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Case Management

Case Management is a collaborative process to assess, plan, implement, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the options and services required to meet the individual's service needs.

In the case management role, the APSW facilitates the achievement of individual wellness and autonomy through advocacy, skills assessment, planning, communication, education, resource management and service facilitation. Planning and service facilitation are based on the needs and values of the individual who has a developmental disability. The results of the needs assessment (Supports Intensity Scale) from the individual's application for the adult developmental services and supports can provide guidance for the APSW.

The underlying premise of sound case management is that everyone benefits when people who have a developmental disability reach their optimum level of self- management and functional capability.

The role of the APSW as a case manager is to meet regularly with adults who have a developmental disability to identify and access the necessary supports and services appropriate to their needs. The APSW's objective is to help people access generic community services wherever possible, and to support people in applying for government-funded and operated services to address individuals’ needs.

The process should begin with a person-centered planning approach to develop, implement and maintain an Individual Support Plan (ISP) with and for the individual. The ISP is to be developed jointly between the adult who has a developmental disability and the APSW . The ISP must promote the concepts of choice, individualized services and supports, consumer satisfaction and build on the strength and abilities of individuals. The functions of the APSW may include (but are not limited to):

  • Monitoring and assisting with revisions to the Individual Support Plan (ISP)
  • Facilitating community access and inclusion (i.e. locating or developing opportunities, providing information about resources, etc.)
  • Assisting with completing the appropriate applications for services in the community.
  • Monitoring the provision of services to individuals including activities such as interviews and monitoring visits with the individual and service provider.
  • Engaging in activities aimed at building capacity in the broader community.
  • Maintaining current, accurate, complete and timely documentation of progress in the individual’s agency records.

Supporting the individual to contact their local DSO organization as necessary, for example, if the individual plans to move away from the APSW agency's service area, or their needs change and they request other Ministry-funded adult developmental services and supports.

Limitations on the Role of the Adult Protective Service Worker

Participation in the APSW program is strictly voluntary. The APSW cannot compel an unwilling or disinterested individual to accept the services of the program or advice from the APSW.

APSW's do not have a mandate to provide care or to compel compliance to treatment or to other recommended support services. While the APSW can assist people in making healthy and safe decisions, ultimately the final decision belongs to the adult who has a developmental disability and who is capable of making those decisions.

Situations that require direct observation of an individual after medical treatment or care, assistance with medical treatment, enforcement of treatment guidelines or orders, or other more intrusive or intensive measures fall beyond the scope of what the APSW is mandated to provide. The APSW does not serve in a guardianship or power of attorney capacity for the individuals they support and does not make personal care or financial/property decisions on their behalf.

In addition, the Adult Protective Service Worker cannot assume legal responsibility for the adult or supervise their children.