Intake & Disclosure

Before participating in the Weekend Excursion Program, every family must complete an intake assessment and provide accurate information regarding their child's medical, behavioural, communication, and support needs.

Failure to disclose significant behavioural concerns that could affect the safety of the participant or others may result in immediate removal from the program.

These expectations are in place to help ensure a safe, positive, and successful experience for every participant and to maintain the high standard of care provided by Unity Respite Services (URS).

Behaviour Expectations & Program Eligibility

Our Weekend Excursion Program is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive experience for all participants. The safety of our participants, staff, volunteers, and members of the public is our highest priority.

To ensure a safe environment during community outings, we are only currently able to support participants whose needs can be safely managed within our staffing model. At this time, we are unable to accept participants who demonstrate unsafe or high-risk behaviours that may place themselves or others at risk.

Examples of high-risk behaviours include, but are not limited to:

• Physical aggression toward others (hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, etc.)

• Violent or threatening behaviour

• Property destruction

• Attempting to leave the group without permission or supervision (elopement)

• Behaviour requiring physical intervention or restraint

• Repeated behaviours that significantly disrupt the safety of the group or the community

If a participant displays unsafe behaviour during an excursion, the following may occur:

• Parents or guardians will be contacted immediately.

• The participant may be required to be picked up from the activity as soon as reasonably possible.

• The incident will be reviewed by management.

• Continued participation in the program may be suspended or discontinued if it is determined that the program cannot safely meet the participant's support needs.