Further Support Services for Ontario Works Families with Children

Ontario Works provides financial and employment assistance to people in temporary financial need. People receiving assistance through Ontario Works participate in a wide range of employment assistance activities, which help them prepare for, find and keep a job.

Employment Assistance for Participants

If you've been out of work for any length of time, preparing for employment is a big challenge. Ontario Works helps people to determine what they need to become employed. Some participants need to update or upgrade their skills. Some need to complete their basic education or training for a particular job. Others simply need help in finding a job and staying employed.

Ontario Works addresses each of these needs through a range of employment assistance activities based on individual skills, experience and circumstances

Practical Help Finding a Job

· Workshops on looking for work, resumé writing, and preparing for an interview.

· Referrals to job counseling or training.

· Access to telephones, faxes, computers and job banks.

· Information on who's hiring now.

Community Placement

A community placement helps you contribute to your community and get current experience. It provides you with a chance to practise your skills and improve your confidence, and develop up-to-date job references and contacts.

Many non-profit, community or public sector organizations need help. They know they could accomplish so much more for their community, with an extra pair of hands. Someone to help in the office. People to take on a special project.

Many Ontario Works participants need something important too. A chance to practice some new skills. Perhaps brush up on some old ones. Gain some recent experience and current references to build a résumé.

Community Participation placements are the answer. Ontario Works places participants in non-profit and public agencies that need extra help. And at the same time as participants contribute to their community, they gain the experience they need.

Community Participation is a win-win for everyone:

· Participants win with current work experience. Up-to-date job references. Contacts for future jobs.

· Non-profit and public agencies win because they can do more for their communities.

Basic Education

Jobs and employers demand a higher education today. Ontario Works can help – with support to complete high school, improve your language skills, and upgrade your reading, writing or math.

Job Skills Training

Ontario Works can help open the door to the skills needed for today's job market – training for a specific job, on-the-job or co-op training, special skills programs or special certificate courses.

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)

If you're a teen parent aged 16 to 21 and you haven't finished high school, LEAP can help you – complete your diploma, get tutoring help, learn parenting skills, cover child care costs, pay school expenses, and find work.

LEAP encourages young parents to complete high school, as a first step to achieving economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their children. LEAP fosters healthy child development practices and helps young parents become more effective caregivers so they may give their children a better start in life.

LEAP participation is a requirement for 16- and 17-year-old parents on Ontario Works who have not completed high school. Single parents and couples aged 18 to 21 on assistance may participate in LEAP voluntarily if they have not completed high school.

Employment Placement

If you're ready for a job, Ontario Works can help – with direct connections to employers who are hiring, information on how to prepare for an interview, and job training. There's also help if you have ideas for starting your own business.

Earnings Incentives

Part-time work is often the first step towards a full-time job. You are eligible for a number of exemptions that allow you to earn income and continue to receive social assistance – until you can earn enough to provide for yourself and your family. You may also be able to deduct some of your child care costs. There is more information available, just ask.

Help with Expenses

You are eligible for a start-up benefit to pay for expenses related to getting ready for work and taking part in Ontario Works employment activities. There's also ongoing help with expenses while you're in Ontario Works activities – with transportation, work clothing, equipment and child care costs. Ask for more details.

Childcare

Childcare is available for Ontario Works clients in the licensed childcare system and for short term childcare with an informal provider. Childcare is available to Ontario Works clients while involved in: employment, school, job search and any other approved activity. Licensed subsidized childcare is available at most childcare centers and licensed home daycare agencies in Peterborough, for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age.

Informal childcare funding is available for Ontario Works clients who cannot access licensed childcare. Children’s Services provides funding to pay an informal childcare provider while you are involved in approved activity. This funding is for short-term use until licensed childcare is available.

For more information on Ontario Works Programs and Supports

705-748-8830 press 2

Child Care Availability * Quality Child Care * Special Needs Children’s Resources * Further Support Services for Ontario Works Families with Children
Financial Assistance * Child Care Community Partnerships * Frequently Asked Questions * Dictionary/Glossary of Terms * Contact Us * Home

Developed by:
Children’s Services and the City and County of Peterborough