Intervention
An evidence-supported model of care that fosters greater self-sufficiency
The transition to adulthood is a challenging time for youth as they are making critical decisions about their careers, families and living situation. During this time, youth may face difficulties finding services to assist them in this transition, particularly if they are experiencing concerns related to their mental health and substance use. Many youth could benefit from receiving support to pursue their goals.
This presents an important challenge to the system—how to assist youth to become more independent and feel more confident with their ability to care for themselves.
What are we doing about it?
To address this system challenge, the Waterloo-Wellington Service Collaborative identified and implemented the Transition to Independence Process (TIP) Model. TIP supports the needs of transition age youth (TAY) with mental health and addictions issues as they transition toward adulthood and the potential use of adult services. Agencies across Waterloo-Wellington worked together to implement TIP, enhancing system capacity and supporting a more consistent approach to service for transition age youth. This intervention created sustainable change through a “train-the-trainer” approach.
The TIP Model is an evidence-supported model of care designed for transition age youth and young adults who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. TIP gives service providers tools to help youth prepare for greater self‐sufficiency. It assists youth to set and achieve goals that guide them towards their desired future. These goals can be related to school, work, housing, relationships, personal wellbeing and community life.
How do we know it works?
service providers from 27 agencies in Waterloo and Wellington have been trained in the TIP model
TIP trainees felt prepared to use the TIP practices in their work
of trained agencies have implemented TIP in some manner
I like TIP, the purpose, and the overall structure of it and find it very useful and empowering.
— service provider
Who is involved?
The Waterloo-Wellington Service Collaborative had approximately 30 members, which represented agencies and programs that worked with youth and young adults. This included representatives from a range of sectors, including education, criminal justice, child welfare, primary healthcare, and addictions and mental health services.
The Waterloo-Wellington Service Collaborative had approximately 30 members, which represented agencies and programs that worked with youth and young adults. This included representatives from a range of sectors, including education, criminal justice, child welfare, primary healthcare, and addictions and mental health services.
Next Steps
The community is currently developing ways to sustain TIP in Waterloo Wellington, while expanding supports for transition aged youth. This work is being led by a TIP Sustainability Committee and a broad-based Transition Age Youth (TAY) Oversight Committee. A sustainability plan has been reviewed by the Sustainability Committee and endorsed by the TAY Oversight Committee.
The community is currently developing ways to sustain TIP in Waterloo-Wellington, while expanding supports for transition aged youth. This work is being led by a TIP Sustainability Committee and a broad-based Transition Age Youth (TAY) Oversight Committee. A sustainability plan has been reviewed by the Sustainability Committee and endorsed by the TAY Oversight Committee.
Resources
Waterloo-Wellington TIP
Waterloo Wellington REAIM
Waterloo Wellington Fast Facts
For more information
Sandy Brooks, Regional Implementation Coordinator
- Hamilton, ON
- (905) 525-1250 ext. 78154
- Sandy.Brooks@camh.ca