Evolution of Children's Treatment Network of Simcoe York

In December 2004, the Minister of Children and Youth Services announced approval of Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York as a new and innovative way to bring a range of services closer to home for children and youth with disabilities.

In June 2005, Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York was officially incorporated and was registered as a charitable organization in August 2005.

Since the announcement, teams of expert staff and professionals from healthcare, education & community support organizations in Simcoe and York have worked together on key initiatives such as:

• Expanding local access to therapies, specialty clinics and equipment
• Establishing new therapy services and augmenting professional certification through training programs
• Increasing the number of organizations participating in the Network
• Developing the systems, procedures and tools needed to allow all agencies to work together seamlessly to provide coordinated care for kids with special needs
• Hiring of additional professionals and specialists needed to deliver services
• Establishing regional Resource Centres to further enhance support for children, families and service providers

In December 2005, the Network and its members were able to begin serving over 500 children in Simcoe and York on waitlists by introducing additional rehabilitation services and programs, including:

• Added physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology and case management resources to augment services provided at school and at home through Community Care Access Centres (CCAC) in Simcoe and York
• Expanded developmental pediatric services through Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and Markham Stouffville Hospital to augment access to assessment, diagnostic and referral services
• Began training and equipping a localized Feeding and Swallowing team to ensure children with complex challenges in this area receive proper nutritional care.
• Began plans to enhance Augmentative Communications services, devices and technology to the community through specialists from Bloorview Kids Rehab  
• Funded specialized training for rehabilitation professionals that increases the number of local personnel certified for the Assistive Devices Program
• Working with York Support Services Network and Catulpa Community Support Services in Simcoe to enhance existing programs and add recreational therapies for kids with special needs

In April 2006:

• Children’s Treatment Network launched 1-800 access to coordinated services
• Coordinated care is being provided through 4 Local Teams made up of professionals from organizations participating in the Network
• Over the next two years, the Network will continue to augment, enhance and expand critically needed services in the community and reduce waitlists for children with multiple disabilities and their families.

By the end of 2007:

• The Network will have 10 Local Teams servicing Simcoe and York
• Member agencies will have increased to 25 or more
• 2 Resource Centres will be established in Simcoe and York to further support children & families

About the Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York
The Children’s Treatment Network is a new not-for-profit service delivery model for children with multiple disabilities and their families in Simcoe County and York Region. This unique integrated network model will build on the strengths of existing service providers, including healthcare, recreational, educational, social and community resources, to create a revolutionary new system that provides a single point of contact and single plan of care for children and youth from birth to 19 who have special physical, developmental, and communication needs. The Children’s Treatment Network is funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. For further information, please visit www.ctn-simcoeyork.ca

-30-

Media Inquiries:
Extraordinary Conversations
Kathryn Boothby, 519-875-2994, kmboothby@sympatico.ca
Ellie Trainer, 905-830-4475, elinor@extraordinary.on.ca