Accessible and Exceptional Service 2025/26

Surrey Place’s Mobile Behaviour Family Support and Stabilization Program (MBTT/MBS-P), in partnership with the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, provides timely in-home behavioural intervention and coordinated supports for children and youth with complex behavioural, developmental, and family needs involved with the child welfare system. 

During the pilot year, the program supported 21 children and youth across 19 families, with most families receiving behavioural support within 30 days of referral, enabling timely intervention during periods of high need. Among participating families, 71% of children and youth remained at home and did not enter care during their involvement. Families were also connected to developmental, respite, behavioural, and urgent response services. 

Evaluation findings demonstrated strengthened caregiver capacity, improved service access, and reduced placement disruption. Key learnings informed program enhancements, including dedicated service coordination, expanded staffing, and clearer service pathways.

This year, Surrey Place launched Safer Steps My Way: Community Outreach for Drug and Alcohol Use, Ontario’s first harm reduction program designed specifically for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) who use drugs or alcohol and may also intersect with the justice system. Funded by Health Canada, the four-year initiative moved from planning into active service delivery across the Greater Toronto Area and the Kenora–Rainy River region following extensive development and community engagement completed in the previous year. 

Through multidisciplinary teams and strong local partnerships, the program delivers flexible, wraparound supports that meet people where they are and prioritize dignity, choice and accessibility. In Northwestern Ontario, the establishment of a full regional team marked an important milestone in expanding local service capacity. 

Between the January 2026 launch and March 31, 2026, Safer Steps My Way received 46 referrals across Toronto and Northern Ontario, with strong growth driven through professional networks and community awareness. Early uptake demonstrates the need for this model of care. 

Co-created with people with living and lived experience, the program continues to reduce barriers and expand access. Through a partnership with TELUS and the Mobility for Good® program, Surrey Place was able to secure 240 phones with talk-and-text plans to help participants stay connected to supports and maintain continuity of care.