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Programs & Services > Next Steps > Frequently asked questions

Challenge.Learn.Change

Next Steps:
Frequently asked questions

Is Next Steps Partner Abuse Response Program (PAR) open to anyone?

All our clients are mandated by courts to enroll in the program. Occasionally we receive requests from clients who want to attend the program voluntarily, and we refer them to other appropriate services or agencies.

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How do I enroll in the program? What documents do I need to bring with me?

If you are mandated by the court to take the program, your probation officer will forward his/her referral form to one of the agencies offering the Partner Abuse Response Program. If our agency is chosen, he/she will fax the referral form to 416 595 0242, attn. Service Access Unit.

If you are mandated by the Early Plea Court, your referral must come from the Women Abuse Counsel of Toronto.

For the first meeting, we will ask you to bring proof of your income to calculate your session fee and any available court papers.

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How long do I have to wait before starting the program?

The length of the waiting period between registration and the first group meeting varies depending on how many clients apply to enroll each month. After we receive your referral form we’ll invite you to attend an assessment interview with your case coordinator. The estimated waiting time for your assessment interview is 2-6 weeks. During the interview you’ll receive detailed information about the program and your group start date.

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What shall I do while waiting to start the program?

While waiting for your first group meeting, you can start working on your issues. You might want to consider counselling, in which case you could start by talking with your family doctor who could recommend a counsellor for you. You can also start by being open and talking about your problems with a trusted friend or your probation officer (if you have developed a good relationship with him/her). We also recommend that if you do not have a restraining order, you try to openly communicate with your partner rather than remain silent and pretend that nothing happened.

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Is there a separate group for individuals charged with assault to a same sex partner who are mandated by the court to attend a Partner Abuse Response (PAR) program?

Yes, there is a separate PAR group for gays / lesbians / transgenders offered through David Kelley Services. The enrollment procedure is similar to other PAR groups. Service is arranged through referral to Service Access Unit by probation or by the courts through the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto.    

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Is Next Steps program provided in languages other than English?

We currently run seven groups: five in English, one in Tamil and one Farsi speaking. We also offer interpreters for clients who do not speak any of these languages. Each group can accommodate up to two clients with interpreters.

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At what locations do Next Steps groups meet?

For all of the 16 weeks of the program, Next Steps groups meet weekly, for two-hours sessions, at FSA Toronto’s 355 Church Street location (just south of Carlton Street).

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How are Next Steps costs covered ? What is the fee for the Next Steps program?

The Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) funds 12 accredited agencies in Toronto to run partner abuse programs. Family Service Association is one of these agencies. The MAG funds are calculated on an annual basis for a certain number of clients.

However, not all Next Steps program costs are covered by MAG funding. Other program costs are covered by fees from the clients and United Way funds. We set fees on a sliding scale based on household size and income.

For calculating your fee, we need proof of your income (such as a copy of your most recent pay cheque). Our clients have the option to either pay up front for the whole program or pay the fee before each session. In both cases you’ll receive a tax deductible receipt for the amount paid.

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What if I can’t pay my fees?

If you miss two consecutive payments, you could be temporarily suspended from the program. If there are extenuating circumstances you’ll be directed to see the Next Steps program manager to agree to a financial repayment plan.

If your initial financial situation changes, please let us know right away. We are committed to making our services as affordable as possible and no one is turned away due to inability to pay because of low income.

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What can I expect from the Next Steps program ?

At Next Steps, we offer a 16-week group program in an encouraging and supportive environment. Our skilled and professional team will help you explore and understand your problem, develop solutions and take responsibility for your actions.

After registration you’ll meet with your case coordinator for an assessment interview. Together, you’ll review the program objectives and expectations and receive the starting date for your group.

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How can I get the most out of the program?

The Next Steps program can be a very rewarding experience, but it takes hard work and dedication. This is why it is important to attend all your scheduled sessions and be open to learn new ways of handling difficult situations and resolving issues in a non-threatening manner. It is also important to be an active participant and to tell us what you find helpful or unhelpful throughout the program.

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Can I bring family members to group meetings?

No, family members cannot attend PAR groups, however, we can refer them to FSA's Partner Contact Group which offers parallel services for women and children living in abusive environments.

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What happens if I see a co-worker/friend/neighbour in the group?

We will offer you or your co-worker/friend a place in a different group.

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What if I can't make my appointment?

Keeping all of your appointments is critical for your success and continuation in the program. For personal situations we allow up to two missed sessions. However, a third missed session can result in your dismissal from the program. If you can't attend a session, as a courtesy please notify us by phone.

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How private is what I discuss with my case coordinator or group leader?

Anything discussed between you and your group leader or case coordinator is private and confidential within FSA. However, there is limited confidentiality in special circumstances such as:   

  • if we believe you or someone else is in imminent danger of physical harm, and information we have might prevent it;
  • if a child under 16 may be at risk of abuse;
  • if we're subpoenaed by a court of law; or
  • if we're presented with a subpoena or search warrant.

The only information about you that we are required to share with your probation officer is your attendance record and general information about how you are doing in the program. We are also required to write a final report to the court or probation officer.

You can discuss more about confidentiality and privacy issues with your case coordinator during the first assessment interview or whenever you have specific questions.

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Can I see my record?

You may request to see a copy of our client record for you at any time by writing a request note to Family Service Association of Toronto.  Please provide your name, birth date, phone number and address.  We will call you to set up an appointment for you to review your personal information.  To ensure confidentiality, you must view the information on the premises, however you can request, in writing, that information about yourself be released to specific people such as your doctor or another agency.

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What if I want to correct information in my record?

 

For your protection, once your record is written, we at FSA cannot change it. However, if you find statements that are not factually accurate or opinions you disagree with, you can add corrected information to the record.  You can do this by giving us a signed and dated statement with your corrected information. Once we receive your statement, we will add it to your record and notify you of our response to your corrections within three weeks.

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What if I have a complaint?

We want to know what our clients think about the Next Steps program and how can we make it address your needs even better. Our group leaders welcome comments from all individuals who attend the program. If needed, we encourage you to speak with your case coordinator directly about any concerns you may have about our service. If you are not comfortable with this process or feel that your concerns were not properly addressed, you can also call Sonia Munoz, Next Steps program manager, at  416 408 0388 ext. 248.

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What do I do at the end of the program?

Depending on your needs and circumstances, at the end of the program your group leader will make recommendations as to which service, if any, will best address your needs.

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To arrange for counselling, please call our Service Access Unit, Tel: 416.595.9618

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