Collaborative Day Treatment Program (CDTP)
A transition, not a destination.
The Collaborative Day Treatment Program (CDTP) at NorthStar provides vital support to youth aged 12 to 17. Designed as an alternative educational pathway; the program helps students involved in the criminal justice system or facing various barriers affecting attendance at mainstream schools. Clients work towards earning needed credits at their own pace or recovering school credits, ensuring that they can continue their academic journey while facing various personal struggles.
CDTP serves as a steppingstone for students to work on their own individualized goals that will assist them with smoothly transitioning back into mainstream learning. We offer structured support to help the children and youth to get back on track academically using targeted approaches;
- Various therapeutic interventions
- One-on-one learning support
- Facilitated life skills group periods
- Cultural and diversity engagement
- Team-building activities
- Mood management strategies
- A structured nutrition program
What is CDTP?
The Collaborative Day Treatment Program (CDTP) at NorthStar is a therapeutic, educational alternative designed for youth ages 12 to 19 who are involved with Youth Justice or face barriers that impact their success in mainstream school environments. Based in a safe, modern facility in Whitby, CDTP blends academic support with mental health services to help students succeed in school and in life.
Our Mission
We provide a structured, supportive setting where youth can:
- Earn or recover high school credits at their own pace
- Build life and coping skills
- Receive therapeutic support tailored to their individual needs
- Prepare for a successful return to mainstream education or other life goals
What We Offer
The team currently includes three counselors: Chris, who has been with us for about 11 years, Carissa, who has been with us for approximately 2.5 years, and Iram, who joined almost a year ago.
Academic Support
- Small class sizes with DDSB-certified teachers
- Credit completion, recovery, and blended learning
- Focus on core subjects and workplace readiness (e.g., Safe Food Handling, WHMIS)
Therapeutic Services
- One-on-one and group interventions
- Life skills programming and mood management strategies
- Team building and community engagement activities
- Culturally responsive support
Health & Wellness
- Structured nutrition program
- Emphasis on emotional, physical, and psychological well-being
How We Work
Assessment & Planning
Individualized treatment and education plans are developed based on each student’s needs.
Implementation & Review
Daily support and progress tracking by our team of teachers and child & youth workers.
Discharge & Follow-up
Ongoing support and planning for reintegration into school or transition to other programs.
Why CDTP?
With a dedicated team, low student-to-staff ratio, and evidence-based practices, CDTP offers a unique opportunity for youth to regain control over their academic and personal paths. We believe in each student’s potential and are committed to helping them thrive.
Our Partnership with Grove School
The CDTP team consists of registered Durham District School Board (DDSB) teachers and dedicated child and youth workers. Due to the program’s intimate size, students receive personalized attention, working closely with educators and support staff to develop both academic and therapeutic skills. This Collaborative Day Treatment approach ensures they are well-prepared for reintegration into a traditional school environment.
This program, offered in an beautiful, new offsite agency location in Whitby, provides a therapeutic environment for youth experiencing difficulty coping in the education system. Through individualized therapeutic and academic approaches, the program strives to establish a successful learning experience that will promote the youth’s knowledge, skills and values to enhance their life options. The program uses a Cognitive Behavioural Approach and treatment is provided in three stages: beginning phase of assessment and planning, middle phase of implementation and review, and final phase of discharge and follow-up. Based on the assessment data, individual education and treatment plans are developed, establishing the goals and objective and outlining the specific daily interventions to be utilized primarily within the cognitive behavioural approach. These plans will then be implemented and reviewed regularly by the staff team (teachers and youth workers) throughout the semester and at weekly clinical team meetings.
The treatment goal is to provide students with a secure and safe environment enabling them to take the necessary risks to strive to reach their intellectual, physical and emotional potential, while recognizing each student’s unique capabilities, limitations, needs and situation.
Youth are between the age of twelve (12) and nineteen (19) years of age and are involved with Youth Justice.
The education program provides instruction in a variety of subjects with a focus on completing compulsory credits through completion, recovery, and blended credits. Workplace certificates such as Safe Food Handling and WHMIS.
Get Involved
Invitation to work with us or donate
We are grateful for the generous support of our funders and partners. Their commitment empowers us to create meaningful change in the lives of youth and families across Durham Region
