Community Developmental Services

Family Support Services help families who have a child or adult with developmental disabilities at home.  Services are designed to improve the quality of life for the entire family, and to maintain each family's right to identify their own needs and to direct how supports are provided.  Rather than expecting families to fit in to an existing program, we work with each family to meet their needs.

Family supports are as varied as the families we serve.  Examples include:

*  Reliable information and referral to community services
*  Help in securing benefits and adaptive equipment
*  Help with educational issues and planning for the future
*  Financial assistance in meeting the needs of the person with the disability
 

Who is Eligible for Family Support Services?
Any family (natural, adoptive, or extended) with a member who has a developmental disability at home who has been found eligible through out intake process is eligible for Family Support Services.

Families with a child from birth to their third birthday who are at risk for a substantial development delay and/or eligible for Family Centered Early Supports & Services are also eligible for Family Supports and Services.

How Can My Family Receive Family Support Services?
Once a family is determined eligible, support is requested through the Director of Family Support Services.
 

Other Family Support Services:

Respite Care:
Respite care provides families with short-term relief from the responsibilities of caring for a family member of any age with a developmental disability.

Care may be provided in the home of the family, the caregiver, or in the community.  The length of respite varies from a few hours to several days.

Who Provides Respite Care?
We recruit and train caregivers, as well as encouraging families to recruit their own providers.  We also link families so they may form their own support network.

Who Pays for Respite Care?
Each family is expected to contribute according to a sliding scale fee schedule.  We pay the balance.

Respitality:
An opportunity for family members to "get away" and take a break from caretaking responsibilities.

Early Supports and Services:
Children from birth through age two who have developmental delays, are at risk for developmental delays, or have a diagnosed medical condition, are eligible for services to meet both their needs and those of their family.  All children referred for services are entitled to an evaluation/assessment, and, if found eligible, to have service coordination and an Individualized Family Support Plan.

School to Adult Transition:
This program helps families in the difficult time when their child is leaving school by working with families to plan with the school and work programs, and to access funding for new supports.

Family Support Advisory Council:
Family Support Services is fortunate to have guidance from the Regional Family Support Advisory Council which  helps identify and prioritize local family support needs.  Members of the Council include families throughout the region who have children and adults with a wide range of disabilities.  The FSAC has its own budget of flexible funds that are available to families to assist with expenses related to their family members disability.