Ontario Association of Residences Treating Youth (OARTY)

The Ontario Association of Residences Treating Youth, commonly referred to as OARTY, was established in 1971 by a group of private in-care service providers. It was formally incorporated in 1990 and is recognized as a registered charity. OARTY's primary focus has been on creating a service sector that emphasizes best practices, ease of navigation, and continuous improvement.

Purpose and Activities

OARTY was dedicated to forming a network of high-quality private service providers, fostering advocacy within the sector, and providing training, networking, and educational opportunities for its members and stakeholders. The association emphasized excellence through outcomes management, risk management, evidence-based practice, and third-party accreditation. It also conducted ongoing research to support children, youth, and young adults served by the private residential sector, aiming to ensure they have the best future possible.

Member Benefits

OARTY offered several benefits to its members, including:

• A Collective Voice: Members were part of an influential association that pushed for positive governmental changes on behalf of the residential care sector in Ontario.
• Voting Privileges: Members had voting rights that influenced OARTY’s strategic directions and representation on the Board of Directors.
• Insurance Savings: Exclusive insurance programs were available to members, including discounts from major insurers.
• Discount Plans: Members enjoyed discounts on various products and services, such as staff training, clinical services, and more.

Standards and Beliefs

OARTY's standards and beliefs centered around collaboration, information sharing, and professionalism. The organization was committed to partnering with community organizations to enrich the lives of those they served, ensuring supportive relationships with local schools, hospitals, and other community entities.

Objectives

The objectives of OARTY included:

• Establishing a provincial network for out-of-home care.
• Assisting in program development and resource coordination.
• Promoting excellence and ethical practices in service delivery.
• Facilitating cooperation with other service providers and government agencies.
• Providing educational and professional development opportunities.

Merger and Evolution

In 2025, OARTY merged with the Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA) to form the Ontario Care Collective (OCC). This merger aimed to create a unified and effective presence for members and those they serve, further solidifying their impact in Ontario's care sector.