Generally under 18 years of age
FSSP helps with costs that are beyond those typically experienced by other families.
The primary purpose of the FSSP is to support children with developmental disabilities or delays in remaining with their families in a safe, nurturing environment while preventing unnecessary out-of-home placements.
Does My Family Qualify?
To be eligible for this program you must check these boxes:
Live in Arapahoe County, Douglas County or Elbert County
Have a family member living in your home who has a developmental disability or delay
Not be active in a Medicaid Waiver program
How Do I Access the Family Support Services Program?
To access the Family Support Services Program (FSSP), you must complete the Most In Need (MIN) assessment tool. Enrollment in FSSP is prioritized based on your MIN score. State rule now requires that this MIN assessment be updated annually for active FSSP families and those on our FSSP waitlist. If this assessment tool is not updated annually, you will no longer be eligible for FSSP supports.
How Do I Apply?
For questions about eligibility or enrollment in the Family Support Services Program, please complete our Intake Referral Form or leave a message with our intake team at 303-360-6600, ext. 3, and select the option to start services for Medicaid waivers or state-funded general programs.
How Family Support Funds Can Help
Respite Care
Families may need a break from time to time while caring for a child with a disability. Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers and may include individualized respite services or specialized respite programs and camps that support the child’s disability-related needs. FSSP can pay a provider of the family’s choosing to care for the child, allowing caregivers time to rest, attend to other responsibilities, or participate in activities outside the home.
Professional Services
Professional services are therapeutic and supportive services provided by licensed, certified, or qualified professionals to address the unique needs of a child with an intellectual or developmental disability or developmental delay. Examples may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, counseling, psychotherapy, massage therapy, music or movement therapy, and other approved therapeutic supports.
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Medical, dental, and vision expenses may include prescribed medications, medical supplies, specialty equipment, vision care, dental services, and certain expenses associated with disability related medical treatment when not covered by another source.
Transportation
Some families incur additional travel expenses because of specialty medical appointments or therapies related to their child’s intellectual or developmental disability or developmental delay. Transportation funding may help cover costs beyond those typically incurred by other families when accessing approved disability-related services. This may include mileage, lodging, meals, or other transportation-related expenses associated with specialty medical appointments and therapeutic services.
Adaptive Recreation
Activities and programs that support the unique recreational needs of a child with a developmental disability or delay. Examples may include adaptive sports, therapeutic recreation, Special Olympics, water safety instruction, community recreation center memberships, and other disability related recreational opportunities.
Assistive Technology
Equipment or technology needed to support a child with a developmental disability or delay in communication, safety, independence, learning, mobility, or daily living activities. Examples may include communication devices, tablets, sensory equipment, noise-canceling headphones, therapy equipment, monitoring systems, tracking devices, and other disability-related supports.
Home Modifications
Modifications that improve safety, accessibility, and independence for a child with a developmental disability or delay. Examples may include ramps, lifts, widened doorways, bathroom modifications, safety adaptations, and repairs related to disability associated damage within the home.
Parent and Sibling Support
Services and supports that help family members meet the unique challenges of caring for a child with a developmental disability or delay. Examples may include family, parent, or sibling counseling; educational resources and training; disability related conferences; support organizations; sibling support activities; and other services that strengthen the family’s ability to provide care and support.
Other Individual Expenses
Services or items needed because of a child’s developmental disability or delay that are not covered under another Family Support Services Program category. Examples may include specialized clothing, diapers and wipes for children over age three, specialized dietary needs, advocacy support, disability-related evaluations, grief counseling, therapy dog training, and other approved disability-related supports.
Join the Developmental Pathways Family Support Council
The Family Support Council (FSC) is a group of supported individuals and/or family members of an individual with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) or Developmental Delay who live in Arapahoe, Douglas, or Elbert County. The Council guides the Family Support Services Program (FSSP), providing oversight, offering recommendations, and ensuring the program serves the community effectively and fairly.
As a Council member, you will approach each meeting with an open mind, focusing on constructive discussions and decisions that benefit the FSSP community. We value your collaboration and contributions!
How Can You Get Involved?
- Email Us: Express your interest in joining the council by emailing FamilySupport@dpcolo.org.
- Referral Review: The council will review your email and will be in touch to ensure you understand its role and expectations.
- Connect with Co-Chairs: Co-chairs will contact you, invite you to the next meeting, and have you complete a questionnaire.
- Attend a Meeting: Introduce yourself to the council.
- Notification: The council will vote on new members, and the co-chairs will notify you of the decision.
- Review Guidelines: If accepted, meet with co-chairs to review council guidelines.
- Commitment Form: Sign a 1-2-year term commitment form and attend the next meeting.
Meetings
Second Thursday of every second month
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Hybrid options available
Questions
Contact FamilySupport@dpcolo.org
Join us in making a difference in our community!