Funding boost to Ontario Autism Program will help children and families in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston
Funding will help more children access clinical services through the Ontario Autism Program
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The Ontario government is investing more than $37 million over the next two years in 100 public and private autism service providers across the province to help more children and families access clinical services in the Ontario Autism Program. This investment includes funding for ConnectWell Community Health.
“Children with autism and their families deserve real support, so I’m proud to say that our government is listening and taking action,” said John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “Investments in our riding and throughout Ontario will help autism service providers build and retain stable, skilled teams that will allow more families to access the services they need close to home.”
Service providers are receiving funding through the Ontario Autism Program’s workforce capacity fund. This fund provides two-year grants ranging from $50,000 to $400,000 in value to help providers hire new staff, increase staff hours, train employees, invest in technology, and reach rural and remote communities.
ConnectWell Community Health will receive a 2-year grant totalling $400,000.
“ConnectWell Community Health is thrilled to be a recipient of the Workforce Capacity Fund for 2025-2027. There is a significant need in our community for Ontario Autism Program core clinical services. These funds will assist families in navigating and accessing local services to support their child’s development.” – Leslie Green, Director of Developmental Services, ConnectWell Community Health
Children’s Wellness Centre-Cataraqui, the Maltby Centre and Stride Academy in Kingston also received funding.
“Protecting Ontario starts by safeguarding the province’s most vulnerable and ensuring that all children are provided with opportunities to achieve lifelong success,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Autism service providers do an incredible job of helping children and youth reach their full potential. Our government is proud to work with them to make it easier for more families to access timely, local supports tailored to their needs.”
Funding for local service providers through the workforce capacity fund is part of the province’s total investment in the Ontario Autism Program. Since 2019, Ontario has more than doubled the program’s annual budget, bringing it to a total of $779 million with the addition of a $175 million investment through Budget 2025. This new investment will continue to support the enrolment of children and youth in core clinical services.
The workforce capacity fund is one initiative under the OAP capacity action plan. The province prioritizes applications that support families and service providers in northern, rural and remote communities, as well as francophone and Indigenous families recognizing the unique challenges these groups face.
