Referral Information

For CAS Workers

Everything you need to consider, refer, and place a young person with Brave Spaces — and what to expect from us in return.

Pre-licensure status

Brave Spaces is in active development with a target first-placement date of May 2027. We are happy to begin conversations now about future placements, capacity needs, and partnership. Submit referrals through the contact form or by direct call once the licence is issued.

Program at a glance

Program type
Licensed Outside Paid Resource (OPR) — Specialized Residential Care, Staff Model Home
Governing legislation
Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017; Ontario Regulation 156/18
Location
Brampton, Ontario (Peel Region). Specific address provided upon confirmed placement.
Licensed bed capacity
Six youth, maximum
Age range
12–18 years (extended care to 21)
Gender
All gender identities; gender-affirming environment
Staffing ratio
Minimum 2:6 staff:youth during waking hours; 1:6 awake overnight; Director on-call 24/7
Daily rate (Year 1 baseline)
$250 per youth per day; subject to case-by-case negotiation based on level of need and annual CAS renegotiation
Placement notice
Minimum 24 hours preferred; emergency placements considered case-by-case
QSF alignment
Full alignment with all 12 MCCSS Quality Standards Framework standards

Admission process and timeline

  1. Day 0: CAS worker submits referral package to the Director.
  2. Within 24 hours: Director reviews referral; conducts capacity and needs-matching assessment; responds to CAS worker.
  3. Within 48 hours: If proceeding, pre-placement phone consultation with CAS worker and (where appropriate) family or guardian.
  4. Before placement: Youth consultation and, where possible, a pre-placement visit to the home.
  5. Day of placement: Warm welcome; home tour; rights orientation; youth introduced to staff and housemates.
  6. Within 72 hours: Initial care plan and Behaviour Support Plan co-developed with youth and CAS worker.
  7. Day 7: First weekly CAS worker check-in.
  8. Day 30: Placement review meeting (youth, CAS worker, Director).
  9. Day 90: First formal care plan review and placement stability assessment.

Required referral documents

  • Current social history / intake summary (within 12 months)
  • Current plan of care or service plan
  • Behavioural Support Plan (if available; if not, we co-develop one at admission)
  • Medical / health summary including current medications and allergies
  • Mental health assessment or summary (most recent available)
  • School / education history including current placement and IEP if applicable
  • Risk assessment and any serious occurrence history relevant to residential placement
  • Any court orders governing the youth's care, contact, or movement
  • Cultural identity information (race, ethnicity, Indigenous status, language, spirituality, 2SLGBTQ+ identity if youth has disclosed)
  • Emergency contact information for family, CAS worker, and placing supervisor
  • Signed consent from youth (where capable) and/or legal guardian / CAS

What you can expect from us

Transparent communication

We call you promptly when things are difficult — not just when they are going well. You will never be surprised by a critical incident we failed to report.

QSF-compliant documentation

Monthly care plan progress notes; quarterly care plan reviews; SOR filings within required timelines; all records available on request.

Youth voice at the centre

Youth participate in all care planning. We advocate for the youth's voice even when uncomfortable, and we tell you honestly when a youth is unhappy about their placement.

Cultural competency

We actively support each youth's cultural, spiritual, and identity needs. We will connect with you proactively if cultural supports need to be arranged.

Stable, relational placement

Our relational approach and small capacity mean youth rarely experience the chaos of a large congregate setting. We aim to be the last residential placement a youth needs.

Collaborative team approach

We welcome joint case conferencing. We expect regular CAS visits. We view CAS as a partner, not an inspector. Proactive transition planning starts on Day 1.

A note to CAS workers

We know that placing a high-needs youth is not a simple decision, and we know how much trust you place in us when you refer a young person to Brave Spaces. We do not take that trust lightly. Visit before you place. Bring the youth if possible. Ask hard questions. We welcome the scrutiny — because the scrutiny is in the best interest of the young person.

Start a referral conversation