OARTY About the Organization

The Ontario Association of Residences Treating Youth (OARTY) is a provincial non-profit charitable association formed in 1971 and incorporated in 1990.  We are a collective voice for Ontario’s vulnerable populations and for the independent residential care providers that serve them.   Our members provide high quality treatment and residential care services to children, youth, and young adults.

Independent residential care providers are  funded on a fee for service (per diem) basis by the Ontario government through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) and/or the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS); either directly or through the child welfare or adult services system.  All members providing residential type services for children, youth or adults in need are licensed by, or otherwise meet the service criteria of the applicable Ministry in Ontario. 

Our Members

OARTY members provide homes, help and hope to thousands each year.  Our members support and care for individuals needing temporary, short term, or long term residential care; including those suffering the aftermath of abuse and neglect, requiring 24/7 care due to medical needs, and those with developmental challenges, among others.   OARTY members provide vital support, a place to call home and faces that become family.

OARTY’s membership includes other organizations and people who share OARTY’s dedication to the vulnerable children, youth and adults that find themselves in need of treatment and care by independent residential service providers.  Together we are working towards a better future.

Our Partners

OARTY’s partners in care include Children’s Aid Societies, Children’s Mental Health Centres, educational institutions including Ryerson University and George Brown College, hospitals, school boards, Associations for Community Living, police officers, probation officers, psychiatric facilities, law enforcement officials, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

OARTY makes a difference by…

Getting kids supports sooner

Through IRIS (Integrated Residential Information System), the services our  members provide can be matched up with those who need it most, assisting Children’s Aid Societies and other organizations that manage the welfare of Ontario’s most vulnerable populations in finding the best possible care for the individual’s needs in an efficient and timely manner.

Working for higher standards and a better system

OARTY is working with government and community partners for higher standards of care, and endorses and supports third-party accreditation (certified, recognized world wide standards for residential care).

Conducting valuable research

OARTY conducts research to ensure timely and relevant information on our sector is available.  The reports from this research provide a detailed profile of the children, youth, and young adults placed in the care of OARTY’s agencies and are shared with government to ensure that they are aware of the issues facing this vulnerable sector.  OARTY members are encouraged to utilize the results of the research to determine best practices and to benchmark their outcomes

Knowledge sharing for improved outcomes

OARTY hosts a highly respected annual conference and regular educational events, the OARTY website is home to a wealth of information for both members and the public, and OARTY keeps its members aware of trends and issues impacting the sector through regular communications.

Within OARTY’s most recent Annual Report, released in June 2016 are statistics from our membership, an update on OARTY’s strategic plan, reports from the President and Executive Director, and recognition of our members and sponsors.  You can also find out more by reading  the OARTY Introductory Brochure (pdf).