Empowering Youth, Supporting Families
Program Description
Acclaim Family Homes provides safe, supportive, and clinically informed residential care for children and youth with behavioural needs, developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and dual diagnoses. Our program follows the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 and Ontario Regulation 156/18 to ensure high‑quality, child‑centred, and culturally responsive care.
We support children from all communities, with a dedicated focus on Black and Indigenous children, LGBT youth, and other marginalized or underrepresented groups. Our team uses trauma‑informed, strength‑based, and evidence‑based approaches to meet each child’s unique needs.
We prioritize placements close to family, school, and community to maintain cultural identity, belonging, and meaningful connections. Children’s rights, safety, dignity, and voice are central to our work, and we collaborate closely with Children’s Aid Societies, Indigenous Child and Family Well‑Being Agencies, and community partners to ensure continuity and stability.
Our Services at Acclaim BRS and Family Homes
Group Home Placement Services
At Acclaim, we provide caring group homes where children and youth can feel safe, supported, and valued. Every placement follows Ontario’s CYFSA standards and begins with a thoughtful assessment to ensure the home is the right fit.
Youth are welcomed into a stable environment with 24/7 trained staff, predictable routines, and trauma‑informed support that promotes growth, belonging, and confidence.
Foster Care Services
Our Foster Care Program provides children and youth with safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive homes where they can heal, grow, and thrive. We follow all requirements under Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) and the Quality Standards Framework, ensuring every placement is thoughtful, child‑centred, and grounded in safety and well‑being.
Skills-Building Support Programs
Empowering Youth Through Skills, Confidence & Real Work Experience
About the Program
The Acclaim Skills‑Building Support Program provides youth with the opportunity to learn practical, hands‑on skills while earning an income. Designed for young people in care and individuals with disabilities, our program helps participants build job‑readiness, strengthen life skills, and gain meaningful work experience that prepares them for long‑term success.
We created this program to support disadvantaged youth—especially those involved in the child welfare system—by offering real employment opportunities and training that leads to independence, confidence, and a stronger future.
Who We Support
Youth living in the child welfare system
Individuals with disabilities
Young people seeking employment experience
Youth who benefit from structured skill‑building and supportive coaching
Additional Services at Acclaim BRS and Family Homes Services
Professional Counseling
Supporting Mental Health & Emotional Well‑Being
Acclaim offers professional counseling services to support the mental health and emotional well‑being of children, youth, and foster families. Through partnerships with qualified external agencies, we provide pay‑per‑use counseling that gives young people access to trained mental health professionals when they need it most.
Our counseling partners offer individualized support, helping youth navigate emotions, build coping skills, strengthen resilience, and feel heard in a safe, confidential environment. Families can also access counseling to support healthy relationships and strengthen the circle of care around each child.
Youth Leadership Development
We help youth build essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and time management to support confident, independent living. Our in‑house cooking classes are led by certified chefs, giving youth hands‑on experience in a supportive environment.
For youth who struggle in mainstream learning, we offer flexible at‑home learning support to strengthen academic skills, build confidence, and keep them connected to their educational goals. Our programs
aim to empower youths with leadership skills, build confidence, and foster
community engagement.
Recreational and Social Activites
Building Confidence, Connection & Social Skills
Acclaim provides organized group activities and community outings that help children and youth build social skills, teamwork, confidence, and positive peer relationships. Our monthly and weekly experiences expose young people to new environments, new learning opportunities, and meaningful community engagement.
What We Offer
Monthly Ontario Road Trips to explore new regions and broaden experiences
Monthly Restaurant Family Dinners to build self‑esteem, social etiquette, and fine‑dining confidence
Theme Park & Fun Zone Visits including Neb’s Fun World
Bi‑Weekly Movie Nights at Cineplex
Pottery, Arts & Crafts Sessions to encourage creativity and self‑expression
Volunteering at Local Food Banks to build empathy and community connection
Weekly Library Visits & Teen Social Groups to support literacy, learning, and healthy socialization
Nurturing Growth and Opportunity: Acclaim BRS and Family Homes Services in Oshawa
Supporting Children, Youth, and Caregivers with Quality, Compassion & Compliance
Acclaim provides foster care services that meet the standards of Ontario’s Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA). Our goal is to ensure caregivers feel supported, informed, and confident as they provide safe, nurturing homes for children and youth.
Become a Foster Carer
Open Your Home. Change a Life.
Becoming a foster carer means offering safety, stability, and compassion to a child or youth who needs it most. Acclaim welcomes individuals and families who are committed to providing care that supports healing, growth, and belonging.
Who Can Foster
We welcome caregivers who are:
Patient, understanding, and committed
Able to provide a safe and stable home
Willing to learn and participate in training
Ready to support children with diverse needs
The Process
Our foster care onboarding includes:
Application and screening
Home study and interviews
Mandatory training
Matching based on strengths and capacity
We walk with you every step of the way.
Why Partner With Us
A Supportive, Professional, and Collaborative Foster Care Agency
Acclaim is committed to high‑quality, trauma‑informed foster care that aligns with CYFSA and provincial licensing standards. When you partner with us, you join a team dedicated to safety, cultural responsiveness, and meaningful support.
What Sets Us Apart
Comprehensive caregiver training
24/7 support from experienced staff
Trauma‑informed and culturally responsive care model
Strong communication and collaborative planning
Placement matching that prioritizes safety and fit
We value our caregivers and ensure they feel supported, respected, and equipped.
Training & Support Services
Preparing Caregivers for Success
Acclaim provides ongoing training and support to help foster carers feel confident and prepared to meet the needs of children and youth.
Training Includes
Trauma‑informed care
Behavioural and emotional support
Crisis intervention and safety planning
Cultural and identity‑affirming practices
CYFSA‑aligned standards and expectations
Support Services
24/7 on‑call support
Regular check‑ins and coaching
Access to professional counselling partners
Resource guides and learning materials
Community connections and peer support
We believe caregivers thrive when they feel supported — and children thrive when caregivers are empowered.
Commitment to Community and Individual Growth
At Acclaim BRS and Family Homes Services, our commitment extends beyond basic care. We focus on holistic development, addressing
each individual's social, educational, and emotional needs
Our team collaborates closely with families, caregivers, and community partners to ensure a comprehensive support system. This dedication to personalized care and community involvement sets us apart, making us a trusted choice for youth and foster care services in the Oshawa area.
Acclaim Transitioning Support Services: Building Brighter Futures Together
Comprehensive Support for Youths Transitioning: Support, Stability, and Skills for the Next Chapter.
Acclaim’s Youth Transitioning Out of Care Support Services provide safe, staffed homes for young adults who still need guidance after aging out of the Children’s Aid Society. With 24‑hour support, youth continue to receive help from familiar staff who understand their needs, strengths, and goals.
Our program is designed for young people who are not yet ready for full independence, as well as those who require long‑term support due to disabilities or mental health challenges. We focus on building life skills, strengthening independence, and supporting personal growth — all while ensuring continuity of care.
Aligned with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), our services help youth transition confidently into adulthood with meaningful support, stable housing, and opportunities to develop the skills they need for a successful future, transitioning from Group Homes to Independent Living.
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