VAW Forum Service System Collaboration & Accountability Implementation Team

The functions of the Service System Collaboration and Accountability Implementation Team are as follows:

1. Promote enhanced collaboration with the child welfare service system partners by pursuing opportunities to increase awareness of and responsiveness to women experiencing violence and their children.
2. Identify and pursue mutual opportunities between Ontario Works and the VAW sector to strengthen partnerships.
3. Initiate a dialogue with representatives of the legal services and court systems and the VAW service system to explore opportunities and implement strategies to promote a more collaborative approach to strengthen the service system accountability to women experiencing violence and their children.
4. Explore opportunities with education sector partners to increase awareness of women experiencing violence and their children, within the context of current provincial initiatives.
5. Enhance partnerships with health sector partners to improve access and outcomes for women experiencing violence who have mental health and addiction challenges.

Team Members:

• Sly Castaldi [1] (chair), Executive Director, Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
• Susan Jewett, Executive Director, Burlington Counselling & Family Services
• Leslie Josling, Executive Director, KW Counselling Services
• Diane Beaulieau, Executive Director, Halton Women's Place
• Lynette Pole-Langdon, Manager, Family Transition Place
• Ilda Gizas, Program Supervisor, Ministry of Community and Social Services