PAS ASSP SPORT ORT PR PROPO POSED SED CHANGES NGES and CONC NCER ERNS NS
Purpose of this meeting • Brief history • Talk about some proposed changes to the system • What some of the current issues are • Determine next steps
Ask Questions even though we do not have all of the answers
Two types of PASSPORT Passport Respite Personal Development and Growth (RPD&G) What was once called SSAH for adults (SSAH for Children is still in existence) Passport Community Participation Supports (CPS) Individualized funding that some people have received
MERGING OF BOTH PASSPORT’S With the merging of the SSAH and Passport programs , MCSS has stated that changes are needed to: Align eligibility and access requirements for the Passport program with requirements in the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 ; Address the differences between the two programs; and Clarify and increase accountability for funding.
FROM MCSS As you know, effective April 1, 2012, SSAH became a program solely supporting children. Children currently receiving SSAH funding (excluding those who will turn 18 next fiscal year) will receive a letter from the ministry in the near future advising them that they have been automatically approved for SSAH in 2013/14, at the same level of funding as in 2012/13. These recipients will not be required to submit an SSAH renewal application for 2013/14.
FROM MCSS SSAH recipients with a developmental disability who will turn 18 between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014 have received a prorated SSAH funding approval to their 18 th birthday. These individuals are required to apply through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), and have their eligibility confirmed, should they wish to be considered for ministry-funded adult developmental services and supports, including Passport.
FROM MCSS Adults with a developmental disability who were SSAH recipients, and transitioned to the Passport program in 2011/12 and 2012/13, will receive one additional year of Passport transition funding , to March 31, 2014. Communication of this extended approval is underway from Contact Hamilton, HNR’s Passport Agency.
PROPOSED DIRECTION Passport program funding would normally be used to hire a support worker to help the individual access and participate in community-based activities. Without this support, the individual would not be able to access and participate in these activities on their own. Passport program funding should not be used to purchase goods, services, or fees associated with entertainment, recreation, sports, hobbies, etc. The ministry will provide a list of admissible and inadmissible expenditures to be clear about what can and cannot be approved.
PROPOSED DIRECTION Caregiver respite will become available as a support under the Passport program. Respite is to be primarily a benefit for the individual with a developmental disability to help him or her to achieve their goals and outcomes. Indirect respite supports would not be admissible expenditures.
PROPOSED DIRECTION CLWP has been made aware that as a result of complaints from the Individualized Funding Coalition for Ontario, Community Living Ontario, and other stakeholders that the Ministry has released the following statement “ the Ministry is now reconsidering its approach to the Passport guidelines, particularly allowable expenses under the program, to respond to some of the concerns that were raised."
PROPOSED DIRECTION DSO will monitor expenditures against the approved planned usage on a quarterly basis; The individual/family will submit quarterly reports to the DSO for review, approval and/or reimbursement; The individual/family retains all invoices and receipts for a period of time; and DSO conducts random and risk-based audits. A business process with checks and balances, to ensure that Passport funds are used as planned. In the event of deliberate misuse of Passport funding, action will be taken, including removing a person from the program and/or requiring that the misused funds be repaid.
CONCERNS Current ODSP income support levels that many rely on do not typically provide enough income to allow a person the money needed to participate in community activities after housing, food and other essential expenses have been addressed.
CONCERNS Adults who receive SSAH funding have been allowed to access ODSP Employment Supports. People have not, however, been allowed to access both Passport and ODSP Employment Supports and the Ministry appears to be maintaining this restriction for Passport
CONCERNS Given that many people who have an intellectual disability remain in school after their 18 th birthday, some until they are 21, they could experience a significant delay in their eligibility for Passport funding This will be particularly true for those who previously received SSAH funding and were reliant on the supports provided
WHAT WE KNOW There is a wait list for PASSPORT funding There is a waitlist for SSAH (Children) No new money has been allocated for either
WHAT WE KNOW We have been told that the actual new guidelines that the Ministry will develop will not be finalized until this February. At that time the guidelines will first be shared with the DSO in order that they can fully comprehend the changes and potential effects and to develop appropriate systems for the change
WHAT WE KNOW • It is expected that the changes will be shared will families and agencies sometime in the end of February or early March • It is anticipated that the changes will be effective April 1, 2013
OMBUDSMAN The Ontario Ombudsman is investigating the province’s system for adults with Developmental Disabilities in crisis.
Questions and Next Steps
Thank You
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