The Intensive Outreach Team at the Regional Children's Centre has a new name.
It'll be known as the Assertive Community Treatment Team for Children, or ACT-C.
Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare said the new name better reflects the team's growth into a more comprehensive, community-based model of care. The change brings it more in line with its team for adults but offers programs and services designed for children facing complex mental health challenges and their families.
The team collaborates with other service providers in the community, including the Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society. The hospital said it's flexible and designed to meet the needs of children aged six to 12 in their homes.
"There are children and youth in our community with very complex needs that require community partners to come together and provide support, services, resources, and hope," said WECAS Executive Director Derrick Drouillard.
The hope is those families will rely less on emergency services, such as hospitals, police, or other crisis services.
So far, the rebranded team has provided care to 62 families in the region, decreased wait times, and increased access.
Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare said to its knowledge, the Regional Children's Centre is the first in Canada to offer a specialized program for children as young as six.