Children’s Services

Special Services at Home (SSAH)

SSAH provides a variety of respite and in-home support for families that care for an infant, child or youth (to age 18) with a developmental and/or physical disability. SSAH Coordinators work with families to develop their own personal plan identifying areas in which they would like to see their child grow and develop, and they can help families know their service options through SSAH. SSAH Coordinators can also help navigate finding a Self-Employed Independent Contractor to provide one-to-one support to your child. Self-Employed Independent Contractors may provide support in various ways, depending on identified support goals. Some examples include support in the family home, implementation of therapies such as OT, PT and/or SLP, community activities, and development of life skills. Flexible support options are also available for routine home maintenance, respite and babysitting.

Respite Care Co-ordination

Respite is a flexible, periodic, short-term break from caregiving to provide rest and renewal for the caregiving family. Caregivers of children under age 18 have time to recharge and the child experiences a positive new environment and new relationships. A respite service plan will be developed engaging and integrating other supports available. Respite Coordinators support families to know their respite support options and can help families navigate finding a Self-Employed Independent Contractor to provide respite support.

Rotary Respite House

The Rotary Respite House, is a joint venture between the Rotary Club of Stratford and Family Services Perth-Huron, is a short-term respite program in a barrier-free home-like setting in Stratford. Daytime and overnight respite is provided to eligible families in Perth County who have children with a developmental and/or physical disability. 

For more information, please visit https://www.rotaryrespitehouse.ca/.

Family Support Worker (FSW)

The Family Support Worker is supportive of families caring for a child with a developmental disability. It provides counselling supports related to the unique challenge of parenting a special needs child. Family life is full of challenges and opportunities. The role of supporting families caring for a child with a developmental disability is as varied as the families themselves. Through a supportive relationship families are listened to, unique needs are sorted out, problem solving occurs, solutions are sourced out and connections are made to much needed services.  

Buddy Up Social Skills Group

Buddy Up is a facilitated group experience for youth aged 11 to 14 on the Autism Spectrum, level 1 autism in diagnostic language. Young people learn and practice social skills with their peers. The youth will develop self-confidence, easing the transition from public school to high school. Please call the Co-ordinator to determine if your child would benefit from this group.

Adult Services

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) determines eligibility and refers all adults with developmental disabilities to connect to services and supports funded through the Ministry of Social Services.

Adult Protective Services

Adults over age 18 who have a developmental disability and live independently in the community are eligible for the support of an Adult Protective Service Worker (APSW). The APSW provides co-ordination of services, advocacy, counselling and emotional support.

A support plan is developed based on the unique needs, choices and preferences of each adult, enabling them to learn and handle basic skills required for day-to-day living.

An APSW worker can arrange for needed supports and services such as medical or legal professionals and connect a person with helpful community resources. They work with the team involved to ensure supports are working well for the person.

APSW’s listen through difficult times to support the person to set their own goals and move towards living the life they want within the community

Foundations / Community Participations Supports

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 with developmental disabilities build life skills and gain experience that will help them make important choices about their future. With the support of a Foundations Coordinator and Foundations Mentor, each young person creates their own unique plan guiding their future. The Foundations program supports the transition from high school into adult life, pursuing goals like independent living, post-secondary education, making new social connections, recreation, work and volunteer opportunities, and practical skills, such as personal banking, grocery shopping and menu planning.

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