FAQs

• 1. What happens in a navigation session?

  Permanent link to What happens in a navigation session?

  What happens in a navigation session?

  The session depends on your needs. Sometimes you may need someone to walk you through how to access community resources. Other times, you may need support developing an action plan or finding your way through the social support system. Whatever you need, we are here to listen and work with you to find the right referral, strategy or support.

• 2. Is meeting with a navigator confidential?

  Permanent link to Is meeting with a navigator confidential?

  Is meeting with a navigator confidential?

  Yes. Your information is kept confidential to the navigation team and is only accessed on a need-to-know basis.  We adhere to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

  It is required by law to report identified abuse/harm to a child under the age of 18 or if there is a reason to believe that a person’s life may be in jeopardy. In addition, our navigators are legally obligated to break confidentiality if court-ordered by a judge to appear in court through a subpoena. If you have questions or concerns about these limits to confidentiality, please bring them forward to your navigator (s).

• 3. Why did Family and Community Services move to navigators?

  Permanent link to Why did Family and Community Services move to navigators?

  Why did Family and Community Services move to navigators?

  Residents who want support want to resolve their situation sooner rather than later. Now, you can call in five days a week without an appointment. In the past, some individuals may not have met the criteria for some of our programs. Access to a navigator is available to anyone experiencing challenges, including seniors, youth, families and adults, regardless of age or financial situation.

• 4. What will I leave a navigation session with?

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  What will I leave a navigation session with?

  You will leave your session with an action plan. This will help you to take the next steps in achieving your goal. The action plan may provide information including community supports, workshops, programs and how to take your next steps.

• 5. Can I book an appointment?

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  Can I book an appointment?

  Navigators are available to speak with you over the phone Monday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. 

  Please note out office is not accessible to the public at this time.

• 6. How much does seeing a navigator cost?

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  How much does seeing a navigator cost?

  There is no cost.

• 7. How many times can I see a navigator?

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  How many times can I see a navigator?

  You can call in as often as you need. If you developed an action plan during a visit, you may want to continue working toward your goals. Or, you may want to work on other goals.

• 8. Do I see the same navigator each time?

  Permanent link to Do I see the same navigator each time?

  Do I see the same navigator each time?

  We use a team approach so the person you spoke with last time may not be who you speak with the next time. If you developed an action plan during a previous session, feel free to have it with you. We keep a copy of your action plan and our team approach helps our navigators understand the challenges you are facing and your current goals.

• 9. What's the difference between navigation and counselling?

  Permanent link to What's the difference between navigation and counselling?

  What's the difference between navigation and counselling?

  Navigation supports you in reaching your goals through community and outreach support and services like subsidies and income-based programs. Counselling focuses primarily on your emotional and mental health and well-being. Counselling and navigation work well together, as someone may be dealing with emotional issues that stem from a systems barrier, so each worker supports you the best we can.