Urgent Response Services

Warning

Immediate danger or crisis

If this is an emergency or someone is in immediate danger or thinking of suicide – call 911 or go to your nearest hospital. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call a crisis helpline.

Urgent response services do not:

  • provide 24/7 support
  • replace emergency or crisis supports.

Urgent Response Service Program (URS) in the Ontario Autism Program. Who is eligible and how to apply by Corinna Bittle.

https://share.vidyard.com/watch/qFz3JUj9bf8xHuSRCYN486

bitKIDS supports families in KW Region enrolled in the Ontario Autism Program: Urgent Response Service for children on the OAP waitlist who are experiencing specific, high-risk challenges, such as elopement.

URS might be for you if:

Your child has any of the high-risk factors and you are ready to receive support and work with your child within the program.

Eligibility

  • Registered in the OAP
  • Under 18
  • New or recently escalated behaviour

High-risk behaviours include:

  • Aggression
  • Property Destruction
  • Violent Thinking
  • Fire Setting
  • Harm to Animals
  • Risk of exploitation
  • Self-injurious behaviour
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviour
  • Flight risk

Important:

  • This service is available while you are on the OAP waitlist AND after you have received funding.
  • There is no cost to you to participate
  • 12 week program (after assessment)
  • A parent or caregiver MUST attend all sessions. This is a mediator model and is designed to give caregivers the skills they need to support the individual.

How to access the program:

Self-refer to your local URS provider. In Kitchener, this will be Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre.

The first step is to contact them and they will determine eligibility. From there you will be connected with a service provider and will begin the assessment process and then more into the 12 week program.