The Extensive Needs Service (ENS) is a program that provides wrap-around service for children and youth with multiple, complex neurodevelopmental, behavioural, medical and physical needs, as well as social vulnerabilities. ENS provides support for children and families who require access to more intensive health and developmental services.
The ENS program began operating out of Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and McMaster Children’s Hospital and is funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Recently, Holland Bloorview partnered with Michael Garron Hospital to deliver the ENS program in East Toronto.
The ENS program is designed to reduce barriers to accessing timely, evidence-based, equity-focused, and trauma-informed treatment for some of the most vulnerable children in the province. Please review the program criteria below to see if your child is eligible.
Services Offered
Families participating in the Extensive Needs Service can connect to a team of professionals, including social work, psychotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, behavioural consultation and psychiatry. The team works together to provide tailored support based on the individual needs of the child or youth and their families. Services are individualized and can include prescribing or adjusting medications, goal-directed behaviour therapy, mental health assessments and treatment, social work – including resource navigation and counselling for parents and caregivers – and other specialized interventions to support children and youth to build skills, such as communication and self-regulation.
Eligibility
The Extensive Needs Service provides services for children and youth (up to 18 years of age) with urgent and extensive needs in Ontario who have co-occurring:
- Neurodevelopmental conditions or an acquired brain injury
- Mental health conditions(s)
- Chronic physical health conditions(s)
Additionally, the child must have existing needs that are not currently being met with respect to:
- Challenging/interfering behaviours (for longer than 12 months or escalating over the past six months)
- The family has already accessed three or more healthcare or service providers.
- Safety concerns (impaired functioning that is a barrier to engagement in home, school, community)
- Caregiver family complexity (financial, language, cultural, capacity, living arrangements, etc.)
Referral Process
To refer your child/family to ENS at MGH, please have your family physician or pediatrician complete the attached referral form. Once completed, the form can be submitted to ENS at @email or by fax at 437-880-8452. If you require more information prior to submitting a referral, please contact our team at @email or 437-880-8454.