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The Family Support Services Program
Caring for a child who is born prematurely or with a condition such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy or autism changes the dynamics of a family in a way that has a huge and lasting affect on every member. Families´ goals, hopes and dreams are now centered on providing care and nurturing to their new member as they are forced to enter the often confusing world of developmental disabilities. Without guidance and support these families face a future of frustration and uncertainty. The Family Support Program strives to relieve some of the emotional and financial stress these families experience.
Families can use Family Support funding for respite care, educational or therapeutic materials for their child, to attend workshops to learn more about their child's disability, for medical treatments and therapies that are not covered by insurance, to help pay often astronomical medical bills, for travel expenses to surgeries and follow-up care, for home modifications, or for recreational and social activities for their child and his siblings. Each family develops a plan that meets their individual needs.
The Family Support program is funded through the state general fund, and in Southwest Colorado, we are fortunate to be able to provide further needed support through local United Way funding for families with children who do not meet the state criteria for eligibility.
ELIGIBILITY
Colorado families who have children under the age of 5 years who are receiving Early Intervention Services or who have an active IEP are eligible for the Family Support Program. After the age of five, eligibility is determined in the same manner as an adult- please see "Eligibility" under "Services".
There are a limited number of slots available in our United Way Family Support Program for families who have children with high needs who do not meet state criteria. Please contact the Family Support Coordinator for more information on the United Way Family Support Program and for wait list status.
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