Monday October 23, 2017, Toronto – Today the Minister of Children and Youth Services, the Honourable Michael Coteau, on behalf of the Government of Ontario, announced they are investing $530,000 over two years in programs aimed at supporting parents of children and youth with autism provided by the South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC). This major investment will help parents and caregivers develop the skills they need to support their child or youth with autism in order to help them thrive and reach their full potential.
“Announcements of major investments will continue to ensure that children and youth, along with their families and caregivers are supported,” says Mr. Steven Finlay, Chief Executive Officer of Surrey Place Centre. “At Surrey Place Centre we recognize that supports that provides parents with the confidence to learn new strategies and the ability to navigate the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) will be beneficial. At Surrey Place Centre we know firsthand the importance of leveraging and pulling together resources that support the families and caregivers is instrumental in the continued success of the child.”
In Toronto, the OAP is being delivered in partnership by Adventure Place, Aisling Discoveries Child and Family Centre, Etobicoke Children’s Centre, Geneva Centre for Autism, Kerry’s Place Autism Services and Surrey Place Centre. The new partnership delivers outcome oriented and evidence based-services under the name Toronto Autism Services. The partner agencies work together to provide a collaborative approach to continue to deliver the supports required for children and youth to live life to their fullest potential. Today’s announcement and investment demonstrates how important the work of community agencies are and that the Ontario Government is working together to provide the much needed investments to support children, youth and their caregivers.
“We applaud the Ontario Government, and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services for making the unprecedented investment that will ensure the caregivers of children and youth living with autism are also supported,” as per Mr. Finlay.
For the official MCYS News Release and detailed information please click here.
For a PDF version of this press release use the link included: MCYS Announces Investment In Two South Asian Autism Awareness Centre Programs.
Contact:
Ms. Vaso Charitsis, BBA
Communications and Marketing Advisor
Surrey Place Centre
vaso.charitsis@surreyplace.ca
416-925-5141 ext. 3108
416-575-0778