TRiP has developed a strong working relationship within the community. Capitalizing on existing relationships, along with a refined functioning structure and process, we will ensure the most efficient use of Government dollars and the most effective service being provided to the clients. The existing multi-sectoral human resource structure in place with TRiP provides a framework to deliver the integrated coordinated response required.
“I believe that TRiP’s careful application of early intervention and custom coordinated collaborative support is the next logical step in public safety planning for many communities in Canada. While the Hub model excels at mobilizing immediate supports around individuals and families facing acutely-elevated risk, there is still a need for coordinated collaboration to ensure longer-term support is in place. More so, there is considerable value in intervening earlier on in a child’s life—as opposed to waiting until they are on the radar of one or more human service agencies.” Dr. Chad Nilson, PHD, MS, MA, BSC, DIP Social Researcher and Program Evaluator Living Skies Centre for Social Inquiry |
The Regina Intersectoral Partnership is a shared commitment by multiple human service agencies to improve client outcomes through intersectoral collaboration, risk reduction, and coordinated service provisions.
The goal of TRiP is to “make appropriate connections and referrals for children to optimize their health, safety and development through improved communication and collaboration among service providers”
The focus of TRiP is “behaviours or conditions that place children in a position of vulnerability”
By design, 11UI focused on providing mentoring and support to children under 12 years of age who were exposed to risk factors that may increase their tendency to engage in unhealthy behaviours. This early intervention initiative aimed to build the strength and resiliency of families by increasing awareness and access to existing social and community support services. Its focus on early collaborative intervention was influenced by overwhelming research and evidence-based practice, community sector challenges, and provincial policy alignment concerning community safety and well-being in Saskatchewan (11 & Under Initiative, 2014). Since receiving the first referral in December of 2010, TRiP has had over 900 young people referred to the initiative.
TRiP does not deliver direct services to individuals. TRiP partners with key stakeholders and accesses existing community agencies to deliver programming and services that meet a presenting need. There are 3 lenses of supports accessed. First, through existing stakeholder representative agencies, which include the Ministry of Social Services, Ministry of Justice, Child and Youth Services – Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and School Divisions. If a child or family is connected via an open file with one of these stakeholders, TRiP discusses past and present involvement then explores options and supports to be utilized as part of the case plan. Examples of these agencies include but are not limited to: Fox Valley Counseling Services Inc.; Aboriginal Family Services; Family Service Regina; Catholic Family Services; Ranch Ehrlo Society-Family Preservation Program. Schools allow for access to Elders, Counsellors, Psychologists, ‘innovative specialized programs’ which are TRiP designed to specifically meet the needs of hard to program individuals (hoop dancing, smudges) as well as in school behavioural assessments. Psychologists, psychiatrists, parenting support programs, Elders, addictions and mental health counsellors are utilized through RQHR.
The second lens is Community Based Organization programming and pro-social activity. TRiP has worked extremely hard to build relationships and educate the community of our work. As a result, we have many excellent community partners who often dedicate spots in programming or allow for participation at a reduced cost for the 11UI and twelve&up individuals. Examples of these partners include YWCA, YMCA, Dream Brokers, Bricks for Kids, Amazing Adventure, The Saskatchewan Science Centre, University of Regina – Educating Youth in Engineering & Science (EYES) Camps, City of Regina-Leisure Centres, Neil Balkwell Centre, Big Brothers, Special Olympics, Sport Ball, Level 10, Lumsden Beach Camp, Dallas Valley Camp, Artrageous, Hoop School, and the Regina Equestrian Centre.
The third lens includes organizations, strategies and Provincial Government agendas (found in appendix b ) that dovetail with the type of needs that often present at a TRiP referral. These include the Cognitive Disability Strategy, Complex Needs Case Protocol, the Autism Resource Centre, and Regina Open Door Society.
To measure the impact of their early undertakings, TRiP participated in an impact evaluation (Wright, 2015) that focused on five outcome areas. These included crime reduction and prevention, student achievement, pro-social engagement, increased coordination of service response, and enhanced family services. Findings of that evaluation revealed a significant decrease in contact with police, along with an observed reduction in the frequency of school absences per month.
In 2014, TRiP began planning for implementation of the twelve&up Initiative. This component of the model was designed to provide a similar linkage to services as 11UI. In the fall of 2015, both components of the model were enhanced with the addition of a School Engagement Support position (SES) for a 2 year pilot project. This was directly in response to evaluation results and the Ministry of Education’s focus on school attachment and achievement. The SES places attention on TRiP clients who have high absenteeism, and low attachment and engagement in school. By working with TRiP’s Public and Catholic School Liaisons, the SES supports the seamless reintegration into the education system.