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

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