Resources

HOPE – Helping Other Parents Everywhere

Helping Other Parents Everywhere (HOPE) is a network of peer support groups for parents and guardians. Meetings are held weekly, year round. No referral is required. We serve parents province-wide virtually in addition to our community-based support groups. Meetings are confidential and welcoming.

Website : http://www.hope4parents.ca

Ombudsman Ontario

The Ontario Ombudsman takes complaints and investigates matters related to services for children and youth, from developmental, health, social and educational programs to those related to the youth justice system.

Public education matters: daycare, early childhood education, schools and OSAP.

  • By phone: 416-586-3300 or 1- 800-263-1830
  • Online complaint
  • Email: info@ombudsman.on.ca
  • In writing: Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario, 483 Bay Street,10th floor, South Tower, Toronto, ON M5G 2C9

Children and Youth Unit answer questions, provides information about the rights of children and youth, and handles complaints and investigations related to children’s aid societies, residential licencees, and services provided under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017.

  • By phone: 416-325-5669 or 1-800-263-2841
  • Online complaint
  • Email: cy-ej@ombudsman.on.ca
  • In writing: Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario, Children and Youth Unit, 401 Bay Street, Suite 2200, Toronto, ON M7A 0A6

Website : https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/home

Pro Bono Ontario

Pro Bono Ontario (PBO) connects volunteer lawyers with Ontarians who can’t afford a lawyer.

Workplace Sexual Harassment Hotline: Mon – Fri, 1pm – 7pm. Closed on statutory holidays: 1-855-776-1855.

Education Law Program offers free legal help for families whose children face challenges to their rights in public schools. Call to speak to the program coordinator on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday afternoons (1pm – 3:30pm): 1-855-255-7256. Or apply using their online form.

Civil Legal Advice Hotline generally accepts calls Mon – Fri between 9:30 am – 11:30 am, and between 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Able to assist with:

  • Going to court (civil matters only – no family law or criminal law)
  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Consumer issues, such as consumer debt and consumer protection
  • Creating Powers of Attorney (Available Mon – Fri from 9:30 am – 11:30 am
  • Corporate law for charities, non-profits and small businesses

Website : https://www.probonoontario.org

Hamilton Education Law Project / Empowerment Squared

The Hamilton Education Law Program (HELP) was a campaign run by Empowerment Squared in 2020 to empower students and families to meet challenges that one may encounter in the school system. HELP provided information and resources for navigating issues related to student discipline, special education, bullying & harassment, and the right to attend school. The majority of the information presented in this program remains current and is presented here for reference.

Webpage contains written and video information.

Website : https://empowermentsquared.org/hamilton-education-law-program/

Pro Bono Ontario – Education Law

A project of Pro Bono Ontario which matches lawyers on a pro bono (free) basis for families with limited means in the area of education law for children.

Website : https://www.probonoontario.org/education/

Lawyer and Paralegal Referral Service

The Law Society of Ontario can assist you in finding a lawyer or paralegal. Visit the Lawyer and Paralegal Referral Service to apply on-line.

If in crisis, e.g. being held in custody: 1-855-947-5255 or 416-947-5255, M – F, 9am – 5pm.

Website : https://lso.ca/public-resources/finding-a-lawyer-or-paralegal

Steps to Justice

Step-by-step on-line information about common legal problems that people experience in family, housing, employment and other areas of law.

Website : http://stepstojustice.ca/

Trans Life Line

Trans Lifeline is a non-profit dedicated to the well-being of transgender people. The toll-free hotline is staffed by trans people for trans people. Trans Lifeline volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support needs members of the trans community might have.

Phone: 1.877.330.6366

Website : https://www.translifeline.org/

Justice Trans

Justice Trans is a not-for-profit aimed at increasing access to justice for the transgender community across Canada.

Justice Trans’ vision is to be the most up-to-date mobile phone application and website offering legal information about transgender rights across Canada, fostering an environment where transgender Canadians are increasingly aware of their legal rights in the face of an ever-changing legal environment.

Visit the website and download the app!

Website : http://www.justicetrans.com/

Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN)

NYSHN is an organization by and for Indigenous youth that works across issues of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice.

It is an LGBTQ-affirming space that offers resources such as a free ‘Two Spirit Resources Directory,’ ‘Healthy Sexuality & Fighting Homophobia and Transphobia’ the first national campaign for First Nations youth to fight homophobia and transphobia, as well as a ‘Two Spirit & Indigenous LGBTQQIA Mentors, Elders & Grandparents Support Circle.’

Website : http://www.nativeyouthsexualhealth.com/