Street Outreach Services (SOS)

Street Outreach Services provides support and a range of services to assist youth under the age of 25, who are at risk or already involved in prostitution, by offering alternatives to the streets.  SOS is the only program in Toronto specifically serving youth involved in or at risk of involvement in prostitution.  We provide case management support for youth 16 and over, and work in partnership with children’s aid societies to support clients under 16.

The majority of the young people served by SOS have histories of serious sexual abuse and alienation and have fled a dysfunctional or dangerous home, coming to the 'big city' hoping to find a job and a new life.  With limited education, little or no formal work experience, and not much money, they find few options open to them. 

SOS Outreach Workers are on the streets six nights a week from 6:00 pm to midnight, connecting with youth, providing information to help them stay safe and healthy and inviting them to call or visit the Drop-In/Resource Centre when they are ready for help.  Annually, workers see about 1,000 young people on the street, and about 500 will visit the Drop-In.

The Drop-In/Resource Centre is a safe space offering counseling services, a legal clinic, a medical clinic and safe sex education, free condoms, a needle exchange, housing support, laundry facilities, a shower, toiletries, and new and used clothing. Most importantly, it offers hope and non-judgmental encouragement and support to leave street life and prostitution.  

Our counsellors support their clients’ efforts to finish their schooling, prepare for and find employment.  The Peer Educator Program employs former street youth to work in partnership with professional outreach workers to disseminate information on AIDS awareness and prevention to youth on the street.  The Peer Educators gain valuable work experience, and act as powerful role models to those still on the street. 

SOS also runs a 5-bed low-support semi-independent cooperative house that provides a safe haven for youth while they refocus their lives, and which acts as a stepping stone to independence for those leaving the street.

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