Port Hardy Multi-Agency Team Provides Improved Service and Emotional Support
2010/11 Premier's Awards Regional Finalist -- Vancouver Island
Category: Partnership
In small, remote communities, practitioners from various social service organizations typically work in isolation. That's what it was like in Port Hardy before the Child and Youth Mental Health Team was established. Now, the multi-agency team can collaborate to create financial efficiencies and improved performance through streamlining the assessment process, avoiding duplication of services and reducing waitlist time by directing clients to the most appropriate services.
Organizations represented on the team include the Ministry of Children & Family Development, the North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre, the Vancouver Island Health Authority, Port Hardy Primary School, Port Hardy Secondary School, Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw School, Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Health Centre and the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw First Nation.
In addition to providing clients with better service, the team members have benefited from emotional support and knowledge sharing that takes place at weekly meetings.