VIDEO: Agency for kids with developmental challenges to shut down

There's a big shake-up for kids with developmental needs in the Central Okanagan.

For decades, Kelowna area parents with kids with developmental challenges have brought them to a place called Starbright.

But the not-for-profit facility is set to close now that the province is moving to a new service delivery model.

In its place, the Ministry of Children and Family Development will be opening a 12,000 sq. ft. family connection centre at Kelowna's Capri Centre.

Unlike Starbright which specialized in children aged six and under, the new centre will look after the needs of children right to the age of 18.

Winning the bid to manage the centre is Kelowna's Arc Programs, and director Shane Picken can't wait to get started.

"We've been here for 30 years, we know the services in this community, and we have good collaborative relationships with service providers," said Picken.

But Starbright is in a state of shock after being shut out of the program after 57 years in Kelowna.

The organization sees approximately a thousand families a year.

"We did not find out until it was publicly announced on Jan 5," said board chairperson Carol Meise. "It was a devastating day."

Meise said there has been no direction to ease the stress of the transition for the families affected.

"These are vulnerable families and children who have their hands full. They do not need the stress of not knowing where their services are going to go."

Kelowna City Councillor Mohini Singh had a family member who benefitted from the work that goes on at Starbright, and she's worked on fundraisers for the facility over the years.

"What a waste of taxpayers' money," said Singh. "This is a place that the community has bought into and to have it taken away is just a colossal mistake."

Picken admits that some young people may find the change difficult, but he's excited about what lies ahead.

"Some kids may have a challenge in doing that transition, but parents shouldn't be worried that they're not going to get the services," he said.

Picken points out that it will be children already enrolled in programs at places like Starbright that will be the first in the door at the family connection centre.

In particular, he's pleased to see that parents will be free to decide for themselves whether their child needs some extra help.

"There is going to be a greater array of services," Picken said, "and it will be needs-based services so they're not going to have to have a pre-diagnosis in order to be eligible for services."

Kelowna is one of four population centres in the province to be among the first to establish a family connection centre.

Their aim is to offer the full array of therapies, interventions, supports and services to children, youth and their families.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development describes it as an expansion of services and reassures clients at Starbright that they will be looked after.

"Any family currently accessing services through Starbright," said the ministry in an email to KelownaNow, "will have the option to access supports and services through ARC Program."

The province is referring to it as a "pilot project".

Services wrap up at Starbright this spring.

Similar centres are being established in Terrace, the North Coast and the Bulkley Valley.