Reducing wait times at OKP

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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More kids with special needs, throughout Nipissing, Muskoka and Parry Sound, will benefit from improved services and lower wait times for programs at One Kids Place Children’s Treatment Centre, Nipissing MPP Monique Smith announced.

As part of its plan to help kids with special needs succeed, One Kids Place will receive an additional $252,000 in 2010-11.  This investment is part of a $9 million investment to support 20 centres across Ontario. These centres serve more than 58,000 kids and today’s announcement will help ensure they get the treatment they need faster.

“I am delighted that our government is investing in One Kids Place,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “This will help our Children’s Treatment Centre to better serve children, youth and families with special needs by improving services and reducing wait times.”

“Today’s announcement is great news for the children and youth with special needs we serve,” Peter Chirico, Board Chair of One Kids Place stated. “The Board, staff and our many families are truly grateful that the Ontario Government continues to recognize the importance of supporting our children and youth.”

“Children’s treatment centres are an important part of how Ontario is helping young people with disabilities and special needs achieve their full potential. This additional investment will help serve more children faster, as close to home as possible," said Laurel Broten, Minister of Children and Youth Services.

“With the continued pressure of increasing wait lists and wait times, children and families have been waiting for services. Today’s announcement is a good news story for each and every one of the children who will benefit from these additional services,” said Linda Kenny, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services.

One Kids Place provides coordinated health services to children and youth in the Districts of Nipissing, Muskoka and Parry Sound who have communication, developmental and/or physical disabilities.

QUICK FACTS

One Kids Place services 47,000 sq. kms and has offices located in Huntsville, Parry Sound and opened its new Centre in North Bay in September 2009.

One Kids Place served over 1,600 kids last year.

A child or youth may be referred to a Children’s Treatment Centre by parents, an educational or health professional, or a physician.

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