NETWORK E-BULLETIN - AUGUST 2006 EDITION

The Network at Work

• Over 150 calls since the launch of the Network’s toll-free number in June
• Network’s First Resource Centre Opens on Sept. 12
• Network Partners Create a New Governance Model

Since the launch of the 1-866-377-0286 toll free number, Service Navigators answering the phone lines have been busy. During June and July the Network received 150 calls and assessed 37 kids using the new Network Access Interview Tool.  Of those children assessed, 19 live in York Region and 17 reside in Simcoe County. Some calls were from families moving into the area who heard about the Network from their doctors and therapists - so word seems to be spreading quickly!

Of the 37 kids assessed in June and July, 29 had multiple needs and the average age was 7 years old.  Over eight different Network partners and agencies worked in collaboration to support the needs of these first children and families.  Here are just a few examples of how Network partners served families who called during June and July:

Linking resources and support throughout a child’s development…

The Network received a call from the family of a teenager who is now living with the effects of brain cancer treatment.  Due to the teen’s impulsivity and aggressive behaviour, living at home is no longer an option. Network partner York Support Services Network is coordinating services and working with the teen and family to explore supportive housing and treatment options for young adults with acquired brain injury.    

Connecting to a range of services with one call…

A family moving into the area called about their child who was receiving medical and rehab services from several Southwestern Ontario children’s service agencies. Rather than each of the agencies referring the family to their counterpart agency in York Region, the Network was called and a Service Navigator identified Community Care Access Centre of York Region as the lead to coordinate the appropriate team from Network partners and children’s agencies so that a single plan of care is developed and services can continue.

Supporting parents and sharing information…

The Network received a call from a parent anxious about what services her child, who has developmental delays, will receive when she enters school. The Network Service Navigator worked with the family’s current service provider - Early Intervention Services - to reassure the family about the process with Early Intervention Services and the school board for the child’s successful transition into school.

NETWORK’S FIRST RESOURCE CENTRE OPENS ON SEPT. 12

Construction is almost finished on the building housing the Network’s first Resource Centre located in “The Common Roof” on Ferris Lane in Barrie. The “Common Roof” is a unique joint venture with Children’s Treatment Network and partners New Path Child and Family Services and Catulpa Community Services along with Simcoe Outreach Services and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Plans are being finalized for the official opening of the Network’s Resource Centre in Barrie on September 12th. Local media will be on hand to view kids, families and Network partners demonstrate various therapies and new specialty services that are being brought ‘closer to home’ for kids with multiple disabilities in the area.

This is the first of two Children’s Treatment Network Resource Centres. A second centre will be opening in York in early 2007. The Network is also in the process of hiring nearly 80 therapists, service coordinators and specialty service professionals dedicated to Local Teams that will expand capacity for localized services in York and Simcoe.

Look for a detailed report of the Resource Centre opening celebrations in our next eBulletin.

NETWORK PARTNERS CREATE A NEW GOVERNANCE MODEL

In the Children’s Treatment Network new service delivery model, health, education, recreation, community and social services organizations collaborate together to support kids with multiple disabilities and their families through all the phases of a child’s development.  This model is changing how professionals on the front line work together.

The Network is now in the process of developing a new accountability and governance model that will create pathways to engage the leadership and Boards of all partner organizations so that the advice, counsel, expertise, and energy of all Network partners can be harnessed to chart our future course.

The Children’s Treatment Network Board of Directors has engaged KPMG, a leading consulting firm, to assist with the development of this new governance model. Over the next few weeks, they will be conducting interviews and focus groups with the senior leadership of Network partner organizations to gain insights and ideas. This feedback will be incorporated with leading governance practices to develop recommendations for consideration by the Network Board and partner organizations in the fall.