Functions, Products and Services

• 1. Information, Knowledge Exchange & Dissemination

  • respond to individual requests for information which will be centralized and tracked and targeted to improve effectiveness and responsiveness
  • create an inventory of "what works" resources, programs, interventions, etc. which builds on documented experiences of the initial FOCUS projects
  • assess resources as to their appropriateness to FOCUS communities' needs and develop a dissemination plan
  • monitor, collect, synthesize and disseminate relevant new research, including best practices, effective resources, emerging trends, etc.
  • produce an annual report based on the FOCUS communities operational plans

  2. Networking

  • host an annual networking event which will provide an opportunity for professional development
  • create a listserv to ensure the establishment of an identifiable "FOCUS Community Network" of resource contacts
  • establish a technology inventory to identify long and short term networking priorities
  • set up virtual links between FOCUS sites
  • identify "what worked for us" resources and create an inventory while building on the existing experiences of the initial FOCUS project
  • provide/facilitate opportunities for regional and provincial networking
  • identify and provide linkages to Health Units and Injury Prevention programs create a quarterly newsletter develop a mentoring network

  3. Training

  • conduct provincial and regional training needs assessments
  • develop a training strategy based on available resources and drawing on partners and others in the provincial Resource Centre system
  • identify professional development needs for Resource Centre staff and partners
  • host an annual FOCUS networking/professional development event
  • develop a collaborative training strategy with CAMH for community program consultants

  4. Consultation

  • provide local support and consultation to FOCUS communities as requested through CAMH's local community consultants
  • provide consultation services in a variety of formats to meet the needs of the FOCUS coalitions while being cost effective and manageable
  • develop an inventory of expertise by skill/function
  • provide additional consultation services through other partners and members of the resource centre system