Coordinated Service Planning

Coordinated Service Planning (CSP) was created to support families and improve service experiences and outcomes for children and youth with multiple and/or complex special needs. Through the support of a Service Planning Coordinator, families will experience an integrated, collaborative, and family-centered coordinated service planning process that will result in a single coordinated plan.

Who is this program for?

• Children/youth under 18, and young people between 18 and 21 who remain in school
• Children/youth with multiple and/ or complex special needs.
• Families of children who have at least two service providers involved in their child or youth’s care (including schools, therapists, community supports, and medical professionals).
• Families who need extra support to navigate the system This service is focused on the child/youth’s needs and is not specific to a particular diagnosis.
• This service is focused on the child/youth’s needs and is not specific to a particular diagnosis.

How do we support children, youth, and their families/ Caregivers?

Through Coordinated Service Planning you will be assigned a designated Service Planning Coordinator.

Service Planning Coordinators will:

• Meet with families to help prioritize needs and establish goals.
• Connect and correspond with the professionals who work with the child/youth (including schools, therapists, community supports, medical professionals, etc.).
• Work with families and professionals to create a Single Coordinated Service Plan.
• Follow up with each professional and keep the family informed.
• Help you to tell your story only once, and be better understood by all professionals working with your family.
• Help you be empowered to make informed decisions about your child’s care and your family’s needs.

How can families be referred?

Service providers can refer children/youth/families to Contact Niagara for Coordinated Service Planning with their consent. Youth/caregivers can also self-refer.

For Families and Caregivers

Youth/families living in the Niagara Region who feel they would benefit from Coordinated Service Planning, can complete the referral form and send it to Contact Niagara through the online request form by fax to (905) 684-2728 or Online or TTY (905) 684-6289

Once the form is received, the our team will follow up with you to complete the referral. We will need to complete a short assessment to identify the best way to support your child/youth/family and determine eligibility for Coordinated Service Planning.

For Health-Care Professionals

If you are a professional/service provider working with a family who may benefit from Coordinated Service Planning, obtain the youth/family’s consent and send a referral to Contact Niagara through fax to: (905) 684-2728 or Online or TTY (905) 684-6289

Once the form is received, the our team will follow up with you to finish the referral process. We will need to complete a short assessment to identify the best way to support your child/youth/family and determine eligibility for Coordinated Service Planning. Depending on your history and knowledge of the child/youth/family, you may be asked for additional information or to participate in a follow up call to provide additional information.

If you have any further questions, please call CSP System Lead, Ashley Hardman at:

FAQ

Who are children and youth with multiple and/or complex needs?

Children and youth with multiple and/or complex special needs rely on many services and supports. For example, they may be accessing
rehabilitation services, developmental services, respite support, mental health services, and/or autism services. These children and youth
may have difficulty in more than one area of development, including physical, communication, intellectual, emotional, social, and/or
behavioural needs.

Is a specific diagnosis required to access Coordinated Service Planning?

No, Coordinated Service Planning is based on identified/suspected needs in multiple areas. A child/youth does not have to have a confirmed diagnosis to access
Coordinated Service Planning.

How long can a family be supported by a Service Planning Coordinator?

The Service Planning Coordinator supports the family until they no longer need the support, and this will look different for each family.
Discharge from Coordinated Service Planning may happen when:

• Goals are met and the family and team agree that Coordinated Service Planning is no longer needed.
• The family moves out of the Niagara Region.
• The youth leaves school (between ages 18-21).
• The family asks to discontinue service.
• Families may re-enter the Coordinated Service Planning process as needed.

What can I expect from a Service Planning Coordinator?

Service Planning Coordinators help to facilitate communication and collaboration amongst your child/youth’s care team.
In partnership, the Service Planning Coordinator will work with you to develop a Coordinated Service Plan that can be shared with the group of service providers you
identify as your care team. Their role in this process is to take the lead in helping to start a dialogue between you and your care team,
strengthen partnerships, and coordinate your services so that all members of the team are working together towards a common vision and
goal.

The steps you can expect during your Coordinated Service Planning journey include:

1. Referral
2. Intake and assessment
3. Support identifying your child/youth/family's strengths and needs
4. Meeting your assigned Service Planning Coordinator
5. Help with prioritizing needs and setting some goals
6. Identifying service providers to be included in your child/youth’s plan
7. Coordinated Service Plan developed/updated and shared with providers
8. Service goals monitored and the plan reviewed and updated at minimum every 6 months

What is a Coordinated Service Plan?

The Coordinated Service Plan is a strengths-based plan that addresses the service needs of the child/youth. This plan is family-centered,
and your Service Planning Coordinator will work alongside you in the creation of the document, so that it is driven by the goals of your child/
youth and your family.
The Coordinated Service Plan is used to ensure that all members of your care team are working together towards a common vision and
goal by facilitating the exchange of information between relevant providers in your child’s care.
Coordinated Service Plans will be monitored, reviewed, and updated regularly in collaboration with you, as well as the relevant providers in
your child’s care team.

I’m not sure if I meet the eligibility criteria. Should I refer myself/my child/my youth/my client?

Yes. If you are struggling, please connect with us. Even if Coordinated Service Planning is not identified as the most appropriate service for
you at this time, our team at Contact Niagara will support you in connecting with more appropriate services that will better meet your
needs.

How can I provide feedback about my CSP process/experience?

It is our priority to ensure Coordinated Service Planning meets the needs of Niagara’s children/youth with complex special needs and their
families. If you would like to provide feedback of your experience receiving Coordinated Service Planning, please complete the electronic
form below and submit to CSP@contactniagara.org OR;
You can reach Contact Niagara’s CSP System Lead at: 905-684-3407 Ext. 7232
CSP Service Experience Feedback Form