The B.C. government continues to move forward on implementing the 12-point plan for improving services for people with developmental disabilities. The foundation has now been laid for a new integrated service delivery model and a simplified youth transition to the Persons with Disability (PWD) designation process, and Community Living BC (CLBC) continues to deliver on its commitment to quality improvements.

Integrated service delivery model

Following extensive consultations with self-advocates, families, advocates and service providers, the government of B.C. has built the foundation for a more integrated approach to service delivery that will improve services and supports to people with developmental disabilities in the future.

Social Development Minister Moira Stilwell released a report today on the proposed integrated service delivery model, with an initial implementation strategy, to improve services and supports to people with developmental disabilities. The report was developed by an inter-ministry team and reflects ideas, feedback and recommendations gathered from consultations held over the past year.

One proposed change that will help individuals and families better access supports and services is the introduction of a "navigator" - someone who can act as a single contact and help co-ordinate planning for and access to the range of services and supports available. This integrated approach will help individuals move more easily from youth to adulthood and through other transitions in their lives.

The ministry will launch five early implementation sites later this year to test, refine, evaluate and finalize the model prior to full implementation.

Integrating services for youth

Building upon a successfully simplified transition process for youth on the Ministry of Children and Family Development's At Home Program, work is underway to simplify the PWD designation process for youth with developmental disabilities who are eligible for disability assistance and CLBC supports.

Effective July 8, youth with developmental disabilities who are eligible for disability assistance, along with their families, will be able to use an existing assessment by a registered psychologist or certified school psychologist as the basis for determining eligibility for PWD benefits, instead of filling out the full PWD form currently required for designation. This streamlined process is specifically for youth with an Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) - currently referred to as DSM IV diagnosis of Mental Retardation.

Ongoing quality assurance

CLBC continues to focus on quality assurance and improvements to create a culture of openness, transparency and responsiveness. CLBC is moving ahead on implementing the updated processes and initiatives announced over the past year. Any further changes will be held until after September 2013 to give individuals, families and staff time to understand and integrate the changes that have been announced to date.

The work done by the B.C. government and CLBC over the past 16 months lays a solid foundation for a more integrated approach to service delivery in the future. Reports released to date outline the detailed work that has gone into addressing the deputy ministers' recommendations released in January 2012.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development Moira Stilwell, M.D. -

"Our commitment is to have an integrated service delivery system in place that will serve people with developmental disabilities better. That will provide timely, accessible and quality services that are - above all else - respectful."

"The work done to develop a more integrated approach to service delivery has been thoughtful, collaborative and sets a strong foundation from which the next stage in planning and implementation can begin."

CLBC interim chief executive officer Doug Woollard -

"We've been pleased with the collaborative and consultative approach government has taken with the work to date on behalf of the individuals and families who rely on CLBC services. We are looking forward to taking time over the coming months to provide our dedicated staff, our service providers and the people we serve time to understand and continuously improve the exciting innovations we have introduced together over the past year."

Learn More:

Visit the ministry's project website containing reports and findings from the extensive consultations held over the past year, including information about reference groups and an online discussion forum where people can continue to pose questions and provide feedback: www.sd.gov.bc.ca/pwd/isst.html

To read the Integrated Service Delivery Model report, visit: http://ow.ly/jU3zH

To read the Navigator Model report, visit: http://ow.ly/jU3D1

Learn more about Community Living BC, visit: www.communitylivingbc.ca

A chart with actions to date on the 12 recommendations included in the report, Improving Services to People with Developmental Disabilities:

http://stage.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/Recommendations_Chart_April_2013.pdf

Media contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Social Development
250 508-5030