Notice Regarding Assessments for Developmental Services and Supports
At the request of The Community and Developmental Services Branch of the Ministry of Community and Social Services, we are providing the following information for our Psychological Associate and non-doctoral Psychologist members who conduct assessments for individuals applying for developmental services and supports.
NOTICE
Assessments for Developmental Services and SupportsNew eligibility criteria for adult developmental services and supports are set out in the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 and Ontario Regulation 276/10. The Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 is being proclaimed in phases and the new eligibility criteria came into force on July 1, 2011.
All applicants start their application process at a Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) organization where staff review documentation from psychological reports to confirm eligibility for services and supports. There are nine Developmental Services Ontario organizations across the province. Individuals applying for developmental services and supports are now required to have a psychological assessment prepared by a psychologist or psychological associate.
The Ministry of Community and Social Services has published a Confirmation of Eligibility policy directive outlining the procedures used by Developmental Services Ontario organizations to confirm whether an individual is eligible for Ministry-funded adult developmental services and supports. If you are planning to conduct these types of assessments in your practice, it would be helpful for you to be familiar with the legislation and regulations and to be aware of the information that Developmental Services Ontario staff require to confirm eligibility.
If you have questions or wish further information please contact the Developmental Services Ontario organization in your area. For a list of the nine DSOs, please click here.
Links to Resources:
Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008
Ontario Regulation 276/10
Confirmation of Eligibility for Ministry-Funded Adult Developmental Services and Supports Policy Directive
Developmental Services Ontario website