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Two new group homes have opened in Saskatchewan to offer services to children and youth with special needs.
The provincial government announced Wednesday that it has partnered with Clare Parker Homes and Autism Services of Saskatoon to operate the four-space developmental group homes, with one in Saskatoon and one in Regina.
“Our government is committed to providing these supports for children and youth,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said in a release. “This partnership with Clare Parker Homes and Autism Services of Saskatoon will deliver safe environments, high-quality care and services based on individual needs.”
The homes are to provide what the government called “a secure, family-like place for children” aged 18 and under who have special developmental needs. The primary focus is on children with autism spectrum disorder, but services also will be offered to kids with other developmental disabilities and neurological disorders.
The government said the homes will have qualified staff on duty 24 hours a day and will provide access to medical, speech and language therapy, social development, physical and occupational therapy, counselling, and family support.
“Clare Parker Homes has a long history of providing person centered support to adults living with intellectual disabilities in the Regina community,” said Rosa Smith, executive director of Clare Parker Homes. “We are excited to partner with Child and Family Programs through this project.
“Having the opportunity to support children, youth and families living with disability not only gives us the honour of welcoming new people to our CPH family but to build more connections and capacity in the disability sector.”
“We are thrilled to be chosen as a partner in this vital initiative and are excited to utilize the expertise garnered from nearly 40 years of successfully providing daily life and residential services to adults with autism,” Autism Services of Saskatoon executive director Lynn Latta said.
“One of our first group homes was for youth, all of whom still make their home with us as adults. Therapeutic approaches, cultural and family connections will be a priority in supporting these children to thrive.”
According to the release, the Ministry of Social Services invests $102 million annually to support more than 975 group home spaces across the province.