Family Support
Program
Manual of Guidelines
and Procedures (PDF, 161 KB)
This manual was developed by the WI Department of Health Services
with the support and advice of a statewide Family Support Policy Advisory Group
comprised of parents of children with disabilities, advocates, service
coordinators, and state staff. The manual governs the ongoing implementation of
the Family Support Program in Wisconsin.
What is the Family Support Program?
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 services
and maximizing community resources;
- Limited funding to buy needed services
and goods that can't be bought through
other sources;
- Help in linking families with other families
to strengthen natural supports.
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,
educational 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 is 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
daily living activities such as self-care, learning, communications, mobility and
self-direction.
Although family income is not a basis for eligibility,
cost-sharing may be required on a sliding fee scale.
Will the Program Meet the Needs of all Eligible
Families?
Family Support is a state-funded program. Because each county has limited funding
for this program, eligibility does not guarantee a family will receive services.
Agencies may have waiting lists for services and assessments. Families
are served on a first-come, first-served basis, although priority for services may be given to families in a crisis
situation or families who are bringing a child home from an out-of-home placement.
How to Apply
For information and an application, please contact your local county Family Support Coordinator.
If the name and telephone number of the local county
Coordinator is unknown, call Wisconsin First Step at 1-800-642-7837; TTY 1-800-282-1663.
For more information contact Theresa Walske
at 608-267-7285 or by e-mail at theresa.walske@wisconsin.gov.
Last Revised: August 11, 2009 |
