PARENT’S PATHWAY FOR CHILD AND YOUTH CONCUSSION

Concussion Protocol: What Parents Need to Know

If your child experiences a hit to the head or body and shows signs of a concussion—such as headache, dizziness, confusion, or changes in mood or sleep—it’s important to act quickly. The York Catholic District School Board follows a clear, step-by-step concussion protocol to support safe recovery and return to school and physical activity.

Key points for parents:

• Seek medical attention immediately if your child shows any concussion symptoms or “red flag” signs like vomiting, worsening headache, or confusion.

• Rest is essential for the first 24–48 hours, followed by a gradual return to learning and physical activity.

• Inform the school if a concussion is suspected or diagnosed. The school will help coordinate academic accommodations and monitor recovery.

• Follow the Return to Learn and Return to Play stages carefully. Students must be symptom-free for 24 hours before progressing to the next stage.

• Medical clearance is required from a Physician or Nurse Practitioner before returning to full academic routines, physical activity or sports. The required form toe be completed by Physician or Nurse Practitioner can be accessed in the button below.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES 

Looking for trusted information to support your child’s mental health and well-being? School Mental Health Ontario offers a dedicated space for parents and caregivers with practical tools, videos, and guides on topics like stress, anxiety, digital habits, and substance use. Whether you're navigating a challenge or just looking to learn more, this resource hub is here to help. 

SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH ONTARIO 

Supporting Student Well-Being Starts at Home

Navigating your child’s mental health journey can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. School Mental Health Ontario offers a comprehensive hub of resources designed specifically for parents and caregivers. The By Your Side toolkit includes practical guides, webinars, and tip sheets on topics like stress and anxiety management, substance use prevention, digital technology use, and how to talk about mental health at home and school. These tools are culturally responsive, easy to access, and available in multiple formats to support every family. Whether you're looking to start a conversation or deepen your understanding, this site is a valuable ally in promoting mental wellness for your child.

 If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact your local community crisis team. You can also reach out to the Indigenous Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310, the Black Youth Helpline 1-833-294-8650, or Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868.

RETURNING TO SCHOOL 

YCDSB SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH

At YCDSB, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of every student. The Board’s Mental Health and Well-Being page offers resources, strategies, and services to help students thrive emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Whether your child needs support with stress, anxiety, or just someone to talk to, help is available.

🌱 Explore YCDSB Mental Health Resources

Let’s work together to build a caring and resilient school community.

HELPING YOUR CHILD MANAGE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Helping Your Child Build Healthy Digital Habits

Digital technology is a big part of young people’s lives—but too much screen time can affect their sleep, mood, school performance, and relationships. This guide from School Mental Health Ontario helps parents and caregivers recognize when screen use might be a concern and offers practical strategies to support healthier habits.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Signs of problematic screen use

• Tips for setting limits and having supportive conversations

• Tools for creating family agreements and using parental controls

• Resources for mental health support if needed

Explore the full guide to help your child find a better balance between screen time and real-life connections.

YORK REGION COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES 

Navigating mental health, wellness, and social support can be overwhelming—but you’re not alone. This guide highlights a wide range of trusted community organizations in York Region that offer free or low-cost services for children, youth, and families. Whether you're looking for counselling, crisis support, housing, grief services, or culturally specific programs, there are resources available to help. 

AFFORDABLE and ACCESSIBLE COUNSELLING IN YORK REGION

Finding mental health support shouldn’t be out of reach. This guide lists a wide range of counselling services in York Region that are either low-cost, sliding scale, or fully covered by OHIP. It includes options for individuals, couples, and families, with services available in multiple languages and across various communities.

What you’ll find:

• Free or low-cost counselling for youth, adults, and families

• Services for newcomers and individuals, and those facing domestic violence

• Peer support, walk-in clinics, and virtual therapy options

• Crisis lines and centralized intake for mental health and housing support

Whether you're looking for short-term help or ongoing care, this resource can help you connect with the right support.

HOPE HOUSE COMMUNITY HOSPICE - BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT 

At Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy, we understand that dealing with the loss of a loved one can be an emotional and challenging journey. We are committed to

providing our students with compassionate support during such difficult times. We are pleased to suggest bereavement support through Hope House Hospice in

Richmond Hill, a community organization known for its caring and specialized services. These sessions will provide a safe and comforting space for students to express their

emotions, share experiences, and find healing through guided support. Students may choose to participate in individual counseling sessions or small group

sessions tailored to their comfort level. Whether you prefer a one-on-one setting or the  strength of shared experiences with others, the professional team at Hope House

Hospice is ready to provide the necessary support.If you or someone you know would benefit from these services, please feel free to

contact :

Julia Zinn - Counselor 

j.zinn@hopehousehospice.com

Office: 905-727-6815 ex 228

Mobile: 289-221-1861

We encourage students to reach out for support in whichever format feels most helpful.

Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to assist you throughout this journey.

YORK HILLS 

Supporting Student Well-Being: York Hills Services for High School Students 

Key Services Available to High School Students

1. Walk-In and Single Session Support

• Walk-In Counselling: Available Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at their Aurora location.

• Here to Help Phone Line: Free single-session support by phone, Monday to Thursday.

• One Stop Talk: Virtual counselling available Monday to Saturday.

These services are ideal for students dealing with stress, anxiety, family conflict, bullying, or other personal challenges.

2. Brief Therapy and Goal-Focused Counselling

• Short-term, solution-focused therapy to help youth manage specific issues and build coping strategies.

3. Groups and Workshops

• York Hills offers group programs that focus on topics such as emotional regulation, anxiety management, and building healthy relationships.

4. Mental Health Navigation

• Support for students and families to find the right services and resources based on their unique needs.

5. Day Treatment Programs

• For students requiring more intensive support, York Hills offers structured therapeutic programs in collaboration with schools.

6. Community Consultation and Assessment Services (CCAAS)

• Multi-disciplinary assessments and consultations to help clarify diagnoses and guide treatment planning. Referrals are typically made through school personnel or community agencies.

Why Choose York Hills?

• No Cost: All services are funded by the Ministry of Health and are free to families.

• Expert Team: Includes social workers, psychotherapists, child and youth workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

• Family-Centered Approach: York Hills emphasizes collaboration with families to ensure support is tailored and effective.

• Flexible Access: Services are available in-person, virtually, and by phone to meet diverse needs and schedules.

How to Get Started

Students, parents, or school staff can initiate contact with York Hills by calling their intake department at 905-503-9560 or visiting www.yorkhills.ca.

YORK HILLS  - WALK IN COUNSELLING CLINIC

SUPPORTING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: FAMILY NAVIGATION PROJECT 

Navigating mental health and addiction services can be overwhelming for families. The Family Navigation Project, offered through Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, provides expert guidance to help youth (ages 13–26) and their families in the Greater Toronto Area access the right care at the right time.

This free service connects families with trained navigators who understand the challenges of finding appropriate support. Whether you're facing long wait times, unclear referrals, or complex needs, the Family Navigation Project is here to help.

🔗 Learn More or Get Support

If your family is seeking help, a phone call or email is all it takes to get started.

 TALKING ABOUT VAPING WITH YOUR CHILD - YORK REGION HEALTH DISTRICT 

Spotlight on NotAnExperiment.ca: A Vital Resource for Parents

NotAnExperiment.ca is a trusted educational platform provided by the York District Health Unit to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the risks of youth vaping and how to address them effectively.

Why It Matters

Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but research shows it poses serious health risks—especially to youth. The site emphasizes that vaping is not harmless and can lead to:

• Nicotine addiction

• Impaired brain development

• Increased anxiety and stress

• Lung damage

What You'll Find

The Parents section of the site offers:

• Clear facts about vaping and its health effects 1

• Signs to watch for if your child may be vaping (e.g., fruity smells, USB-like devices, bloodshot eyes) 2

• Conversation tips to help you talk openly and often with your child about vaping 2

• Stress management strategies and ways youth can resist peer pressure to vape 2

Helpful Tools

• Downloadable parent handouts

• Guidance on how to create a safe space for dialogue

• Suggestions for timing and practicing conversations

This resource empowers parents to be proactive and informed, reinforcing that you are the biggest influence in your child’s life when it comes to making healthy choices.

🔗 Visit NotAnExperiment.ca/parents to explore more.