Toronto - March 7, 2019 - Surrey Place has a long-standing history of providing evidence based, high quality clinical treatment to children living with autism in the Toronto region.

On February 6th, the autism community including service providers watched closely as the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services announced sweeping changes to the Ontario Autism Program. We want to be very clear that we have not wavered in our commitment to continue to provide services to clients and families that includes evidence based behavioural services and parent education.

We understand and acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for families, clients, and staff and there are many unanswered questions about the new Ontario Autism Program that is effective as of April 1st. We are in agreement with service providers such as Kinark who are bringing forward the concerns of families and staff that will ultimately impact children living with autism, service agencies, and schools.

During consultation meetings with the Ministry, Surrey Place provided alternative models for service delivery that focused on evidence based clinical treatment required to meet the individualized needs of children living with autism. Our recommendations are not reflected in the new model. We believe in delivering services and supports that have meaningful impact on the lives of our clients and families.

We have heard from many families about their concerns and the questions they have about what is next for their children. We are listening and acknowledge how you are feeling and we want to support you. Our staff have been working tirelessly to fulfill their duty to the children we serve. They work every day to ensure that each child is receiving the highest quality, evidence based treatment and services.

Throughout this period of uncertainty and transition, Surrey Place has been focused on working on new service delivery models that ensure we are prepared to respond to the changing needs of our stakeholders in a responsive mechanism.

We too, are concerned about the future of children with autism and how families will navigate this new system. We will continue to work cooperatively in this new model and will provide information as it becomes available.