How We Work

Infographic showing how CTN works to connect children with disabilities to programs and services, from referral onwards.

Kids, youth and families get connected to CTN in different ways. It could be through a referral from a family physician or pediatrician, early intervention services, the school or by calling us at 1-866-377-0286. Once that referral comes in, a service navigator will contact you via telephone to have a conversation and determine your family’s needs.

Once CTN has an idea of the services your child needs, we will make appropriate referrals and connections to the right programs and services. Some of these programs and services are provided directly by CTN staff, while others are contracted to our appropriate partner organizations. A service navigator works closely with every family to work through this process.

CTN and the services provided by our network partners are funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and are free for families. However, there may be costs associated with provision of special equipment, materials or supplies needed by some kids and youth.

Some services require an assessment to determine whether your child is eligible. Even if it is determined that CTN can not provide your child with direct service, we will work with your family to ensure you are connected to appropriate community resources.

Collaborative Leadership Forums

Children's Treatment Network (CTN) delivers programs and services to children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs and their families, through a network model that includes Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) from health, community and education sectors. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, we bring together partners to ensure the network’s strategic direction and operations are effective and aligned. We do this through our leadership tables and additional project-based working groups as needed.

Network Leadership Table (initiated as SPO table)

Membership in CTN’s Network Leadership Table includes senior level leadership from Service Provider Organizations which CTN has a contractual relationship with to deliver Network services. This leadership table is an important venue where members can collaborate and engage in strategic discussions that advance the effectiveness of the Network and the broader community in responding to the needs of children, youth and their families supported by the Network.

Program Operations Table

Membership in CTN’s Program Operations Tables include relevant program-level representatives of the Service Provider Organizations which CTN has a contractual relationship with to deliver Network services. Our Program Operations Tables are a venue where all program representatives can collaborate and hold operational and program-specific discussions that advance the effectiveness of the Network to respond to the needs of children, youth and their families.

EVENTS

YSSN - My Time – Online Support Group for Autistic Parents - Online

April 21, 2026

Target audience: Autistic Parents (no official diagnosis is required) who are raising autistic and/or non-autistic children.

Kinark - Beyond the OAP - Durham - (Online)

April 21, 2026

The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is not the only place you can receive funding for your child.

SURVEY

As a parent/caregiver, I would like to learn more about:

Behaviour Regulation Strategies
Mental Health and Self-Care for Caregivers/Parents
Information Related to School or Special Education
Funding and Financial Planning Resources and Information for Kids and Youth with Disabilities
Transition Planning (school and adulthood)