FAMILY RESOURCES

Family Resources is a comprehensive family support program, which offers Traditional Respite Care and Flexible Funding, to individuals with developmental disabilities and the people with whom they live. These programs are funded through the Department of Mental Retardation and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

At the heart of Family Resources, is the involvement of families in the design of their own plan for support. Our belief is that these plans should not be dependent on or shaped by the availability of agency or state resources, but rather should address the real needs of people with disabilities and their families as they live in their communities, taking into account the unique strengths, gifts and resources that people possess or to which they have access.

Family Resources Coordinators are available to assist families in this process of identifying what is needed to maintain the integrity of their family. They are available to provide further assistance, if needed, in the form of information and referral to community resources.

WHAT IS RESPITE CARE?

• Respite care gives families a periodic break from the on-going responsibilities and stresses that may exist when a family member has a disability. We like to think of it as Family Support.
• Family Support Providers are identified either through the North Shore ARC, or referred by the family.
• Family Resources Respite is a closed referral program (you must be referred through the Department of Mental Retardation North Shore Area Office).

THERE ARE DIFFERENT MODELS OF ONE TO ONE FAMILY SUPPORTS:

Community Connector: Assists individuals in joining a club, taking an art class, going to church, volunteering, meeting neighbors, etc.

Community Facilitator: Assists in identifying community activities; assists with transportation, interpretation, behavior modification and communication with the family.

Mentor: Through the development of a relationship becomes a role model, having a positive impact on the individual’s life.

Family Support Provider: Assists families by providing supports either in the home or in the community, relieving the everyday responsibilities of the parent(s).

HOW TO BECOME ELIGIBLE?

If you wish to be receiving DMR Family Supports your son/daughter must be determined eligible for DMR funded Family Support Services. You must show proof that your son/daughter either meets the criteria of Developmental Disability or is eligible for Adult DMR Services.

Eligibility is a process conducted by the DMR. You may contact your local DMR Area Office for Intake and Eligibility. Family Resources Coordinator’s are available to assist you in the navigation of this process.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR FLEXIBLE FUNDING?

Any family within the North Shore's catchments area that has been deemed eligible to receive DMR Funded Family Supports is eligible to apply for Flexible Funding.

When a family identifies the need for respite, various goods or services that cannot be accessed through community resources, the family may apply for “flexible funding”. Flexible Funding is designed to enhance the natural supports that the family already possesses.

In order to obtain Flexible Funding the families either contact the Program Director or DMR for an application. Once an application is sent, the family is responsable to complete the form and mail back to DMR with all required documentation. DMR will either approve or deny the request.

ONCE AN ALLOCATION HAS BEEN APPROVED:

• The family can request reimbursement of purchase of goods/service or request that the program provides for a direct payment to the vendor.
• Respite hours worked by a provider employed by the family can be submitted weekly for reimbursement
• If funds are to be advanced, they may be dispersed in one lump sum or at predetermined intervals throughout the year. The family is required to submit receipts to Family Resources monthly.
• Any allocation that is approved is only to be used from July 1st to June 30th of each Fiscal Year; funding cannot be carried over to another fiscal year.
• If a parent uses their allocation to hire a baby-sitter, job coach or other worker, he or she is assuming employer responsibilities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. The North Shore ARC cannot offer tax advice in such matters; we encourage you to seek professional tax advice.

WHAT CAN FLEXIBLE FUNDING BE USED FOR?

Flexible Funding may be used for the following purposes:

• Child Care
• Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment-Specialized
• Equipment/Supplies-Specialized
• Homemaker Services
• Nutrition and Clothing-Specialized
• Recreational/Social Activities
• Respite Supports
• Short-Term Emergency Needs
• *Short-term (<3months) or one time expense. (Food, shelter, clothing, car rental, auto insurance…)
• Therapeutic Services and Supports
• Transportation
• Utility Costs- a one time expense, DMR must approve this
• Specialized
• Vehicle Modifications (DMR must approve this)
• Housing Supports
• *Rental assistance, interest on a mortgage, closing costs, depreciation, home ownership taxes. This cannot be used for principle or down payment.

WHAT CAN’T FLEXIBLE FUNDING BE USED FOR?

• Items or activities that have no benefit or impact on the individual with a disability.
• Spending which would jeopardize the integrity of the program, support criminal conduct, or place the consumer at risk.
• Equipment or procedures, which are aversive or restrictive (restraints, electroshock, Tazer, lobotomy services, etc.)
• Services that are normally identified through other service codes.
• Lobbying, litigation against the Commonwealth, obtaining items that are unreasonable expensive or extravagant.

HOW CAN I CONTACT FAMILY RESOURCES?

Tel:    978 624-2381
Fax:    978 762-3980
Email:    bcalitri@nsarc.org