What is Social Work for the Early Intervention Therapy Program?

Social Workers for the Early Intervention Therapy Program at the BC Centre for Ability offer services to children with developmental concerns or disabilities, and their families. Social workers work collaboratively with speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to support families through the psychosocial and emotional aspects of caring for a child with special needs, in order to increase their ability to participate in family and community. When social work services are requested by the family, social workers will become a part of the therapy team.

Who Do We Serve?

We serve families of children from birth to 5 years of age who have physical, neurological, intellectual, or developmental disabilities and reside in Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver or Richmond.

Why is Social Work Important?

Social Work for the Early Intervention Therapy Program is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of families and communities. Our Social Workers are committed to helping families achieve their best possible level of personal and social well-being by addressing parental and child concerns to help build capacity, increase coping, learn about resources, and facilitate development of formal and informal support networks. Social Workers also provide education and information that assists with key transitions and support healthy adjustment. Social workers are registered with the BC College of Social Workers at http://www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca/

What Do We Offer?

Using a collaborative approach, Social Workers develop a service plan to best support children and families. This plan is based on family concerns and desired outcomes and is written with measurable goals so that over time achievements are demonstrated.

Service may include individual consultation in person or by telephone, and education through groups and workshops and other related activities to build community capacity.

Social Work for Early Intervention Therapy may be requested by families who have interest in consultation and support in the following areas:

  • Counseling regarding the impact of the child’s special needs or disability;
  • Managing the emotional demands and stresses of family life;
  • Transitioning to/from daycare, preschool and kindergarten;
  • Identifying available resources and funding sources;
  • Dealing with family to family connections;
  • Planning, coordinating and navigating services.

Where Are Services Delivered?

Services may be delivered in a variety of environments and may change as your child grows. Locations include the BC Centre for Ability, regional offices in Burnaby, Richmond and the North Shore, home, community settings or in daycare or school facilities. Decisions about where and when to deliver services are dependent on goals being addressed, the family situation and therapy team capacity.

Social Workers are available Monday to Thursday from 9am – 5pm. Family appointments, group sessions and special events may be scheduled outside of these hours.

How to Access Social Work Services:

Families are eligible for Social Work for Early Intervention Therapy when their child is receiving or waitlisted for occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech-language therapy in the Early Intervention Therapy Program. Social Work is not automatically assigned when your child is in the Early Intervention Therapy Program. To receive social work services families must self-identify and request a referral to Social Work from occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech-language therapy.

Please complete the Parent Request for Service Form or if you are a community professional please complete the Physician and Healthcare Provider Request for Service Form found in the Resources section to the right. Parent or guardian signed consent is required to speak with other professionals about your child.

Upon receiving the Parent Request for Service Form or Physician and Healthcare Provider Request for Service Form, parents/guardians will receive a letter of confirmation and a phone call from an Intake Coordinator. When your child is accepted for therapy service in the Early Intervention Program and you have requested Social Work services, the social worker assigned will contact you.

For More Information Contact:

Valerie Upton

Phone: 604-630-3010
Email: Val.Upton@bc-cfa.org
Fax: 604-451-5651