Flamborough Step Up/Step Down Program

A teenage boy approximately 16 years old is sitting on a couch talking to a female mental health professional

Program Details

Type: Intensive, Out of Home

For: Youth

Ages: 14-18 years

Fees: Free

Location

Out of Home Treatment

Flamborough

831 Collinson Road
Dundas, ON L9H 5E2

905-627-8475

Referrals

Referrals to the Flamborough Program are made through Access and System Navigation (ASN).

Sometimes, a short break in a supportive space can make all the difference. We help teens catch their breath, reset, and heal—so they can rediscover their path—and build skills for the future.

Program Details

The Step Up/Step Down Program is an 10-bed, intensive out of home treatment program for youth aged 14-18, offering specialized care, structure, and hope during challenging times.

  • The “Step Up / Step Down” Program

    The treatment program provides a caring, safe, therapeutic and stable environment for youth experiencing challenges with their mental health and who may be experiencing difficulties in their current living situation.

    The program has ten (10) beds which accommodates youths of all genders for a blend of short-term residential care and on-site schooling for up to 12 weeks.

    The ultimate goal of the program is youth returning to their families or communities with new coping skills and healthier connections.

  • An individualized treatment plan is developed according to each youth’s situation, circumstances, their developmental stage, and their individual needs.

    Parents and guardians, are considered a vital part of the treatment team and will be encouraged to participate in treatment planning.

    The discharge plan will be clearly laid out from the beginning of each youth’s stay.

  • Youth in the Flamborough Program can also be registered to attend the Flamborough School Program.

    This provides a therapeutic learning environment and is staffed by a full-time Child and Youth Worker, and a teacher who is employed by the local Board of Education.

  • With access to professional clinical specialists, the program is staffed by Child and Youth Workers, a Social Worker, a cook, and maintenance personnel.

  • The team can call on an array of clinical resources, including a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Occupational Therapist, FASD consultant, Clinical Assessments and Measures, and Complex Needs consultant.

Who We Help

  • Teens (14–18) facing significant mental health, emotional, or behavioural challenges that have made home life unstable or unsafe.

  • Youth who need more support than outpatient care can provide.

  • Families seeking structured treatment with a clear path home.

  • Youth who would benefit form a therapeutic environment with expert guidance to reconnect with their strengths.

What Makes This Program Unique

Step Up / Step Down Care

  • Short-term stays (6–12 weeks) to stabilize and prepare for next steps.

  • Smooth transitions back home or to community-based supports.

Therapeutic School Program

  • On-site education at the Flamborough School with accredited teachers + mental health staff.

  • Learning tailored to emotional and academic needs.

24/7 Therapeutic Environment

  • Safe, structured living with Child and Youth Workers and Social Workers.

  • Clinical support from psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, and specialists.

Family-Centered Healing

  • Parents/caregivers are encouraged to be partners in treatment planning.

  • Goal: Reunification or transition to less intensive care.

We don’t believe in ‘fixing’ youth—we believe in helping them step up. Step up to learning. Step up to healthier relationships. Step up to the life they’re capable of creating.

Our ultimate goal? To empower each youth with the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive—whether that means returning home with new coping tools, stepping down to less intensive care, or continuing their education. At the Step Up/Step Down Program, we don’t just manage symptoms—we help teens navigate emotional, social, and behavioral struggles—so they can reconnect with their strengths and step forward into brighter tomorrows.

How to Access Services

The Flamborough Step Up / Step Down Program is for youth who are experiencing emotional, social and behavioural challenges, and other forms of intervention have not been of sufficient benefit to the teen or their family.

Eligibility

Referrals for the Flamborough Step Up / Step Down Program are required through Access and System Navigation (ASN). Please use the button below.

Referrals

Make a Referral
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