April 4, 2024

For the past few weeks, directors have been sharing information about new and updated policies with you through On the Horizon. This week, we are sharing some of the important changes within Section B-Operations:

Changes Made in Policies and Procedures for Ontario (ON) and Saskatchewan (SK)

Support Programs (ON B.2 and SK B.2)

Karis Disability Services commits to support people holistically and to collaborate with others. Policy expectations were clarified on these commitments when supporting someone through multiple services within Karis and when supporting someone through collaboration with other service providers.

Support Programs and Host Family Services (SK)

With expanding services in Saskatchewan, SK policy was updated to include references to Host Family Services, and new policies were added to outline expectations and procedures within this service.

Personal Planning (ON B.4 and SK B.13)

We have updated some terms and references related to documentation that may now be completed in AlayaCare (e.g., Goals and Actions, signatures, and changing Support Notes to Progress Notes).

Service Delivery / Transition (ON B.5, SK B.10 and SK B.11)

To improve how we collect and review feedback from people using services, we have clarified an expectation that all completed Forms S-2:5 (Termination of Service) must be copied to the Quality, Research, and Practice Initiatives department.

Advance Plans and Plans of Treatment (ON B.7.4 and SK B.14.7.4)

We have clarified our commitments in implementing Advance Plans and Plans of Treatments that are written by health practitioners.

Pets and Service Animals (ON B.8.7 and SK B.15.7)

We have clarified policies and expectations related to supporting people with pets and service animals, including expectations to protecting the health and well-being of others.

Support in Managing Finance (ON B.8.8 and SK B.15.8)

The pandemic saw Karis employees assist persons in managing finances in innovative ways. Policies have been updated to clarify these expectations and maintain appropriate protections in these supports (e.g., through trust accounts, non-trust accounts, and other ways in which we support a person with their finances). 

Intrusive Programming / Restriction of Rights (ON B.10.4.3 and SK B.16.4.1.7)

Recognizing the impact that they may have on people using services, and on others, policies and expectations were clarified regarding restriction of rights (e.g., documenting and sharing consideration for impact on others, processes and sharing information of processes to address any concerns and complaints).

Changes Exclusive to Policies and Procedures in Saskatchewan (SK)

Abuse Definitions and Scope – Medication Abuse (SK B.19.1)

In Saskatchewan, we have added clarification to abuse definitions to better articulate what constitutes medication abuse (and to clarify expectations to document all medication incidents).

Video Monitoring for Health and/or Behavioural Concerns (SK B.16.6)

In Saskatchewan, policies and expectations were enhanced and clarified to make sure that video monitoring is used appropriately, and in line with any and all legislative requirements.

Virtual / Shift Huddles (ON B.14.5 and SK B.4.1.2) – Formerly referred to as Communication Books

With recent changes to replace Communication Books with Virtual / Shift Huddles, policies in Ontario and Saskatchewan were updated to reflect current expectations.

You may review these, and other updated policies, by logging into PolicyManager and completing the sections that have been assigned to you to review and attest. In addition, you may find any relevant updated Forms on CH Connect.

We are grateful to the employees, departments, people receiving supports and their families who have identified the need for clarification and/or change to policies. This supports our commitment to excellence so that, at Karis Disability Services, we can continue to work together with people with disabilities to accomplish their goals and nurture communities where everybody belongs.

Thank you!

Peter Wyngaarden

Director of Quality, Research and Practice Initiatives