News for Community Living Welland Pelham

If your family is in crisis or confused, you can speak up to the Ontario Ombudsman….

Ontario Ombudsman’s Invitation To Speak Up For Adults Who Are At Risk or In Crisis
If you are among the many Ontario people living with disabilities and their families who are still waiting for the kind of supports and services that you need, the Ontario Ombudsman offers a good chance to speak up. Starting in mid-November 2012 the Ombudsman announced a six-month investigation into the adequacy of services and the responsiveness of the Ministry and its agencies. We are halfway through that period, so don’t delay if you want your concerns to be included. People who contacted the Ombudsman’s office have reported relief in reaching good, sympathetic listeners.

As of February 28, the Ombudsman’s Office has received 487 complaints – 424 of those since the investigation was announced on November 29, 2012. The investigation will continue for the next three months.

Ontario Ombudsman André Marin and his staff are investigating Ontario’s services for adults with developmental disabilities who are in crisis situations. In the past few months some desperate families have gone public with complaints about their loved ones being at risk because there was nowhere to care for them. The increase in complaints indicates there may be a systemic problem so that a broader investigation is warranted…

Mr Marin also notes that the Auditor-General of Ontario’s report last year found that there is inadequate Ministry oversight of the $472 million it transfers to agencies providing services for people with developmental disabilities. “My investigation will build on that, and determine whether the Ministry is doing all it can to respond to crisis situations, and providing access to services in a fair and equitable manner,” he said.  “It’s about timely response to crisis situations. It’s about making sure people who need help are not left without supports or homes.”