Do you have questions? We’ve got the answers.
Who we serve
Can anyone use the services of JF&CS?
Many of our community and family services are open to all residents of the Greater Toronto Area. Under our mandate as a Children’s Aid Society, our child welfare services are provided to Jewish children and their families.
Is there a fee for using the programs and services of JF&CS?
We charge affordable fees for some of our programs and services, such as counselling and Jewish Family Life Educations groups and workshops.
Other services are provided at no cost. We have never denied anyone assistance because of inability to pay.
Do you have programs and services for people of all ages?
Yes. We offer programs and services for children, adults and families.
Why is there a separate “Jewish” agency for families and children?
The Jewish community has a long and honourable tradition of caring for its most vulnerable members. As a Jewish agency, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of Jewish life within a large secular community, and we are proud to offer programs and services in the context of Jewish values. Our status as the Jewish Children's Aid Society means that Jewish children in need of care are placed in Jewish foster homes. We are able to offer services in Russian, Hebrew, Yiddish and other languages spoken by those whose first language is not English. Many of our clients appreciate the comfort level inherent in dealing with a Jewish agency.
I live north of the city. Do you have facilities for me?
Our York Region Branch in the Promenade Mall serves the growing Jewish community in Thornhill, Richmond Hill and beyond. We will expand our services into the Schwartz Reisman Centre on the Lebovic Campus (Bathurst/Rutherford) when construction is complete.
What programs do you have for people living in the inner city?
Our Gordon S. Wolfe Branch (35 Madison Ave) meets the unique needs of inner city residents. We are especially proud of downtown initiatives that reach out to the marginalized, such as the Homework Club for teens at risk.
Do you have any counselling programs that men can attend with their kids?
Fathers and mothers alike are welcome to attend parenting programs and counselling group programs. "For Men After Divorce" is a group offered by our Changing Family program.
The needs we fulfill
Why do people decide to seek counselling?
Life in the 21st century can be stressful and challenging. Many people find it helpful to seek counselling to help them develop practical and effective ways to handle stress and to improve their lives. We work with children, adults and families in private or group settings that meet their needs.
Does abuse really occur in the Jewish population? What kind?
The Jewish community is not immune to the social ills experienced by all Canadians. Unfortunately, woman abuse and child abuse do happen. Our Woman Abuse program helps hundreds of women each year deal with the effects of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Click here for more information about woman abuse.
Our child protection workers investigate increasing numbers of allegations of child abuse in the Jewish community each year. Abuse can be emotional, physical or sexual, or may take the form of neglect. Click here for more information about child abuse.
Does poverty really occur in the Jewish population?
Poverty is another social ill that the Jewish population shares with the greater community. There are approximately 21,000 Jewish people living in poverty in the Greater Toronto Area, 3,000 of them children. Our Financial Assistance program helps people face the unique challenge of being Jewish and poor. Click here for more information about this program.
Our staff
What are the qualifications of JF&CS counsellors?
JF&CS counsellors are registered social workers or social service workers.
How do I know I have the right counsellor for me?
Our intake workers will work with you to assess your needs and determine the most appropriate caseworker for your unique situation.
Are your programs and workshops run by professional counsellors?
Our group programs are facilitated by professionals including social workers, social service workers, and trained family life educators.
The range of services we provide
Can you help me find a job?
We do not provide job search assistance. However, our clients receiving financial assistance are often given guidance in job search skills through programs such as Pathways to Employment, provided in partnership with JVS Toronto. For jobs in the Jewish community, visit the Doing Jewish in Toronto website and click on Community Jobs.
Do you operate a women’s shelter?
We do not operate a full-service shelter. However, in partnership with Jewish Women International, we provide a kosher apartment on an emergency basis for one woman and her family until appropriate living arrangements can be made. When necessary, we refer women and families to other shelters in the GTA.
Services for teens
What is the Jerome D. Diamond Adolescent Centre?
The Jerome D. Diamond Adolescent Centre is our children's mental health centre, offering treatment and education programs for young people aged 12 to 17 who are experiencing educational, emotional and/or behavioural problems. Read more about the Diamond Centre.
My teen is acting out and I don't know what to do. Can you help?
We offer counselling groups for parents and teens that may be of help. Call our intake department at 416-638-7800 or click here for more information.
Child Abuse
I suspect my neighbour’s child is being abused. What should I do?
You have a legal obligation to report any suspicion of child abuse to a Children's Aid Society. Call us - 24 hours a day - at 416 638-7800. It's important to remember that you don't have to be sure that abuse is happening...call us even if it's just a suspicion, and leave it to our child protection professionals to make the determination. You may call us anonymously if you wish. For more information on the signs of child abuse, the kinds of child abuse, and what you should do, click here.
My cousin neglects her child. How can I help?
Neglect is a form of abuse, and that means you must report it to a Children's Aid Society. Call us - 24 hours a day - at 416 638-7800. If your cousin's child is being neglected, he or she may be in need of protection. It's important to remember that you don't have to be sure that abuse is happening...call us even if it's just a suspicion, and leave it to our child protection professionals to make the determination.
Tell me more about my legal obligation to report abuse.
The Government of Ontario publishes a brochure detailing your responsibility under the Child and Family Services Act. You can read Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect online.
http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/documents/topics/childrensaid/Reportingchildabuseandneglect.pdf
Foster Parents
Who are Foster Parents?
Anyone in the Jewish community who can open their heart and home to a child in need, and work as part of a team, can apply to become a JF&CS Foster Parent. We are looking for applicants of any age who possess a variety of backgrounds and experiences, those who are married or single with or without children. Some are experienced parents with older children; others are fostering while still raising their own children. Some may be at home, some working. We welcome applications from the LGBT community. Applicants with professional skills in mental health, social work or education are especially needed. All who share a genuine interest in the well being of children and desire to contribute to their community are encouraged to apply. Call Intake at 416 638-7800 for more information.
I am a single adult. Can I be a Foster Parent?
Any adult - single or married - in the Jewish community who wishes to open his or her heart and home to a Jewish child in need is welcome to pursue the opportunity to become a foster parent. Click here or call our Intake Dept 416 638-7800 for more information.
Donations
Where does the money I give to your Friends Campaign go?
Click here for more information about the Friends Campaign.
I’m planning a Bar Mitzvah and I’ve heard about “Simcha Baskets.” What are they?
Simcha Baskets are a wonderful way to share the bounty of your celebration with others who are less fortunate. They are gift baskets, usually used as centerpieces at Bar or Bat Mitzvah or wedding celebrations, which you donate to JF&CS after the event. Simcha Baskets may be filled with kosher, non-perishable food, toys, toiletries, or other items. Click here for more information, or call 416 638-7800 x 6999
Do you accept old computers?
We thank you for thinking of donating your old computer to us, but we regret that we are not able to accept donations of used computers.
I want to donate my late father’s car. Do you accept this kind of gift?
No, we are not able to accept donations of cars.
Just A Second Shop
What happens to the clothes I bring to the Just a Second Shop?
All clothing that is clean and wearable is offered for sale to the community at very reasonable prices. Needy clients of JF&CS are able to select a certain number of items at no charge. Proceeds from the Just a Second Shop help us send children to Jewish day and overnight camps.
Does the Just a Second Shop pick up clothes?
To keep our costs down, we do not pick up clothes or other items. Click here to find the yellow donation box near you, or drop your items off at the shop.
Does the Just a Second Shop take anything in addition to clothes?
We also accept donations of bedding, towels, dishes, small appliances (such as toasters), books and toys. Please remember that everything should be clean and in good condition.
If you have additional questions please click here and we will do our best to respond quickly.