The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent has landed another funding boost from the province to increase access to local critical rehabilitation services.
The facility will receive $842,525 as part of this year's $60 million in new annual funding. The Ontario government said it's investing $240 million over four years to support children and youth with special needs and help them live happier and healthier lives.
Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls said these investments will improve service experiences and outcomes for children and youth with special needs and their families across the Chatham-Kent region.
“Our children’s future has always been one of this government’s priorities,” said Nicholls. “Ensuring they have access to the services they need, such as the new programs that will be made available from this funding, we can prioritize their success in life. This will directly have a positive impact throughout Chatham-Kent and surrounding communities.”
This funding was announced in the 2021 provincial budget to build additional service capacity and increase access to preschool speech and language services and community-based and school-based rehabilitation services across the province.
“We know early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes for children and youth. By improving access to assessments and early intervention services, children can begin receiving the services they need sooner,” said Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Dr. Merrilee Fullerton. “We are making these investments, so every young person has the best opportunity to achieve their life goals and be set up for success.”
As part of the 2021 Ontario Budget unveiled in March, the province’s Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the province will be setting aside some funding to help build a new children's facility in Chatham-Kent to provide services and programs for youth with physical, communication, and developmental needs.
