Integra improves outcomes for the people receiving services by monitoring the effectiveness of programs and efficiency of services.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Over the years, we have developed standards using licensing and accreditation standards, best practices, industry standards, survey data and general contract expectations as guidelines. As a result, we have been recognized for the ability to translate vision into action and deliver on the promises made to the people we serve.
In 2016, we maintained our three-year accreditation in our current programs and also received accreditation in our CYS services (Community Housing & Shelters), extending to 2019. In 2019, we received our 5th three-year accreditation including for the first time in our youth Respite services.We look forward to maintaining our high standards and the quality of services we provide in the upcoming years.
In November 2022, Integra was issued another three-year accreditation from CARF through to June 2025 for the following services:
- Community Housing
- Supported Living
- Community Integration
- Host Family/Shared Living Services
- Respite Services
- Community Housing and Shelters (Children and Adolescents)
OUR STANDARDS
OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Our standards offer a clear vision and set of expectations, and they provide a blueprint for translating vision into action for the benefit of the people we serve.
Our quality assurance processes track performance and help ensure alignment across all programs and services. These processes include:
- Internal Audits monitor program compliance with internal standards, external requirements, regulations and contract obligations.
- Risk Management and Incident Reporting identifies, evaluates and reduces the risks to which the individuals in our care could be exposed.
- Licensing and Accreditation Reviews support implementation of best practices; action plans for improvement; and compliance with standards.
- Quality of Care Reviews assesses services provided and individual outcomes.
- Orientation and Training provides resources, clinical experts, technical assistance and support for program operations.
- Systems Analysis, Design and Improvement assesses need, evaluates effectiveness, identifies areas for improvement, and provides technical assistance and resources for improvement.
As a responsible community citizen, we participate in numerous volunteer efforts throughout the year, partnering with the people we support, their families and support networks, and our dedicated team members.
Currently, we volunteer with Shaw Cable, Saanich Recreation, Greater Victoria School District and the BC SPCA; Advisory Councils for Family Members, Home Share Providers and Self Advocates.
We are a proud, contributing member of the following groups:
– BC CEO Network
– Leadership Victoria
– Community Living Resource Fair
– Community Partnership Network of the Intercultural Association
– South Island Education Committee
– Regional and Provincial Shared Living Working Groups
– One Day Together Festival Committee
GOOD NEIGHBOURS
We are so thankful to the View Royal Fire Department, this experience was so special to us! We appreciate your hard work and dedication to keep people safe! #viewroyal #firedepartment #funexperience #welovetovolunteer
6 months ago
With the chilly weather and slipper sidewalks we experienced the ice in a different way! Thank you Q Centre for weekday entertainment! #staysafe #sportsfan #somuchfun #skipping #jumping #funisthelifeforme
7 months ago
From all of us at Good Neighbours, we hope you had a safe and happy Halloween - said best by miss Amy herself #halloween #facepainting #dressup #spookyevents #dayprogram
7 months ago
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICECREAM at Amy’s birthday bash! #icecreameveryday #iscreamforicecream #birthdaywithfriends 🎉
9 months ago
Integra believes that people with diverse abilities should have opportunities to choose their own activities. Both Good Neighbour programs are person-centred and we work together to establish specific goals that reflect individual choice and review them daily. The programs are funded by CLBC, and referrals are also made by CLBC. Good Neighbours offers the following services:
- Building personal support networks
- Social activities
- Community integration
- Recreation and promotion of good health and well being
- Volunteer opportunities
- Employment, including job development and workplace support
- Use of mainstream community resources
- Access to self-advocacy groups and training
HOST AGENCY
We assist people to create their support arrangements and find caregivers.
This means that individuals and families don’t have to take on the administrative tasks of becoming an employer. Service types may include 1 to 1 community inclusion and respite/relief within private homes.
Referrals are made by CLBC. Funding is dependent on service type allocated by CLBC.
For more information about our Host Agency Services, please contact us at 250-721-5584.
CHILD & YOUTH SERVICES
Integra also provides respite and relief services for families and caregivers referred by MCFD in one of our resource units.
The frequency of stays and visits in our Community Housing, Shelters and Respite programs depends on the unique circumstances of each child and their support network.
Our programs are funded by MCFD and referrals are made by MCFD. We provide a home environment that fosters self-confidence and the motivation to work through life’s challenges and we staff according to each child’s needs. The children and youth we support have a range of special needs including developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and challenging behaviours. They all experience varying levels of difficulty in life. We are dedicated to improving the quality of their life by creating an environment in which they receive the structure, support and encouragement needed to reduce problem behaviour, increase self-esteem, and develop social-emotional and life skills.
Each child and youth is supported in their daily living to develop skills that improve interpersonal relationships and build resilience. We partner with parents, guardians, caregivers and other professionals to ensure consistency. We understand unsafe behaviour as an expression of how unsafe a person feels, so we work to increase physical and emotional safety. Integra team members who work in the CYS programs complete SIVA training. SIVA stands for Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachment. The SIVA approach is based on proactively identifying and de-escalating disruptive behaviour before it reaches a crisis situation, utilizing the least amount of physical intervention necessary to achieve a safe condition. Focus on post-intervention helps convert unsafe behaviour incidents into positive learning experiences for everyone involved. When children and youth feel safe, they are more likely respond to guidance and redirection as well as be open to learning.
For more information, please contact Esther Gitaari at egitaari@integrasupport.ca
STAFFED LIVING
Integra Support Services provides support in staffed homes for people who live with diverse abilities.
Our homes are funded by CLBC and referrals are also made by CLBC.
Each of Integra’s staffed living homes are warm and inviting, offering a range of amenities, including:
- Spacious family rooms
- Comfortable furniture
- Large kitchens
- Modern, accessible bathrooms
- Personalized bedrooms
Integra’s staffed living homes offer personalized services, including:
- 24/7 support
- Focus on health, safety, and harmony
- Community inclusion
- Opportunities for daily activities
- Person Centred Planning that includes families
- Competent medication administration
- Respectful, caring, and skilled staff
- Accredited services and high standards
- Personalized services and Key Worker
The type of support people receive is dependent on specific needs outlined in a Person Centred Plan, Health Care Plan, and other information provided by the family or support network. The information in these plans are updated annually and include information from all available sources so as to provide the most current and accurate details.
The home environment and staffing is structured in a way that blends the preferences, lifestyle choices, and safety requirements of the residents in that home. Homes are staffed by qualified and caring individuals who are trained specifically to respond to the ever changing needs and preferences of the residents. This training includes, but is not limited to, First Aid/CPR, Medication Administration, the Art of Personal Care, Essence of Home, Developing Living Culture, and may include additional training such as SIVA.
Every home operated by Integra has a highly specialized Coordinator. The Coordinator is most often hands-on, providing direct care to the residents of the home, and a role model providing supportive guidance to the home’s team members. Staffed Living services are managed and monitored for quality assurance by the Director of Staffed Living Services who meets formally with all Coordinators to brain storm, share expertise and maintain a strong supportive team.
ELIGIBILITY
Individuals served by Integra are adults who live with a developmental disability. Integra is contracted to provide supports and services on behalf of Community Living British Columbia (CLBC). CLBC is a crown corporation that has been given legislative responsibility governing all services to persons with developmental disabilities in BC.
We also receive funding from the Ministry of Children and Family Development to support children and youth with special needs. Referrals are made through the Children and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) office of MCFD.
Youth in Transition
It is important to start preparing for the change to adulthood before you turn 19. This is called “transition planning” and can begin when you are 16.
HANDBOOKS
Access and download the latest versions of our handbooks and other publications below.
