Urgent Adult Protective Services Support Still Available as New Provider Sought
Bruce Grey Child & Family Services no longer offers case management, but clarifies that crisis calls are being triaged during transition.
In a statement released April 16, Bruce Grey Child & Family Services (BGCFS) confirmed that while ongoing case management has ended, urgent support for Adult Protective Services (APS) clients in Grey and Bruce counties is still available.
The update follows the formal closure of BGCFS’s APS program on March 31, 2025. The agency reiterated that it is no longer providing full case management services, but that it continues to triage emergency calls at 519-372-2526 or 1-877-552-4453.
“While ongoing case management services are no longer through BGCFS, we remain committed to supporting the Ministry and the new host organization in this important and critical work,” the agency stated. “Urgent support for APS service users is available by contacting BGCFS.”
According to the April 16 statement, a temporary tri-party plan is in place involving BGCFS, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and Participation Lodge Grey Bruce (PLGB) to assist individuals with immediate needs during the transition.
The Ministry has not yet announced a new provider for long-term APS delivery, but said it is working to “secure a corporate home.” The Ministry has also confirmed it is actively managing the transition and coordinating with local partners to minimize service disruption.
What Has Changed?
Until March 31, BGCFS delivered APS in Grey and Bruce counties, supporting more than 170 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program provided advocacy, housing support, service navigation, life skills assistance, and safeguards against abuse and exploitation.
In a February 26 letter, BGCFS’s Board of Directors confirmed the decision to end its role in APS delivery, citing unsustainable funding and a need to refocus on its child welfare mandate. The Ministry was notified of the decision on January 27.
BGCFS said it spent 18 months engaging with other organizations in an effort to transition the program, including Community Living, CAMH, Keystone, and Developmental Services Ontario. None were able to assume responsibility for APS under existing funding terms. All APS staff at BGCFS were reassigned within the organization, and there were no layoffs.
Concerns from the Community
The closure has sparked concern from local advocates and service providers. Jennifer Miller, Executive Director of the REACH Centre Grey Bruce, warned in a public letter earlier this month that the end of APS creates serious risks for vulnerable adults and adds strain to emergency and crisis response services.
“This gap created by terminating this service not only places an undue strain on our emergency responders and victim services,” she wrote, “but also leaves some of the most vulnerable members of our society without proper care and advocacy.”
Miller also raised questions about how legal responsibilities under the Adult Protection Act and other legislation will be carried out without a designated APS structure in place.
In their April 16 statement, BGCFS noted, “The contract to provide services was not sustainable and efforts to correct that funding had been underway for several years. The challenges experienced in the program are felt in other communities, not just Bruce and Grey.”
They explained that the challenges were shared “well in advance of the contract ending,” and said that formal notice to end the contract was provided months before its conclusion.
What Community Members Need to Know
Case management has ended. BGCFS no longer provides ongoing support through APS workers.
Emergency support is available. Urgent calls are being triaged by BGCFS at 519-372-2526 or 1-877-552-4453.
A new provider is being sought. The Ministry is working to secure a permanent agency to take over the program, but no timeline has been given.
Transition support is in place. Participation Lodge Grey Bruce is assisting the Ministry and BGCFS with immediate needs during this period.
Those with questions are advised to contact BGCFS Executive Director, Julie Lipsett, at julie.lipsett@bgcfs.ca.
Owen Sound Current will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.