Program Overview
Provides a 5-day residential program for families in Northeastern Ontario whose children have severe disruptive behaviour problems. During the 5 day stay the whole family lives together in a home located in a residential area close to the hospital. The referring agent and family are provided with a psychiatric screening for childhood disorders, parent training, brief cognitive behavioural intervention provided by psychology staff, education about medication when required, and family assessment and intervention provided by social workers.
The Ruth MacMillan Centre day treatment program provides conjoint classroom-based assessment and intervention for emotional and behavioural self-regulation skills development for certain children as complements/supplements to services provided to parents in the Family Program.
The Canadian Council on Health Services in the 2007 Accreditation Survey Report identified the RCPC Regional Family Program as a leading practice because "The family program is a one week program for families and children that is residential and involves intensive therapeutic interventions. It has been in existence for 12 years, is in demand, and has demonstrated successful outcomes. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive. This is a unique program and there are few programs like this in Canada."
Eligibility
Families are required to have a community primary care partner providing intervention before admission, who is willing to continue after discharge.
Referral Process
Referrals are accepted by a referral worker during working hours (8:30 to 4:30) from primary and secondary care mental health agencies, family physicians, or other mental health professionals. The referral is always followed by a pre-admission conference with the referring professionals and family where a collaborative plan for service is developed. Admission decisions are made by a psychologist or social worker in consultation with the interdisciplinary team.
Geographic Area
Northeastern Ontario from Hudson Bay and Cochrane Districts in the North and West to the Quebec border and Muskoka to the East and South.
Waiting Period
From several weeks to two months.
Language of Service
English and French.