When there is instability and change in their lives, youth need to be encouraged, supported and nurtured. Providing a stable, safe environment for youth in transition is often a key first step in establishing a foundation for them to overcome obstacles and move forward in a positive way.
Esau House provides a safe and caring environment and offers support, encouragement and ideas for youth who are often not involved in school or community programs. The co-ed home offers behavioural assessment and contact with professionals to help provide stability during crises and transitional periods in a youth’s life.
Esau House provides youth with:
- A secure and comfortable home
- Nutritious meals
- Educational and recreational opportunities
- Support and feedback for the youth and their family, where appropriate
- Behavioural assessments to assist in long-term care planning based on impartial and professional observations of behaviour
- The opportunity to develop positive relationships with the community Esau
House staff work closely with other agencies and programs in the community to provide youth with opportunities to grow and learn. We also work with Ministry of Children and Family Development social workers to provide assistance in setting up school meetings, doctors appointments, drug and alcohol outreach sessions, and work experience opportunities, among others.
How Esau Can Help
Esau House offers a welcoming and safe environment where youth are treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity. We value every individual we serve and strive to build on the strengths of each youth to help create positive change for the future.
Through their involvement with Esau House, youth will have the opportunity to:
- Create and improve positive social connections with adults, the community, their family and peers
- Increase their attendance at school, work training or other appropriate activities
- Build their independence and self-esteem and improve their life skills and ability to care for themselves
Positive role modeling and advocacy for youth are also key components of the Esau House program.
Participation
Esau House is a short-term home for up to six residents between the ages of 13 and 18 who are in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Referrals to Esau House are accepted from Ministry of Children and Family Development resource team social workers.
Youth stay in residence at Esau House temporarily while plans are made for suitable long-term residential placement. Ideally, the maximum length of stay is 6 weeks, although stays may vary from overnight to several months, depending on the needs of the youth.
Funding for this program is provided by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.