Advocacy and Protective Services, Inc. is an independent organization, which advocates for outcomes that promote dignity, respect and enhanced quality of life for individual persons with developmental disabilities.

About the Agency
APSI (Advocacy & Protective Services, Inc.) is a private, non-profit agency that contracts with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to provide guardianship and protective services to individuals age 18 or older. There are 10 regional offices throughout the state and a Central Office in Columbus. APSI has 79 Protective Service Representatives, with average caseload of 60 individuals. Approximately 4660 individuals are represented by APSI.

Eligibility for Services
To be eligible for guardianship or protective services from APSI (according to the Ohio Revised Code section 5123.55-59) a person must:

• Reside in Ohio
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have a developmental disability and be eligible for county board of dd services
• Have a "presenting" problem or situation requiring protective services.
• Be found incompetent to make informed decisions

If an individual or entity believes immediate action is required to prevent significant injury, contact the probate court to request an emergency guardianship pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 2111.02(A) (3). APSI cannot make this request for you, but if the court agrees with you that an emergency guardianship is necessary, APSI will accept the court's appointment as an emergency guardian.

How Services are provided
The agency is appointed guardian by the Probate Court throughout Ohio. APSI utilizes the "Best Interest" Standard in decision making for the individuals served. APSI Program staff act on behalf of the agency to provide informed consent and to advocate for appropriate services and supports for the individuals served by APSI.

Consent to Release Information
APSI must give consent to release information to any other party regarding individuals served. This includes to county boards of developmental disabilities, residential providers, family members or anyone not affiliated with APSI.

Informed Consent for Medical Treatment
In case of a medical emergency first seek medical care for the individual, and then call APSI to obtain consent.

When there is a planned medical procedure contact the local APSI office and ask to speak to the protective services representative or his/her supervisor to obtain informed consent for the medical procedures.

APSI must be contacted for medical procedures requiring consent. If the individual is a legal ward of APSI, no one other than APSI staff have authority to consent on behalf of the individual

APSI Guiding Principles
Advocacy and Protective Services, Inc. believes that each person has a fundamental claim to have their rights and dignity recognized, respected and protected.

• APSI believes each person is a unique individual.
• APSI believes not everyone needs a guardian.
• APSI considers guardianship a rights restriction that should be used sparingly.
• APSI believes families and others personally connected to the individual should serve as guardian; APSI is the guardian of last resort.
• APSI utilizes the principle of "Best Interest" when making decisions on behalf of individuals.
• APSI promotes health and well being through preventive measures.
• APSI advocates for an individual's wants, needs, preferences and desires.
• APSI promotes free will and self-direction whenever possible.
• APSI promotes the least restrictive form of protective services to meet the needs of the individual.
• APSI recognizes that restrictions on individual rights may be a necessary part of guardianship as a means to protect people.