How Can the APSAO and NADD Ontario Work Together to Support Adults with a Dual Diagnosis?

Alex Conant, M Ed

Karen Hirstwood, MSW

Jo Anne Nugent, EdD

Brenda Quinlan, Hon BA

Presentation Objectives

Introduce NADD Ontario and highlight its activities

Review current service issues: how to serve independent individuals and the new APSW Guidelines

Discuss the training needs of case managers related to dual diagnosis

Discuss how NADD Ontario and APSAO can work together

What is NADD Ontario?

NADD ONTARIO (formerly The Habilitative Mental Health Resource Network) is the Ontario Chapter of the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed.

Dual diagnosis is defined as the co-existence of an intellectual / developmental disability and mental health needs.

The Ontario Chapter began in 1991 and was incorporated in 1993

NADD Ontario’s Mission Statement

To advance mental wellness for persons with developmental disabilities through the promotion of excellence in mental health care.

 

NADD Ontario’s Vision

We envision a society wherein persons with a developmental disability and mental health needs (dual diagnosis) and their families have full and equitable access to supports and services that promote and enhance their mental health and well-being.

Vision can be achieved through:

a continuum of supports and services that includes family and natural supports and ranges from the promotion of mental health to treatment and long term care.

integrated and collaborative approaches to services and supports

treatment approaches that are based in biopsychosocial models of care

NADD Ontario’s Current Focus

Enhancing provincial investment in sustainable education and training initiatives to support recruitment and retention of human resources.

NADD Vision 2012

Is a (more) Sustainable organization

Has an expanded, vibrant membership Is a (the) focal point for

dual diagnosis networking

Is the recognized driver of policy directions

NADD has an IMPACT

NADD Ontario has contributed to the evolution

of a the service system

and Communities

Families and professionals

know what supports there

are and how to get them

There are more competent and

capable supports and services

ReputableSustainable Strong

NADD Ontario’s Activities

Systems level advocacy Training & Education

Systems Level Advocacy

August , 2009 cover letter re: The Lieutenant Governor in Council Draft Regulation for the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008.

The joint submission to the initial draft regulation for Bill 77 from NADD Ontario and the Dual Diagnosis Implementation Committee of Toronto.

August, 2008 submission on behalf of NADD Ontario) and the Dual Diagnosis Implementation Committee of Toronto (DDICT) Re: Bill 77

NATIONAL COALITION ON DUAL DIAGNOSIS

November 2008, NADD Ontario, CARE-ID/ACREDI, the Dual Diagnosis program at CAMH and the Developmental Disabilities Section of the Canadian Psychiatric Association launched the National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis.

Goal was to increase the understanding of the needs of individuals with a developmental disability and mental health needs with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and for all Canadians.

NATIONAL COALITION ON DUAL DIAGNOSIS An initial activity was to develop The

Advocacy Toolkit so that advocates for people with dual diagnosis have the “tools” to help them make their case as effectively as possible. The toolkit is available at: www.care-id.com.

March 2009 National Coalition Update: March 2009 consensus Coalition response has been sent to the MHCC.

Education & Training

Dual Diagnosis: An Introduction to the Mental Health Needs of Persons with Developmental Disabilities, 2002

Workshops & conference sessions Newsletter Research into best practices

Training, Recruitment And Retention In The Field Of Developmental Disabilities And Dual Diagnosis A Review Of The Literature (NADD 2007)

Investigate what factors make training sustainable Incorporate the social determinants of health and

population health perspective: community living includes social, recreational,

housing sectors AND health, education, mental health and justice sectors

Training and education related to dual diagnosis needs to be broad and should be incorporated with training and education related to developmental disabilities

Findings re: Sustainability At The System Level.

1. Developmental disability policy should include health and mental health needs and recognizes the skills, training, and qualifications required to address these needs

2. Career pathways should be developed through policy as well as program/practice level initiatives, support recruitment, retention, and advancement.

3. Developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis are required aspects of generic health care curricula, practicum, and practice standards

Findings Re: Sustainability At The Program/Practice Level

1. Training sanctioned within professional practice standards and/or certification criteria that supports best practice

2. A variety of creative models, approaches and strategies can be utilized to achieve success in training

3. Teaching clients and caregivers about primary care improves the quality of care.

4. Standardized procedures or templates assist practitioners in the implementation of quality care. These protocols help staff to know what to do in which situations, based upon what has been proved to work best in the past.

New APSW Program Guidelines and Dual Dx. Prevalence rates for dual dx are estimated

conservatively to be 38% Historically a large % of these individuals are served by

APSW’s New Policy Guidelines for the APSW Program do not

specifically acknowledge unique needs of this population Position APSW as sole support for broad range of

functions without reference to: case load size specific training requirements

Bill 77 and Dual Dx.

DS Transformation initiatives lend themselves to those who have familial support - some individuals may be disadvantaged

The impact of the proposed development of Access/Funding Entities is unknown at this time

Eligibility criteria not yet finalized

Joint DDx Policy Guidelines - MOH/MCSS

Joint Policy Guidelines for the Provision of Community Mental Health and Developmental Services for Adults with a Dual Diagnosis identifies the range of services funded by MOH and MCSS

Access to these services is challenging in practice: Restrictive criteria Lengthy wait lists Limited knowledge and skills Bias toward those with dual dx

New APSW Guidelines The APSW may be the sole advocate and

support for many individuals who have a dual diagnosis.

The APSW may be the primary contact for the Psychiatrist when assistance is required with follow up on recommendations.

The APSW may be the only person to assist in accessing individualized funding supports.

Access to Specialized Treatment Hospitals and Specialized Treatment beds

require that individuals have family or agencies that will commit to taking them back.

Discharge recommendations can stipulate greater or different supports than previously existed.

If an individual is unable to complete referral packages the APSW will need to assist.

Conflict With The Law

Medications get lost in transit between court appearances, holding cells, remand centre’s and correctional facilities.

Medication changes that occur while traversing through the system may not be known when an individual is released.

Advocating while going through legal process may mean extensive time spent in court

Psychiatric Recommendations

Blood work: ensuring monitoring of therapeutic levels

Side effects: being able to recognize and monitor.

Medication administration: ensure compliance or accurate reporting of compliance.

Health Teaching

Questions

Comments or questions about what you have heard so far?

APSAO, FSWO, NADD Ontario

What is the vision that APSAO and FSWO have for the future?

Do we have common concerns and interests?

Is there an opportunity for us to work together to advance our common concerns or interests?

What are the opportunities? Lobbying/Advocacy

Outcomes: Public policy is established at provincial and national levels.

Post secondary opportunities for training in dual diagnosis are available.

Support Self Determination for Families and Individuals

Outcomes: Individuals and families know what supports there are and how to access them.

Individuals and families have the necessary information to make informed decisions.

Human Service Awareness of DDX

Outcomes: Human services providers have a basic understanding of dual diagnosis.

Services are created and accommodations occur to integrate people with dual diagnosis

Outcomes: Coordinated and sustained clinical education/training path with articulated competencies are linked to accrediting institutions.

Demonstrated benefits to clients/families are defined.

People involved with dual diagnosis are linked and able to share knowledge.

Contribute To & Influence The Development Of A Competent And Capable Workforce

Build NADD's Capacity and Sustainability

Outcomes: The necessary human and financial resources exist to carry out the work of NADD Ontario.

The membership is involved in implementing key directions.

NADD Ontario is recognized as a 'go to' place for information and advice about dual diagnosis.