Since the Client Support Team began accepting requests in October 2011, 180 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have taken advantage of the team's services.

The Client Support Team was created in response to concerns raised by families and advocates about Community Living BC (CLBC) services. To date, 113 of the referrals to the team - more than 62 per cent - have been resolved.

The Client Support Team brings together staff with experience working with adults with developmental disabilities and their families from CLBC and the ministries of Social Development, Children and Family Development, and - when required - Health and Education. This team provides an avenue for individuals and their families who are concerned with the level of supports they are receiving to have them reviewed to ensure they are receiving the appropriate services.

On Jan. 19, 2012, the Province unveiled a comprehensive plan to address issues and concerns around CLBC and the government-wide system of supports for British Columbians with developmental disabilities. One element of this plan is to establish a permanent appeal mechanism based on the experience of the current Client Support Team.

Until the permanent appeal mechanism is in place, the Client Support Team will continue to work with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who have expressed dissatisfaction about current services or feel these services no longer address their needs.

Anyone who would like to have a representative of the Client Support Team contact them can e-mail info@communitylivingbc.ca or call toll-free 1 877 660-2522.

HIGHLIGHTS (as of Jan. 12, 2012):

The Client Support Team has received 180 referrals

113 referrals have been completed

69 referrals involved increasing funding and supports from both CLBC and government, where circumstances require. Increased services provided include*:

• Community Inclusion for 28 individuals
• Respite for 20 individuals
• Residential support for 24 individuals 
• Temporary nursing/staffing services for two individuals
• Home maker support for eight individuals
• Behavioural support for one individual
  

18 referrals involved new funding from both CLBC and government, where circumstances require, for individuals previously not receiving services. New services provided include*:

• Community Inclusion for 13 individuals
• Respite for seven individuals
• Residential support for three individuals
  

26 referrals were resolved with the level of funding and supports maintained.
67 referrals are currently in process towards resolution
48 referrals are at the regional level
16 referrals are at the senior client support team level
Three referrals are at the executive client support team level

Of the 180 referrals received to date:

• 10 people (five per cent) were under 19 years of age (transitioning youth)
• 104 people (58 per cent) requested additional services 
• 29 people (16 per cent) were receiving no services
• 37 people (21 per cent) expressed concerns with present services or potential changes

Of the 113 completed referrals, most were resolved at a regional level

• 96 referrals were resolved at the regional level
• 14 referrals were resolved at the senior client support team level
• Three referrals were resolved at the executive client support team level

Contact:

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