Evan, 4 months

CO-OPERATION WITH OTHER SERVICES

Families who have a child with special needs can often be involved with a variety of community professionals. Infant Development Consultants are generalists, working with the family to develop an individualized program to promote development in their infant, and informing the family of appropriate community resources. Infant Development Consultants will work closely with other community professionals. Since the range of other professionals involved with the family can change over time, the Infant Development Consultant can assist the family to interpret information and coordinate services.

Public Health Nurses

Public Health Nurses provide information in a variety of areas including health care, nutrition, growth and immunizations.

Physicians

Physicians (pediatricians, family physicians, and specialists, including those at BC Children? Hospital) provide the necessary medical information and care the infant needs, and provide families and the Infant Development Consultant with important, specific information which can be taken into account when planning developmental programming.

Therapists

Children in need of more specialized therapy services such as occupational, speech and physiotherapy will be referred to the South Fraser Child Development Centre. Some children requiring only speech therapy may be referred to the Public Health Unit? Speech and Language Program. The Infant Development Consultant may make joint visits with a therapist so that consistent programming can be maintained.

Government Ministries

The Ministry of Children and Family Development and the Ministry of Health provide a variety of services for families with children who have special needs. Families may receive information and assistance from their Infant Development Consultant to obtain additional services such as homemakers, respite care, etc.