Frequently Asked Questions

There is no cost to you or your family. Agencies invest in young people's futures, so your housing, meals, and programming are covered. In Phase 1, groceries are provided, and there is a weekly incentive when you meet the expectations you set with your team. A support, not a wage.

Pet policies are discussed on a case-by-case basis during intake. We want to be flexible, but we also need to consider other residents and the housing space. Talk to us about your situation.

No. While many of our youth come from the child welfare system, we also accept young people who are without stable housing — couch-surfing, staying somewhere temporary, or moving between places. If you’re 16–21 and in Winnipeg — reach out.

Absolutely. We encourage it. We offer GED prep, homework support, and connections to post-secondary programs. Education is part of your independence plan.

At graduation (~age 21), the goal is that you keep a home and stay set up. You also stay connected through our alumni network for ongoing support and community.

Yes. We know that many of our youth come from communities where church, ceremony, or both are central to daily life. We support whatever spiritual path is meaningful to you — whether that’s traditional First Nations or Métis ceremony, attending a local church, or something else entirely. Your spiritual wellness is yours to define, and we’ll help you stay connected to the communities and practices that matter to you.

Yes. Family connection is important and encouraged. Visiting policies vary by phase — in Phase 1, visits may be scheduled; in later phases, youth manage their own social schedules.

Stay connected, attend family events when invited, and encourage their goals. Our staff can discuss ways you can be involved in their journey while respecting their growing independence.

Safety is our top priority. Phase 1 housing is staffed 24/7 with trained support staff and life coaches. All staff have Criminal Record Checks and Child Abuse Registry checks. We maintain strict safety protocols throughout.

Back Together is our family reunification program for families separated by the child welfare system. It provides a safe, staffed home where families move through three graduated stages — supervised visits, overnight stays, and full family reunification — with the goal of permanent, stable reunification.

Back Together is a referral-based program. Referrals come through CFS agencies, social workers, or other authorized professionals. If you’re a family member wanting to learn more, contact your CFS worker or reach out to us directly and we’ll help connect you with the right pathway.

Every family’s journey is different. Families move through supervised visits, overnight stays, and full family reunification at a pace that prioritises safety and readiness. Your CFS worker and our team set the timeline together. Families are never rushed — the goal is permanent, lasting reunification.

No. The program is flexible and works with whatever family structure the CFS plan supports. Whether it’s one parent, both parents, or a guardian, we adapt to the family’s situation.

There is no cost to you or your family. The Back Together program is funded through the referring agency, so the housing, support, and programming your family receives are covered.

Cultural programming is woven into every stage of the reunification process — Elder guidance, ceremony, and land-based activities for the whole family. We also support connection to faith communities for families where church or spiritual practice is important. Your family’s spiritual wellness is yours to define.

Contact us by phone or email with basic information about the youth. We’ll schedule an intake conversation to discuss the youth’s needs, history, and whether New Steps is the right fit.

We aim to respond to all referrals within 2 business days. If there’s a waitlist, we’ll communicate that clearly and discuss alternative options.

Yes. We use a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach. We don’t require sobriety as a condition of entry. We connect youth with appropriate clinical supports and work collaboratively with their care team.

With the youth’s written consent, we provide regular progress updates to referring workers. We believe in collaborative, transparent care.

Yes. We accept reunification referrals from CFS agencies, social workers, and authorized professionals. Contact us by phone or email with the family’s details and we’ll schedule an intake conversation to discuss whether our Back Together program is the right fit.