Family living, connecting culture, and empowering growth.
Rivendell Care Inc. operates staff-model group homes in Ontario for children and youth, including Indigenous and culturally diverse young people. We support individuals navigating developmental disabilities, at-risk backgrounds, or trauma histories. Through trauma-informed care, we empower them to heal from the past and build the essential life skills needed to thrive as independent, fulfilled adults. We offer a safe home, a trusted team, and a strong link to culture and family.
About us
We provide a safe, nurturing, and culturally affirming residential home for children and youth in the care of the Crown. Our mission is to support the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of each young person through holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive group living.
Our program combines group living with a family living approach and a family support component, so each young person stays connected to the people and community that matter to them.
Our home at a glance
- Service
- Staff Model Group Home (Type C)
- Capacity
- 5 children and youth under 18
- Designation
- Cultural / Indigenous
- Location
- Cambridge, Ontario
- Referrals from
- Children’s Aid Societies and Indigenous Child Well-Being Societies
Our approach
Our program rests on four pillars. Each one shapes daily routines, staff training, and how we plan with young people and their families.
Cultural safety and Indigenous identity
We honour each young person’s cultural identity through ceremony, connection to Elders, and culturally responsive practice, in line with the Ontario First Nations, Métis and Inuit Child and Family Services Principles Agreement.
Trauma-informed care
All staff are trained in trauma-informed approaches. Consistent, predictable routines and steady relationships reduce re-traumatization and build resilience.
Family engagement
A Family Support Coordinator works with residents and their biological, extended, or customary care families to strengthen connections and plan for reunification or transition.
Education and life skills
With local school boards, colleges, and skills partners, residents receive individualized education supports and life skills programming.
Placement process
Rivendell Care Inc. will accept referrals from the Children’s Aid Society of the Region of Waterloo and Indigenous Child Well-Being Societies once our licence is issued. Referral steps and timelines will be confirmed with the Ministry as part of licensing.
- Referral and initial contactThe referring worker contacts the Executive Director to check that the young person’s needs fit our mandate and home.
- Pre-placement planningWe meet the young person (where appropriate), their legal guardian, and family or other important people to gather information and consider the needs of current residents.
- Intake and welcomeWe explain the reasons for admission in age-appropriate language, tour the home, review expectations, and explain 24-hour support.
- Rights and consentsThe young person and guardian receive a written copy of their rights, advocacy options, program components, and the expected length of stay.
Staff training
Everyone who works with our young people completes orientation before they begin. Core topics include:
- Foundations of trauma-informed care
- Indigenous awareness and cultural safety
- Diversity and cross-cultural training
- Child protection and abuse-reporting duties under the CYFSA
- Suicide intervention and self-harm awareness
- Non-violent crisis intervention
- First aid and medication administration
- Food handling and storage
- Emergency procedures and personal safety
- Policies, code of ethics, and young people’s rights
Licensing and governance
Home 1: Cambridge
Group Home Type C with a Cultural / Indigenous designation, planned capacity of 5. We are awaiting a provincial licence from MCCSS and will update this page when it is issued.
Rivendell Care Inc. will operate in compliance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, Ontario Regulation 156/18, the Ontario Human Rights Code, AODA, PHIPA, and the Ontario First Nations, Métis and Inuit Child and Family Services Principles Agreement, and with respect for UNDRIP.
The organization is governed by a Board that includes our director, an early childhood educator, and a registered nurse. The Board oversees policy, finances, and legal compliance.
Contact us
Referring workers, families, community partners, and future team members are welcome to get in touch.
Cambridge, Ontario