Journal on Developmental Disabilities
Le journal sur les handicaps du développement

Abstract

Results from an evaluation in progress of a short-term service for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families are presented. This service is a key feature of an interdisciplinary intake assessment team, known as the Screening and Consultation Team, established in the Children and Youth Services Division of Surrey Place Centre in 1997. The broad based and comprehensive nature of an interdisciplinary intake assessment, combined with the possibility of short-term follow-up, is intended to provide clients with meaningful assistance for specific concerns immediately, while waiting for longer term-services. It is also intended that, in some cases, the short-term service is adequate to address some client concerns such that the need for more intensive services and placement on the associated waitlists is eliminated.

The evaluation focuses specifically on problem typology, service duration, caregiver expectations, and outcomes for the short-term service. Data is derived from databases containing service information and interviews with clinicians and caregivers in a sample of cases that received the service. Results of the completed evaluation will be used to assist clinicians in clarifying the intentions of the service so that it may be applied more effectively and efficiently.

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