Urgent Response Services

As part of the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), Urgent Response Service (URS) provides time-limited services and support for up to 12 weeks to respond rapidly to a specific, identified need to stabilize and prevent crisis and reduce the risk of farm to self, others, and/or property.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Urgent Response Services, you/ your child must be:

  • Registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
  • Experiencing one or more key high-risk factors that:
    • Have started or worsened in the last 14 days
    • Can be supported by OAP Urgent Response Services

High-risk factors may include:

  • Aggression
  • Property destruction
  • Violent thinking
  • Fire setting
  • Harm to animals
  • Risk of exploitation
  • Self-injurious behaviour
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviour
  • Flight risk

Accessing the Urgent Response Service

The lead agency for URS in southwestern Ontario is Hotel-Dieu-Grace Healthcare (HDGH). Families can self-refer or can be referred by a clinician, care coordinator, or other service provider by contacting HDGH at:

OAP Urgent Response Services do not:

  • Provide 24/7 supports
  • Replace emergency or crisis supports

If this is an emergency or someone is in immediate danger or thinking of suicide – call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.