The provincial Children and Youth with Complex Needs (CYCN) Initiative was introduced in September, 2003 by the Alberta Children and Youth Initiative. It was developed in response to the extraordinary challenges faced by children and their families to receiving consistent and coordinated services across Health, Education and Children’s Services. The CYCN Initiative engages all systems in working together and in some cases to stretch their mandate and policies to develop one integrated plan for each child involved.
Many of SACYHN’s partners are helping to facilitate the CYCN initiative across the southern part of the province. Each geographical region has formed a CYCN Review Team to review complex cases referred by Health, Education or Children’s Services. Click here to review required criteria.
The goal of CYCN is to develop a cross system plan specific to a child or youth with complex needs that:
| • | involves families in determining best supports and services |
| • | is individualized, integrated and coordinated |
| • | identifies barriers to comprehensive services and resolves them |
| • | leads to optimal well-being of these children/youth at home and in their communities |
Regional CYCN Teams in the four southern geographic regions have completed many case reviews resulting in improved integration of services. Through this process barriers to coordinated and integrated services are addressed, first regionally and secondly brought forward to the attention of each provincial Ministry. Overtime this leads to improved methods to deliver programs and services across the province.
Parents and professionals involved in CYCN reviews report positive experiences including improved access to services and improved quality of life.
For more information about the CYCN Initiative in your region, contact:
Mary MacKenzie
Regional Support Coordinator
Child/Youth with Complex Needs
Calgary and Area
Email: mary.mackenzie@albertahealthservices.ca
John Bolton
Regional Support Coordinator
Child/Youth with Complex Needs Initiative
Lethbridge and Area
Email: jbolton@telus.net
Sandra Daniel
Regional Support Coordinator
Child/Youth with Complex Needs Initiative
Red Deer and Area
Email: sdaniel@dthr.ab.ca
Nadine Jodoin
Regional Support Coordinator
Child/Youth with Complex Needs Initiative
Medicine Hat and Area
Email: njodoin@shaw.ca
