When you visit or call Human Services, we can give you information on health services, housing options, child care, legal aid, mental health counseling, financial assistance, and much more.

Yes, but the staff of Human Services are mandated reporters. The state law requires that if a mandated reporter has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child under the age of 18 has been abused, neglected or is placed in imminent risk of serious harm we must call the Department of Children and Families. If there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse of an older adult, we must call Adult Protective Services.

You can call the Department of Human Services for guidance or directly report (anonymously or by name) to the State Department of Children and Families Hotline at 1-800-842-2288. 

We have programs that provide meals, gifts and support during the holiday season to eligible residents. These programs differ from year to year. For more information please call Human Services.

Yes, we often assist families in effectively linking them up with appropriate referral sources. For more information please call the Department of Human Services.

Should a minor (under age 18) be interested in mental health treatment and notification of a parent or guardian would cause the minor to reject such treatment, a minor can see a licensed mental health professional for six sessions. After six sessions, notification or involvement of a parent or guardian is required to continue treatment, unless such a requirement would be seriously detrimental to the minor's well-being. For teens who need mental health treatment but really can't let their parents/guardians know and where the provider is in agreement, the parents/guardians are not liable for the cost of treatment.

Psychiatrist: A medical doctor (M.D.) who is specialized in treating mental health problems. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications if needed. 
Psychologist: Usually a doctoral level individual who has had specific number of years of supervised clinical training. A psychologist utilizes talking therapies and can perform testing evaluations. 
Social Workers: Social Workers can be M.S.W. (masters level education in Social Work) or L.C.S.W. (Licensed Certified Social Worker) which is a masters level education in Social Work plus postmasters practice and supervision and the successful completion of a certification exam in social work practice. 
Marriage and Family Therapist: Requires a minimum master level education with special training in working with couple and family issues. State certification is required. 
Substance Abuse Counselors: Specializes in the treatment of alcohol or other drug problems. They are state certified as C.A.C (Certified Alcohol Counselor) or C.A.D.C. (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor: Certification does not indication degree level. 
Professional Counselor: Counselors can be M.A. (masters level education in Counseling) or L.P.C. (Licensed Professional Counselors) which is a masters level education in Counseling plus post masters practice and supervision and the successful completion of a certification exam in counseling practice. 
Counselors: Counselors can include guidance counselors, and community counselors who have a masters level education.

You can contact the Department of Human Services or The Center for Children's Advocacy at 860-570-5253, www.kidscounsel.org 

When you visit or call Human Services, we can give you information on health services, housing options, adult day care, legal aid, transportation, mental health counseling, financial assistance, volunteer opportunities, classes and activities, Meals on Wheels and much more. 

Call the Department of Human Services and schedule an appointment. The State Fuel Program runs from October - March. We will ask you to bring in proof of income, assets, age and disability (if applicable). If you are over the income limit for the State Fuel Assistance Program we will have you apply for the local program.

We do take donations of furniture but only if we have a client who needs what you are donating.

Meals on Wheels of New Canaan is a non-profit community service which provides nourishing meals each weekday throughout the year to eligible citizens of New Canaan, Connecticut so that they may continue to live independently in their own homes. There is no age restriction. – 203-594-5318 
https://www.mowofnc.org/about-us.html 

Getabout, Inc
Getabout's mission is to provide rides within New Canaan to “Seniors and those with special needs," New Canaan's elderly
and handicapped. Five vans, four of them with wheel chair capability, operate eight hours a day Monday through Friday.
Voluntary contributions of $3.00 per one way ride are suggested to help defray expenses. Rides must be reserved one
day in advance by calling 203-972-7433.

The Department of Health & Human Services has information on Medicare and Medicaid. We also have insurance counselors available to meet with seniors in regards to Medicare, Medicaid, and supplemental policies. Please call 203-594-3076 to schedule an appointment.

Yes, we have the New Canaan Food Pantry at St. Mark's Church. Call the Human Services Department at 203-594-3076 for drop off information.

You can call the Department of Human Services at 203-594-3076 or Adult Protective Services at 203-855-2759

For more information or to apply, call Human Services at 203-594-3076 and make an appointment

Municipal Agents provide information and referral services, distribute information, assist individuals in learning about community resources, and help with applying for benefits. 
New Canaan’s Municipal Agent is Bethany Zaro, Assistant Director of Health & Human Services, 203-594-3093.