Breaking the Cycle

Breaking the Cycle (BTC) is an early identification and prevention program designed to reduce risk and to enhance the development for substance-exposed children (prenatal - 6 years) by providing services which address maternal addiction problems and the mother-child relationship through a community based cross-systemic model.

Families receive integrated addictions counselling, health/medical services, parenting support, development screening and assessment, early childhood interventions, child care, access to FASD Diagnostic Clinic, and basic needs support in a single access setting in downtown Toronto, with home visitation and street outreach components.

In 2004, Breaking the Cycle was recognized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as an exemplary program serving pregnant and parenting women with substance use problems, and their young children.

Addicts sometimes have a hard time getting their act together and controlling their lives. BTC is a one-stop shop. A lot of places will help you with one thing, but you have to go across town to get something else you need. Here, they deal with you, your children, parenting and emotions all under one roof.
~BTC Client.

We learn how to break the cycle with our children too. They deal with our real life here—and they take care of me, which has never happened for me before.
~ BTC Client.

I mean, can you imagine being a mom without this place? Isn't it nice now for people to say, wow, you're a really good mom?
~BTC Client.