Community Participation Supports

Community Participation Supports (CPS)

Community Participation Supports (CPS) is an individualized strength-based approach to providing person-directed planning for inclusive community participation. There are two programs available under this umbrella, ‘Passport Administration Services’ and ‘Foundations Huron’.

Passports Administration Services

Passport is a program that helps adults be involved in their communities and live as independently as possible by providing funding for community participation services and supports, activities of daily living, and person-directed planning.

• Recipients of Ministry Passport funding can choose to either self-direct their funds or work with an agency of their choice to assist them in managing their individualized funding.
• Passport Administration Services (PAS) assists people who have Ministry Passport Funding to create a person-directed plan for community participation.

Who can participate?

Adults who are 18 years of age or older who receive Passport funding.

How to get involved:

Call the Manager of Community Participation Supports at 519-524-7362 Ext. 213.

Meet with the Manager to discuss:

• Developing a plan and budget.
• Choosing your supports.
• Creating ideas for community connections.

Why Choose Us?

You will receive assistance to:

• Understand the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) Passport guidelines including recent changes to admissible expenses.
• Assistance in creating a person-directed community participation plan.
• Reviewing your plan, budget, and supports to reflect changes in your life.
• Assistance in recruiting, screening, and making connections with self-employed contract workers/Community Mentors.
• Assistance in drafting a support agreement between yourself and your Community Mentor.
• Providing reimbursement to your Community Mentor every month.
• Processing requests for reimbursement and invoices for eligible expenses based on your plan.
• Monitoring your dollars/budget to ensure spending is in line with your plan and providing quarterly reports to you.
• Acting as a resource to various questions that may arise.

What is the cost?

A 10% fee on the total amount of Passport funding that Passport Administration Services administers for you will be charged.

Who will provide support?

Individuals in receipt of Passport funding choose their Community Mentor.  The Community Mentor provides 1:1 support to work towards individualized goals to build skills, and independence and to connect to natural supports in the community.  A Community Mentor’s role is to assist adults to serve in valued social roles.

Passport Funding Eligibility

Eligibility for Ministry Passport funding is determined by Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-437-6797 

Foundations Huron

An innovative service that provides the opportunity for young adults who are exiting the secondary school system to make a successful transition from high school to adult life in their community.  It provides planning, encouragement, and support to develop choices about future life directions.

Who can participate?

• Adults with a developmental disability who are experiencing transition and require planning support to meet personal goals.
• Individuals and families who are willing to plan an active role in the transition process.
• Individuals residing in Huron County.
• All service requests must go through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-437-6797.

How will Foundations Huron Work?

• Person-Directed Planning assists adults in having their voice to gain control of their lives and achieve their dreams.
• Implementation of 1:1 time-limited and goal-oriented support by a Community Mentor.
• Community collaboration and partnership.
• Development of a personalized ‘Exit Plan’.

What are the Benefits?

• Setting and achieving personal goals.
• Acquiring further education, personal development, and life skills.
• Increasing social, volunteer and employment opportunities.
• Strengthening ties, meeting new friends and building natural support.
• Self-advocacy and leadership training.

Who will provide support?

Foundations Huron staff works with individuals and their families to facilitate person-directing, planning, and support.  A Community Mentor is chosen by the individual to provide 1:1 support to work towards their goals; build skills, and independence and connect to natural supports in the community.  A Community Mentor’s role is to assist adults to serve in valued social roles.

Foundations Huron Support Model

Education and Training Opportunities:

• Foundations staff facilitates training focusing on a wide range of topics.  We continue to partner with community members and organizations to provide inclusive learning opportunities.  Refer to our Community Participation Supports Facebook page for information on upcoming training and workshop opportunities.
• “Voices”:  A self-advocacy training designed to provide individuals the tools and confidence to speak up for themselves and recognize their rights.  topics include respect/trust, communication/personal rights, building relationships, teamwork/diversity, and friendship/empathy.
• “Tough Talk”:  Participants learn and expand their knowledge of various topics including self-care, healthy sexuality, dating, internet safety, and the legal system.

Sample CPS Mentor Invoice 2022