Case Management/Counselling
Case management and counselling services are provided for children from the moment they and their families first become involved with SMD until the time they leave school (or turn 21).
Case management and counselling are the keys to all services provided through SMD Services. That’s because a children's service counsellor or service coordinator plays an important role in helping families meet the specialized needs of their children.
Service counsellors and coordinators help:
- provide information on a child’s specific disability, including helping to get proper diagnoses when necessary;
- identify the unique needs of each family (this includes taking into account the services that might be available locally);
- gain access to specialized resources and supports such as respite services, equipment and special medical supplies; and
- by advocating on behalf of families and their children, making sure their voices are heard on issues that matter to them.
SMD Services also recognizes that the family is a vital part of the support team for any child. It’s the family, after all, that’s there for a child 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That’s why SMD service counsellors and coordinators work closely with parents and other family members to build the family’s capacity for coping with the specialized needs of children with disabilities. This includes educating families about things they can do at home on a daily basis and working with community organizations to help ensure children’s needs are met in school and community environments.
Together, SMD service counsellors, service coordinators and families work to provide every advantage possible to make the life of a child with a disability better.
For more information, contact SMD Children's Services at (204) 975-3269