Child Youth and Family Services Coalition of Simcoe County

1. Child Youth and Family Services Coalition of Simcoe County Presentation to the Forum for Children Youth and their Families in York Region October 1, 2012

2. York Region and County of Simcoe York Region 2006 Simcoe County 2006 Population: 422,204 12% born outside Canada 3.1% Aboriginal 2.9% Francophone 7.2% low income • Population: 887,345 • 42 % born outside Canada • 0.4% Aboriginal • 1.08% Francophone • 12.7% low income

3. York Regionand County of Simcoe • In spite of demographic differences we share many of the same organizations that span multiple regions/counties, experience some of the same challenges for children and youth, and may share some of the same clients • We probably have a lot to learn from each other!

4. A History of Collaboration Simcoe County is very fortunate in the level and scope of collaboration among various sectors • Coalition founded in 1999 in the belief we can improve outcomes for children better by working together than apart • Started with two English language school boards, Children’s Aid Society and a handful of organizations focusing on children’s mental health • Now includes 40 members large and small from many sectors

5. Multi Sector Membership Education: 2 English 2 French boards, Georgian College Municipal: County of Simcoe Health: most hospitals, LHIN, 3 area CHCs, Health Unit, CCAC Disabilities: Sim. CmtySvs, Catulpa, Children’s Treatment Network, Kerry’s Place Francophone: Cléd’laBaie 0-6: Early Years Centre Youth Justice: E Fry, John Howard, Morton YthSvs Child Welfare: CAS Mental Health: New Path, Kinark, CMHA, Waypoint, Catholic Family Services FNMI: Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle Recreation: YMCA Other: United Way, Kiwanis, 211, CONTACT S. Simcoe, Youth Haven, Gilda’s Club

6. Child and Youth Charter • Launched November 2009, signed by 40 Coalition members and 17 Municipal Governments in the County • Based on UN Declaration on the Universal Rights of the Child, represents what we would wish for any child or youth in Simcoe County • Used in Coalition advocacy work, including 2 broadsheets, Advocacy Report re. service pressures, All Candidates’ Meeting fall 2011 • http://www.simcoecountycoalition.ca/en/childyouthcharter.aspx

7. Planning Together Coalition Strategic Plan 2010-13 Vision a community where all children, youth and families reach their full potential Mission To maximize the capacity, effectiveness and cultural uniqueness of the child youth and family service system through collective efforts Values commitment, strategic innovation, integrity, respect, transparency

8. Goal 1: One community plan for all child, youth & family services • Streamline, integrate services • Meet basic needs (income, food, shelter) • Equality of service access for culturally diverse communities • Enhance youth participation • Improve the system for children & youth with mental health needs (jointly with the LHIN) • Promote best practices, evidence-based approaches • Connect to health and other planning processes

9. Goal 2: Secure necessary resources to support children & families • Advocate for increased capacity • Improve financial stability & sustainability of the Coalition • Develop framework to support member staff development (e.g. LEAD program) • Identify efficiencies, maximize resources (e.g. Data Consortium)

10. Some Groups Affiliated with CYFS • COMPASS(Community Partners with Schools) & SSLI (Student Support Leadership Initiative) • Best Start Network (0-5) • CTN (Children’s Treatment Network) • Youth Justice Advisory Group • Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) • ACBC (Aboriginal Capacity Building Circle) • COMPASS Francophone • FASD(Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Advocacy Committee) • ASD(Autism Spectrum Disorder) • Anti-stigma Task Group • IWTG (Integrated Working Task Group) • LEAP (Learning Earning and Parenting)

11. COMPASS • COMPASS (Community Partners with Schools) is a network of Community School Teams across Simcoe County that links schools (elementary and secondary) with local providers of community supports and services • In addition, COMPASS mental health workers work directly with schools • Multi sector support, 3 tier framework • Oversight group for SSLI

12. Student Support Leadership Initiative • 6th and final year of joint initiative (Ministries of Education, Child and Youth Services, Health) • 211 Service maps • COMPASS evaluation • Single Plan of Care pilots, protocol, Common Assessment Framework • Suicide Risk Protocol and roll out • Aboriginal Student Support • School Success (diversion training), Triple P in schools, anti-bullying playground programs

13. Best Start Network Successful collaboration of Children’s Planning committees for 0-5 under the Best Start Network leading to: • Improved planning • Shared resources • Improved best practices • Greater accountability to children and families in Simcoe County • Common language and common vision

14. Children’s Treatment Network • Network of organizations working in Simcoe and York with children with multiple special needs • Single Plan of Care (SPOC)protocol for cross-sector, integrated assessment, planning and service delivery for children and families with complex needs • Shared electronic record and other ‘system of care’ tools to support the collaborative process • Building on CTN experience and infrastructure, Coalition members have undertaken 3 SPOC pilots

15. Common Assessment Framework • UK model which recognizes that deeper collaboration requires a common language and approach • Common understanding of the child/family and the many domains that impact their development and well-being • Respect for the expertise each organization and discipline brings to understanding the whole child/family/environment

16. COMMON ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK Health Basic care Emotional and social development Ensuring safety and protection Behavioural development Identity, including spirituality, self esteem self-image and social presentation Emotional warmth and stability PARENTING CAPACITY CHILD’S DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS CHILD Safeguarding and promoting welfare Spiritual wellbeing Family & Social Relationships Guidance, boundaries and stimulation Self-care skills and independence Learning FAMILY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Family History, Functioning and well-being Wider Family Housing Employment and Financial Considerations Social/community elements and resources including spiritual practices and education

17. Suicide Risk Protocol Purpose • Increase recognition and identification of Simcoe County children and youth at high risk for suicide • Develop a common pathway to identify the most appropriate resources and short term intervention strategies • Enhance cross-sector inter-agency communication and collaboration • Increase community service capacity and responsiveness

18. Working Together for Kids’ Mental Health • Part of provincial cross-ministerial 3 year focus on children’s mental health (Open Minds Healthy Minds) • Create better understanding of child and adolescent mental health issues to support early identification & referral • Explore common tools for screening, assessment, measuring outcomes • Identify service pathways, reduce wait lists

19. What helps it work • Vision that puts child/youth/family at the centre • Committed leadership able to articulate collaborative vision and values • Members committed to funding joint efforts through annual fees • Central entity that facilitates collaboration: fiscal trustee, consultant staff • Willingness to build on what’s already in place, embrace additional partners

20. Questions? Deb Woods, Coordinator, Child Youth and Family Services Coalition of Simcoe County dwoods@simcoecountycoalition.ca 705 721 0736