Family and caregiver supports

When a child or youth requires care, we know there is a network of people who may need help too — parents, caregivers and families. In this section, you will find a variety of resources at CHEO that are available to support you depending on your needs.

Child Life

Extensive Needs Service - offering behavioural support and coaching for neurodiverse children and youth for upcoming appointments at CHEO clinics

Grief and Bereavement

Language and Interpretation Services

Navigator Program

New to the Region

Ontario Caregiver Organization: Working collaboratively with caregivers, healthcare providers and other organizations, OCO partners with caregivers, health care providers and other organizations to build programs and services that caregivers say they need.

• Offers Helpline number and online chat (1-833-416-2273)
• Peer support
• Webinars and podcasts
• Managing Caregiver Anger & Frustration: Strategies for Support & Advocacy
• Supporting Ontario’s Caregivers and Shaping a Prepared Future with Amy Coupal, CEO of Ontario Caregiver Organization
• Connecting Caregivers to Support at Point of Care
• Tools for Caregivers (including caregiver toolkit and e-learning)
  • Caregiver 101
  • Roadmap to Caregiving: The Realities of Mental Illness and Addictions

Parents' Lifeline of Eastern Ontario (PLEO): PLEO provides Family Peer Support for parents through their:

• Parents’ Helpline (613-321-3211 or 855-775-7005) for support and guidance navigating the mental health system, finding resources in your community, and for when you just need someone to talk to.
• Parent Support Groups for parents to share information and learn from one another, and come together as a community. They offer confidential and judgement free spaces. Hosted by two Family Peer Supporters,
• Mobile One-on-One Support for more intensive support and guidance through particularly challenging times, in-person and in your community.
• Webinars/brochures
  • Navigating the Education System when your Child has Mental Health Challenges
  • What Parents can do While Waiting for Mental Health Services

Social Work

Spiritual Support