Family Support Grant Training

1. Family Support Grant Training Provided by: Team C Janeen Coyan – FSG Coordinator Updated: 8/29/12

2. What Are Client Driven Supports? • Client Driven Support (CDS) is a Dakota County flexible service option. The CDS program has established parameters and guidelines. • CDS are programs in which the recipient or their legal representative determines goals and select services/goods to meet their needs; manage these services; monitor for health/safety; and provide financial management. • CDS participants get the information they need as well as the control of the funding so they can design a system of support that works for them.

3. What is the Family Support Grant (FSG)?? • Family Support Grant (FSG) is a MN state grant administered within Dakota County’s Client Driven Supports program. • The Family Support Grant Program provides grants to families of children, under 21 years of age, with certified disability, that live in the family home. • The goal of the program is to prevent or delay the out-of-home placement of children and promote family health and social well being by enabling access to family-centered services and supports.

4. Who is Eligible for FSG?? • Families of children with a disability, under the age of 21, living in the family home and determined to be at risk of placement. • Families must have an annual adjusted gross income that is less than $93,611 per year. (Income guideline adjusted by the State yearly) • Clients may not receive FSG if they receive CSG (Consumer Support Grant), PCA (Personal Care Attendant) or are on any waiver program.

5. How Can The Grant Be Used? • The grant must be spent for services and items that are directly related to the disability and needs of the child. • Only expenses that are above and beyond typical parenting of a child of similar age are allowed. • Parent Pay IS NOT an allowed expenditure on the FSG program.

6. Allowable Expense Categories: • Computers • Daycare • Educational Services • Medical Services • Medications • Respite Care • Specialized Clothing • Specialized Dietary Needs • Specialized Equipment and Modifications • Transportation * Refer to the CDS/FSG Expenditure Guide for additional information.

7. Reminders When Developing Your Family Support Grant (FSG) Plan • Focused on the health & safety needs, supports, and development of the client. • Must be appropriate for the client’s individual needs and a justifiable use of taxpayer dollars. • FSG Plan must show need and justification for expenditures. • FSG is utilized as “last resort” when Medical Assistance (MA) or private insurance will not cover costs.

8. Expectations of Families • Complete your FSG renewal packet and return to your social worker by November 1st. • Ensure your plan shows need and justification for all expenditures. (Example Expenditure Plan attached) • Follow your FSG plan throughout the year. • Contact your social worker to request FSG plan change. • Submit FSG Expenditure for the last quarter of the previous year and the first 3 quarters of this year, if you were receiving the grant during that time, with your completed FSG renewal packet. • Retain receipts for all expenses for five (5) years.

9. FSG Renewal Timeline – On Going Grants • October 1st- FSG renewal packets will be mailed to all FSG participants. • November 1st- Deadline for Team C clients to return completed FSG packet to your social worker. Submit FSG Expenditure Report (DAK 1107) for the last quarter of the previous year and the first 3 quarters of this year, if you have not previously submitted them to you worker. • December 1st– SW must have plans into Team C or no January grant will go to the family. • December 29th – if renewal has not been received by this date, the grant will be terminated. Client will return to the waiting list.