On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will develop a new model of funding clients availing of provincial social programs and services. Financial assistance for individuals is currently dispersed over a number of programs offered across several departments with varying application processes and eligibility requirements. Implementation of an individualized funding model will involve a single point of access utilizing current resources. Similar to what already occurs in other jurisdictions, individuals will participate in developing their support plans and will have control over an individualized amount of funding for personalized supports that are responsive to their identified needs.

This new model will reduce duplication of services and administrative costs of providing supports through multiple programs. In addition, reports from other jurisdictions show this approach to be either cost-neutral or cost-saving. Supporting principles will include portability and flexibility across departments, agencies, regions and the client’s life span. Under the model, clients will be able to tailor their funding based on the supports they require to: aid in the development of daily living skills; improve care of self and home; find or maintain suitable housing; support access to recreation and other community resources; and, increase their capacity to undertake paid or volunteer work.

In 2018, our Government will have implemented an individualized support funding model starting with the provision of community support services provided through the Department of Health and Community Services.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• In the fall of 2017, a series of public consultations was facilitated by the NL Association of Community Living (NLACL) and Coalition of Persons with Disabilities (COD) NL.
• Individual consumers (clients) from each Regional Health Authority participated in the Individualized Funding Program Design and simultaneously testing an Individualized Funding model for delivery in 2018-19.
• A proposed Individualized Funding model has been developed and a policy is now being developed based on this Model in order to implement a demonstration phase. This demonstration will be monitored and evaluated so additional services and programs can be added as additional departments implement the model.

News Releases

International Day of Persons with Disabilities Envisions Sustainable and Resilient Society for All