deal with your specific situation.

24/7 Crisis Line:
In Ottawa: 613-260-2360
Long distance toll-free: 1-877-377-7775

Read more FAQs about the 24/7 Crisis Line.

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I feel there is something wrong in my teenager’s life, but can’t get a conversation going on the subject. What should I do?

YSB’s Youth and Family Counselling program may be a good place to start. We offer youth (aged 12 to 20) and their families the opportunity to address a wide range of issues affecting the family relationship. Our sessions are flexible, according to need: we can bring parents and youth together for family counselling, and we can offer individual counselling to the youth on his or her own, or to one or both parents on their own.
For more information, call 613-288-1588.

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My teen is out of control but refuses to go to counselling. Does YSB offer services to parents in this situation?

We do offer services to parents in your situation. If you are concerned about your teen, we urge you to call the 24/7 Crisis Line. It’s there to support youth and their parents. We can provide you with tips and suggestions on how to approach your teen, and we can direct you to a range of support services that could benefit you and your family. If your teen won’t see a counsellor right away, for instance, you can make arrangements to meet with a family counsellor on your own.

24/7 Crisis Line:
In Ottawa: 613-260-2360
Long distance toll-free: 1-877-377-7775

Read more FAQs about the 24/7 Crisis Line.

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My child is in YSB counselling. Are the sessions confidential, or will the counsellor share what was discussed with me?

Youth aged 12 and older can receive confidential counselling services without a parent’s consent. However, there are some situations when safety concerns outweigh the right to privacy. So if a youth tells a counsellor that somebody under the age of 16 is being hurt by somebody else or that he or she is thinking about self-harm or harming others, we do not need consent to share that information with parents and other authorities. All other details revealed in counselling are confidential unless the youth waives the right to privacy and consents to his or her information being shared.

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Will YSB keep my family’s information confidential?

Absolutely. YSB carefully protects your privacy. Services are provided in a confidential manner and your family’s information is kept secure. The only exception to our confidentiality policy is when YSB counsellors are told that someone under the age of 16 is being hurt by someone else or that a youth in counselling is considering self-harm or harming others. We will share that information as appropriate.

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My child is getting help from YSB, but has now moved out of our home. Will YSB continue to help my child?

Yes, youth between the ages of 14 and 24 can continue to receive YSB support regardless of where they live.

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My child’s friend needs a safe place to stay right now. How can I discretely involve YSB?

YSB services are available to those who reach out for help — we cannot be called in to intervene in any situation. So while you cannot ask us to approach your child’s friend, you can suggest that he or she contact YSB for help. Here are some options.

The youth can call the 24/7 Crisis Line to talk to a counsellor about his or her situation.

24/7 Crisis Line
In Ottawa: 613-260-2360
Long distance toll-free: 1-877-377-7775

YSB emergency shelters serve youth aged 12 to 20, so you can suggest that the youth call a shelter to talk to professional staff about using the service.

Young Men’s Emergency Shelter: 613-907-8975
Young Women’s Emergency Shelter: 613-789-8220

The youth can visit the Downtown Drop-in Centre at 147 Besserer Street. Staff there can help him or her find a safe place to stay the night.

Note that a report to the Children's Aid Society must be made should an adult learn that a youth under the age of 16 is in an unsafe living situation.

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I have lost my job and the stress of unemployment is making my children anxious, too. How can YSB help our family?

YSB understands the effects that the stress of unemployment can have on a household. We offer Youth and Family Counselling that may help you and your family better cope with your situation.
For more information, call 613-288-1588.

YSB also offers Employment Counselling for parents — not just young people — looking for a job.

For more information, call 613-236-8244.

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My teen needs help finding a job. Does YSB offer employment programs?

Yes, YSB offers a variety of services to help prepare youth for the job market and find employment. Learn more at Youth Employment.

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What will it cost me to get help from YSB?

YSB services are free.

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