GPS – School
Guiding Partnerships and Solutions (GPS) – School is responsive to children and youth who are experiencing serious emotional, social and/or behavioural challenges that are interfering with their educational progress and achievement of their developmental potential.
Quick Facts
- Students Up to 18 years (21 if still enrolled in school).
- Services are delivered in home, school and community, 12 months a year.
About the Program
The focus of this program is to strengthen the ability of children and youth to function in their homes, schools and communities.
GPS – School provides multi-disciplinary treatment interventions for students of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board and the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board.
The mental health services can be provided in homes, community and schools, and may consist of individual therapy, family therapy and/or groups. The service is flexible, available 12 months a year, and provides support both within and outside of normal school hours.
In some cases, students may not be attending school, are transitioning back to school after being in a more intensive setting or Mental Health service, or have been identified to be at high risk for experiencing challenges through a period of transition (i.e., from middle school to high school).
Referrals
Students can access GPS – School through their board of education. Referrals to the program indicate that less intrusive interventions have been exhausted, or that the treatment needs of the student are such that a referral to the GPS – School Program is the most appropriate option.
Referrals are made by either the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board or the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board to Contact Hamilton at 905-570-8888.
Contact Hamilton is the single point of access for children and youth mental health services in the Hamilton area until January 1, 2024.
Program Location
- Upper Paradise Site
- 526 Upper Paradise,
Hamilton, ON, L9C 5E3 - 905-389-1361
Helping Students Succeed at School
In particular, the service provides an opportunity for children and youth to work on difficulties interfering with their success in the classroom. The objective is to deliver an intensive service to students with mental health needs and their families. Treatment encompasses a process of planned, multidimensional, community based services and natural supports.
Services are individualized for each child and family, and designed to be responsive to their dynamic needs.
It is understood that some of the children and youth may be experiencing family problems, either separate from or as a consequence of their school difficulties, therefore the service actively engages with families. The service builds on school and community partnerships.
Clinical Resources
The team can call on an array of clinical resources, including a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Occupational Therapist, FASD consultant, Clinical Assessments and Measures, and Complex Needs consultant.