English Français
top of site link
Image12

Advocacy & Protective Services (APS)

title shadow image

The mandate of the Advocacy & Protective Services Program (APS) is to assist individuals with a developmental disability to live independently in their chosen community. APS workers engage directly with the individual through a person-centered, supportive approach to do the following:

  • Provide advocacy, crisis intervention, and case management to support independent living
  • Develop, implement, and maintain an Individual Support Plan (ISP)
  • Support the individual in identifying personal strengths and needs to support social inclusion
  • Inform the individual of their legal rights
  • Assist the individual in identifying and developing a network of informal supports within the community (e.g. mentors, friends, extended family, etc.)
  • Provide voluntary trusteeship services to assist with budgeting for necessary expenditures (e.g. rent, food, clothing, etc.)

The APS workers collaborate with community-based partners to ensure the rights of individuals with a developmental disability are respected. Supports and advocacy are also provided to assist with legal or housing issues that may arise. In addition, APS workers provide service navigation to youth entering the adult developmental services sector.

How Do I Access Service/Make a Referral?

  • To access the Advocacy & Protective Services Program, please contact Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) – (519) 963-1891 or toll free: 1 (855) 437-6797. For more information on how to apply, please visit DSOntario.ca.

Additional Information

The Advocacy & Protective Services Program is funded through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Once your DSO referral has been received, our APS workers will be pleased to provide service to you in your location of choice. This may include your personal residence, a public setting (such as a library), or at our office at 50 Adelaide Street South in Chatham. We take pride in offering choice and delivering service in an atmosphere of respect.