Discussion Paper Released On Community Supports for Adults Program
COMMUNITY SERVICES--Discussion Paper Released On Community Supports for Adults Program
Nova Scotians are being asked to comment on ideas for a new system of supports for people with intellectual disabilities, long-term mental illness or physical disabilities living in the community.
Announced in November 2002, the Community Supports for Adults Renewal Project is looking at how residential and other support services are provided, to make sure Nova Scotians with disabilities have access to a range of services that support their needs.
"The renewal project has involved consultations, research and a review of best practices in other provinces," said Community Services Minister David Morse. "Our objective is to develop an accessible, responsive and sustainable system of support services for Nova Scotians with disabilities."
The culmination of this comprehensive review is the public discussion paper that presents the ideas and research gathered during the review period.
To get feedback on the current system, and ideas for a new Community Supports for Adults (CSA) program, representatives of the CSA Renewal Project met with more than 50 community organizations, advocacy groups and service providers across all regions of the province. Consumer focus groups were also held to make sure that Nova Scotians with disabilities had meaningful opportunities to share their thoughts on a new CSA program.
In addition to the ideas and information gathered through the extensive consultation process, the discussion paper also includes a review of best practices and research in a number of key areas, such as funding, assessment tools, policy, licensing and consumer supports.
"The release of this discussion paper is an important step in building a more responsive system of supports for Nova Scotians with disabilities. I thank those who have participated in the CSA Renewal Project to date and encourage all Nova Scotians to submit their thoughts and ideas on how we can make the Community Supports for Adults program stronger and more sustainable," said Mr. Morse. "Now is the time to get involved, to be sure the system we build together is the type of program Nova Scotians need and want."
Public feedback on the CSA discussion paper will be analyzed to determine the scope and type of services Nova Scotians want to see in a renewed CSA program. A community committee, established to provide input on a new CSA program, will also be consulted on the ideas in the discussion paper. The committee includes representatives from advocacy groups, consumers and service providers.
Copies of the discussion paper can be obtained at the Department of Community Services website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms or by phoning 424-3645 in Halifax, 1-866-697-1875 outside Halifax.
Nova Scotians have until Friday, May 14, to submit their comments on the ideas presented in the discussion paper. Comments may be addressed to: Community Supports for Adults Renewal Project, Nova Scotia Department of Community Services, P. O. Box 696, Halifax, N.S. B3J 2T7; by fax at 902-424-3287; by e-mail at [email protected] ; or by voicemail at 1-866-697-1875.