enriching Lives
At Empower Simcoe, our Family Services Department is dedicated to supporting and uplifting children, youth, adults, and their families. Through a holistic approach that centers on both the individual and their family, we foster an environment where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to Person-Centered and Family-Centered practices ensures that the needs, goals, and aspirations of each individual and their family are at the heart of our service delivery.
We believe in the power of Personal Outcome Measures, guiding our program staff and the families we support towards achieving Person-Centered Excellence. Our array of programs is designed to cater to diverse needs, providing comprehensive and compassionate support every step of the way.
The Family Support Program offers Family-Centered case management support to families who have children under the age of 18 living at home with a diagnosed intellectual disability.
Family Support Workers assist families to access community resources and provide both direct and indirect support to families through home visits, collaborative community visits, resource and referral supports. The level of support offered to families varies according to the support needs and goals of each family. Support can range from a single Resource Appointment to active and ongoing regular support.
To refer to the Family Support Program, please fill out the Referral form linked below.Â
For more information or assistance with the referral process, call 705-726-9082 ext. 2281. You can submit the completed Referral form by email to [email protected] or fax it to 705-720-1083, Attention: Family Services Intake.
Funder/Relevant Acts:
- Social Inclusion Act
- Child and Family Services Act
Family Home Program
The Family Home Program offers an alternative living option for children and adults with intellectual disabilities who cannot or choose not to live with their family. This program supports individuals to live as integral members of an alternative family setting, under the care of an approved Family Home Provider. Maintaining relationships with natural families is encouraged, and placements are monitored by a social worker to ensure all needs are met. Providers receive ongoing training and support.
Criteria for Service:
How to Access Services:
- Children’s Family Home Program: Referrals are made through Children’s Case Coordination.
- Adult Family Home Program: Access is facilitated through Developmental Services Ontario.
Funding/ACTS:
The Family Home Program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). The children’s program is licensed under the Child and Family Services Act and the adult program is governed by the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008.
The Family Relief program provides respite services and resources to unpaid caregivers who have a loved-one diagnosed with an intellectual disability living full time at home.  The program strives to optimize the health and wellness of unpaid caregivers by providing opportunities for all family members to live actively and participate in community activities.  Â
The Family Relief Program consists of:  Family Relief Funding, Pathway to Support, Residential Respite, Respitality and Caregiver Education and Resources.  Â
Empower Simcoe’s Residential Respite service is a crucial part of our Accommodation Services, designed to provide essential support to families by offering short-term, overnight care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Operating from fully accessible homes, our program aims to assist individuals in making personal choices, developing new skills, and enhancing independence while providing caregivers a much-needed reprieve.
Family Relief funding supports approved respite options including:
- Services of respite providers and/or Independent Direct Support Providers (IDSP)
- Residential respite
- Registered camps
- Community recreational programs
- Memberships and lessons
This funding only reimburses services for the person being supported, not for the entire family. It covers activities outside of school and work hours and cannot be used for daycare expenses during work hours.
The primary goal of Family Relief funding is to provide respite for unpaid caregivers and create opportunities for those supported to live actively and participate in community activities.
Already receiving Family Relief Funding? Click here to access the Family Relief Portal to submit invoices and manage your funding.
Pathway to Support provides a free service to assist people diagnosed with an intellectual and/or physical disability to connect with an Independent Direct Support Provider (IDSP) in our region. An IDSP may assist children and adults to:
- be more independentÂ
- access their communityÂ
- provide more opportunities to reach their potential, and Â
- offer the opportunity for caregiver respite.
*Please note: IDSPs are not employees of Empower Simcoe.  They operate independently and only advertise their services through Pathway to Support. Â
Learn more about Pathway to Support:Â Here.
Are you Seeking Support?Â
- The service to connect people is free of charge and there are a variety of skilled IDSPs to choose from. Â
- Generally, IDSPs set their fees between $20 – 35/hr. depending on the person’s support needs, the duties required and the IDSP’s skills and experience.
- You do not need to be receiving a specific funding to use the service.
- It is the responsibility of the person seeking support to interview, select, negotiate wage, hours and support details with the IDSP.
- The person seeking support is also responsible to oversee that the service provided meets their expectations.
- IDSPs are not employees of Empower Simcoe. Â
Are you an IDSP wanting to advertise?Â
To be eligible to advertise within this program, registrants are required to provide:
- Two professional referencesÂ
- a current resumeÂ
- a current Criminal Police Records Check & Vulnerable Persons Check (no older than six months at time of registration).  Â
- Government Issued Photo Identification
- attend an IDSP program onboarding sessionÂ
Unpaid Caregivers play an essential role in supporting their loved ones often at the expense of their own health and wellbeing.  Empower Simcoe acknowledges the vital role they play and is committed to helping caregivers access the information, training, and resources they need to feel supported and confident in their caregiving journey.
All About Respite:
This video explores the impact of respite care through the voices of real caregivers and offers practical tools and support for those who care for others.Â
Empower Simcoe recognizes the need for Caregivers to receive true respite, and the importance that rest and rejuvenation plays in their mental and physical wellbeing. We believe investing in the Caregiver bolsters resilience and allows the entire family the opportunity to thrive.
The goal is for Caregivers to experience a well-deserved break in a welcoming and comfortable environment through overnight stays at Hotels and Resorts, dinners out, memberships, and attractions in their community.
Criteria for Service:
How to Access Services:
- Children’s Family Relief Program: Complete the online application form (below) and upload the supporting diagnostic documentation
- Adult Funding: Apply through Developmental Services Ontario at 1-855-277-2121, [email protected], or visit Developmental Services Ontario.
- Respite Information and Options: Visit supportyourway.ca to connect with a screened respite provider (Community Helper for Active Participation).
- Residential Respite: Contact the Respite Coordinator at 705-726-9082 ext. 2259.
Funder Relevant Acts:
- Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act.
- Child and Family Service Act.
Infant and Child Development
The Simcoe County Infant and Child Development Program offers in-home services to families with infants and young children, from birth to school-entry, who are at risk of or have developmental delays. Referrals can be made by parents or community professionals with parental consent.
Recognizing that families are the primary source of support and nurturing, our interventions are family-centered. We identify and assess the strengths and needs of each child through play-based activities. In collaboration with parents or caregivers, we develop a Family Service Plan with goals tailored to the child’s and family’s unique strengths and needs.
Who We Support
- Families with infants or young children who have a developmental delay or are at high risk of experiencing a development delay
- Ages zero to school-entry
- Resident of Simcoe County
What To Expect
- Identify the child’s and family’s strengths + needs.
- Develop a Family Service Plan, focusing on the family’s goals and include specific activities that address the child’s developmental needs.
- Link to and connect with a variety of professional services offered through the Early Intervention System as needed. These could include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech/language services, social work services, and/or behavioural intervention.
- Co-ordinate services in order to provide a team approach.
- Assist with accessing funding resources that your child may be eligible for.
- Connect you with parenting supports in your local community.
- Transition to school support.
For more information please refer to the following links:
Our Youth Program is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of young individuals through a variety of tailored programs and activities.
We aim to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where youth can explore their interests, build essential life skills, and develop lasting relationships. Our approach is centered around fostering independence, resilience, and community engagement.
Our Youth Program includes:
- Skill-Building Workshops: Interactive sessions designed to enhance practical skills and boost confidence.
- Recreational Activities: Fun and engaging activities that promote physical health and social interaction.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Connecting youth with positive role models to guide and inspire them.
- Community Involvement: Encouraging participation in community projects and events to foster a sense of belonging.
Explore our Youth Program to discover how we can support and empower your child’s journey towards a fulfilling future.
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Funder/Relevant Acts: