Below you will find information and links to Substance Use and Mental Health treatment providers and Harm Reduction services in the Sault and Area.
For a complete list of Mental Health and Addiction Support Services in Algoma,
The Tuesday Walk-In Clinic at CMHA is available between 11:30 and 7 with the last appointment at 5:30.
Walk-in counselling available Tuesdays at 386 Queen St E.
A
Algoma Family Services
Alternatives for Youth Program
Sault Ste. Marie, call (705) 945-5050
or 1 (800) 461-2237.
AFS Head Office
205 McNabb Street
Sault Ste. Marie,
Youth Addictions (AFY) provides drug and alcohol counselling for youth ages 14 to 25 and their families in Sault Ste. Marie. Alternatives for Youth is a client-centered service model, which provides individual, family counselling as well as school-based outreach services. AFY also provides substance abuse awareness sessions, family support, after-care services, harm reduction/relapse prevention and drug and alcohol assessments with referrals to residential treatment programs.
Genesis Day Treatment:
The Genesis day treatment program is for clients, ages of 12 – 18, who require treatment for Concurrent Disorders–Mental Health and Addictions. The program is an adventure based program utilizing our natural
surroundings and harm-reduction model of substance abuse treatment.
Ongoing intake is available for the Genesis Program, which offers 16 week
rotations. This program involves:
- Individual, Group and Family Counselling: Provided by certified professional addictions/mental health counsellors, and focused on the individual needs of clients and their families.
- Adventure Based Learning: involves challenging the youth to engage in healthy risk management in a wide range of group activities. Examples include canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, orienteering and outdoor survival training.
- Academics: Classroom with a board-certified teacher on staff.
- Life Skills: includes independent living, social skills and interpersonal social skills instruction.
- Healthy Active Living … includes drug education, art therapy, healthy alternative activities development.
- Individualized Transition Planning: in both academic and treatment components.
Algoma Public Health
Sault Ste. Marie
294 Willow Avenue, P6B 0A9
Call: (705) 942-4646
Toll Free: 1- 866-892-0172
Community Alcohol/Drug Assessment Program
Call:
The Community Alcohol/Drug Assessment program services individuals who are experiencing alcohol and/or other drug related problems. Offices are located in Elliot Lake (services Blind River), Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa (services Dubreuilville and White River).
Naloxone Distribution Program
Algoma Public Health (APH) is a designated naloxone distribution site under the Ontario Naloxone Program. This program is intended to increase the distribution of naloxone to those who are most at risk of opioid overdose.
To be eligible, agencies must:
(1) work directly with populations at risk of opioid overdose through harm reduction programming, outreach and/or social determinants of health;
(2) reach a difficult to reach (priority) population not otherwise served where there is known opioid activity; and
(3) demonstrate staff capacity to manage naloxone distribution and training of clients, inventory and reporting to APH as the Ontario Naloxone Program distribution lead.
A full list of naloxone distribution sites is located here. For more information on the Naloxone Distribution Program, contact APH at naloxone@algomapublichealth.com.
Needle Exchange Program
Algoma Public Health’s NEP is located at the John Howard Society (27 King Street), and operates from 1:00pm to 4:00pm Monday to Friday.
Supplies are also available at Algoma Public Health on Wednesdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
The Needle Exchange Program (NEP) is applies the principles of harm reduction, providing safer drug use supplies to people who are using drugs. NEPs are an inexpensive way to reduce the risk of blood-borne infections, disease transmission and drug overdoses. Clients who access NEP services are also provided with overdose prevention (and naloxone upon request), education, support services information, and referrals if requested.
B
Batchewana First Nation
National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP)
705-254-7827
1-855-816-9590
Provides services and support for individuals and families struggling with addiction issues
- Offers Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings when required
- Provides transportation to all meetings and workshops upon request
Prevention
- Provides public seminars/meetings to raise community awareness of alcohol, drug abuse and gambling addictions
- Holds educational sessions in schools
- Coordinates cultural and spiritual events
Intervention
- Facilitates recreational activities and social events
- Provides individual and group discussions
- Offers cultural and spiritual gatherings
Aftercare provided for preventing reoccurrence:
- Counselling, sharing circles and support groups
- Regular phone calls and home visits
- Referrals to band services, social services, detoxification and treatment centres and medical assistance
Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12 noon, 1 pm-4:30 pm Sep-Jun
Mon-Fri 8 am-12 noon, 12:30 pm-4:15 pm * Fri 8 am-12 noon Jul-Aug
Batchewana Niigaaniin Program
CALL- Toll free: 1-877-633-7558
Shpiming Nikeyaa Zhaawag (SNZ) is an initiative of the Niigaaniin Program.
The SNZ program provides financial assistance, active measures and addiction services to Niigaaniin participants whose employment potential may be impeded by a substance abuse problem.
The SNZ program is for you if:
- you are a Niigaaniin client.
- you are concerned about the effect addiction is having on your life and the lives of members of your family, and you want assistance to stop.
- you are concerned about the effect your substance abuse is having on your ability to find or keep adequate employment.
- you are already involved in an addiction treatment program but need support while determining when to resume employment.
Treatment Centre
144 Causley St, Blind River,
Tel. 705-356-1681
In the 1980’s, The North Shore Tribal Council and the seven First Nations Communities across the North Shore of Lake Huron had a “vision” to create a culturally based residential treatment centre for community members struggling with alcohol issues. William Toulouse, Elder Sagamok First Nations captured the essence their vision:
“A spiritual base has provided an answer for many Anishnawbek, and could be an answer for more. We need to get back to our culture … We have to look to our beliefs, not to the books of others for solutions to alcoholism.”
In 1990 the Anishnabie Naadmaagi Gamig Substance Abuse Treatment Centre opened its doors as an abstinence based program. Now known as Benbowopka Treatment Centre, it provides a culturally based harm reduction model of services to those seeking residential treatment for substance abuse. Our program is part of a continuum of addictions service being delivered by North Shore Tribal Council
Breton House- A Recovery Home
91 Breton Rd
Sault Ste. Marie
Tel: (705) 759-4891
Philosophy: To improve the health and well-being of women with substance use issues by offering opportunities for growth and change.
Our approach is holistic and rooted in the 12-Step philosophy. We encourage women to seek additional opportunities for growth and change through the various resources available in the community.
A New Link
126 Queen St. E.
Sault Ste. Marie,
Phone: (705) 946-0920
A New Link strives to improve the health and well being of pregnant and parenting women who have substance use issues.
Philosophy: A New Link believes that women have the right to individualized treatment, which respects their personal goals, including abstinence and harm reduction.
A New Link is a community based program that works with pregnant and/or parenting women whose substance use goals range from harm reduction to abstinence. Women can have children of any age whether they are in their care or not. No referral is required.
A New Link offers a variety of different services such as:
- Individual Counselling
- Case Management
- Drug & Alcohol Assessments
- Support Group
- Community Kitchen
- Educational Groups such as CHANGE; Pulling Punches; and Disease to Please
- Triple P
- Life Skills/Leisure Groups
- Referrals to community agencies and residential treatment.
C
Canadian Mental Health Association
Central Access and Information for Addictions and Mental Health
Available by calling 705-759-5989 or 1-855-366-1466
Monday to Friday 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
The Central Access and Information service is a welcoming environment that is accessible by telephone or by walk-in, where people are assisted with information on what mental health and addictions services are available across the district as well as helping link them to the appropriate level of service. Information on mental health, mental illness and addictions is also available.
The creation of a common access and information service for mental health and addictions services is an initiative of all the addiction and mental health partners in Algoma and it hopes to:
- help reduce confusion for individuals and providers on what services are available and where
- assist with linking individuals to the right level of service that is available
- provide a consistent response related to mental health and addiction services that are available
- significantly expand the regular office hours of service for assisting individuals seeking information and services
Referrals for services with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Sault Ste. Marie can also be submitted using the Community Mental Health and Addictions Services Referral Form. Referral forms can be e-mailed to information@cmhassm.com, faxed to 705-945-0261, or submitted to 386 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 1Z1.
ConnexOntario
Call 1-866-531-2600
Information about Mental Health and Addiction Services in Ontario
ConnexOntario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness and/or gambling. We are funded by the Government of Ontario.
Our system navigation and information service is live-answer 24/7, confidential, and free.
ConnexOntario maintains a centralized, up-to-date, and accurate database of detailed drug, alcohol, problem gambling, and mental health treatment service information.
This information includes:
- where the service is located
- how to access the service
- how long the wait to access the service may be
G
Garden River First Nation Addictions and Mental Health Programs
Mege Zee Wuhsiswun (The Eagles Nest)
Call- 705-946-5710 ext. 245 for Reception and Intake
Helping All People to Fly Free and Live a Good Life
These services are for Band Members and/or community members of Garden River First Nation, depending on the specific service being provided.
The Mege Zee Wuhsiswun program encompasses the Addictions and Mental Health services offered through the Garden River Wellness Centre. The mission of the Mege Zee Wuhsiswun team is to support individuals, families, and the community to work towards achieving optimal health and recovery from addiction and mental health concerns. As a team, they are also committed to assisting individuals in their recovery by incorporating physical, emotional, and spiritual needs as part of cultural teaching.
Program and Services
- Opioid Replacement Therapy Program (Suboxone) on site with a team of professionals committed to helping you in your recovery;
- Addictions Physician on site periodically, as well as OTN (Telemedicine) weekly.
- Access to Medical Transportation to and from the pharmacy;
- Mental Health & Addictions Nurse on site to provide weekly follow-ups to support patients who are on Suboxone
- Mental Health Case Managers on site to provide services to individuals with mental health concerns both direct and indirect including linking clients to appropriate supports and services and monitoring outcomes.
- Addictions Counsellor on site to offer individual counselling as well as counselling/educational groups on a variety of topics;
- Access to Traditional Health Services
- Child & Youth Mental Health Counselling on site for ages 0-18 years
- Adult Mental Health Outreach Counsellor on site and in the community to provide individual counselling related to mental health as well as counselling/educational groups on a variety of topics;
- Intensive Treatment Services Counsellor on site to work with families of children who are struggling behaviourally.
Group Health Centre
Hep Care Program
170 East Street, Suite 402, Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 1-888-943-4372 - Toll Free
Hours of Operation:
Mon - Fri 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Closed 12:00pm to 1:00 pm)
Sat, Sun, Holidays Closed
The GHC Hep Care Program includes a specially trained social worker, outreach worker and two registered nurses and a physician who help people with hepatitis C (and co-infected patients with Hep B or HIV) get the nursing care and support that they require. The goal of the Hep Care Program is to increase treatment capacity, particularly in under-serviced communities and where the prevalence of Hepatitis C is high, and to improve the health of Ontarians living with Hepatitis C. Testing for Hepatitis C and HIV are provided.
HIV/AIDS Resource Program (HARP)
170 East Street, Suite 402, Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 705-759-5690
Hours of Operation
Mon - Fri, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Closed 12:00pm to 1:00 pm)
Sat, Sun, Holidays Closed
Staff provide day-to-day education and support for local individuals infected, affected or at risk by HIV/AIDS and related issues. Education and support include: presentations, workshops, information sessions and conferences on HIV, AIDS, safer sex, and other issues. Outreach services are provided with the help of community partners by developing strategies on harm reduction for safer sex and intravenous drug users. H.A.R.P. does not provide medical care.
I
Indian Friendship Centre Drug & Alcohol Prevention
To provide substance abuse services through education, prevention, and intervention to Indigenous individuals and their families within the community. To provide healthier alternatives for a substance free lifestyle. To develop and present substance abuse education programs to the community. To enhance inter-agency referrals and networking within the substance abuse community in addressing substance abuse. To promote alternative lifestyles by providing substance free social activities. To provide a continuum of care for substance abuse to individual and their families.
J
John Howard Society
27 King Street, Sault Ste. Marie,
Call: (705) 759-1703
Options Navigator
JHS partnered in October 2014 with United Way to meet a need in our community to improve services/referral to those people living in the Gore St. area, toward employment, schooling and support services. The Options Navigator position works primarily out of the Neighbourhood Resource Centre on Gore and includes 1 evening/week, which was an informed need from community consultations. The Options Navigator reaches residents in the area through walk-abouts and speaking to residents about their needs to enable them to gain further skills toward employment/schooling.
K
Ken Brown Recovery Home
8 Herrick Street, Sault Ste. Marie,
Office Telephone: 705.942.2244
The Ken Brown Recovery Home - (KBRH) is a not-for-profit charitable organization, providing a supportive environment for men who are committed to, and seeking recovery from the disease of addiction. Our goal is to offer those that seek help, the hope and courage to change, heal and grow. We promote personal responsibility and encourage peer support in adopting and maintaining a new lifestyle.
At KBRH, we see addiction as "an equal opportunity disease", regardless of background or demographics. The illness affects people without regard to financial or social status. We are dedicated through care, counselling and rehabilitation to assist individuals achieve long-term sustainable recovery.
M
Maamweysing
Access Sites:
Satellite Clinic: 123 March Street, Suite 503
Sault Ste Marie
Tel: 705-945-4677
All are welcome at this location. Must have a valid health card.
Clinic Hours:
Monday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Minobimaadizing Recovery Program
In partnership with Northwood Recovery
The Minobimaadizing Recovery Program offers walk-in and scheduled treatment for those experiencing addiction. We are a network of access points along the North Shore that offer outpatient services in addiction treatment and recovery.
Maamwesying understands that addiction can be a life threatening disease-so we provide immediate access and support to those seeking Medication Assisted Therapy (Suboxone, Methadone) as a safe opioid replacement to help with cravings and opioid withdrawal with the use of controlled dosing. We also treat other substance use disorders, including marijuana, alcohol and stimulants etc.
The Minbimaadizing Recovery Program is affiliated with the Northwood Recovery Medical Clinics. Together, both organizations focus on the better well-being of our patients. Our focus is creating access to programs, services and health services to support a healthy you!
By joining the MW & Minobimaadizing Recovery Program at Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services, you will be offered a non-judgmental approach to care, while helping and supporting individuals struggling with mental health issues and addictions using a holistic and culturally driven approach.
Immediate treatment options are available.
Part of recovery is addressing issues with a sense of immediacy and we can accommodate those individuals looking to start treatment immediately. No appointment necessary, walk-ins are welcome. Transferring clinics is easy, if you earned carries, you will maintain them. Patients can start medicine on the same day.
Our Support Team
The MW&M Recovery team are professionals who are focused on your treatment plan and reducing any anxieties and apprehensions a person may have. We support those who are struggling with issues impacting their physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health, aboriginal or non-aboriginal, and are here to help make the treatment and healing process smooth.
The program includes:
- An initial intake interview
- Medical examination and laboratory tests (where appropriate)
- Supervised urine testing
- A signed treatment contract and treatment plan
- Addiction counselling
- Regular medical follow up
- After-care programming (i.e., relapse prevention)
- Naloxone kits for distribution
- Harm Reduction supplies
- Referrals
Community Partner Sites:
Garden River First Nation
Thessalon First Nation
Mississauga First Nation
Serpent River First Nation
Sagamok Anishnawbek
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
Residents of Batchewana First Nation and those living in Sault Ste Marie may access the 123 March St. clinic. Hours will vary between First Nation Health Centres.
Missanabie Cree First Nation Addictions Program
477 Queen St East, Suite 200
Call: 705 254-2702
Missanabie Cree First Nation’s Addiction Program and Services, has a dynamic approach to teaching skills using a clinical and traditional holistic approach, this keeps programming fresh, easy to retain, and fun to learn. As service providers in our community we love learning new things ourselves, so as a counsellor I am developing regularly as well. Our service delivery offers day programming available in some of these topics.
- Anger Management
- Co-Dependency
- Coping with dysfunctional settings (family, work, community, etc.)
- Residential School Impact & Trauma
- Healthy Lifestyle choices
- Traditional Holistic Healing alternatives
- Domestic Violence
- Loss and Grieving
- Communication skills
- Coping Skills Development
- Healthy Nutrition & Physical Activity
- Indigenous Cultural Teachings (Healing Circles, Ceremony educate, events. Medicine education.)
- LifeSkills
- Harm Reduction
- Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
- Structured Relapse Prevention Planning
The Missanabie Cree Addiction program takes a two-eye seeing approach to service delivery that utilizes traditional healing as well as clinical treatment approach. Our goals are to provide a wholistic and culturally appropriate approach to service delivery while providing advocacy, case management, clinical assessments and wrap around services. We also, recognize that our client’s have their right to self determination, and we support them as we walk along side them on their healing journey.
Also, we have one on one counselling options, individual case management, client assessments, and internal or external referral options, assistance in treatment planning, safe supply, and our newly developed Naloxone Distribution Program. Often, the Family Wellness team works together to act as a liaison to other services and agencies for other services as required. As Missanabie Cree’s Addiction counsellor my life passion is helping those in need and I take great pride in offering skills that can help enhance yourself as an individual, a family member, and as an important member of the community.
N
Nogdawindamin
Toll Free: 1-(800)-465-0999
Phone: 1-(705)-946-3700
Neonatal Caring Services Program
We are a voluntary, prevention program that services high risk women during their pregnancy and for up to 4 years post-partum. We provide support in a variety of areas such as addictions support, homelessness, pregnancy and parenting support and nutrition.
We connect women with the appropriate services needed including pregnancy and infant loss. Staff are trained in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and provide education on withdrawal symptoms to expecting mothers and caregivers.
We also support moms during the birth of their child and have attended births when the mom has no one else to support her.
Please note that currently we only provide services to the seven First Nations along the North Shore.
Ontario Addiction Treatment Clinic
500 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie
Call- 705-759-8080
Info line for new patients: 1-877-937-2282
Office hours
Mon-Fri- 8am to 4pm
Sat- 9 to 12
Closed Sunday
Pharmacy hours
| Monday to Friday | 8:00am |
– 4:00pm |
| Sat, Sun, & Holidays | 9:00am |
– 12:00pm |
The Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres (OATC) were founded in 1995. At that time, treatment for opioid agonist therapy, utilizing methadone, was extremely under-serviced and those seeking treatment often were forced to travel hundreds of kilometers to seek care. Today, OATC services over fifty communities throughout Ontario, treating over ten thousand patients daily. Our staff is highly dedicated to ensuring optimal care and great effort is made toward encouraging long term sobriety from all illicit substances.
Road to Recovery Clinic
332 Queen Street East
Sault-Ste Marie
Phone: (705) 450-7444
S
Sault Area Hospital
Rapid Access Addictions Medicine Clinic:
123 East Street
Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 705-759-6684
What is the RAAM Clinic?
The RAAM clinic is a Rapid Access Addictions Medicine Clinic for people looking for help with their addictions. The doctors and other staff at the clinic have experience treating people who are struggling with their drinking or substance use, and they know how difficult it can be to ask for help. You’re welcome to come to the clinic even if you’re not sure your addictions are a problem, or if you know there is a problem but you’re not yet ready to stop. If you have questions about starting treatment, please ask.
Please call for an appointment and please bring your health card.
After office hours please leave message with your name and a contact number. Calls will be returned next business day.
Addictions Treatment Clinic
123 East Street
Sault Ste. Marie,
Phone: 705-759-6684
Philosophy
The philosophy of the Addictions Treatment Clinic is to help alleviate psycho-social problems associated with the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs and/problem gambling. The program is based on a bio-psycho-social model with the aim of helping individuals in attaining optimum functioning in physical, mental, social and spiritual realms. The program offers support and education to family members in better understanding and coping with difficulties related to addictions. Clinicians are trained to work with clients from a multi-modal approach (i.e., harm reduction, disease model, 12 step abstinence based, solution focused, strengths-based, drinkwise, and alike). In the community the program helps to heighten general awareness of addictions and treatment issues. As an integral party of the continuum of addictions services the clinic strives to provide the highest quality health care to the community, in accordance with the overall mission of the Sault Area Hospital.
Withdrawal Management
911 Queen St. E.
Sault Ste. Marie,
Phone: 705-942-1872
Admission to Withdrawal Management (Detox) is voluntary and the length of stay depends on each individuals personal needs. Usual stays with this facility range from five to seven days for individuals dealing with alcohol related issues and longer if other drugs are involved. During a resident's stay in this facility they are detoxified from substances, stabilized and an individual discharge plan is negotiated.
Provides service to men and women who are:
- 16 years of age or older
- intoxicated
- in a state of withdrawal from alcohol and/or other drugs
- in a crisis related to alcohol and/or other drugs and suitable for a non-medical intervention
Crisis Services
Contact:
(705) 759-3398 (Sault Ste. Marie)
1-800-721-0077 (outlying areas of the Algoma District)
Days/hours of operation:
Monday - Friday, 0800-2400 Hrs.
Saturday, Sunday & Stat Holidays --1000-2400 Hrs.
Crisis Intervention Worker on call after office hours
Crisis Intervention Workers, Psychiatric Nurses and Mobile Crisis Response Workers. Workers aim to prevent crises from worsening and help to resolve crises as quickly as possible. Intervention is designed to be brief and short-term in nature. The goal of the service is to provide multidisciplinary assessments of individual needs, when possible provide service where the crisis is occurring, facilitate appropriate referrals to community service providers and deliver a high quality crisis service in the Algoma District.
Strong Minds
Fitness Based Therapy Provider
Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 705-987-3825
Teen Challenge North
Teen Challenge Canada is a 12-month, faith-based, residential alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation program with centres located across Canada.
Set on 29 forested acres near Sault Ste. Marie in picturesque northern Ontario, Teen Challenge Ontario North has the capacity for 10 adult men. We also have room for 4 men in our post-graduate program, called Phase4, where graduates can deepen their recovery, gain valuable work experience and further plan their transition back into society.
The Oaks Centre and Camillus Centre
Withdrawal Management Services
Contact the Oaks WMS staff 24 hours / day at (705) 848-2129 Ext 304 (extension on site is wrong)
Oaks WMS, #1-9 Oakland Blvd, Elliot Lake, ON, P5A 2T1
Tapering Program
The tapering program booking clerk can be contacted at (705) 848-2129 ext 301 on Thursdays Only. Tapering program office hours are on Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Oaks WMS Tapering Program, #1-9 Oakland Blvd, Elliot Lake, ON, P5A 2T1
Camillus Centre Programs
(705) 848-2129 Ext 313 (Clinical Secretary)
Camillus Centre, #3-9 Oakland Blvd., Elliot Lake, ON, P5A 2T1
The Oaks Centre is an accredited facility, treating the whole person, operated by St. Joseph's General Hospital. It is comprised of two services: Oaks Withdrawal Management Services and Camillus Centre Residential Treatment Programs. Oaks Centre services are supported and partially funded by The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care via the Local North East Health Integration Network.
Victim Services of Algoma
(705) 945-6905
1-888-VCARS92 or 1-888-822-7792
477 Queen Street East, Suite 102A
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Victim Services of Algoma supports individuals affected by crime and tragic circumstances that is victim-centered and culturally-competent.
Menu of Services offered:
- 24/7 on-scene crisis intervention;
- Addressing immediate safety concerns;
- Community support sessions;
- Needs assessment;
- Development of a personalized referral form or service plan;
- Safety planning;
- Provision of information;
- Referrals to counselling and relevant community and government support service;
- Enhanced support; and
- Follow up.
Which services each individual receives will depend on their individual needs. Victim Services of Algoma will respect the right of every client to make his/her own decisions.
Program Objectives:
The program objectives:
- To provide crisis intervention, emotional support, practical assistance, information and referrals to individuals affected by crime and tragic circumstance.
- To reduce the likelihood of further harm by helping clients identify and address safety issues.
- To help clients identify their needs and concerns, and develop strategies to address them.
Program Eligibility:
The program services individuals affected by crime and tragic circumstance. Children under 16 years of age require consent/permission from a parent or guardian.