Last year, Summit DD introduced a new program called the Family Engagement Program (FEP). The program allowed families to access funding to promote community inclusion for the youngest members of our community. The program back again for 2018. Find out what’s new.
Updated: March 5, 2018
How the Program Works
Family Engagement Program (FEP) funds are available to individuals:
- Eligible for Summit DD services;
- Between the ages of 0-22;
- Living at home with a parent or guardian; and
- Those who do not have waiver funding.
All 2018 requests will be funded on a reimbursement basis only. The program will continue to be administered through your family’s Summit DD connection. (This could be a Referral & Support Specialist, Service and Support Administrator or a Developmental Specialist.) They will help you identify if the program is right for your needs and answer any question that you may have.
“Once the individual or family has provided Summit DD staff with a description and cost of the good or service, Summit DD staff will review the expenditure and let you know if the expenditure is approved for purchase,” explained Holly Brugh, Director of Service & Support Administration and Children’s Services. “Then when the family provides a receipt, a reimbursement payment will be authorized.” Brugh continued.
Payments
Once the approved item or service has been paid for, a receipt must be provided to Summit DD to request the reimbursement payment. Payments then go directly to the individual or family to reimburse them for the item or service. Brugh noted that receipts are required and that conversation and approval from Summit DD must occur prior to the purchase or purchases will NOT be reimbursed, even with a receipt. Your Summit DD contact can answer specific questions that you may have as well.
Funding is based on each family’s individual need and financial situation. The maximum potential amount available per child is $1800 or a family cap of $2500. Funds are available for one calendar year beginning January 1, 2018 and may be used all at once or in smaller increments over the course of the year. Summit DD reserves the right to end the FEP program based on the availability of budgeted funds.
What’s New for 2018?
New in 2018, FEP funds used for respite care MUST be provided by a Department of Developmental Disabilities (DoDD) certified provider who will be paid directly by Summit DD. All respite providers must meet the certification requirements set forth by DoDD, as well as have an additional eight hours of training in child development and are certified in infant/child CPR. Your Summit DD staff member will be able to help you identify qualified providers.
Should a family have difficulty selecting a DoDD certified provider, you may then use a family-chosen provider who meets the following criteria:
- 18 years of age or older,
- NOT a family member or anyone living in the family home, and
- This individual must participate in a four hour training session hosted by Summit DD prior to providing services.
- When using a family chosen provider, a receipt for services will be necessary.
Environmental Adaptations will no longer be paid for out through FEP funding. However we encourage you to discuss your needs with a Summit DD staff member. In some cases, they may be able to seek alternative funding.
What Can FEP funds be used for?
There are a number of option for FEP funding. Below is a list of some of the more popular FEP services:
- Summer camps
- Transportation to and from summer camp
- Respite care
- Adaptive equipment
- Safety Equipment (gates, door alarms, etc.)
- Therapies (not otherwise covered by insurance)
- Health related supplies or supplements not otherwise covered by insurance
- Clubs, classes or activities that promote community inclusion. (Please note, FEP funds can be used for payment of the club, class or membership only. It does not cover the cost of any additional uniforms or equipment needs.)
Families are encouraged to reach out to their SSA, Developmental Specialist or Referral and Support Specialist with questions. It’s important to remember to work with your Summit DD staff member up front to ensure your FEP purchase meets all the criteria of the program. In the end, we all want to increase inclusive opportunities for kids and young adults with developmental disabilities.
Questions?
Do you have additional questions about the Family Engagement Program or how it works? If so, please contact Jennie Petrarca at jpetrarca@summitdd.org.
