Who We Serve
Brave Spaces specializes in youth whose needs and histories have made stable placement difficult — and who deserve a placement that holds.
The young people we are built for
Brave Spaces serves up to six youth, ages 12–18 (extended care to 21), referred by Children's Aid Societies across Southern Ontario. Our home is specifically equipped for young people who present with one or more of the following:
- Complex trauma histories — abuse, neglect, domestic violence, community violence.
- Multiple placement disruptions — youth who have experienced three or more placement moves and are at risk of aging out without stable care.
- Concurrent mental health and behavioural challenges — mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, personality disorders, self-harming behaviour.
- Youth aging out of care (16–21) needing a supported bridge to independence.
- Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth who require culturally safe, anti-racist, identity-affirming residential care.
- 2SLGBTQ+ youth who require an explicitly affirming and safe home environment.
- Youth involved with the youth justice system who need a therapeutic, community-based residential option.
- Youth at risk of, or with experience of, sexual exploitation and human trafficking who require specialized, trauma-responsive support.
An honest invitation
We encourage CAS workers to reach out even if you are unsure. An honest conversation is always the right first step. Brave Spaces is built around hard conversations — including the ones at the front door.
Capacity and configuration
- Gender: All gender identities served; gender-affirming environment maintained.
- Location: Southern Ontario, Peel Region (Brampton area); accessible by transit.
- Overnight: Awake overnight staff at all times when youth are in the home.
- Accessibility: The home is wheelchair-accessible and maintained to the highest standard of safety and comfort.
Where we are not the right fit
Brave Spaces is a therapeutic residential home, not a secure treatment facility. We are not equipped for youth who require:
- Locked-door custody or forensic-level secure containment.
- 24-hour medical nursing care for acute physical health conditions.
All referrals are reviewed individually. If you're not sure whether we're the right fit, that is also an invitation to call.