NETWORK E-BULLETIN - JULY 2006 EDITION

Network and Partners Ramp Up Ability to Provide Enhanced Services to Kids with Multiple Disabilities

The phones are ringing following the launch of the Network's toll-free 1-866-377-0286 number in June!

For the first time, parents of kids with multiple disabilities in Simcoe and York have a single point of contact for a single plan of care for children from birth to age 19. Over 25 Network partners including regional healthcare, recreation, education, social, and community organizations are committed to expand critically needed services and bring more services closer to home for the 4,500 children in Simcoe and York with multiple disabilities. The launch of the toll free number was just the beginning!

Over the summer, Network partners are focused on expanding resources, adding new services and training front-line staff on the new tools and procedures that will bring seamless coordination of integrated services to kids with multiple disabilities. Highlights of activity include:

• More than 50 Intake Staff and Service Navigators participate in Access orientation sessions focused on the use of the Access Interview Tool
• 11 new Service Coordinators help boost ability to provide a single plan of care
• Fall launch of a Common Electronic Record will enable all Network partners to share clinical information and monitor progress of each child
• 3 Specialty Services are being brought to the community in the Fall
• Local Team Recruitment is underway - 78 Therapists, Service Coordinators and Specialty Service professionals dedicated to 10 Local Teams serving kids in Simcoe & York

Hands-On Training Sessions for Service Navigators and Intake Staff

Service Navigators and Intake staff from Network partners familiarize themselves with the new Access Interview Tool in training sessions led by Access Project Manager Michelle Biehler. The comprehensive interview tool will assist Network Access staff to gather the information required to connect the family to the most appropriate services for their child.

More than 50 intake professionals from Network partner agencies have already attended training sessions held June 28th & July 5th. These hands-on, interactive sessions provided the opportunity to work with the Network Access Interview Tool and discuss processes used by front line staff.  Information was shared about how best to respond to families and other service agencies as to how the Network works and the evolution of services we all provide together. Participants were very enthusiastic about this first opportunity to work together and start planning for the development of stronger links between Service Navigators and Intake staff.  And this is only the beginning. More training sessions for Intake staff and Service Navigators will take place later this summer. The next sessions will focus on how the Network system will manage more complex cases at the initial point of access.

Enhanced Service Coordination for Kids with Complex Needs Kicks Off

There are many existing professionals within partner organizations providing service coordination. This capability is being enhanced system-wide. The Network is providing funding for 11 new Service Coordinators who will be dedicated to identifying the team working with each child, coordinating the single plan of care and monitoring progress in collaboration with the Local Team.

Service Coordinators will be recruited and hosted by 9 partner agencies in Simcoe and York including:

• York Region: Community Care Access Centre, Regional Municipality of York Early Intervention Services, York Region District School Board, York Support Services Network and Kinark Child & Family Services/Blue Hills Child & Family Services
• Simcoe County: Community Care Access Centre, Simcoe Community Services/Catulpa Community Support Services

Training for Service Coordinators will take place early this fall. This training will be based on preliminary guidelines for service coordination across the Network.

Common Electronic Record Piloting This Fall

A common Electronic Record that can be used by all partners across the Network is a critical tool that will enable delivery of a single plan of care. The Network is in the process of procuring a clinical software application that embeds the single plan of care in each child's electronic record and enables Network partners to communicate and monitor progress on an ongoing basis.

Over the summer we will be working closely with Network partners to address details relating to connectivity, data sharing and migration to the new system.

The new Electronic Record will be introduced late in September with a phased in training schedule. Network Management, Service Navigators and Service Coordinators will be the first group trained on the new Record during late September. Training will then be expanded to include Therapists and Network participants during Phases II and III of the project.

Local Team Recruitment Underway - Network Expands Resources

Network partners are focused on augmenting resources in the community dedicated to kids with multiple disabilities and the first stage of Local Team development and recruitment has begun! We are currently finalizing agreements with 11 partner agencies in Simcoe and York - including school boards, hospitals, community services organizations and agencies providing therapy services - to host rehabilitation professionals. Once contracts are finalized, host agencies will recruit 78 Therapists, Service Coordination and Specialty Services professionals dedicated to the Network.

We are also preparing to recruit Local Team leaders, who will work on building the protocols and pathways for delivery of coordinated, integrated care at the local level. These positions will be posted at the end of the summer. The first Local Teams will be in place by early fall, with plans for 10 Local Teams by 2007.

3 Specialty Services Rolling Out in the Community this Fall

Network partners are working collaboratively to identify staffing, equipment and site requirements for specialty services needed at the local level. Augmentative Communication, Feeding and Swallowing and Diagnostic Assessment specialty services will be introduced locally and available to families this fall. Seating and Mobility and Orthotics specialty services will follow, as the recruitment drive evolves.

The Network Welcomes Two New Board Members

The Children's Treatment Network would like to welcome our two newest Board Members: Leisa Rau-Sharp from Richmond Hill and Dr. Alexander Chung from Markham. Both Leisa and Alex bring the perspective of parenting children with special needs to the Network's Board. Leisa has extensive experience as a professional skating coach working with young athletes. Dr. Chung is an orthodontist who brings knowledge of the health care system alongside close ties to the Chinese community. Their talents and expertise will be invaluable in supporting the Network's evolution.

Our heartfelt thanks to Rhonda Jacobson who recently resigned her position on the Board due to business and time constraints. Her contributions and support were instrumental in supporting the Network's successful launch.