Family Support Services

Philosophy

The Family Support Services Program of the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities will assist individuals with developmental disabilities to live in a stable home, enjoy membership in the family, and have access to an array and quantity of supports needed to enable them to participate in the life of their communities to the degree they choose. It will assist them to experience enduring relationships with brothers, sisters and other family members and friends committed to their welfare.

Eligibility

Each individual requesting a service from the Family Support Services Program must be eligible for services from the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Eligibility is established upon the first request for services and is re-determined at age 3, age 6 and age 16. The Program operates on a yearly basis from July 1 – June 30. Maximum funding amounts per family may vary from year to year based on the Board’s funding for the program and the number of families served. Applications and funding requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis each year. Allowances for families joining or re-joining the program during the year will be pro-rated.

The Columbiana County Board of DD Family Support Services Programs allow for the Services Listed:

Respite

Respite care is defined as an occasional break for families. Families choose a family selected provider to care for their family member. The provider cannot live in the same house with the individual, cannot be a parent of the individual and must be at least 18 years of age. Typically, the provider is an extended family member, neighbor, friend or other person that the family may know. The Family Support Services Program will pay the provider for the hours that they are providing respite for the family member. It is the family’s responsibility to keep track of the amount of respite hours that are being used throughout the year. Any amount that exceeds the annual program allowance will not be paid through this program.

Home Modifications

Home modification is any permanent or temporary adaptation to the residence of the identified person which assists the family in maintaining the person at home. A recommendation must be submitted from an appropriate therapist stating the rationale and need for the modification as well as three written price bids and approval/denial from a private insurance carrier or third party payer when appropriate. Request for home modification for a rental or lease property will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Requests for home modification will not be split over two different fiscal years.

Special / Adaptive Equipment

Special equipment may be available upon the recommendation of any of the following professionals: Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist or Speech Therapist. The therapist is required to complete the Equipment Request Application. If the cost of the equipment exceeds the annual allowance, the family will be required to pay the portion in excess. Typical toys are not considered specialized equipment and will not be purchased under this program.

Therapies and Classes

The Family Support Services Program may assist in funding adapted recreational therapies and classes. The cost of these services will be deducted from your total annual program allowance. Examples: music therapy, therapeutic horseback rid-
ing, adaptive aquatics, or adaptive sports programs. Traditional therapies such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or Speech Therapy are not funded by this program.

Camp Assistance

Camp assistance may be available for use at a specialized camp only. The cost of camp will be deducted from your total annual program allowance.