Government of B.C. Government of B.C.
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to site search
  • Skip to side bar
  • Skip to footer

BC Gov News

  • Home
  • Ministries
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast
  • Office of the Premier
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Attorney General
  • Children and Family Development
  • Citizens' Services
  • Education and Child Care
  • Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
  • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
  • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Finance
  • Forests
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
  • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
  • Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
  • Labour
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
  • Public Safety and Solicitor General
  • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
  • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
  • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

close menu Office of the Premier

B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
  Read More

New vision connects rural B.C. to a stronger future

September 22, 2023 11:55 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THE PREMIER
More from the Premier
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Premier's Bio

close menu Agriculture and Food

XY Ranch celebrates 100 years of raising livestock

August 4, 2023 1:15 PM
The Bouffioux family of Fort St. John is being honoured with a Century Farm Award, recognizing its contribution and dedication to agriculture in British Columbia since 1916. 
  Read More

B.C., Canada help farmers with climate adaptation, drought

August 2, 2023 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Attorney General

Input from sheriffs to strengthen access to court services

September 27, 2023 10:00 AM
Input from sheriffs to strengthen access to court services
B.C.’s justice system will be strengthened by the B.C. Sheriff Service’s (BCSS) comprehensive plan to support sheriffs and make sure people have consistent, safer access to court services.
  Read More

New chair appointed to Building Code Appeal Board

August 24, 2023 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Children and Family Development

Vancouver Island camp expansion will serve more children with disabilities

July 20, 2023 10:15 AM
Vancouver Island camp expansion will serve more children with disabilities
More children and youth with disabilities will be able to go to camp thanks in part to a $7-million grant from the Province of B.C.
  Read More

Newly named SAJE supports offer youth in care a stronger path to adulthood

May 30, 2023 10:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Citizens' Services

More grant recipients promoting BC Demographic Survey

August 25, 2023 11:15 AM
More grant recipients promoting BC Demographic Survey
More community and Indigenous groups are receiving grants to help their communities participate in the BC Demographic Survey. 
  Read More

High-speed broadband access expanded to 6 Kootenay communities

August 3, 2023 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Education and Child Care

Elementary school expansion provides more classrooms for Nanaimo students

September 11, 2023 9:15 AM
École Hammond Bay Elementary
Students have more space for learning at École Hammond Bay Elementary this fall after the completion of an expansion that added 12 new classrooms to the school. 
  Read More

Child care savings make returning to school more affordable for more B.C. families

August 31, 2023 1:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

State of emergency ends, fire response continues

September 14, 2023 3:43 PM
Based on advice from emergency management and wildfire officials, British Columbia’s provincial state of emergency will expire at the end of the day on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.
  Read More

Financial assistance for local governments, First Nations affected by wildfire

September 6, 2023 1:50 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Electric planes, motorcycles, boats showcase B.C. clean-transportation innovation

August 2, 2023 8:30 AM
A high-tech revolution is dramatically changing how British Columbia moves people and goods in the air, on the land and over the water, supported by government funding for companies that specialize in inventing and advancing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies. 
  Read More

Columbia River Treaty talks move forward after constructive Seattle session

August 15, 2023 3:08 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Province sets single-use plastic requirements

July 14, 2023 11:15 AM
Province sets single-use plastic requirements
A new provincial regulation will expand B.C.’s efforts to tackle hard-to-recycle single-use and plastic items.
  Read More

Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais guardians appointed with park ranger authority

July 25, 2023 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Finance

Increased BC Family Benefit here to stay

July 18, 2023 10:15 AM
Increased BC Family Benefit here to stay
More than 285,000 families throughout B.C. will see bigger payments in their bank accounts starting this month, thanks to the permanently increased BC Family Benefit.
  Read More

Tax-credit lift puts more money in more people’s pockets

July 5, 2023 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Forests

Use caution, be fire safe this long weekend

August 31, 2023 2:30 PM
Be wildfire safe this long weekend
Residents and travellers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant this Labour Day long weekend as ongoing elevated drought conditions in much of British Columbia increase the potential for wildfires.
  Read More

B.C. acts to protect fish in Koksilah, Upper Cowichan rivers

August 24, 2023 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Health

Actions protect people, B.C. communities this respiratory illness season

September 28, 2023 12:25 PM
Practice healthy habits, flu season has arrived
The Province and public-health officials are taking actions to continue protecting people, communities and the health-care system this fall and are encouraging people in B.C. aged six months and older to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
  Read More

Expanded travel programs benefit patients needing cancer care

September 27, 2023 3:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Housing

B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
  Read More

Safe housing for women leaving violence opens in Campbell River

September 12, 2023 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Annual report updates collective efforts to achieve objectives of UN Declaration

June 28, 2023 12:45 PM
Detailed reporting on progress to improve lives of Indigenous Peoples now available
B.C. is providing detailed reporting about progress to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) through the 2022-23 Declaration Act Annual Report.
  Read More

Ts’uubaa-asatx, B.C. reach reconciliation goal

July 7, 2023 12:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians

August 7, 2023 6:15 AM
B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians
Fourteen exceptional people who have made an outstanding provincial, national or international impact will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition and an official part of the Canadian Honours System.
  Read More

Submit a nomination for the Medal of Good Citizenship

July 25, 2023 9:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News

close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

B.C. supports research to protect coastal ecosystem

August 16, 2023 9:15 AM
B.C. supports research to protect coastal ecosystem
New funding for the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Experimental Ocean Climate Change Lab (EXCEL) will support research on the impact of climate change on the environment and the promotion of resilience and sustainability for B.C.’s marine sector.
  Read More

Minister’s statement on July Labour Force Survey results

August 4, 2023 8:40 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Labour

Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1

April 5, 2023 12:30 PM
Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1
On June 1, 2023, B.C.'s lowest-paid workers will get a pay raise with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour.
  Read More

Work continues around improved protections for app-based workers

August 3, 2023 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Mental Health and Addictions

B.C. secures measures to ensure families feel safe accessing public spaces

September 14, 2023 9:22 AM
Keeping child-focused spaces safe
To help ensure kids and families feel safe in their communities, the Province has received approval from the federal government to prohibit the possession of illegal drugs at playgrounds, spray pools, wading pools and skate parks.
  Read More

New recovery beds will support healthier communities in northern B.C.

September 13, 2023 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Municipal Affairs

New vision connects rural B.C. to a stronger future

September 22, 2023 11:55 AM
StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities
The B.C. government has released StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, a new vision that outlines investments to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home.
  Read More

Children empowered with lifelong learning through reading

September 22, 2023 9:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Provincial Tuition Waiver Program expanded to former youth in care of all ages

September 14, 2023 8:00 AM
Provincial Tuition Waiver Program expanded to former youth in care of all ages
People looking to enrol in post-secondary education, who are former youth in care, will benefit from an expansion of the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program, which has launched for the fall semester.
  Read More

Expanded graduate scholarship funding will support students

August 22, 2023 12:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Province provides support to strengthen local fire departments

September 22, 2023 11:37 AM
Three firefighters in dirty gear smile at the camera
Communities throughout British Columbia will see improved emergency response from their local fire departments as the Province provides support to strengthen community firefighting capacity.
  Read More

Supports expanding for people in mental-health, substance-use crisis

July 17, 2023 10:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Funding will help First Nations improve quality of life, reduce poverty

September 26, 2023 11:00 AM
Funding will help First Nations improve quality of life, reduce poverty
First Nations across B.C. will benefit from a $15-million investment from the Province to the First Nation Well Being Fund.
  Read More

People with injuries, disabilities supported getting back to work

September 6, 2023 11:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

B.C., viaSport take steps to make amateur sport safer

June 20, 2023 3:00 PM
B.C., viaSport take steps to make amateur sport safer
The Province and viaSport are improving safety in sports by continuing to provide education about safe sport, and by taking steps toward an independent complaints process for B.C.’s amateur sport sector.
  Read More

Submit a nomination for the Medal of Good Citizenship

July 25, 2023 9:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

20-year strategy advances solutions for Central Okanagan transportation

September 28, 2023 11:45 AM
20-year strategy advances solutions for Central Okanagan transportation
A new comprehensive transportation strategy for the Central Okanagan between Lake Country and Peachland examines a range of projects that will help connect people with their communities, promote affordability, support the economy and the movement of goods, and create a cleaner environment. 
  Read More

Upgrades to highways 91 and 17 create safer, faster travel

September 28, 2023 11:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

B.C. moves to increase housing supply, deliver more homes faster

September 18, 2023 9:00 AM
Creating more homes for people
New measures are coming to B.C. that will help create more housing as the Province speeds up permitting and helps build more secondary suites for rent.
  Read More

Public input will enhance B.C.’s first-ever coastal marine strategy

August 15, 2023 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Home
  • Ministries
    • Office of the Premier
    • Agriculture and Food
    • Attorney General
    • Children and Family Development
    • Citizens' Services
    • Education and Child Care
    • Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
    • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
    • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
    • Finance
    • Forests
    • Health
    • Housing
    • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
    • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
    • Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
    • Labour
    • Mental Health and Addictions
    • Municipal Affairs
    • Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
    • Public Safety and Solicitor General
    • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
    • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
    • Transportation and Infrastructure
    • Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast

Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Navigator help for youth with developmental disabilities

Share

More from this Ministry
Honourable Sheila Malcolmson

Honourable Sheila Malcolmson

Honourable Sheila Malcolmson

Read Bio

Contact

Email: SDPR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Funding will help First Nations improve quality of life, reduce poverty

September 26, 2023 11:00 AM
Funding will help First Nations improve quality of life, reduce poverty
First Nations across B.C. will benefit from a $15-million investment from the Province to the First Nation Well Being Fund.
  Read More

People with injuries, disabilities supported getting back to work

September 6, 2023 11:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Print

Social Development and Poverty Reduction

British Columbia News

Navigator help for youth with developmental disabilities

https://news.gov.bc.ca/07221

Share

News Release

Kamloops
Monday, October 20, 2014 12:56 PM

Share

News Release

Kamloops

Monday, October 20, 2014 12:56 PM

More from this Ministry

  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Visit Ministry Website

Featured Topics

  • B.C. Poverty Reduction
  • Payment Dates
  • Supports and Services for People with Disabilities
  • Building a Better B.C. for People with Disabilities

Featured Services

  • Income Assistance
  • Disability Assistance
  • My Self Serve
  • WorkBC
  • Bus Pass

Youth with developmental disabilities between the ages of 16 and 24 years can get help during the transition to adulthood through a new service model launched in the Kamloops and Merritt areas last fall.

At the heart of the new model is a new type of support - a navigator service that is wrapped around an individual and their family. The navigator is able to offer support, help an individual identify goals and ways of meeting them - like where to live or get a job - assist in developing a plan and co-ordinating the services and supports to make that plan concrete. Acting as a one-on-one support for families, the navigator can assume a proactive role in ensuring that all the elements of a person-centred plan are captured in one place.

The navigator is focused on the needs of the family and individual and is not answerable to any one funding or service organization. This support is designed to take families through the years of late adolescence to early adulthood - a developmental period that can only benefit from the consistency and continuity that a single point of contact provides.

The Kamloops/Merritt site is one of four early implementation sites prototyping the new model for youth, and also serves the communities of Barriere and Clearwater. As of Oct. 16, 2014, 44 people have been referred to the new services in these communities.

The new model is available for youth in a number of communities including Surrey, Nanaimo/Courtenay area, Kamloops/Merritt area, and Prince George/Haida Gwaii. Another site in Burnaby started taking referrals in May 2014, and focuses on the 55-and-over age group and specific services and supports for older adults. Expanded roll out for other areas of B.C. will be considered in spring 2015.

The Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities Initiative partner organizations include the ministries of Children and Family Development; Health, and Education; Community Living BC; delegated Aboriginal agencies; school districts; and health authorities.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

"The new service model helps individuals with developmental disabilities and their families during times of life transition - such as youth to adulthood or moving into their senior years - and links families with a navigator who co-ordinates the government services they need, rather than people trying to find their way through complex systems and services alone."

Community Living CEO Seonag Macrae -

"CLBC regional staff are working closely with navigators to support the development of a more integrated system for government supports for the people CLBC serves. CLBC appreciates the progress being made through this work that will help individuals and families gain access more easily to a broad range of services."

Integrated Services and Supports director Dan Douglas -

"The Kamloops-Merritt early implementation site partnership group has worked diligently on reinforcing the one-government approach while reducing the pressure on families. Local school districts and Interior Health partners have acknowledged the efforts of navigators that have led to easier access to documentation and more success connecting youth to potential services after they turn 19 years of age."

Comments provided by program participants working with a navigator -

"…It's a lot easier on us, one point of contact for every other agency or whatever we're dealing with, they can contact her instead of me getting 10 calls, she fields them, it's great I don't have to do that."

"…Being through this so much and having to fight for everything for so long, it's great to have someone to explain in layman terms the process to get through it, to explain it more at a level that people can understand, the navigators talk so we can understand it..."

"…it's taken a weight off my shoulders because I don't have to be repeating myself to every worker you come across, so now this is somewhere everyone can come together to see what's going on."

"I like how she helped me get through the resources, I liked how I was able to open up with the community with her assistance. I think that she really helps me a lot with choices I make."

"They get to know the child, they help the child figure out whatever it is that's important to them and plan to achieve goals to get them where they want to be. She brought a lot of different programs and help that I didn't know about."

Quick Facts:

  • There are two navigators serving the Kamloops/Merritt area, who spend much of their time out in the community meeting with individuals and families.
  • The new model also includes a secure, web-based electronic system to share information and keep track of planning, activities and achievements in one place.
  • Participation is voluntary and consent must be provided to enable a navigator and the individual’s support team to collect and share information. If an individual is under 19, a parent or legal guardian must provide consent.
  • Youth or their families can find out more by talking to their local Community Living BC contact, school staff, Ministry of Children and Family Development social worker, or call 1 855 356-5609.
  • Developing a more integrated approach to providing cross-government services and supports came out of the 12-point plan unveiled in January 2012 to improve services for people with developmental disabilities.
  • The new model was designed based on extensive consultations with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, service providers and advocates.

Learn More:

More information on the Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities Program: www.sd.gov.bc.ca/pwd/isst.html

Media Contacts:

Kristie Kristofferson
Communications
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 356-1670

https://news.gov.bc.ca/07221

Related Articles

Funding will help First Nations improve quality of life, reduce poverty

September 26, 2023 11:00 AM

People with injuries, disabilities supported getting back to work

September 6, 2023 11:45 AM

Community organizations will have better infrastructure to offer people healthy food

September 28, 2023 10:45 AM
BC Gov News

Connect with the Ministry

Photos

View the Ministry's latest photos on Flickr.

Videos

Watch the Ministry's latest videos on YouTube.

Sound Bites

Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud.

Acknowledgment

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

Connect with Us:

  • BC Gov
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds

  • Home
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Contact Us
  • Connect
View all Social Media