Halton Section 20 Programs are defined by legislation and funded by General Legislation Grants (GLGs) that are transferred to school boards for staffing and educational operation of the programs. These programs, whether in Halton or Provincially, are created in partnership with Community Agencies based on student needs for Care, Treatment, Custody or Corrections. The programs provide educational opportunities for students who, for different reasons, require specialized interventions in order to be successful.

Within the Halton District School Board there are a dozen or more programs that service both elementary and secondary students. The School Board has created partnerships with such Community Agencies as the Woodview Children Centre, Transitions for Youth, Kinark Child and Family Services, Family Guidance International and the Halton Children's Aid Society. Many of the programs are based in public schools while others may be in group homes or agency facilities such as Syl Apps Youth Centre.