Programs & Services > Families in Transition
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does FIT help changing families?
- Who should come to FIT?
- Do we need to be living apart before I call FIT?
- We already have lawyers, can FIT still be helpful?
- Can I contact FIT directly?
- FIT has a lot of programs. What else does FIT offer?
- Do both parents have to be involved?
- What is FIT's position on parenting plans?
- How do you know FIT programs are effective?
- Are FIT services confidential?
- How long will I wait for service?
- Are there fees for service?
- Where is the FIT office?
- What training and credentials do the staff have?
- How can I contact FIT?
How does FIT help changing families?
FIT services are designed to help children adjust to parental separation, divorce, and remarriage. Programming focuses on the issues that have significant impact on children whose parents live apart:
- Reducing parent conflict
- Building effective parenting partnerships
- Supporting children’s grieving
- Developing strong parent-child relationships
- Successful step-parenting
Who should come to FIT?
Any member of a separating, divorcing, or remarrying family can benefit from FIT services. They are available to people living or working in the Toronto area. We are strongly committed to anti-discrimination practices and services are available regardless of age, cultural background, race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible. When required, we use language or cultural interpreters to assist us.
Do we need to be living apart before I call FIT?
No. Research demonstrates that early support is important in helping parents plan for how to care for children when they no longer live together. Parents who are already living apart learn about ways to help children adjust to the changing family circumstances.
We already have lawyers, can FIT still be helpful?
FIT is a voluntary non-profit social service agency. We are not connected to the courts. Our services supplement assistance you may be receiving from lawyers or the court.
Can I contact FIT directly?
Referrals are not required. The voluntary nature of our service means that parents must call us to request service. Our receptionist will be pleased to answer your questions about programs and services.
FIT has a lot of programs. What else does FIT offer?
We offer a variety of therapeutic groups for children and parents. In addition, we have support programs for non-residential parents, individual and family counseling, educational seminars addressing the questions parents most commonly ask, closed mediation of parenting plans, and programs for blending families.
Do both parents have to be involved?
FIT staff work with the parent who contacts us. However, there is more we can do to help children when both parents work with us. We will talk with you about how we might involve the other parent because research demonstrates that interventions are more effective when both parents work with us. If one parent is unavailable, we will continue to help the parent who calls us.
What is FIT's position on parenting plans?
We do not take sides in disputes between parents. Our work is directed to determining what each individual child needs and ways of supporting their adjustment to the changing family. We help parents resolve differences and develop solutions that support child adjustment. A successful parenting plan reflects the needs of the child and the strengths and resources of each parent. It recognizes the child’s needs, and therefore the plan may change over time.
How do you know FIT programs are effective?
FIT conducted two major research studies that document the effectiveness of our services. Our most recent study demonstrated that positive outcomes for children are more likely when:
- They have an opportunity to grieve the loss they experience when parents part
- Mothers and fathers learn specific strategies for supporting children
- Help is available early in the separation process
- Parenting partnerships are characterized by effective communication and conflict resolution
Are FIT services confidential?
Yes. Your written permission is required for us to exchange information with any other person. In order for children and parents to trust that we will remain neutral and unbiased, we do not normally provide reports for court or other organizations your family may be involved with. Determining fitness to parent and parenting capacity is not part of the assessment undertaken by our team.
How long will I wait for service?
Group programs are scheduled throughout the year. Our semi-annual Coping with Change brochure provides details about the groups and the current schedule. It is issued in January and September. There may be a wait for an individual appointment. Our staff will also direct you to seminars that will be available while you are waiting for an individual appointment. Many parents find our seminars provide them with the information they require.
Are there fees for service?
We are a non-profit social agency. Fees are determined according to your income and family size. Group programs normally have set fees. Individual and family counselling and mediation are based on an hourly fee. Support from the United Way enables us to offer subsidies for all FIT programs. Private insurance through your employer or another group plan may cover our fees.
Where is the FIT office?
We are located in the Lawrence Square Mall, at Lawrence Avenue West , just west of the Allen Road. Lawrence West Subway Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina line is across the road. There is free underground parking available after 6 p.m. and on weekends. Three hours of free surface parking is available at all times surrounding the stores in the mall. Group programs operate from this central location. With advance notice, many of our educational programs can be offered from other locations in the community. Contact the FIT office. We will be happy to discuss specific requests to provide programs elsewhere in the community.
What training and credentials do the staff have?
FIT staff are experienced professional social workers or psychotherapists who have worked with changing families for many years. Our staff have post-graduate education at the Master's or Doctoral level in addition to their training in child development, grief work, and conflict resolution.
Contact us:
Families in Transition
Family Service Toronto
420A -700 Lawrence Avenue West,
Lawrence Square, P.O. Box 129
Toronto, ON M6A 3B4
Telephone: 416.585.9151 • Fax: 416.595.0242 • E-mail: fit@familyservicetoronto.org
