Coordinated Family Support
The California Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) works to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to thrive—not just survive. One of the biggest ways DDS accomplishes this goal is by helping program participants remain active parts of their families and communities. DDS Coordinated Family Support (“CFS”) Service is the primary program through which DDS works to ensure program participants receive care and support directly in the home, thereby remaining strong members of the family. More specifically, CFS is a unique model of care that ensures people with developmental disabilities who live with their families receive the highest level of care and support.
What is DDS Coordinated Family Support?
Put simply, CFS is a DDS initiative that ensures adults living at home with their families have access to services, care, and resources tailored to their unique needs. In the past, adults living outside the family home often had broader access to services. Meanwhile, those who chose to remain living with their family ended up receiving fewer resources, as they generally relied more on family care. To address this disparity, California launched the CFS program. Now, any person 18 years or older who qualifies to receive care through a DDS regional service, and who lives in their family home, is eligible for the CFS program.
The CFS program offers a range of services. First off, because it is a DDS program, it’s primary commitment is to providing individualized care tailored to each individual. CFS workers will help participants craft their Individual Program Plan. Similarly, the CFS program also helps individuals receiving care and their families coordinate with DDS personnel, care providers, and other community members who may be involved in care. Finally, the CFS program aims to match individuals with community organizations and services that will help program participants engage more deeply with their families and communities.
Ultimately, the goal of the CFS program is to help individuals maintain stability, independence, and quality of life while remaining active members of their families and communities. At the same time, the CFS program also helps reduce the heavy burdens that often fall on family caregivers.
FAQ
Q: Who can receive Coordinated Family Support?
A: There are three main criteria for CFS services. First, the program participant must be 18 years or older. Second, the participant must be eligible for services through their local DDS regional center. Finally, participants must choose to live in their family home.
Q: How are Coordinated Family Support services different from traditional DDS services?
A: The two are not really separate. Rather, CFS is all about bringing DDS services into the family home. Specifically, CFS is designed to bring individualized services into the family home, ensuring adults living with relatives receive equitable support compared to those living independently.
Q: How do families access CFS?
A: Families should contact their local regional center and ask about Coordinated Family Support. From there, a service coordinator will guide you through eligibility assessments and planning.
Q: Do CFS services replace the role of family caregivers?
A: No. CFS complements family caregiving by providing structured support and resources that ease the caregiver’s responsibilities. In this way, DDS and families work together cooperatively. The ultimate goal is to ensure program participants receive the care they need directly in their family home.