Frequently Asked Questions

We support children and youth from birth through age 18, with certain services (like Coordinated Service Planning) extending to age 21 if the youth is still enrolled in school.

Referrals can be made by parents/guardians as a self-referral or by educators, clinicians, or other professionals in the community as a referral on your behalf.  Services are voluntary and begin only after guardian consent is received.

Call our Access Coordinator at 905-427-8862 , toll‑free 1-800-968-0066 ext. 504, or email through our website. This serves as your first point of contact, whether you need information or a referral.

Coordinated Service Planning, or CSP supports children and youth up to age 18 (or 21 if still in school) who have multiple or complex needs. A dedicated coordinator works with your family to develop and monitor a single, comprehensive service plan. You can learn more here.

Co-ordination Services for Children and Youth or CSCY offers support when families experience breakdowns in service. A coordinator assists children/youth aged 0-18 and their families, whose needs go beyond what typical services can meet.  This is offered through crisis funding, consultation, and a service plan including connection to resources existing outside of the Durham Region as needed. Expect to be contacted within seven business days of referral. You can learn more here.

Early Learning Inclusion or ELI helps support inclusion for children with special needs in licensed child care, home-based care, EarlyON, and recreational programs. The ELI program is delivered by Resource Consultants who provide strategies, environmental modifications, individualized support plans (ISPs), and link families to other services in the community. You can learn more here.

Urgent Response Service or URS provides short-term (up to 12 weeks), rapid support for children/youth with autism during behavioral crises. Resources coordinates screening, intervention planning, and connects families to appropriate supports. Families or professionals can self-refer for this service. You can learn more here.

Dual Diagnosis funding is provided by the Ministry of Health and is available for youth aged 8-18 with both a developmental disability (at/below 1st percentile) and a mental health diagnosis (by licensed metal health professional). The program provides flexible respite funding to hire support workers or access short-term care. Annual application with documentation is required.  You can learn more here.

Yes! Our Resource Consultants provide inclusion consultation to licensed home and centre based child care sites and approved recreation programs.

We do not facilitate enhanced staffing to support child care programs . For information about Enhanced Staffing go to the Region of Durham webpage.

Documentation required for service varies by program. For example, Dual Diagnosis Funding requires verification of diagnoses by licensed professionals. CSP, ELI, and URS require family involvement and consent.

If you’re unsure which program fits your needs, contact our Access Coordinator for guidance on eligibility and next steps. You can reach our Access Coordinators here.