Access Team — delivering SmartStart Hub services

What is the Access Team?

The Access Team directs families and physicians to the correct care and treatment for children and youth. Some of the services included: social work, autism diagnosis, care and respite, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, recreation therapy, behaviour services and the First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program.

What are SmartStart Hubs?

What does the Access Team do?

Each child or youth that is referred to the Access Team is individually assessed and connected to the development and rehabilitation services that are best for them. The individual services will then contact the family to arrange service.

Who should be referred to the Access Team, including for SmartStart Hub services?

The Access Team, now delivering SmartStart Hub services, is for those with complex needs. It is for children who have missed important developmental milestones like sitting or talking, or children and youth who have complex physical and cognitive health issues.

The Access Team is also for children and youth with simple rehabilitation needs, like temporary treatment after a sports injury. And, it is even for families who may need a break from caring for their child or youth with complex needs.

How do I refer directly to an included service if I know what I need?

You may request specific services when you use the Access Team referral form.

How do I refer to the Ontario Autism Program?

To make a referral to the Ontario Autism Program, please contact the Ontario Autism Program Central Intake and Registration team. If you have questions about other programs or services that your child may be eligible for or benefit from at CHEO you can contact the Access Team.

When should someone call the Access Team?

When there is any reason to believe that a child or youth may need development and rehabilitation service. For instance, a youth has been in a car accident and may need physical therapy or a child is not sitting alone by 9 months.

If your main concern is about your child's speech and language skills you should use the First Words Communication Checkup.

How long will the wait for service be?

The Access Team includes many services, each with their own wait list. The Access Team identifies the best services for each child and youth but the specific wait time will depend on each service. You will be added to the wait list and the specific service will contact you to let you know your status.

Can families call the Access Team directly?

Yes.

Who does the Access Team include?

The Access Team includes intake staff who are experts in assessing the specific development and rehabilitation needs of each child and youth.

What services does the Access Team include?

It includes most Development and Rehabilitation services, like social work, autism diagnosis, care and respite, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, recreation therapy, behaviour services and the First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program.

What location does the Access Team cover?

The area covered by specific services varies slightly from one to another. Generally, the Access Team covers Ottawa, Lanark Leeds Grenville, Stormont Dundas Glengarry, Prescott-Russell, Renfrew County and western Quebec.

Can community groups like school boards contact the Access Team if they identify a child or youth with possible needs?

Yes. Organizations who share responsibility for the health and wellbeing of children and youth can contact the Access Team. It does not have to be a pediatrician or family physician. Note that families must consent to any organization referring to the Access Team.

Is the Children's Treatment Centre included in the Access Team?

Yes. CHEO's Children's Treatment Centre supplies a variety of services. They are all part of Development and Rehabilitation and are available through the Access Team.

If a child or youth is already receiving development and rehabilitation services, is there anything to do?

No. The Access Team is for children and youth who are new to CHEO services.

If a child is already on a waiting list for services, is there anything to do?

If you are currently on a waitlist for CHEO services, you do not need to do anything. You should not reapply. Your current waitlist position remains the same.

What happens after a child or youth is referred to the Access Team?

If we require additional information you will be contacted by a member of the Access Team. If we are able to refer you to service based on your intake information you will be contacted by that service. If you are not eligible for service you will receive a letter identifying other services you might be eligible for.

Are there any forms to be filled out?

There is one form to be filled out with all the information which may be relevant to assessing the needs of your child or youth.

Can I email the Access Team?

No. Email does not protect personal health information. Contact should be by phone or in person.