About Us - SMFC

Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is a non-profit multi-service agency operating in the District of Muskoka and Simcoe County.

Child Protection Services

In Simcoe & Muskoka, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is one of 2 organizations legally mandated to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are elected from within the community. Programs and services are developed in response to the needs of children, youth, and families in our community.

Under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, Children’s Aid Societies are mandated to:

Investigate allegations or evidence that children under the age of 18 may be in need of protection
Protect children where necessary
Provide guidance, counselling, and other services to families for protecting children or preventing circumstances requiring the protection of children
Provide care and supervision for children assigned or committed to its care
Facilitate the adoption process for children when needed

Children and Youth who identify as First Nations or Inuit in Simcoe and Muskoka are served by our partner organization, Dnaagdawenmag Biinoojiiyag Child and Family Services. Metis children and youth may be served by one of the organizations (not both at the same time). You can contact them on their main line at 1-844-523-2237.

Children’s Aid Societies are regulated by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and governed by the Ontario Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA).

Child and Youth Mental Health Services.

Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions offers counseling and therapy services to children, youth and their families who are in need of mental health supports. This service is available to children, youth and their families who reside in the District of Muskoka.

Our Child and Youth Mental Health programs are funded by the Ministry of Health. There is no charge to families for this service.

The easiest way to access our services is by scheduling a session through our Muskoka Child & Youth Mental Health Counselling Clinic. This clinic provides single-session counselling and can be your first step to accessing CYMH services. To speak with our Intake Clinician and/or to arrange for support for a child, youth or their family, please call 705-645-4426 ext.6270. A trained clinician is available to receive your call Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, sessions with clinicians are scheduled by appointment and offered virtually (by phone or video) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. At the family’s request, meetings can occur in person at our Bracebridge, Huntsville or Gravenhurst locations. During winter hours, appointments are scheduled between the hours of 11:00am and 5:30pm. During the summer months, sessions are scheduled between 10:00am to 5:00 PM.

To access child and youth mental health supports in Simcoe County, please contact Centralized Intake for Kinark and New Path at 1-888-454-6275.

Coordinated Service Planning Program

Coordinated Service Planning is a voluntary service that is offered to families who:

Have a child/youth who is involved with multiple agencies providing specialized services (e.g., rehabilitation services, autism services, developmental services, and/or respite supports, special education).
Have a child/youth who is experiencing ongoing challenges related to their development (e.g., physical, communication, intellectual, emotional, social and/or behavioural, mental health).
Have identified that they are struggling with coordinating services for their child/youth, and
May be experiencing external barriers which make it difficult to coordinate services for their child/youth.
Reside in the districts of Muskoka, Nipissing, or Parry Sound.

This program is overseen by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. There is no charge for this service. For more information and to download a referral form, please click on https://www.cspmuskokanipissingparrysound.ca/

To access this service in Simcoe County, please contact Catulpa Community Support Services at 705-733-3227.

Youth Justice Program

This program is mandated by the Youth Criminal Justice Act for certain offences and is an alternative to traditional court processes. To access this program a youth needs to be referred by the Crown Attorney and/or the OPP.

Youth (12–17yrs old), their parents, and the persons harmed typically participate in a Justice Circle facilitated by YJC volunteers. The youth are given an opportunity to make amends for their behaviour and understand the impact their behaviour has had on themselves, others and the broader community. The individual harmed is given the opportunity to be heard and partake in what they believe is appropriate restitution. When the youth has completed the sanctions and fulfilled the conditions of the agreement, the charges are withdrawn.

How we Provide Service

Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions has developed Principles that guide how we deliver service in all of our programs. We value feedback to assist us in improving our services. Please don’t hesitate to provide us with your feedback.