Changes are here to a couple of vital county service programs that many families in our community access for their loved ones with Down syndrome. The intent of these changes is to allow for more program flexibility and greater independence for people with disabilities. Here’s an outline of what has changed:
Parents can be paid as a PCA for their child starting October 1, 2024
Previously a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian of a minor could not be a personal care assistant (PCA) worker for their child. Beginning October 1, 2024, parents are allowed to be a PCA for their child.
With this change, for families who are currently using the PCA program and want to hire a parent as a PCA, contact your PCA agency for next steps.
For families who are currently using the Consumer Support Grant (CSG), you may switch from CSG to the PCA program to access being a PCA for your child. Depending on your child’s needs related to their disability and how CSG funds are currently being used, this might be an option to consider. In general, budgets through the PCA program are bigger than CSG, however funds can only be used for PCA services. To inquire about switching from CSG to the PCA program, contact your county CSG team or case manager.
Learn more here: PCA Services Disability Hub
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) launches October 1, 2024
CFSS replaces the PCA program and CSG October 1, 2024.
If your child currently uses PCA or CSG services, CFSS will be an option at their next annual reassessment after CFSS begins October 2024. Eligibility for CFSS is the same as PCA. So if your child is eligible for the PCA program, they will be eligible for CFSS.
CFSS will cover services similar to the PCA program and CSG with the addition of some new features including:
Working with a consultation services provider
More options for who can be your workers
Access to a worker training and development budget
Ability to purchase goods, services and personal emergency response system (PERS)
CFSS Process Overview:
Discuss CFSS with the assessor.
Choose a consultation service provider. The county will provide you a list of consultation service agencies to choose from.
The consultation service provider will educate about CFSS options. In CFSS, there are two models to choose from:
Agency model
Similar to the PCA program but with more options. The person chooses an agency to be the employer of their support workers and the agency does administrative tasks (recruits, hires, trains, supervises and pays support workers). A fiscal management service (FMS) provider is used to purchase goods and services.
Budget model
Similar to CSG but with more options and a higher budget. The person is the employer. People who use the budget model recruit, hire, train and supervise support workers. A FMS does administrative tasks (payroll) and is used to purchase goods and services.
The consultation service provider will help you write and review your service delivery plan.
The county will approve the plan.
Learn more about CFSS here: CFSS Disability Hub
Learn how to access county services here: Accessing County Services
With these changes here, Family Connectors are available to talk through the options, help answer questions and navigate the new. Reach out to the Family Connector team today. DSAMn is here for you!
Connect with a Family Connector:
Call: 651-603-0720 option 2
Email: connect@dsamn.org
Click here to complete Family Connector support request form
