ABOUT COAST
The youth COAST program is geared to serve the children and youth and their families/caregivers of Hamilton who have serious mental health concerns and are in crisis. COAST Hamilton serves youths up to their 18th birthday.
COAST is a multidisciplinary team consisting of child and youth crisis workers, mental health workers, nurses, social workers and plain-clothes police officers.
A mental health worker will respond to a call on the COAST crisis line and make a preliminary assessment regarding the mental health concern. The worker will determine whether to respond with telephone support or a mobile visit.
If necessary, the COAST mobile team, consisting of two staff will respond to the crisis call.
The goal is to help the individual/family deal with the crisis in the environment of choice where a management plan will be developed to defuse the crisis situation. A follow-up plan will also be provided.
If necessary, the follow-up plan may involve linkage to additional community agencies or support networks. Clients will be given the opportunity for support services following a crisis situation. Children and youth and their parents/caregivers will be given the opportunity for support services following a crisis situation.
Clients requiring support or follow-up will receive assistance from the support team within 24 hours of the crisis situation. Children and youth will receive support or follow-up until either the crisis has been resolved or they have been linked to appropriate community resources.
Psychiatric consultation, assessment and/or treatment is negotiated on an individual basis.
The Child and Youth Initiative is funded by the Ministry of Community Family and Children Services.
Below are the most common concerns parents or caregivers of youth may have.
