REGINA — Clare Parker Homes and Autism Services of Saskatoon has been allocated funding to develop and operate two new group homes, one in Regina and one in Saskatoon, with specialized services for children and youth in care with special needs, such as those with autism spectrum disorder.
Developmental homes offer a secure, family-like place for children, up to the age of 18, with special developmental needs, according to Saskatchewan Social Services. While the primary focus is on autism spectrum disorder, the service also accommodates other developmental disabilities and neurological disorders.
These homes will offer 24-hour qualified staff and support along with access to medical, speech and language therapy, social development, physical and occupational therapy, counselling, and family support.
Clare Parker Homes and Autism Services of Saskatoon have expanded their existing services to include children and youth by opening these four-space Developmental Group Homes in Regina and Saskatoon, respectively.
"Clare Parker Homes has a long history of providing person centered support to adults living with intellectual disabilities in the Regina community," Clare Parker Homes Executive Director Rosa Smith said. "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 honor 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."
The Ministry of Social Services currently invests $102 million annually to support the operation of more than 975 group home spaces across the province. These spaces, operated in collaboration with community partners, provide services to meet the individual needs of children and youth.
