Living, preparing, promoting and building our communities.
The Social Services Department is the recipient of the Canada Awards of Excellence. Learn more about this prestigious honour and the department's journey to Gold certification in the Excellence, Innovation and Wellness standard.
The Regional Municipality of Durham's Social Services Department has six divisions committed to delivering professional and high-quality services. Many residents across Durham Region will need one or more of these services at some point in their life. Our department's principles of care, excellence, learning and leadership are the foundation of our programs and services.
You can also learn more about the Social Services Department on our Local Diversity and Immigration Portal.
| Business Affairs and Financial Management |
| Business Affairs and Financial Management offers administrative, financial and emergency programs. We aim for excellent customer service and responsible resource management. We help people reach their full potential. |
| Children's Services Division |
| The Children's Services Division plans, manages and funds Durham's early years and child care system. The division also takes a lead role in Durham's Best Start Network. We operate seven licensed early learning and child care centres. We oversee Durham Behaviour Management Services. |
| Family Services |
| Family Services improves the quality of life for residents living and working in Durham Region. We provide timely and accessible counselling, education and other support services. |
| Housing Services |
| Housing Services supports social housing providers and manages properties directly owned by the Region. It also funds programs to prevent homelessness and encourages the creation of affordable housing. |
| Income and Employment Support Services |
| Income and Employment Support delivers the Ontario Works Program. Ontario Works gives financial assistance to people in need. It also supplies basic health benefits. A wide range of employment services are also available to help people find jobs. |
| Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors |
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Long-Term Care and Services for Seniors provides programs and services in four homes. The Region owns and operates each accredited home. We also provide:
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Quality service delivery
View our Canada Awards of Excellence profile
We use the Framework for Excellence as developed by Excellence Canada. It guides our staff, services and programs. We want to reach the highest standards for you. In 2015, we received the Order of Excellence through the Canada Awards for Excellence (CAE). This award is for organizations that significantly improve the quality of life of Canadians.
Most recently, we were honoured with Gold certification in the Excellence, Innovation and Wellness standard—demonstrating the department’s commitment to long-standing excellence.
The Governor General of Canada is the Patron of the CAE. The CAE is the most prestigious awards program in Canada.
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