FutureWays is a Child/Youth centred skill development program aiming towards the goals of Community Integration and Independence, both in the present and in the future when they attain adulthood. It provides skill development for both a child with a special need and their parents/caregivers, so that a child may achieve a significant measure of community integration and independence today (whatever the capabilities of a particular child)…as well as to prepare them for adulthood when they are no longer eligible for this service after age 18. FutureWays will work with children/youth participants from age 3 to age 18 who will receive age-appropriate skill development, plus supporting a child through life’s transitions.  Parents will be involved with their child/youth every step of the way.  Futureways may be funded by FSCD or be provided on a private basis!

Futureways has only one hard and fast rule and that is that parent or caregiver participation is mandatory.  Parents/caregivers will be taught how to support and sustain the skills learned within FutureWays and to apply them in the everyday life of the participant.  This is necessary so that the skills that are taught within FutureWays sessions are also worked on and supported when the child is not in the program.  It is in this way that these skills can be sustained over time, as well as assisting your child/youth to navigate life’s transitions successfully. Parents/caregivers are crucial partners in the child’s success.

The types of skill development available in Futureways are varied, but only those topics that are required for your child/youth will be employed.  A six month Individual Service Plan (ISP) will be developed for each participant.  The venues for Futureways instruction will be appropriate to the types of skills that need to be worked on.  Futureways activities may be in the home, at our facility or in an appropriate community venue.  A participant will be matched with four Futureways staff members, a Program Coordinator, Program Assistant, Group Facilitator and a Resource Manager.

 

To address the individual needs of a participant, some of the program’s activities will be one on one.  In addition to this, in order to facilitate sociability, community integration and fun….some of the program’s activities will be in a group setting.  Parents may also be involved in Parent Support Groups.  How much of each is determined by the unique and individual needs of the participant as well as determined by the goals of the ISP.   Our Resource Manager may also provide parents with specific resources from our extensive library. One size does not fit all.  Futureways prides itself on providing flexible programming for each participant.

 

Futureways Program Structure

Futureways in Groups

 

Why groups? Evidence shows that such aspects as peer support, socialization, sharing of common experiences, generalizing knowledge from one experience to another, etc. has proven the effectiveness of the group approach.  In addition, group activity can provide a participant with dynamics to hold interest and have a fun based atmosphere.  FutureWays can give children who are more reserved and who may struggle socially a safe and fun environment to succeed in an “outside” group setting.

 

Our Parent Support Groups are a unique and exciting component providing opportunities for two main goals….to support the skills being taught in Futureways, plus to provide a venue for peer support for those parents who may require it. Additional benefits include networking, access to personalized resources and sharing of information. Our skilled clinicians will occasionally visit these groups to discuss strategies with parents. Parents are challenged to obtain the social skills, competencies and confidence necessary to handle the real life situations presented by their child/youth.

 

Groups will meet either at the Futureways facility at the Ability Society or at a community venue.  We will make every attempt to accommodate the participant’s and parent/caregiver’s schedules.

 

Program Rules and Regulations (the fine print!!!)

 

Below are some of the rules for Futureways, including some commonly asked questions:

 

Will I receive any one-on-one support?

 

Yes.  One-on-One support is goal based and not limited to the home setting. Additional support can be provided in any setting depending on the goal that needs to be accomplished. For example, if a goal is to open a bank account, the Program Assistant, parent(s) and participant would go to a bank to open an account and complete the goal.

 

Who is my main contact if I have questions or concerns?

I just cannot attend today!

Regular attendance is a key component to the success of this program. We do understand that issues may arise and you may occasionally miss a group. Since we have to schedule staff, we require a minimum of 48 hour cancellation notice for any Futureways session. To provide notice, please contact only one of the following Futureways staff.

 

• Group Facilitator: 403-262-9445 x 108.
• Program Coordinator: 403-262-9445 x 109.

 

We will make reasonable attempts to “make ups” of Futureways session in such ways as placing your child in another group, doubling up sessions, etc.

 

If we fail to receive notice of your absence we will charge the regular hourly rates. You will be responsible for any costs not covered by FSCD.

 

If your child attendance is poor and they miss 5 or more group sessions without notification or explanation, your child/youth may be unable to fully benefit from the services provided. The Ability Society would explore the reason for poor attendance and may determine the program may not be the best match for you. In this case we would offer cancellation notice of one month of service to allow you an opportunity to find a better suited program for you. After 5 unexplained absences, FSCD will be notified of the absences and this may affect your child’s FSCD contract renewal.

 

What about Statutory Holidays?

 

You will be responsible for any costs related to statutory holidays for your child/youth’s program staff as required by Alberta law not covered by FSCD.

Extra things we should know about you & your family

(I have no idea what this section is trying to say)  That’s up to you to decide. We are not here to change your personal beliefs or invade your privacy. However you may be experiencing some additional stressors that are interfering with your success in the program. In this case it may be beneficial to inform us to see if we can help.

What happens when I or my child is sick?

When service is in my home, what is expected?

Can Siblings Attend?

• (This section needs some rewriting)  Many of our families have more than one child in the home.  This is not a problem in those situations where sibling participation is appropriate, however please remember the following:  (list those boundaries you want to have them agree to)
• What services can the Resource Manager provide my child and I?

 

Our Resource Manager can provide numerous suggestions on the products we have readily available in the Futureways Resource Library or customized resources that can be ordered. Examples of custom items include, but not limited to, personalized social stories, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Behavioral Charts, and Token Charts.  We have a small library of books on special needs topics such as Autism, PDD, encouraging speech and communication, understanding emotions, dealing with difficult behavior, OCD, workbooks on safety and hygiene, etc. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources as often as you would like.

 

When borrowing resources please ensure they are returned in the same condition they were in at the time of loan. Please be aware all borrowed resources are your responsibility.  The costs for any missing or damaged resources will be charged to you.

 

Zero tolerance policy for abuse of Ability Society staff or volunteers

(This needs work…what happens if abuse occurs)  The Ability Society and all its programs adhere to a zero tolerance policy for abuse of staff or volunteers in any form (verbal, written, or gesture).

 

Termination of Services:

 

Services normally will end on the date the contract. Under certain circumstances, either the Ability Society, or parents/caregivers may choose to terminate services prior to the contract’s termination date. In case a parent chooses to terminate services (due to relocation or any other such circumstance), the Ability Society would require a month’s notice in order to prepare any summaries, or other related necessary documentation as well as complete billing procedures.

 

If the Ability Society chooses to terminate services, a month’s notice will be given in order for the family to search for an alternate service provider. When possible, Ability Society staff will provide assistance in searching for alternate services.

 

 

This document contains expectations that may change from time to time.  We look forward to working with you and your child.  Please sign below, and acknowledge your agreement to these expectations.

 

 

________________________________                    ______________________________

Parent Signature                                                         Program Coordinator

 

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Date Signed                                                                 Date Signed