The Family Support Program provides individual services and supports to families that include a child with severe disabilities. The Program recognizes that meeting the needs of children who have severe disabilities may place hardships on a family's emotional, physical, and financial resources.
The Program offers:
- information and help in finding service programs and maximizing community resources
- limited funding to buy needed services and good that can't be bought through other sources
- help in linking families with other families to strengthen natural supports
Program Guidelines
The foundation of the Family Support Program is the belief that parents of children who have severe disabilities know best what they need.
Family Support Coordinators and parents work together to develop an individualized service plan for each family. Home modifications, transportation, specialized equipment, nursing care, and respite are examples of items and services the Family Support Program can help the family purchase.
How does the Program work?
Families apply for services through their local Family Support Program. The application process includes an eligibility determination and a needs assessment. Information is gathered from a variety of sources which may include interviews with the family, educational records, and medical history.
Once eligibility has been determined, a Family Support Coordinator schedules a home visit with the family. Together the family and coordinator develop a service plan that addresses the family's unique situation, identifying support needs and setting priorities.
As the service plan is developed, all supports available to the family are explored. Formal supports include medical, social services, educatyional, and funding resources. Informal supports include friends, family, neighbors and community groups, businesses or organizations.
In addition, the Family Support Coordinator may help families learn about and use services in their community, help coordinate services, and advocate on behalf of the child and family.
Who's eligible?
Families are eligible for services if they have a child with a severe disability, under the age of 21, and living at home. A severe disability is a physical, mental or emotional limitation which seriously restricts the child's ability to carry out basic dailiy living activities such as self-care, learning communication, mobility and self-direction.
Although family income is not a basis for eligiblity, cost-sharing may be required on a sliding fee scale.
