La Crosse County Human Services

Family Support Program | Children's Long Term Support Waivers for Developmental or Physical Disabilities

Family Support Program

Description:

The Family Support Program provides individual services and support to families that include a child with severe disabilities. A severe disability is a physical, mental or emotional limitation which seriously limits the child's ability to carry out basic daily living activities such as self-care, learning, communication, mobility and self-direction. The Family Support Coordinator and parents work together to develop an individualized service plan for each family. Home modifications, transportation, specialized equipment, in home nursing care, and respite are examples of items and services the Family Support Program can help the family purchase.

There is a maximum limit for each child per year. The family's income affects the amount the child is eligible for. A child's budget is determined annually and is based on the assessed need of the family and available resources. Although family income is not a basis for eligibility, cost sharing may be required on a sliding fee scale.

Support and services available (based on child needs):

Support and service coordination.
Utilize the informal supports of the family.
Link to community supports.
Link to support services, counseling, daily living skills, respite, communication aides, home modifications, adaptive equipment, medical supplies and others.

Eligibility:

Child must be a resident of La Crosse County.
The child must live with his or her parents/legal guardian or be in a kinship placement.
An eligible level of care must be established on the Children's Functional Screen.
The child is defined as "disabled" and is limited in at least three areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self direction and capacity for independent living.
Ages birth to 21 years.

How to make a referral.
A referral does not guarantee a child will receive formal services which may be limited based on funding availability. Some families may have their needs met through informal supports.

For more information on the Family Support Program, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website:

Children's Long Term Support Waivers for Developmental or Physical Disabilities

Description:

The Children's Long Term Support Waivers for Developmental or Physical Disabilities provide supports to children with a serious to severe developmental or physical disability. This includes Autism. The program is designed to serve children with long term support needs.

Support and services available (based on child needs):

Support and service coordination.
Utilize the informal supports of the family.
Link to community supports.
Link to support services, counseling, daily living skills, respite, communication aides, home modifications and others.
Crisis support services.

Eligibility:

Child must be a State of Wisconsin resident for a minimum of 6 months.
Child must be a resident of La Crosse County.
Child must be eligible for Medicaid either as a SSI recipient or through La Crosse County Economic Support.
An eligible level of care must be established by the Children's Functional Screen.
The child is defined as "disabled" and is limited in at least three areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self direction and capacity for independent living.
Ages birth to 22 years.

There may be a parental fee.

How to make a referral.
A referral does not guarantee a child will receive formal services which may be limited based on funding availability. Some families may have their needs met through informal supports.

Brochure: Wisconsin's Children's Long-Term Support Medicaid Waiver Programs

For more information on Children's Long Term Support Waivers, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website: