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Networks of Specialized Care

On May 18, 2005, as part of the transformation of developmental services, the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) announced that four networks of specialized care would be established across the province. The purpose of the Networks is to enhance service to adults with a developmental disability who need specialized care for co-existing mental health and or/ behavioural issues. In March, 2006, MCSS announced the lead agencies for the four Networks:

Northern Ontario – Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca
Central Ontario (from Waterloo in the west to Peterborough in the east, including Simcoe County and the Greater Toronto Area) – Surrey Place Centre (Toronto), Community Living Huronia (Pineview site), Central West Specialized Developmental Services (Oakville), Eastern Ontario (from Hastings County east to the Quebec border and north to Renfrew County) – Ongwanada and Prescott-Russell Services for Children and Adults
Southern Ontario (including the Hamilton and Niagara regions and southwestern Ontario) – Bethesda and Regional Support Associates

The Community Networks of Specialized Care were created to ensure a system which is:

Accessible – so that people and their caregivers/families can access the clinical services they need, when and where they need them.
Co-ordinated & Integrated – so that the services and supports from a number of programs, organizations and sectors are working together with people and their families to make a difference.
Accountable – so that we know the networks are actually making a difference.

Specialized services are defined as clinical services that utilize a biopsychosocial approach and focus on informed practices. The continuum of services includes crisis response, specialized case management, community-based clinical services, day treatment, specialized residential accommodation and in-patient hospital treatment. Clinical services are provided by qualified health and allied health professionals.