ReferralsReferrals
Young women come to the residence through various referral sources and means. Traditionally, about half of the referrals are self-referrals or informal referrals from friends and relatives, while the rest are referred by professionals.
No matter what the referral source, there must be a source of financial support to allow the young woman and her child to live in the residence. The most common funding sources are the City of Ottawa Shelter System, Children’s Aid Societies and the Ontario Works Program. Children’s Aid Societies St. Mary’s Home is an Outplacement Resource (OPR) for Children’s Aid Societies in the region, who frequently refer young pregnant women in their care (and others with whom they have come into contact), to the residence. We are also an OPR for privately–run group homes for adolescents – residences that are not set up to care for young pregnant women or infants. City of Ottawa Shelter System The St. Mary’s Home Residence is a specialized shelter with the City of Ottawa. The shelter system provides funding to allow us to care for young pregnant women 16 years and older, with no permanent residence, until they give birth. After the birth of their babies, funding for mother and baby is provided by the Ontario Works program. Hospitals Some of the referrals to the residence come from hospitals. These clients are typically young women who have arrived at hospital to give birth, who have no place to live and have had no previous connection with health or social services in Ottawa.
Other Professional Referrals St. Mary’s Home is pleased to receive referrals from professionals in all sectors of our community. Our residents have been referred to us by other agencies that serve young people, as well as by teachers, guidance counsellors, public health nurses, physicians and other resources.
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