Who They Are
The Roberts/Smart Centre is a specialized mental health organization based in Ottawa, Ontario, dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment and support for youth aged 12 to 17 facing complex mental health and behavioral challenges. Operating since 1973, it serves as a provincial leader in delivering inclusive, community-based, individualized care
Core Services
The Centre offers a range of programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients:
- Secure Treatment: An intensive, live-in program for youth who pose a significant risk to themselves or others, requiring a highly secure environment. Admission is court-ordered under the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act
- Open Live-In Treatment: Provides 24-hour therapeutic support in community-based homes for youth with ongoing mental health concerns.
- Day Treatment Programs: Short- and long-term educational treatment programs that integrate mental health support with structured learning environments.
- Roberts/Smart Academy (DCLA): A private school offering specialized academic and behavioral intervention programs for adolescents who struggle in traditional school settings
- CORATH: A community program supporting youth aged 12 to 24 who have been or are at risk of being trafficked, particularly through sexual exploitation.
- School-Based Mental Health Services: Provides mental health support within local high schools, including during the summer months, to help students manage social and emotional challenge.
- Family Support and Community Reintegration: Offers resources and assistance to families and supports youth transitioning back into their homes and communities.
Mission and Values
The Centre is committed to empowering youth, families, and communities by delivering treatment in a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment. It serves the most vulnerable 2 to 5% of youth with complex mental health and behavioral needs from across Ontario.