Family Support

Navigating the autism world can be complex and overwhelming.  If you are a parent seeking answers or support…we can help.

Each child is different and each family is different.  Autism Delaware’s Family Support Services are individualized to best meet the family’s needs. Our Family Support program provides families with comprehensive, accessible, family centered support. Our dedicated Family Navigators and Family Support Providers support families in assessing needs and designing next steps for children diagnosed with autism.  Families will have opportunities to discuss how to put recommendations into action. The Autism Delaware staff will help set families up for success!

Autism Care Team (ACT) Program: Nothing can replace the connection made between a new parent and one who has experience, resources and help to offer, and time to just listen and reassure. Our Family Support Providers (FSPs) are parents of children with autism who work one-on -one with families on an ongoing basis to provide an array of services and supports.  Together with families the FSPs will:

• Meet regularly in-person or through video chat
• Develop a plan which includes needed services and supports, such as early intervention, therapies, specialty care, respite care, and others
• Establish goals and make informed decisions about services
• Connect to parent education programs
• Offer follow-up according to need
• Coordinate care among providers and agencies

In addition to the ACT Program, Autism Delaware offers Family Navigation services to families who have a specific question or challenge navigating the system. Family Navigators will answer questions and provide information as needed.

If you are interested in receiving Family Support Services, talk to your provider about a referral or contact Autism Delaware’s Intake Coordinator at 302-224-6020 x219.

FAMILY SUPPORT REFERRAL FORM

The Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, also known as DPBHS, provides a statewide range of voluntary mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention services for children and youth.

DPBHS provides voluntary prevention, early intervention, behavioral health and substance abuse counseling and other treatment services to children through age 17. DPBHS provides services to those children who: are without insurance; or are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP and who require services more intensive than 30 hours of outpatient treatment in the Medicaid basic child health benefit provided through Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).

DPBHS APPLICATION – ENGLISH

DPBHS APPLICATION  – SPANISH

Guardianship is a legal proceeding in which someone (usually a family member) asks the court to find that a person is unable to manage his or her affairs effectively because of a disability. A guardian steps in the shoes of the person with a disability and makes the decisions for them. 

Visit Autism Delaware’s Resource Guide to search for attorneys who can assist with Guardianship

A Power of Attorney or POA is created when a person (called the “principal”) voluntarily authorizes, in writing, another individual (called an “agent”) to take action on the principal’s behalf. POAs may be revoked in writing at any time by the principal, provided the person is able to understand what they are doing at that time (must be witnessed and notarized).

Power of Attorney forms are available online through the State of Delaware.

Supported Decision-Making is an option to assist individuals with disabilities in making decisions, when that person can still make decisions but may need assistance because of a disability.  Supported Decision-Making can assist individuals in the areas of personal life, healthcare, and  financial.

SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING AGREEMENT

Medicaid is a government health care program for people with low income and/or disabilities. Many Delawareans affected by ASD or other developmental disabilities rely on Medicaid-funded services, such as adult day services and medical and therapeutic services.  These programs are critical to keeping our loves ones safe, helping them make progress, and supporting them to lead full lives.

Delaware children with autism may be eligible for Medicaid, regardless of their parent’s income, if they meet Delaware’s eligibility criteria. The Medicaid program for Delaware children with disabilities is called the Children’s Community Alternative Disability Program, or CCADP.  Talk with one of our family support staff to learn more.

CCADP Medicaid Medical Eligibility 

CCADP Application 

Authorization to Disclose Information to DHSS