Frequently Asked Questions:  Intake and Assessment 

What is the DSYTC program age range?
Program participants range in age from 13-21 years of age. Family members of all ages are also included in the treatment process as per best practices. Physical separation based on age will occur as much as possible so to ensure client safety and treatment appropriateness.

How long is the waitlist?
Unfortunately, given the high demand for our services, waitlists are a reality. Waitlist times vary throughout the year (from 2-12 weeks). If you or a loved one is on our residential waitlist, contact our Intake Coordinator at 613-594-8333 ext. 2206 for the most up-to-date waitlist information.

What about detoxification/withdrawal management?
The need for detoxification services for adolescents and young adults is relatively low. Unfortunately for those who do have a need for such services, options are extremely limited. For older youth and adults requiring supervised withdrawal management, they are invited to contact the Ottawa Withdrawal Management Centre at 613-241-1525. Anyone experience severe discomfort as a result of withdrawal should consult their doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.

There will be times where residential admission will be contingent on a formal period of withdrawal management. 

Who can refer?
Referrals to the DSYTC come from a variety of sources.  Youth (13-21) with addiction problems who are interested in treatment can refer themselves for treatment.

In addition, referrals on behalf of youth interested in residential treatment can come from parents or caregivers or clergy.

Other sources of referral include private practitioners, physicians, addiction and mental health assessment/treatment agencies, community-based programs and services and hospitals. 

How do I apply? 

The application process is as follows:

1)      Submit recently completed assessment package (does not apply for self-referrals)
2)     Complete telephone interview with DSYTC intake coordinator (GAIN-Q)
3)     Submit any requested collateral information
4)     Approval for wait list determined by  DSYTC admissions committee
5)     Pre-admission appointment to complete full assessment (GAIN-I)
6)     Admission date assigned once space becomes available

Once the telephone interview has been completed and all collateral documentation received, the file is submitted to an admissions committee for review and approval. 

Applicants approved are moved to a wait list and are scheduled for admission once space comes available.  Admissions are scheduled based on sequence of approval rather than sequence of application. 

Is there anything I can do to shorten the time from application to approval for admission?
Pre-submission of the following collateral documents can reduce wait times between application and approval:

1)      School transcript/credit summaries
2)     Copies of mental health assessment/reports
3)     Discharge summaries from any previously attended residential program
4)     CAS social history/most recent Plan of Care
5)     Probation/bail/recognizance orders

Is the program voluntary?
Yes. Clients are able to prematurely discharge themselves from our program should they choose, clients  are not kept in treatment against their will. 

Is your program 12-step based?
No.  We hold a biopsychosocial view of addiction (i.e., substance misuse can be caused and maintained due to a variety of inter-related factors) and therefore we take a holistic approach utilizing evidence-based practices.

Although our organization does not subscribe to some elements of 12-step philosophy and language (e.g., concept of powerlessness,  referring to people as “addicts”), we will offer support and encouragement to those clients who wish to have new or continued exposure to this approach. Furthermore, as part of ACC programming (aftercare), clients are aided in finding healthy and safe support services, of which youth-friendly AA/NA groups are an option. 

Why are youth aged 13-15 who live a driving distance greater than 2 hours from Ottawa not eligible to apply to DSYTC?
Due to the voluntary nature of our program, clients can prematurely discharge should they choose.  Adolescents under the age of 16 whose parents/caregivers live a driving distance greater than 2 hours from Ottawa cannot be considered for admission due to the safety risks associated with a premature discharge of youth who are not willing to wait for parents to arrive to pick them up and ensure a safe transition home. 

What can a parent do if their youth is not interested in attending treatment?
Try gently introducing your youth to residential treatment options by providing our information package to read “when ready”.

If your child isn’t currently engaged in outpatient services, try talking to your son/daughter about attending outpatient counselling.  If your child is already engaged in outpatient services, it may be helpful to increase the frequency of appointments.

While you continue to support and encourage your youth to get treatment for his/her substance use problems, make sure you seek support for yourself such as community support groups for those dealing with a loved one struggling with addictions.