Complex Special Needs Program - Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS)

This program is family centred and available to children, youth and their family under the age of 18 with a diagnosis of a developmental disability and/or autism.  It is an intensive level of service where there are serious complex concerns (ie: multiple stressors, behavior challenges, significant medical and/or developmental needs, conflicts at home, school or in the community). The service provided is intensive, goal oriented, flexible, creative, responsive and individualized. The program utilizes CANS (Child & Adolescent Needs & Strengths). This is a multi-purpose tool is used to support decision making including level of care and service planning, to facilitate quality improvement initiatives and to allow for the monitoring of outcomes of services.