Overview
Caring for a child or youth with physical, communication or developmental needs can leave some caregivers feeling isolated and alone. Our Family Engagement Team is comprised of caregivers to Grandview clients and former clients (grads), who use their lived experience and specialized training to support others in their journey.
Now that you have been connected to Grandview Kids, you have access to a number of helpful services, even while awaiting assessment or treatment. Our passionate Family Engagement Team – comprised of Grandview Kids parents and grads – is here to support you from day one!
Family Engagement Offerings
Please review the list of services offered by Family Engagement below or email familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca for more information. You can submit a referral via our online referral platform.
Resources
Resource Library
A catalogue of books and resources that caregivers can borrow for information about their child’s development or diagnosis. Available at our headquarters.
Online Parent Support (OPS) pages
Our Family Engagement Team moderates three, non-public OPS pages, available on Facebook. The pages provide access to peer support, networking and resource sharing.
- OPS: General page for all Grandview families
- TAPS – Transition Adolescent Parent Support Group: For caregivers to youth aged 15+
- Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Info: For families with autistic children and youth; OAP number required to join
You must have a Facebook account and be a parent/guardian to a Grandview Kids client to join these groups. Speed up the approval process by emailing familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca.
Workshops
A series of workshops are held throughout the year for Grandview Kids caregivers. Some are specific to programs, while others are good-for-all. Registration is usually required.
- Self-care Workshop: Create your very own self-care toolkit. Discusses boundaries, strategies for overload and how to see the value in self-care.
- Paperwork Party: Help with funding applications and other forms in a group setting. Topics include Special Services at Home (SSAH) and Assistance for children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD); other topics can be requested.
- New Autism Diagnosis: Helps parents understand first steps to take after their child is diagnosed with Autism, including navigating the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and other resources.
Events
All year long, the FET hosts events to bring families together for connection, fun and peer support. Watch for registration details on Grandview Kids social media and in the monthly Gather client and family newsletter.
Events include: Monthly in-person Caregiver Cafes; coffee chats (program-specific); weekly Park Playdates in warmer months; Accessible Trick-or-Treating; Winter Holiday Get-Together; community outings (e.g., Oshawa Zoo); and more!
Get involved: Join the Family Leader Program
Our Family Leader Program includes volunteer parents, caregivers, clients and siblings who support Grandview Kids as our advocates, ambassadors and advisors. This includes our Family Advisory Council (FAC) and Youth Advisory Council (YAC). You may also with to join our Ambassador Program, sharing your story in fundraising initiatives, through media opportunities and at events.
