If we visualize Hull’s present continuum of services as a “U”, it represents a Unified Model of Care. Our services began at the base of the curve with residential treatment which involves the placement of children and youth in a specialized setting.
Over the years, we have diversified. We have created and continue to create services that work in the community with families and other care givers.
On one side of the “U” are those services designed to preserve our service recipients in their families and community: school and community based early intervention, and outreach to at-risk children and families.
On the other side of the “U” are services designed to reintegrate back into family and the community: group care, family based care, and supported independent living.
Hull Child and Family Services began in 1962 as Hull Home. Our evolution is more than just a name. It is the reflection of a move from a single service to a multi-dimensional agency.
Hull began serving adolescent boys, and then girls, who had “behavioural problems.” They displayed disruptive and often violent behaviours that caused problems in their families, schools and communities. In short, they couldn’t be “managed”.
Since then, several key things have driven our evolution as an Agency.
One is that these children were not simply “delinquent,” or whatever other label has been assigned. Indeed, they come with a set of issues: developmental, learning, and emotional issues. These also include abuse (physical, mental, emotional & sexual), poverty, mental health, and addictions.
Real change for these children requires treatment in all of these areas.
The second big learning is that these children, in most cases, can only be helped if we also work with their families. Families need to be involved, and they too often have issues and challenges which require support.
The third important realization is that outcomes for these children and families are better if we become involved earlier, when the children are younger, through a variety of community based approaches utilizing support and skill development.
Lastly, we have learned that follow up is essential in working with children and families. To be successful, we need to support many of our children and families over a long term as they stabilize in the community. This is particularly true for our young adults with developmental disabilities.
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Main Campus: (403) 251-8000
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