The California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) launched the Coordinated Family Support (“CFS”) program specifically for developmentally disabled adults 18 or older who choose to live in their family home while receiving services through a DDS regional center. The aim of CFS is to incorporate the family into all aspects of care. Doing this can require a great deal of coordination. In particular, to help get everyone on the same page in the event of a crisis, it’s a good idea to come up with a crisis management plan. Below is a resource to get you started. Use the following California DDS Coordinated Family Support crisis plan template as the foundation for your own plan.
Being Prepared is the Key
Creating a CFS crisis plan is a key piece of family preparation. The following template for a potential family crisis plan is designed based on the DDS’s Individual Program Plan Form and CFS Service Needs Assessment Form. Combined, these forms outline the core information that should be included in your CFS crisis plan.
In general, use the template below to get you started. Tailor the plan as needed to fit you and your family’s unique needs and life circumstances.
Downloadable Crisis Plan Template
In general, your crisis plan should include the following information:
- Contact information for your DDS regional center
- Names, contact information, and descriptions of services provided for each provider or vendor you receive services from
- A statement outlining the purpose of the plan
- Names and contact information about all family members
- Names and contact information for all emergency contacts
- Any information related to medications or ongoing health issues
- Steps and processes you and your family want to use in the event of a crisis
- In the event of a crisis where family members become separated, include a plan for where to meet and how to get there
Importantly, this list is not exhaustive. Rather, it is a starting place. Begin with the information in the template but don’t stop there. Be sure to consider you and your family’s unique needs and circumstances. At the end of the day, your California DDS Coordinated Family Support crisis plan template should reflect what’s most important to you.
Once you’ve completed your family crisis plan, store it in your personal DDS file. Additionally, it’s a good idea to share it with your regional center care coordinator. Make sure everyone involved in your care plan knows your preferences for how to handle a crisis.
Click here to download your California DDS Coordinated Family Support crisis plan template. [insert downloadable asset here]