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OAP Urgent Response Services
Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm details on the official page.
If your child is in crisis right now
Contact the urgent response lead organization in your area. You do not need a referral. They will reach out within 2 business days to start an intake assessment. Check the official page below for the phone number in your region.
Urgent Response is free short term crisis support for OAP registered families. If your child has high risk behavior that started or got significantly worse in the last 14 days, you can get up to 12 weeks of direct support. You do not need a Core Clinical invitation. This is not a long term therapy stream.
When should I use Urgent Response Services
When your child or youth is showing high risk behavior that started or worsened in the last 14 days and you need help now. You must be registered with the Ontario Autism Program.
- Aggression, property destruction, or self injury
- Suicidal behavior
- Fire setting or harm to animals
- Risk of exploitation
- Inappropriate sexual behavior or flight risk
14 day window
The behavior must have started or worsened in the last 14 days. If you are past that window but still dealing with a serious situation, call anyway. The lead organization can help you figure out what services are available.
What does Urgent Response provide
Direct services for up to 12 weeks. This is not funding to purchase your own supports. A clinical team works with your family directly. It does not interrupt any other OAP services you are already receiving.
- Short term interdisciplinary consultation from a clinical team
- Time limited respite to give your family immediate relief
- Service navigation to connect you with other resources
- Direct support to help implement behavior intervention strategies at home
You can use Urgent Response alongside Core Clinical, Foundational Family Services, or any other OAP service. It is additional crisis support layered on top of what you already have.
How do I access Urgent Response Services
Contact the lead organization in your region directly. You do not need a referral, though your care coordinator or clinician can also make one for you.
- Contact the lead organization in your region. You can call them directly.
- They contact you within 2 business days. The lead organization will reach out to start the intake process.
- A team assesses the situation and puts together a support plan based on what your family needs right now.
- Services begin. Support continues for up to 12 weeks depending on your situation.
What to have ready when you call
- What behavior you are seeing
- When it started or worsened (within the last 14 days)
- Your child's OAP registration status
- Any other services your child is currently receiving
Regional lead organizations
Five regional organizations coordinate urgent response across Ontario. Check the official page below for the current list and contact information for your area.
What mistakes do families make with Urgent Response
Official source
This guide is based on publicly available government information. Always verify with the official page:
ontario.ca: OAP Urgent Response Services (opens in new tab)Last verified against official source: April 2026
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What to do next
Sign up for Foundational Family Services
Free ongoing workshops and support for OAP families. Available now, no invitation needed. Use alongside or after Urgent Response.
See how to sign up for FFS →
Make sure you are registered for Core Clinical
Your place in line starts the day you register. If you have not registered yet, do it now so you are moving toward longer term support.
See how to register for Core Clinical →
See what else to do while waiting
Full guide to programs and actions available while waiting for Core Clinical. Do not spend the wait doing nothing.
Read the While You Wait guide →
Not sure what other programs may apply?
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