Component: Ontario Works Addiction Services Initiative

Legislation: Ministry of Community and Social Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.20, Ontario Works Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 25, Schedule A

Service Objectives

The objective of the Addiction Services Initiative (ASI) is to assist First Nations Ontario Works participants whose alcohol, illicit drug or prescription drug use is a barrier to employment.

Service Description

Screening and Participation

Screening: Screening is the process which determines whether or not the participant has a substance use problem which is a barrier to employment. Motivational interviewing techniques are used, along with the two Director- approved screening instruments (URICA and GAIN-SS)

Participation: Participation includes intensive case management and persistent outreach activities, as well as such participation expenses as childcare, transportation and shelter expenses. It also includes provision of employment assistance services

Assessment and Treatment

Assessment: Assessment is the process of evaluating the extent of participants’ substance use problems, their health needs and treatment options. It is done by the community addiction agency with whom the delivery agent has contracted for assessment services, using the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Problematic Substance Use Screening and Assessment Tools. Following the assessment, the provider works with clients to develop a treatment plan that may include referrals to appropriate treatment services and links them with other services, such as housing and mental health counselling services

Treatment: Based on the results of the community addiction agency’s treatment plan, the participant engages in one or more of the following services on an individual or group basis: community counselling, intensive or modular day/evening treatment, residential treatment or residential supportive treatment

The Social Assistance Service Delivery Branch of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services approves ASI service plans and the Ontario Works service contracts as the “Program” Schedule.

Reporting Requirements

The following service data will be reported on at an Interim and Final stage. Please refer to your final agreement for report back due dates and targets.

Service Data NameDefinition
# of unique (new) participants in Screening and Participation (In Year)Number of unique new ASI clients undergoing Screening and Participation in year
Total # of ASI participants served in Screening and Participation (In a Year)Total Number of unique ASI participants served in Screening and Participation (In a Year)
Total # of ASI participants in Assessment and Treatment Services (In a Year)Total Number of unique ASI participants in Assessment and Treatment Services (In a Year)