Clinical Supports Program

Funding from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services amd the Ministry of Community and Social Services enables this multi-disciplinary team to work hand-in-hand with front-line staff to support youth residing in 12 residential facilities across London/Middlesex. Youths in these facilities who are high-need or in crisis are referred by agency staff for this one-on-one, intensive service. The strength of the model is equitable access for high-risk youth regardless of their placement because service follows the young person as he or she moves through the system. The dynamic continuity of service that results from this collaborative model represents a "best practice" approach. The youth is seen as the client of the system (as opposed to the agency), which affords the flexibility required to be responsive to the youth's needs (i.e., increase resources in settings where client needs are greatest).

Team Members

Currently, the team is made up of Patricia Berensden, Kristin Bishop, Rina Grover, Ryan Mackay, Julie Menten (on leave), Rose Santos, and Michelle van Grunsven. Psychiatrist Dr. Rida Mirza consults with the team on a part-time basis.

Therapeutic Care Programs

In 1999, the program was expanded to youth in therapeutic care settings operated by Anago Resources, Bethesda, Craigwood Youth Services, and Western Area Youth Services. This collaborative, systems approach ensures the principle of equitable access to services and continuity of care within and between custody and residential settings.

Youth in Conflict with the Law

The Clinical Supports team works in five detention or custody facilities directly operated by Anago Resources, Craigwood Youth Services, and Community Homes.

Fostering Support

We are also pleased to provide clinical supports to the exciting Family Development Program of Community Homes Ltd. One member of the team consults with that agency, aids program development, assists with training foster parents and counsels the young people.

Multi-disciplinary Expansion

New funding from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services brought Dr. Rida Mirza (psychiatrist) and Rose Santos (nurse) to the team in 2005 as well as a clinical psychologist.

CSP Evaluation

The London Area Office of the MCFCS commissioned two evaluations of the CSP, both of which were conducted by Drs. Bill Avison and Paul Whitehead of the University of Western Ontario. The evaluations included file reviews, interviews with stakeholders and consumers and interviews with the team members. The results were highly positive and indicated that the model has been collaboratively implemented and operated and that front-line teams and unit managers within all the detention and custody facilities were highly satisfied with the model and the service provided.

Publications by the Team

Conferencing for Youth: Increasing Understanding to Enhance Intervention

Eyes Wide Open: Seeing How Violence Affects us All