New Facility to Support Clients in Transition

A new residential care facility will help clients leaving the East Coast Forensic Hospital to make a safe, successful transition back into the community.

The Metro Community Housing Association is working with the province to develop a new five-bed facility. An existing home in Dartmouth will be renovated to accommodate up to five clients who require support as they move from the hospital setting to the community.

"Metro Community Housing Association is pleased to be a part of this exciting new joint project," said Cathy Crouse, executive director. "We have seen many individuals who have left the East Coast Forensic Hospital move into our supportive housing options and achieve success in the community. We are confident that this new resource will enhance the community's capacity to provide the necessary and appropriate supports as people transition to more independent settings."

The Department of Community Services, together with the Department of Health, the Capital District Health Authority and the East Coast Forensic Hospital, developed a long-term plan to provide program support and services to high-needs clients.

"The Metro Community Housing Association will be providing a great resource to these clients who need support and counseling before returning to community living," said Community Services Minister Judy Streatch.

Metro Community Housing will provide residential support to clients and will accommodate up to five people who have received conditional discharges from the East Coast Forensic Hospital.

Capital Health will provide clinical and enhanced day supports through East Coast Forensic Services and a community mental health team. The length of stay will vary according to the clients needs and is intended to help clients make the transition to other community options like a group home or residential care facility before they begin living independently.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our clients, one that will have a significant impact on their lives," said John Malcom, interim CEO for Capital Health, which includes responsibility for the East Coast Forensic Hospital. "For many it's a huge step toward being an active member of the community."

The Department of Community Services will provide start-up and operating funding for the facility for the first year, at a cost of about $675,000. The Department of Health will share in the $600,000 annual operating costs with Community Services in future years.

It is expected that the program will be up and running in about five months once renovations and staff hiring and training are complete. The home is close to services that will help clients make the transition back to the community, such as social, vocational and clinical supports.