Since the Client Support Team began accepting requests on Oct. 20, 2011, 155 individuals and their families have taken advantage of the team's services. To date, 78 of the cases referred to the Client Support Team - more than 50 per cent - have been resolved and the other cases are in progress.

Because adults with developmental disabilities often receive services from more than one area of government, the Client Support Team brings together staff with experience in casework from the ministries of Social Development, Children and Family Development, and - when required - Health and Education. Together with Community Living BC staff, they can review all of the services from across government that these individuals and families are receiving, or that might be available, to ensure that they are receiving the best-possible services.

The Client Support Team was created in response to concerns raised by British Columbians about the services being offered by CLBC. This team provides an avenue for individuals and their families who are concerned with the level of supports they are receiving to have them quickly reviewed by experienced case workers who can ensure that the services are in place to meet each client's unique needs.

The results of the Client Support Team's work - along with the results of an internal audit and the Deputy Ministers' Working Group's report examining supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families - will be shared with the public in the new year. Together, these reports will help to inform the government's plan to improve services and better support British Columbians with developmental disabilities.

For more information about the Client Support Team, please visit: http://www.sd.gov.bc.ca/pwd/clbc_client_support.html

To find out more about other initiatives undertaken by government to help understand not only the situation at CLBC, but the full spectrum of services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities from across government, please visit: http://www.sd.gov.bc.ca/pwd/clbc_reports.html

Media Contact:

David Haslam
Communications Manager
Ministry of Social Development
250 356-1670
250 361-7989 (cell)