The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington to Shift Autism Services to Kerry’s Place

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) recently announced significant reforms to the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). The government’s announcement to the OAP represents a significant shift in how Autism services will be delivered in this sector. The MCCSS’ full media release regarding the announcement can be read here.

CMHA WW has been a partner in providing services for children, youth, and their families living with Autism for several years. CMHA WW, in partnership with Kerry’s Place, have provided great care to over 100 families in this program.

The shift in funding signals a significant reduction in the funding CMHA WW will receive to deliver the Ontario Autism Program. Due to this significant change in the model, CMHA WW has made the difficult decision to end our partnership with Kerry’s Place and at this time close our Ontario Autism Program on April 1, 2019. Kerry’s Place will continue to provide Autism services.

What does this mean to families currently or waiting to be served by CMHA in Guelph and Wellington:

• Our OAP staff will work closely to support families in transitioning to Kerry’s Place continuing to provide OAP services.
• Families engaged in various services with CMHA, will only see transition in their OAP services and all other services, such as assessments, psychiatry, etc. will continue for your family through CMHA.
• CMHA will continue to support and answer questions as the The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) rolls out their plans for Autism Services in Ontario up until April 1st, 2019.