We know raising a child is rewarding but can also be challenging. For parents and caregivers, it can be hard to know how to support a child or youth who is struggling with mental health or addiction issues. We are here to support you and your loved one through this journey. It is important to know that your child or youth is not alone. There are local resources available to help.

If your child or youth is experiencing any of the following, we are here to help:

  • Feeling sad, anxious or worried
  • Depressed, hopeless or negative
  • Less motivated
  • Feelings of withdrawal and changes in social interactions
  • Having difficulty focusing
  • Having difficulties getting along with friends or family members
  • Feeling unlike their usual self or changes in behaviour
  • Are you worried your child or youth is trying or using drugs and alcohol?
  • Are you concerned your child or youth is spending too much time on social media or electronic devices?

Additional resources for caregivers include:

The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) exists to improve the lives of Ontario’s 4 million caregivers. The OCO supports caregivers by being their one point of access to information, so they have what they need to be successful in their role. 

WE RAISE Our Children is a collaboration between community partners who are dedicated to the safety, health, and well-being of Windsor-Essex children. We strive to provide caregivers with the tools and information they need – all in one place. 

EarlyON Child and Family Centres (CFC) offer free high-quality programming for parents and caregivers with children ages birth to 6 years old. Centres are located throughout Windsor-Essex County and include virtual programming options. 

The Family Care Centre is a resource hub for parents and caregivers of children and youth with mental health challenges. 

The Centre for Healthy Screen Use at the Canadian Paediatric Society. Parents have questions about digital media. 

Caregivers and care partners support their loved ones’ health and wellbeing. The Mental Health and Addictions Sector Table (MHAST) started this webpage to house resources for caregivers all in one place. The resources are from local, provincial, and national organizations. In the spirit of quality improvement, this webpage continues to be revised so that it may be useful and evergreen for caregivers in Windsor-Essex and beyond. Feedback from multiple Patient, Family, and Caregiver Advisors, and subject matter experts was used to create the version it is today.​