Program Overview:
The Pediatric Outreach Therapy Program (POTP) is a new program designed to support children and their families to access therapy services in underserved communities across BC. The program will support community service organizations that may have long term vacancies or have had difficulty providing therapy services in their communities. We aim to work with local communities to create sustainable service delivery programs, to build capacity, and to learn alongside you so that we can best serve the unique families that live around the province.
Meet the Team:
We have a growing team excited to support families in your community. Our outreach team is made up of a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Behaviour Specialist, and Speech Language Pathologist.
Eligibility:
- A community need (>1 child) for therapy related services
- Rural, remote, and underserved communities in BC
- Children birth to kindergarten-entry will be prioritized, although 0-18yrs may be served in certain communities
- No diagnosis needed
What can we offer?
Our team offers a combination of in-person and virtual support based on the needs of each community.
Communities are prioritized and assigned to one of three groups:
- Priority 1: in-person support 3-4 times/year, with virtual support between visits.
- Priority 2: in-person waitlist consultation, 1-2 times/year where possible.
- Priority 3: mentorship, resource creation, building local capacity.
Priority is determined using a standardized prioritization tool that assesses community need. Trips are planned based on priority, starting with priority 1 communities.
What do Services Look Like?
Our team uses a Caregiver Coaching Model:
- This model recognizes that caregivers are the experts on their child.
- Therapy strategies are developed in partnership with families and service providers working with the child and family. This means less direct time with the therapist, but more capacity built within the child’s support unit.
- Coaching helps caregivers develop their confidence and ability to interact with their child.
- Coaching promotes learning and development
- Strategies are embedded in everyday routines such as play, eating, dressing, toileting and outings.
- This approach can also be applied in childcare settings, where therapy informed strategies can be shared with educators to provide classroom wide support and/or individualized strategies.
How to Refer to the POTP:
- We are currently accepting community-based referrals from agencies that support children and families across BC.
- If your community may benefit from this program, please complete the following referral form: https://bccfa.tfaforms.net/140
- Once a referral is received, the Program Coordinator will be in touch to set up a virtual discussion.
Contact Information
For more information please contact:
Emma Swaffield (Program Coordinator) at emma.swaffield@bc-cfa.org