General
How long does it take to receive services from Elizabeth House?
With the collaboration of referring professionals (where applicable) we can usually provide services within a few weeks of the initial request (2-4 weeks). However, there may be an occasional waiting list. Please contact us to find out more.
Who can benefit from Elizabeth House services? Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit to benefit from Elizabeth House services. Our residence welcomes mothers of all ages with their child(ren) 0-5 years old.
For external services, we serve mothers and fathers who have at least one child ages 0-5.
Find out more here.
My client doesn’t speak English, can she still benefit from Elizabeth House services?
Our mandate is to serve the English-speaking community of the province. Francophone clients must be comfortable communicating in English to integrate the group (residence) and participate in activities.
Is there a maximum duration to services?
No. We offer services as long as they are needed and beneficial to the client.
Residential stays usually last 6-9 months. They can be longer if the client is progressing but needs more time to get on her feet. Or they can be shorter if we are no longer the right resource for the family. In those cases, we do our best to find an alternative with the client.
Is Elizabeth House part of Youth Protection?
No. Elizabeth House is a private rehabilitation centre. We are separate from Batshaw Youth and family Services and from any other Youth Protection Agency. We do however collaborate with these organizations when the situation of our clients (parents or children) requires it.
Is there a cost to Elizabeth House services?
External services are free of charge.
Residential clients who have no income or limited income (e.g. Social Assistance / Welfare) receive services free of charge and may be entitled to a monthly allocation determined by the Direction de la contribution et de l’aide financière de la Régie de l’Assurance-Maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Clients whose financial situation allows it might be required to contribute to their stay at Elizabeth House.
The Residence
What does the residence look like?
Each client has her own room that she shares with her child(ren). The room includes a single / twin-size bed, a crib or toddler bed, dressers, a small closet, a night stand and, as needed, a rocking chair. In the summer, bedrooms have air conditioning.
Other living areas are shared with other clients (bathrooms, living room, kitchens, playroom, laundry rooms).
Is Elizabeth House a shelter?
No. Elizabeth House is a rehabilitation center for parents who wish to develop their parenting and independent living skills.
My situation is urgent, can I be admitted quickly?
Elizabeth House does not do emergency admissions. We do everything we can to respond to requests for services as quickly as possible. However, we do take time to evaluate every potential client’s situation carefully to ensure we are the right resource for her.
Does the residence offer close supervision?
While we have a team of workers on the floor 24/7 to support clients, we are generally not able to provide one-on-one constant / close supervision. Mothers must be capable to care for their child independently (basic care) and have some autonomy in their free time.
Can I have visitors at the residence?
Visits with family and partners are encouraged and facilitated where possible (no restrictions from DYP). However, visitors are not admitted on the bedroom floor and cannot stay overnight.
When a client is able to have visits outside of the residence, we encourage the “break” from group living (weekends with family, occasional dinner out, outings).
For the Residential Program, what does Elizabeth House pay and what do clients pay?
Elizabeth House provides housing, food (3 meals a day + snacks) for mothers and children eating solids, prescribed medication, emergency transportation, internet, TV, laundry (free access to machines), furniture, big baby items (high chair, swing, crib / playpen / toddler bed, bouncer) and bedding.
Clients are responsible for personal expenses, hygiene and beauty items, bath towels, baby items (diapers and wipes, pacifiers, diaper bag, blankets, formula and/or breastfeeding items, toys, stroller or baby carrier, baby car seat for newborns), regular transportation costs and cellphones.
I receive Social Assistance /Welfare, will I keep receiving it once admitted to Elizabeth House?
Clients who receive Social Assistance / Welfare generally get an allocation from the Direction de la contribution et de l’aide financière de la Régie de l’Assurance-Maladie du Québec (RAMQ), during their stay at Elizabeth House. The amount is however smaller, because they don’t have to pay for rent, food or prescriptions.
Mothers also receive their child allowances from the federal and provincial governments for any child in their care during their stay at Elizabeth House.
Elizabeth High School
Who can attend Elizabeth High School and the Educational Program?
The school is open to pregnant teenager and teen mothers who have their English eligibility for the youth sector. Clients must be:
- 17 and under; or
- 18, have been registered in school in the past year and have a year or less left to complete the requirements for their high school diploma; or
- 18-19 have been registered in school in the past year and have been pregnant or have given birth in the last year.