Recommendations for Meeting the Needs of People with Complex Mental Health, Addictions, and Other Challenges, May 2015

Within the ABI community are individuals who are not only living with an acquired brain injury, but who also face challenges related to co-existing mental health, addictions, developmental and/or justice issues. In 2014/2015, as co-chair of the Toronto-Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee (T-HSJCC) Complex Sub-Committee, the Toronto ABI Network, together with Cota, worked with a consulting firm and representatives from the ABI, mental health and addiction and justice sectors, to conduct a review to develop and propose several options for a service resolution process that would address the needs and system gaps for complex clients who face system barriers and access issues.

Service resolution pulls together the organizations, services and sectors that are involved as part of an individual’s support network to enable agreed upon service interventions, collaborative solutions, and cross-organizational partnerships for those with complex needs. The review was conducted over several months and was comprised of a series of key informant interviews and focus groups, a web-based scan of services, organizations and partnerships, and an examination of existing system data.

We are pleased to share both the full report and the executive summary.

Next steps will be discussed in the coming months with members of the Toronto-Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee to enhance support and advocacy of individuals in the community with complex needs.