Durham Connect

Durham Connect is Durham Region's Situation Table, a collaborative approach that brings together organizations from sectors such as health care, social services, housing, education, justice, emergency response and community services to support people experiencing acutely elevated risk of harm. When a situation meets the criteria for acutely elevated risk, participating agencies work together to connect individuals with the supports they need within 24 to 48 hours. 

Led by the Regional Municipality of Durham and Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), Durham Connect is part of Durham Region's Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan. The initiative supports the shared vision of helping residents feel safe, connected and supported, with access to the services and resources they need to thrive. 

Many people facing complex challenges require support from multiple organizations. Durham Connect provides a structured process for agencies to work together, share limited information in accordance with legislation, and co-ordinate timely responses when urgent action is needed. By connecting people to the right services at the right time, partners can help reduce the risk of harm and prevent situations from escalating into crisis. 

Durham Connect also strengthens collaboration among community organizations. Through shared problem-solving and a collective response to risk, partners can improve service co-ordination, identify service gaps and better understand emerging issues affecting communities across Durham Region. 

Durham Connect does not replace  existing programs or case management services. Instead, it complements the work already being done by community agencies by providing a way to quickly bring together the right partners when a situation requires an immediate, co-ordinated response. 

Operating principles are the practices that guide how community safety and well-being partners work together, make decisions and deliver supports to address risks, strengthen communities and improve outcomes for residents.

These operating principles guide decision-making by providing a consistent set of criteria for setting priorities, assessing options and determining appropriate actions.

Durham Connect Situation Table operating principles:

Holistically address the complex and interrelated factors that influence overall community safety and well-being.

Develop intervention plans that are balanced, culturally appropriate, and well-integrated across the spectrum of prevention, integration, rehabilitation and restoration.

Develop intervention plans that address situations of acutely elevated risk that are sustainable and incremental.

Support community-based efforts that advance local capacity, local ownership, and local responsibility for community safety and well-being.

Develop resources, training and other assets to reduce levels of acutely elevated risk in Durham Region.

Embed a continuing focus on measurable outcomes and results.

Respect the privacy of individuals and families by using the four-filter process of information sharing and by abiding by all Ontario privacy legislation and guidelines.

Durham Connect members include organizations that provide health, education, social, family and justice-related services. Member organizations support the Situation Table model and may assign staff to participate in interventions when needed. Representatives must have the authority to make decisions and mobilize resources on behalf of their organization.

Regular members are organizations that participate in weekly situation table meetings and provide services in Durham Region. Ad hoc members participate on an as-needed basis.

For information about Durham Connect Situation Table membership, please refer to the Membership section of the handbook.

Organizations interested in joining Durham Connect should contact the Co-Chairs at situationtable@durham.ca to discuss their interest and suitability for membership.