Ontario’s First-Ever Networks Of Specialized Care Will Mean More Supports, Closer To Home

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is strengthening supports for adults with a developmental disability by moving forward with its plan to create four new Community Networks of Specialized Care, Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello announced today.    

“Ontario has lots of experience in providing excellent care for people with a developmental disability,” Pupatello said.  “But families often had to go looking for specialized care and weren’t always aware what services were available or even what they needed.  The networks will help us capitalize on the wealth of experience we have in the province, strengthen services and take advantage of the best research in the field.” 

Community Networks of Specialized Care are teams of professionals such as behaviour therapists, social workers, nurses and psychologists who will work together to diagnose and treat adults with a developmental disability.  The teams will work closely with partner organizations — community agencies, hospitals, police and mental health units throughout their region — to provide a full range of community-based specialized services to care for individuals with high needs.

Speaking from Surrey Place Centre in Toronto, Pupatello also announced the agencies that will lead the four networks across Ontario:

• In southern Ontario, Bethesda and Regional Support Associates
• In central Ontario, Surrey Place Centre (Toronto), Community Living Huronia (Pineview site) and Guelph’s Community Mental Health Clinic
• In eastern Ontario, Ongwanada and Prescott-Russell Services for Children and Adults
• In northern Ontario, Algonquin Child and Family Services.

The network leads will work with community agencies and mental health service providers in their area to better coordinate access to specialized services, improve the way services are delivered and promote professional development for service providers through improved research-sharing and training.

“These networks are the first of their kind,” said John Flannery, Executive Director of Surrey Place Centre.  “They will make a meaningful difference in the community by helping individuals and families access specialized services closer to their home.” 

The Community Networks of Specialized Care will put Ontario at the cutting-edge of services, leadership and expertise in developmental services.  They are at the heart of the government’s plan to transform Ontario’s developmental services system to make it fair, accessible and sustainable for the future.

“We’re making it easier for individuals and families to get the support they need in the community, no matter where they live,” said Pupatello.  “With community-based leadership, we are building stronger, more inclusive communities for all Ontarians.”