1. 1 2006-2007 PLANNING UPDATE

2. 2 Vision of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services: Vision: An Ontario where all children and youth have the best opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential

3. 3 Ministry of Children and Youth Services: Focused on achieving the following out- comes for children and youth in general: Ontario’s Children and Youth are: Safe from harm Valued, involved & responsible Healthy & active Economically secure. Ready to learn at all ages

4. 4 Child Welfare Secretariat Transformation Agenda: Differential Response Permanency Strategy Court Processes Accountability Research/Outcomes Single Information System Multi-year Funding Approach

5. 5 What’s New?

6. 6 Implementing Transformation Provincial Activities: Bill 210 at Committee: Royal Assent by the end of March, Proclamation: October 2006 Regulations to support the legislation now under development Field Implementation of new legislation scheduled for the Fall 2006

7. 7 Bill 210 – What is different? Overall purpose is to make the legislative changes necessary to enable transformation Measures enabling Kinship Care ‘place of safety’ definition Supervisory terms can apply to a family or community member Custody Orders Measures relating to Adoption Openness orders Complaints Procedure

8. 8 Provincial Activities: Differential Response “Test Drive” of new Safety Assessment, Risk Assessment, Family Reunification Assessment completed in December 2005 New “Family Strength and Needs Assessment” being developed Changes to Eligibility Spectrum: Family Violence Implementation with new legislation and regulations

9. 9 Provincial Activities: Pillars of Permanence SAFE Structured Analysis Family Evaluation January 2006 for Adoption home studies Standardizes assessment for private/public Use for Adoption/Foster Care Resources Full implementation by April 2007

10. 10 Provincial Activities: Pillars of Permanence PRIDE: Implement by April 07 Parent Resources for Information Development Education Competency based model for the development/support of foster and adoptive families Structured Framework for recruitment, selection, training of resource families

11. 11 Provincial Activities: Pillars of Permanence OnLAC: Looking After Children Assessment for all children in care >1yr. Assesses child’s progress across 7 dimensions. Annual AAR. Digital Pen Pilot.

12. 12 Pillars of Permanence SAFE A common approach to Assessment and training of caregivers and a model for case planning for children and youth OnLAC PRIDE

13. 13 Pillars of Permanence Kinship Care Regulations underway ANCFSAO Customary Care Project with chiefs of Ontario and MCYS PRIDE pre-service and SAFE home study tools to be adapted for Kin families Kinship Care Symposium will be held April 06. Kinship and Customary Care

14. 14 Provincial Initiatives: Alternative Dispute Resolution Bill 210 provides for use of ADR before and during court proceedings Legal representation for the child would be provided as soon as ADR is proposed Mediation Reference Group now working on policy for all aspects of mediation

15. 15 Provincial Initiatives: Alternative Dispute Resolution – Cont’d… Agencies encouraged to develop other forms of ADR locally: Family Centred Conferencing, Talking Circles etc. F&CS developing comprehensive conferencing model supported by Block 2 Funding

16. 16 Provincial Activities: Single Information System SIS Contract with IBM signed 10 Working Groups established for Business Process Review Working Groups meet January - May 2006 Design phase of new SIS June - December 2006 Timiskaming, Simcoe and Renfrew agencies will pilot SIS from January-June 2007

17. 17 Provincial Activities: Accountability/Research Accountability Framework by Spring 2006. Linking Child Welfare and the Children’s Service System in Ontario Increasing access to services for child welfare clients in the community Community capacity building: Consultation in February Development of Research and Outcomes Measurement Branch Provincial Grant-In Aid Funding Agency funded to develop 3 proposals

18. 18 Provincial Activities: Multi Year Funding Approach 2005/06 Year-end Forecasts–Child Welfare Net Expenditure Forecast$39,678,011 Less: CW Funding Model Allocation 39,302,679 Deficit Sub-total $375,332 Less Transformation (Block 2) Funding 375,332 Net Deficit/Surplus Forecast $ 0

19. 19 2005/06 Year End Forecasts–Child Welfare Service Volumes - % Change from 2003/04 Baseline Year  Total Investigations (5.2%)  Ongoing Services (7.0%)  Children in Care (11.9%)  Foster Homes Available (13.5%)  Home Studies (Foster & Adoption) (14.3%)  Paid Days of Care (14.5%)

20. 20 Looking Ahead to 2006/07 Ministry has approved multi-year financial & service planning for Child Welfare. Child Welfare transformation policies, Bill 210 and related regulations will be rolled out by Ministry during 2006/07. Funding Model and Multi year Results Based Planning process will evolve as transformation unfolds.

21. 21 Looking Ahead to 2006/07 cont’d… Senior Management now developing service volume and financial forecasts for 2006/07, and planning amounts for 2 years thereafter. Service Volume declines since 2003/04 could reduce Waterloo FCS funding in 06/07 by $3.7 Million. Savings actioned already would reduce this impact to $2.2 Million.

22. 22 Looking Ahead to 2006/07 cont’d… Ministry will be providing $32.8 Million for implementation of Transformation province wide in 2006/07 targeted to specific policy areas. Transformation allocations to agencies likely to happen in two phases – during April and October

23. 23 How Provincial Transformation fits with Agency Directions

24. 24 FCS Guiding Principles under- lying Model of Service Directions:  To increase availability and accessibility of programs which strengthen the capacity of parents to care well for their children and which enhance the development of children, To increase service to families by agreement and reduce court ordered intervention, To enable children in the care of the agency to reach their full potential.

25. 25 FCS Guiding Principles under- lying Model of Service Directions: Balancing Child Safety with Community Based Service Provision Range of Responses/Services for Children and Families with family, community, other service providers, in care, adoption Focus on Permanence across the spectrum

26. 26 Model of Service

27. 27 Community-Based Services Program Description designed to increase the availability and accessibility of programs and supports to children & families Services include a range of evidence-based parenting programs, evidence-based children’s programs, workshops and community resources delivered in collaboration with community partners including Ontario Early Years Centres, Children’s Mental Health Services, Children’s Developmental Services and local Community Centres

28. 28 Community-Based Services Current Locations Kitchener & Cambridge Early Years Centres 3 Cambridge Community Centres Lang’s Farm, Christopher Champlain and Greenway Chaplin 3 Kitchener Community Centres Chandler Mowat, Centreville Chicopee and Courtland-Shelley

29. 29 Community-Based Services Target Clientele At risk community clients – reside in the catchment area of the community centre in which the program is being offered. Referred clients – open to protection at the Intake level. Child Welfare clients – open to protection at the Ongoing/Family Service level.

30. 30 Core Features of Service Offered in community ‘hubs’ such as Ontario Early Years Centres and various Community Centres across the Region. To increase service to families by agreement and reduce court ordered intervention.

31. 31 Core Features of Service Rationale (Cont’d): Support families in a non-stigmatizing, community-based setting. Families will have increased exposure/access to a broad range of supports and services, i.e., NCB outreach workers, food security programs, clothing exchanges, counselling, public health, mental health services, addiction services, etc.

32. 32 Core Features of Service Rationale (Cont’d): Engaging families with the broader community and increasing their social support network contributes to a more comprehensive and sustainable intervention This is particularly important when working with families who present with more chronic and multi- layered problems associated with neglect, exposure to domestic violence and socio-economic disadvantage. Children more visible in the community.

33. 33 Core Features of Service Delivered in collaboration with community partners including staff from Ontario Early Years Centre, Children’s Mental Health services, Children’s Developmental Services, House of Friendship and local community centres etc.

34. 34 Core Features of Service Rationale: Collaborative relationships with community partners will provide a more integrated service for families, develop stronger interagency networks and foster a collective responsibility and involvement in child protection.

35. 35 Core Features of Service Rationale (Cont’d): Personalized group pre-screening process by group facilitators will help to promote relationship building with participants and provide an opportunity to identify each client’s unique challenges & strengths; thereby increasing client’s ability to engage and benefit from services and programs. Shared costs/resources/staffing contributes to sustainability of programs.

36. 36 Core Features of Service Evidence-based Programs Rationale: Offering interventions based on program models that are grounded in research and have been evaluated with proven/known outcomes with similar populations; significantly improves our ability to achieve positive outcomes with families.

37. 37 PROGRAM NAMEWHO CAN ATTEND PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONLOCATIONDATES & TIMES Make the Connection 1Parents & their infants under 12 months This enjoyable program combines parent- baby activities, parent discussion and personalized video feedback. Find out ways to help your baby feel close to you and discover her/his world! Langs Farm Community Centre Cambridge Courtland Shelley Community Centre Kitchener Monday 1:00-3:00pm Jan 16/06-March 20/06 Monday 1:00-3:00pm Jan 16/06-March 20/06 Make the Connection 2Parents & their toddlers 12 months to 2 years This interactive program includes parent- toddler activities, parent discussion and personalized video feedback. Learn about helping your toddler to feel secure, connect with other children, setting limits with love and more! Christopher Champlain Community Centre Cambridge Kitchener Early Years Centre Tuesday 9:15-11:15am Jan 31/06-Apr 4/06 Thursday 1:00-3:00pm Jan 19/06-March 23/06 Play & LearnParents & their preschoolers 3-5 years A 10-week program for parents and their children ages 3-5 yrs. Children attend their own playgroup, while parents meet together and learn new ways to handle difficult behavior, set clear rules and develop a more positive relationship with your child through play! Cambridge Early Years Centre Chandler Mowat Community Centre Kitchener Mondays & Thursdays 1:00-3:00pm Jan 16/06- March 20/06 Tuesdays 9-11:30am Jan 17/06-March 28/06 Incredible KidsChildren 6-8 or 9- 11 years This fun, after school program is packed with activities that help children develop tools to improve their relationships with both other children and adults, as well as feel good about themselves! Greenway Chaplin Community Centre Cambridge (6-8 yr olds) Centreville Chicopee Community Centre Kitchener (9-11 yr olds) Thursday 4:15-5:45pm Jan 26/06-Mar 23/06 Wednesday3:30-5:00 Feb 1/06-Mar 29/06 Tools for ChangeAll parentsA series of workshops which focus on the practical aspects of everyday living with topics like stress management, understanding depression, building healthy relationships, budgeting and more! TBA COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS 2006 WINTER SCHEDULE

38. 38 Adolescent Team Chris Reitzel Supervisor Karen Walker Intake Sandra OrdiwayIntake Chris HofferFamily Service Chrissy FoleyFamily Service Kelly SotoFamily Service Steve DickChildren’s Service

39. 39 Mandate Responding to 42A and 42B referrals Caregiver/Child Conflict Other related referrals

40. 40 Adolescent Team Response Response Time Access to Service(s) and Supports Common Philosophy and Response Expertise Communication and Co-ordination

41. 41 Links Outreach Workers Going Beyond Group Langford Treatment Home Youth Services QA and Information Services

42. 42 Future Plans Group for Parents Group for Adolescents Drug Information Session

43. 43 Family Violence Team Members Lisa Leiher Supervisor Chris Leslie Intake Worker Alice Mazere Intake Worker Duane Boles Family Service Worker Marilyn Curry Family Service Worker Patti Moses Family Service Worker Cindy King Clinical Worker Michelle Smith Clinical Worker

44. 44 Additional Members Erin SchreiterSupervisor Neta GearFamily Service Worker

45. 45 Screeners Family Violence Intake General Intake Kitchener/ Cambridge Ongoing Specialized Refer to Specialized Supervisor Directly Ongoing Generic Clinical Programs

46. 46 Role of Intake Worker Investigation and assessment of family violence cases. Focus is on two types of referrals: Families where there have been a number of previous openings. However, the issues remain. Referrals from community partners: shelter, counselling agencies, etc.

47. 47 Role of Family Service Worker Carry a caseload of primarily family violence cases. Provide services to families working closely with VAW service providers.

48. 48 Role of Clinical Staff Individual, family and group counselling. Primary focus will be on providing services to: men, children and women who have barriers to attending local agencies for service.

49. 49 Role of Clinical Staff cont’d…. More and more emphasis will be placed on group work facilitated jointly with community partners. Clinical staff to actively seek out these opportunities.

50. 50 Current Projects: Women Moving Forward For women no longer in crisis. Have left abusive partner. Goals: Assist women to understand dynamics of abuse, understand the impact of domestic violence on children, recognize their own unhealthy coping strategies.

51. 51 Partners for Healthy Relationships Couples have completed individual work and wish to reconcile. Assist couples to integrate skills they have learned individually. Improve communication skills. Develop strategies for conflict management.

52. 52 Partners for Healthy Relationships cont’d…. Develop and practice assertive behaviour. Assist the couple to develop family/partnership goals. Build respect for individual needs. Develop and practice safety strategies.

53. 53 Psycho-educational Groups Beginning stages. First step audit of low-level risk files.

54. 54 Steering Committee Advisory committee continues to meet. Membership: Alison Scott, Joan Allison, Monica Heide, Lisa Leiher, Cindy King. Additions: Cambridge Family Service Supervisor, Intake Worker, Intake Supervisor, Family Service Worker.

55. 55 Steering Committee cont’d…. Community: Shelter, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Treatment Centre, John Howard Society, K-W Counselling, Family Counselling Centre of Cambridge and North Dumfries, Catholic Family Counselling Services.

56. 56 Expected Outcomes A reduction in the risk of harm to children in the home where family violence has been the primary reason for service to the family. Family will receive services that are perceived as helpful and that are provided in a timely manner.

57. 57 Expected Outcomes cont’d…. Families receive services that are not piece- meal. There is a communication and coordination among service providers. All members of the family served by F&CS will be offered services that will address family violence.

58. 58 Expected Outcomes cont’d…. An increase in collaborative work between F&CS staff and community partners so as to best meet the needs of children, men and women. An increase in services to men with the goal that all men are met with, assessed and referred to services.

59. 59 Kinship Care Research Initiative Foundation Grant

60. 60 Kinship Care Advisory Committee Joan Allison, Pam Baldwin, Marie Beattie, Robin Bouck, Cheryl Buehler, Heather Chandler, Anita Diebel, Pat Gilles, Brenda Griecken, Mike Letts, Sue Maciaczyk, Margot MacKenzie, Nancy Murdoch, Anne O’Donoghue, Erin Penney, Jennifer Watson, Kelly Witteveen

61. 61 The purpose of the research To investigate kinship care within the Agency as the result of: recommendations made by the Provincial Kinship Care Committee in the document Ontario Kinship Model (OACAS 2004) proposed changes to the Child and Family Services Act as the result of these recommendations the recent media coverage in Toronto as it relates to kinship care.

62. 62 The goal of the research to undertake an analysis of the service needs for kinship placements based on agency experience and feedback from staff, kinship care providers and youth living in kinship care To design and develop an agency wide Kinship Care Program for the Agency

63. 63 The Research The research took place from September 2005 to January 2006 and included focus groups with staff conversations and consultation with kinship care providers, children living in kinship placements, and birth parents consultation with other child welfare agencies a review of the literature Agency data collection and consultation with the Kinship Care Advisory Committee.

64. 64 Next Steps A Kinship Care Report will be presented to Senior Management in February 2006 Report includes 18 recommendations for enhanced Kinship Services within the Agency. Implementation of the enhanced Kinship Care Services will also be determined by the anticipated changes to the Child and Family Services Act and the subsequent directives from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, the Ministry of Children and Youth, and the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies.

65. 65 Overview of Other Model of Service Initiatives Supports to Children in Care Outreach Treatment Program Going Beyond Foster Care Support/School Support Educational Strategies Reading Incentive Program Tutoring Educational Consultants Scholarships

66. 66 Overview of Other Model of Service Initiatives Diversity Initiatives Integration of Cultural Competence Committee and SOTF Committee to Diversity Committee Diversity Initiatives Foster Care Recruitment LGBTQ Initiative

67. 67 Planning Process for 2006-2007 Applications for Block 2 Funding Things to Consider for MYRBP

68. 68 Block 2 Initiatives Continue with Community Capacity Building Initiatives: Co-Delivery of Services in Neighbourhoods and with other counselling and service agencies Community Based Services: Explore opportunities for co-location with other community service providers

69. 69 Block 2 Initiatives Develop a comprehensive model for family conferencing/family involvement in Planning Range of collaborative strategies Examine use of Family Group Conferencing Develop Range of Family Based Supports In Home supports for families, kinship families, foster families, adoptive families Integration of 40 Assets Model

70. 70 Block 2 Initiatives Kinship Care Service Pillars Of Permanence Implementation of SAFE Implementation of PRIDE Continued Implementation of OnLAC Continue Adoption Initiatives/Subsidies

71. 71 Accountability/Research Increase Agency’s capacity for Quality Assurance/ Outcome Measurement 3 Child Welfare Grant-In-Aid Applications approved. Successful candidates known by June 2006 Diversity Initiative Family Group Conferencing/Decision Making Building Collaboration with Families

72. 72 Implications for Service Need to examine current programs: what is working well, how do new initiatives fit Need to examine agency structure The developing model may lead to some agency restructuring Early Intervention Initiatives Differential Response Initiatives Family Based Supports Supports to Children Permanency Strategies ADR/Legal Services Outcome Measurement

73. 73 Next Steps: Implementing Transformation Model of Service Committee to become Agency Transformation Team Develop Implementation Plan for Transformation Initiatives Training Curriculum developed by OACAS.

74. 74 Transformation Curricula Manager/Supervisor Orientation on March 2 and 9, 2006 Staff Orientation by June 2006 Resource Family Orientation Community Partners Orientation Training on new tools Training on technology changes