Making family-centred service possible: exploring the role of Children’s Service Coordinators

Children’s service coordinators are advocates, cheerleaders, researchers and supporters.

Receiving a diagnosis of disability for your child can be life-changing. Not knowing where to find support and resources can be stressful. That’s where Children’s Service Coordinators come in, supporting families, identifying their strengths, needs and goals so they can guide families on the resources available to best encourage the development of their child and family.

Some families may not be able to see all of the places where the child isn’t being supported, or might see it but not know what to do. Coordinators can uplift families in these spaces, acting as an advocate for the family’s wishes and needs.  

 The Supporter / Client Dynamic

Theresa (right) and her daughter smile and hug each other.

As a Children’s Service Coordinator and a former client of Manitoba Possible, Theresa Blaine understands both sides of the support and client dynamic. Her experience is invaluable for helping families in the Westman region of Manitoba.  

Theresa’s career started with the birth of her daughter, who was born Deaf. At that time, Theresa and her family lived in Thompson, Manitoba, far from many of the services and supports available for Deaf people in Winnipeg, or in bigger towns like Dauphin. Manitoba Possible, then known as Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, had sent a Children’s Service Coordinator to Thompson to share resources and offer support for families who needed it, including Theresa and her family.

With support from Manitoba Possible for her family, Theresa focused on her career. Her work with children with disabilities took her to classrooms, preschool development programs and beyond. She went to school and completed a degree in social work, did a practicum at Manitoba Possible and became a Children’s Service Coordinator. 

 A Family-Centred Approach

As a Children’s Service Coordinator, Theresa takes a family-centred approach. Family-centred service is built on three principles: that parents know their children best, that families are unique, and that children function best within a supportive family and community context. The strengths and needs of all family members must be considered because the family is the constant in a child’s life. 

 “In getting to know the family, their goals, dreams and wishes, I can then go and find the resources to make those things possible. It’s about listening to them and their unique situation,” said Theresa.   

 Part of Theresa’s job is to act as an advocate for the family, sometimes sitting in on meetings and consulting with other professionals from schools, daycares and other agencies to develop a plan for the child. Theresa always lets the family know that their wishes come first – it’s okay to not agree with all the advice given, it’s okay to be uncomfortable and it’s important to voice those opinions.   

“I’ll ask a family ‘what is it that you feel is best for your child right now?’ All children should be treated equally regardless of their ability. Additional needs should be supported, and children should be able to attend their school of choice with their peers and not be singled out. We want an inclusive and accessible society,” said Theresa. “Keeping kids in their communities with their families is important.”   

Navigating services can be confusing, stressful and time-consuming. As a Coordinator, Theresa’s knowledge and insight into the resources available is incredibly valuable for families who have a million other things on their plate. 

Robyn, Jasper and Daniel

For Westman families like Robyn, Jasper and Daniel, the support has been invaluable. Mom, Robyn, shared “Theresa helps us to advocate for Jasper, helps us to know our rights as parents and for our child. Any questions we have, Theresa points us in the right direction. She’s opened our eyes to resources we wouldn’t have known about.”

Theresa only wishes more people knew about the support Children’s Service Coordinators can provide.   

“Coordinators are here as a support, to help people grow and prosper. That’s what we’re here for. Sometimes we need a hand up, sometimes a little bit, sometimes a lot. We’re here to help families navigate the world so they don’t have to figure things out on their own. We’re here to let them know they aren’t alone.”