Our Approach

While we are equipped to provide some supportive counselling to clients, our main role is to help them develop and keep to a holistic Care Plan that will take them through the various services that meet their individual needs – and to support them when they are moving between services so they don’t fall through the cracks in the system. Moving from the street or a job loss to detoxification, treatment and other services that may be required along the way (such as therapy, transitional or supportive housing, or employment training) is full of possibilities for discouragement and relapse. By focusing consistently on the gaps and transitions between services, we support clients throughout their journey and reduce institutionalization – that is, a sense of being moved from one agency to another without a sense of continuity. Because we base our services on the client, we will consider a variety of treatment options, including harm reduction as well as abstinence models.

Aboriginal social service agencies and front line workers already use this whole person approach, where they are capable and where resources allow. The Toronto Aboriginal Care Team aims to enhance this capacity for engaging clients as whole persons with a continuum of needs. By taking this holistic approach, the Care Team will contribute to the restoration of balance and harmony within the individual, family and community.

How do we do this? Our approach is to work with clients through a holistic process that will support them on their path by:

• Developing a long-term optimal Care Plan based on client needs;

• Helping link clients with support services based on their Care Plan;

• Coordinating services and transitions between services in partnership with the client and the various agencies that may be involved in their healing process;

• Providing ongoing follow up and aftercare services along the way;

• Helping people to get the treatment they need and have safe places to go while they’re waiting (treatment programs often have a 2-3 month wait)

• Supporting clients in maintaining stability through various stages of housing;

• Encouraging links with support networks, family, and community, wherever there’s a comfort level, and helping clients create their own support network;

• Building longer-term relationships with clients.