Children’s Treatment Centres

Every region of the province has a government-funded centre. On this page, you will find all the information on how to access services and what kind of support you can ...

Photo: @copyright Every region of the province has a government-funded centre. On this page, you will find all the information on how to access services and what kind of support you can expect.

Many families think that supports such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or autism assessments are only available in Toronto or at major hospitals. In reality, the Ontario government funds a network of over 20 Children’s Treatment Centres (CTCs), organized by region, which together support more than 180,000 children and youth every year. No matter where you live in the province, you can be sure there is always a designated centre for your area.

How does access work? SmartStart Hub Since 2022, the government has established a single point of entry called the SmartStart Hub, available at every Children’s Treatment Centre.

The concept is simple: instead of families having to figure out which service to turn to on their own, they can call or fill out an online form. A Service Navigator will then have a conversation (by phone, video, or in person) to understand the child’s needs and refer them directly to the right services. Important Information!

“A medical referral or prior diagnosis is not required to contact the SmartStart Hub.” Where can you find your region’s centre? Region Children’s Treatment Centre Toronto Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital / Surrey Place Peel, Halton, Dufferin (Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Orangeville)

ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development York, Simcoe (Newmarket, Markham, Barrie, Richmond Hill) Children’s Treatment Network Simcoe-York (CTN) Durham (Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby) Grandview Kids Hamilton Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre (McMaster) Niagara (St. Catharines) Niagara Children’s Centre Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph KidsAbility Centre for Child Development London, St. Thomas Thames Valley Children’s Centre (TVCC) Brantford Lansdowne Children’s Centre Ottawa CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) Full list (all regions, including Northern Ontario): ontario.ca/page/childrens-rehabilitation-services . If you are unsure which centre serves your area, Empowered Kids Ontario ( empoweredkidsontario.ca ) or the regional office of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) can help you find out.

What services are provided? Speech, occupational, and physical therapy: Assessment and treatment for developmental, communication, and mobility delays. Autism services: Many of these centres also serve as the regional entry point for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), offering diagnostic assessments and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

Infant Hearing Program: Hearing screening for newborns and ongoing support for hearing loss. Specialized medical clinics: Developmental pediatricians and clinics for cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorders, and orthopedics, depending on the centre.

Family support: Respite care for caregivers, financial support guidance, service navigation, and, at many centres, parent coaching. School-based support: Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech-language support within public schools, in collaboration with local school boards. Who is eligible?

Children and youth up to age 19—or until they complete high school, if they are still enrolled. A formal medical referral is not required, though education or healthcare professionals may also make a referral. All services are free of charge.

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