FAQ

Have a question for APSI? Look through our FAQ, or contact us.

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Some questions you may ask

What does Advocacy and Protective Services, Inc. (APSI) do?

APSI is a private, non-profit agency dedicated to protecting the rights of Ohioans with developmental disabilities.

We advocate for outcomes that promote dignity, respect, and enhanced quality of life for the persons we provide protective services to.

What standards does APSI adhere to?

APSI provides protective services pursuant to:
Supreme Court Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio Rule 66.01 – 09

Agreement Regarding Protective Services with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Ohio Revised Code 5123.55 – 59 and Chapter 2111

Ohio Administrative Code 5123:1-15-01.

What are APSI's eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for APSI services, the person MUST:
- Be eighteen years or older
- Be a resident of the State of Ohio
- Be eligible for services from a county board of developmental disabilities as determined by either the level of care (LOC) or Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI)
- Be deemed incompetent by the probate court.

Who can make a referral for APSI services?

Anyone can make a referral to APSI for services, including:
- The person in need of service;
- The probate court;
- A county board of developmental disabilities;
- An interested third party acting on behalf of the person in need of service.

How do I make a referral to APSI?

Any person or organization may make a referral to APSI by submitting a Referral Application and Needs Statement to your local APSI office. You can visit our web site at www.apsiohio.org to find the email and telephone contact for the APSI office in your area. Or you can call our administrative office Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at 1-800-282-9363.

If a person meets APSI’s eligibility criteria, does that mean APSI will provide protective services?

Not necessarily.
- APSI provides protective services as a last resort, meaning that if there is an alternative person or other entity who is willing and capable to provide protective service, then APSI will not provide service. So if a person in need of protective service has a family member, neighbor, or other person willing to be help them, APSI will not serve.
- APSI does have a wait list, and as such all eligible persons are placed on the APSI wait list according to date and time of service request.

How many people are currently on the APSI waitlist?

APSI reviews requests for services as they are received. These requests are assessed based on the urgency of need and accepted based on current regional capacity.

What if the probate court requests APSI to provide protective services?

APSI will follow the same process for the probate courts that we follow for all other referring sources.

What if the person requires immediate protective services?

The person, or third party acting on the person’s behalf, must submit in writing to APSI specifically what the immediate need is and the outcome APSI is expected to achieve. This request will be reviewed by APSI staff to determine if the protective service need is immediate. If the need is determined to be immediate, APSI will notify the person and referring party and initiate service accordingly. If the protective service need is not immediate, APSI will notify the person and / or referring party as applicable that the need is not urgent and the person is being placed on the APSI wait list.

What are some examples of when APSI is not a protective service of last resort?

If a person currently has a guardian, whether paid or volunteer, family or other, APSI is not considered the protective service of last resort and this person is considered not eligible for APSI services. If a person has a history of making poor decisions like smoking when they should not, or running away from support staff, or not following their doctor’s orders, but is competent in all other respects, then APSI will consider this person not eligible for our services. In such a case we recommend that other alternatives to protective services be explored, including educating the person as to the risks and consequences of the situation. If the support network for a person is seeking a specific outcome but the person does not want to comply, for example if the person will not go to work. APSI will not be able to ‘make’ this person work, and as such our protective services are not appropriate. For the purpose of controlling the person’s money, or paying their bills, or authorizing other financial activities. APSI does not provide guardianship of estate.

Have a question we didn’t answer?

Just let us know by emailing paige.bobbitt@apsiohio.org