Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What services do you offer?
R.S.A. provides the following services:
Behavioural Intervention, case management for those with a dual diagnosis involved in the Justice System, counselling for families, couples, abuse survivors, grief, and mediation.

We also provide the following assessment services:
Psychological, Geriatric, Vocational, Behaviour, Speech & Language and Psychiatric.

What does RSA do?
R.S.A. is a group of caring professionals who provide a wide range of clinical and assessment supports and services to adult individuals with an Intellectual Disability, their family, agency or support staff.

How do I make a referral?
Call 1-800-640-4108, extension 2212 and speak to the Senior Administrative Assistant who will ask you several questions.

Who can make a referral?
Anyone may make a referral to R.S.A, for themselves or on someone else’s behalf.

What is an Intellectual Disability?
An Intellectual Disability, in relation to a person over the age of five years, means a significant sub-average general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behaviour and manifested during the developmental period – before the age of 18. 

How much does service cost?
There are no fees for services offered by R.S.A.  We are funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and Ministry of Health.

Do you provide services to children?
Only in Grey and Bruce counties.

What is the age limit for service?
R.S.A. provides services to adults, age 18 and over, with the exception of Grey and Bruce counties.  In Grey and Bruce counties there are no age barriers to RSA services.

How long will it take to see someone?
This varies depending on the need at the time of referral. Our 2006 average wait time was 24 days for Clinical services and 30 days for Assessment services.  This is after and signed consent is received.

What if my call is urgent, can you help quickly?
R.S.A. will respond to urgent cases within 2 working days.  RSA will determine relative urgency at the time of first contact, based upon information made available.

What information do I need to provide for a referral?
R.S.A. requires a completed Referral Information Sheet and signed Consent at the time of referral.  The Referral Information Sheet provides RSA with information regarding the person being referred, who we are to contact and what the presenting problems are.  We cannot proceed with a referral request without a signed consent indicating that all persons involved are in agreement with the referral.  In urgent cases, the RSA clinician assigned may facilitate requisite documentation.

How can I obtain Referral and Consent forms?
Click on Referral Forms on this website. There you will be able to download the the referral and consent forms and the email address of the Senior Administrative Assistant.  You can also request forms by calling 1-800-640-2108, extension 2212.

Where do I send the completed Referral and Consent forms?
These forms can be faxed to 519-421-4249 or mailed to: Regional Support Associates, 293 Wellington St. N, Woodstock, Ontario N4S 6S4

What additional forms are needed for a referral for assessment?
There are additional forms required for an assessment, such as the BEST (Basic Eligibility Screening Tool). This can also be found on the Forms page.

What is the difference between an Intellectual Disability and a Learning Disability?
With a Learning Disability there are impairments in one or more areas related to perceiving, thinking, remembering or learning, which can create difficulties in reading, writing, math, physical coordination, self-control, or attention.  A person with a Learning Disability has normal intelligence, and thus a Learning Disability is distinct from a general Intellectual Disability.

Do you provide services in my community?
R.S.A. proves services in Oxford, Elgin, Huron, Perth, London, Middlesex, Haldimand, Norfolk, Lambton, Kent, Essex, Grey and Bruce counties.  In most cases, services are provided at your location, rather than at an RSA office.

Can you help me if I have been involved with the Justice System?
R.S.A. offers Transitional Case Management Services for those who have a dual diagnosis in contact with the justice system.  Contact 1-800-640-4108 extension 2212 for further information.