Syl Apps School
Syl Apps School provides educational programming for youth receiving treatment at Syl Apps Youth Centre, a forensic mental health facility serving youth across Ontario.
The school program supports students in continuing their education while receiving mental health treatment. Students participate in academic programming designed to support learning, well-being and progress toward secondary school credits.
Program Snapshot
Syl Apps School
Location
Syl Apps Youth Centre
475 Iroquois Shore Road. Oakville, ON L6H 1M3
Grades
7–12
Community Partner
Kinark Child and Family Services
Registration
Contact Kinark Child and Family Services for referral information.
About the Program
Syl Apps Youth Centre offers two treatment programs:
- Secure Treatment – mandated through the Child, Youth and Family Services Act
- Ontario Review Board – mandated through the Criminal Code of Canada
Youth in the Secure Treatment program are referred through various sources including hospitals, community mental health workers and Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Admission requires an application to Family Court for a Secure Treatment order.
Youth admitted under an Ontario Review Board order have been found unfit to stand trial or not criminally responsible due to mental health status. Syl Apps Youth Centre is designated as a hospital under the Criminal Code of Canada and provides treatment under the authority of the Ontario Review Board.
Student Supports
Youth referred to Syl Apps often have complex mental health needs and may experience a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, suicidality, aggression and substance use concerns.
Clinical intervention focuses on evidence-based practices such as:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
Treatment includes both individual therapy and group interventions and is supported by an interprofessional team.
Interdisciplinary Team
Youth are supported by a collaborative team that may include:
- Teachers
- Child and youth workers
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Art therapists
- Therapeutic recreation practitioners
Families, community partners and Syl Apps staff work together to support each youth’s treatment and educational goals.
Educational Program
Youth aged 12–18 participate in a range of compulsory and elective courses. The school program focuses on strengthening literacy and numeracy skills, supporting well-being and helping students accumulate secondary school credits.
Location
Syl Apps Youth Centre
475 Iroquois Shore Road
Oakville, ON L6H 1M3