WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

In order to access Family Support Services, you or your family member must be currently eligible for Board services.
 
RESPITE/SUPPORT SERVICE NEEDS:

  • Respite: More than 60 percent of our families utilize Family Support Services (FSS) to pay for respite care. Families are responsible for choosing their own provider, whether it is a family approved provider or one from a list of licensed providers.

  • Adaptive Equipment: Include items needed for therapy; or specialized equipment for the home, school or family vehicle.

  • Summer Programs: Covers individual pool passes, summer school programs, and summer camps or retreats.

  • Supplies: This may include medical supplies, diapers and general supplies needed for the individual not covered under any other services.

  • Home Modifications/Ramps: Home modifications may be needed to help the individual live more comfortably. Ramps are also covered for the family home, although other sources must be exhausted before utilizing these funds.

  • Therapeutic Services: May help families cover the cost of copays and/or alternative therapies. These therapies may include standard physical, speech and occupational therapy, but also holistic and alternative therapies not covered by insurance and/or Medicaid.

  • Special Diet/Medications: Medication expenses and any special dietary needs.

  • Other Special Requests: Any reasonable request will be considered.

 

CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN PROVIDER?

1.               The majority of respite will be provided by family-selected and approved providers. When FSS funds are used to pay a family-approved provider, it is the responsibility of the family to negotiate the payment rate. However, families must negotiate rates that are consistent with their annual allocation for services. Once the annual allocation is spent, no additional funds will be available. 

Family-approved providers are required to fill out a provider packet prior to providing respite paid for with FSS funds. This packet includes waiver of liability, training and certification waiver agreement for family-approved provider, and authorization to transport. Consistent with Board policy (Section 4.11), other non-generic providers of FSS services must be certified by the DoDD as a provider of supported living services.

 

ELIGIBILITY AND THE APPROVAL PROCESS

In order to be referred to the Family Support Services program, you or your family member must be currently eligible for Licking County Board of DD services.

Your service coordinator will be happy to help you with any questions or with filling out the yearly plan. Specific directions are given on the last page of the FSS Plan. This plan needs to be completed and returned to:

For more information, please call Jennifer at (740) 349-6588, or send an e-mail to Jennifer.Denney@LCountyDD.org.

The amount of FSS allocations will be based on the number of families applying, needs identified by the family and a maximum amount of money available for the total program. Once approved, families will receive a packet of information that will include the following:

  • Payment of Authorization or voucher for (includes total money available to you).

  • Approval letter with a list of service codes for the services you are approved to use.

  • A copy of the appeals process.

  • Timesheets if you have requested respite.

  • A provider packet if you have requested respite.