Ontario sets care networks for adults.

Ontario will create four new Community Networks of Specialized Care to provide supports for adults with developmental disabilities, Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello announced. The provincial government has allocated $41 million for these programs.

The networks will focus on these areas of service:

* Specialized consultation and assessment--to evaluate individual needs and help find new supports so clients have continuity of care when their needs change;

* Specialized behavioural services--multidisciplinary teams of psychologists, social workers, nurses, behaviour therapists and other professionals who can assess and design supports to address unique behavioural needs.

* crisis response services--making intervention services available when urgent situations arise unexpectedly;

* Specialized case management services--developing personal support plans, managing, coordinating and monitoring all of the services that an individual receives to meet the needs outlined in the plan;

* Specialized day and residential treatments,

* Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, community outings, sensory stimulation, and assistance with activities of daily living.

The $41 million specialized services plan includes:

* Four Community Networks of Specialized Care that will provide coordinated supports;

* The Ontario Developmental Services Career Connections Grant to help recruit and retain professionals with clinical expertise to work in developmental services;

* Creating 90 new specialized residential spaces, over the next two years, for individuals who are already living in the community and have a dual diagnosis;

* developmental disability and a mental health issue and challenging behaviours.