Overview
Parenting a child with a disability has unique rewards and challenges. Learning about resources and finding support can at times become difficult or overwhelming. Grandview Kids’ Social Work Services are here to help you.
Social Work Services are provided by Registered Social Workers and a Family Support Assistant. We are committed to supporting the psychological, social, and emotional well-being of children, youth and their families while respecting individual differences and the need for confidentiality.
We value families’ strengths and capacity to bring about positive changes in their lives.
We believe every family is unique and plays an important role in their community.
Eligibility Criteria
- Geographic Criteria: Children living in Durham Region.
- Age Criteria: Newborn to 19 years, dependent on the area of concern.
- Additional Criteria: Must be actively receiving services from at least one core service or program at Grandview Kids (e.g., physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, Infant Hearing Program or the Blind-Low Vision Program), and the family’s need for Social Work Services must be directly related to the child’s diagnosis.
Available Services
Areas of Potential Support for Parents/Caregivers
- coping with the impact of the disability
- coping with stress
- dealing with change and transitions
- feelings of loss and grief
- strategies for parenting
- changing relationships within the family
- assistance with funding
- communicating with various agencies and community services
- planning for the future
- linking with other families
Areas of Potential Support for Children and Teens
- feelings, worries and needs
- questions about health and sexuality
- bullying and teasing
- family, friends, relationships
- school concerns
- meeting other kids with disabilities
- planning for the future
- sibling support
- developing positive self-esteem
Assessment Process
Grandview Kids’ Social Work Services team works closely with the pre-school, school-age and adolescent clients, and families in areas that include healthcare, education, and social services. They also work as a team with your child’s therapists to ensure an overall effective approach to treatment.
After completing a brief psycho-social assessment with you, plans for support will be made. This may include:
- individual and family counselling sessions
- support in accessing community services
- advocacy support at school meetings, or during case conferences
- assistance with funding
Grandview Kids social workers use an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing techniques from models such as Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Play Therapy.
In addition, the Social Work Services team provides a wide range of therapeutic groups and educational workshops for eligible clients of all ages, as well as their families. These groups and workshops provide families with tools and resources to address some common and specific needs. It also provides families with an opportunity to meet with each other, in a safe and supportive environment.
Opportunities Include:
- self-esteem groups for children and youth
- sibling support groups and events
- special education
- new diagnosis support
- support groups for parents and caregivers
Referral Process – How to Access Grandview Kids Social Work Services and Supports
For more information about Grandview Kids’ Social Work Services, please get in touch with your child’s therapist.
For all general inquiries, information on additional resources, or to speak with a team member about making a referral or eligibility criteria, please visit our Referral Page.
Resources
For more information about Social Work, visit the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
