FAQ
• What is Extend-A-Family?
Please click on this link: About Extend-A-Family
• Where are you located?
We are located in and serve the City of Toronto. Our administration office and mailing address is:
Extend-A-Family
3300 Yonge Street Suite 200
Toronto, ON M4N 2L6
Phone: 416.484.1317
Fax: 416.484.1589
Email: info@extendafamily.ca
Web: www.extendafamily.ca
• What is a Natural Family?
To be eligible for Natural Family status, a family must have a child/youth under the age of 19, who has an identified developmental disability. As well, the family commits itself to the mission of Extend-A-Family and wants to work in partnership to build meaningful, inclusive relationships for their child. The Natural Family completes an application package and is registered with Extend-A-Family for support.
• What happens once I complete the application?
Your information will be passed on to a coordinator who will be in touch with you to arrange a first meeting.
• Once I complete the application package, how long will it take before a coordinator visits my home?
You should hear from a coordinator within two to three of weeks of your application and you and the coordinator can then decide upon a mutually convenient time to meet.
• How much does it cost to be a member?
There is no cost.
• My child’s just 2 years old, can I still apply for membership?
Yes. This is an age when you can start to build community connections and learn about resources available to you in your community.
• Why do I need a police check? You’re supporting my daughter, not me.
We look at our support for the family as a whole and require the police check for the safety of all. We do police checks on all adult members of your household. It is a standard policy practice for staff, family members, hosts and volunteers of Extend-A-Family.
• Do you have a wait list?
We process applications as fast as possible. If there is a wait list you will be informed.
• I’m Involved with other service agencies, can I still complete an application?
Yes. We are not a service agency, we are a non-profit support agency.
• Does every child get to have their own friendship circle?
Many children do have a friendship circle but not all. Your coordinator will personalize your supports to your child’s specific needs.
• What happens when my son/daughter ages out of the program?
We have a program called Safe and Secure Futures Network for families to continue to connect and receive support through the transitions beyond what Extend-A-Family does in the earlier years. This is generally for parents with children 18 and over but it is not restricted to these ages.
• How do I apply to become a host?
You can download the host information and application from the website. Once your application is processed a coordinator will be in touch with you to discuss the volunteer position.
• I’m a high school student. Can I volunteer with Extend-A-Family?
We do have volunteer opportunities with Extend-A-Family and have a process to go through with meeting with a coordinator and discussing possible individuals and families that you may be able to be connected with.
