Waterloo Children & Youth Services Planning ... - Social Services

June 2012
giving serious consideration to limiting the need to repetitious information collection and
documentation. Many suggested that a coordinated access system must include some
form of electronic sharing of information, most especially basic information that is
sometimes referred to as “tombstone” information. When privacy issues were discussed
in parent forums there appeared to be a consensus that privacy issues were a parent’s
“last concern”. It was more important to them to be efficient and get access to answers
in a timely fashion. As a result, the committee is recommending that this important issue
be a high priority for consideration should a single coordinated access system be
developed.
Recommendation #9
Develop integrated intake forms and an associated process for ease of sharing
information among service providers.
6.10 Engagement Strategies for All Families
This recommendation is related to the strongly held position that a coordinated system
for accessing services for vulnerable children must be designed to meet the various needs
of our community. Cross cultural issues (religion, language, cultural practices, etc.),
readiness (acceptance, motivation, cognitive understanding, capacity etc.) and resource
issues (limited financial resources, job demands, transportation etc.) were all mentioned
at one time or another during the review. The complexities of the current system with
over 35 point of entry were viewed as a significant barrier to service for families with any
of the issues listed.
Recommendation #10
Ensure systems and processes for accessing services are designed for all families in
Waterloo Region with special attention to cross cultural, resource and readiness issues.
6.11 Work Together as a “System“ for kids with High Needs
As was discussed earlier, for those children with the highest and most complex needs
parents were consistently frustrated with a system that appeared to have few options for
supporting transitions from one service to another without “starting over” with the
application and assessment phase. In fact, this issue was highlighted by service providers
as a significant challenge for them as well. Although many service providers play a
leadership role in supporting client transition by reaching out to service partners and
holding “joint service planning meetings”, the processes are different for each service and
many are not known to the community of services. This issue is especially critical for
parents whose children’s needs accelerate quickly and are in urgent need of additional or
different services. As a result, the committee recommends that a single coordinated
access system should include a standardized system for supporting transitions.
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