During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implementation of a new program allowing legal guardians and parents of school-aged children to receive compensation for providing certain support services. This initiative, mandated by legislation passed in 2023, aims to address the ongoing workforce crisis in the care sector by enabling families to be compensated for their caregiving roles.

The program officially launched on May 1, following a soft rollout to ensure that case managers and families were not overwhelmed by multiple changes. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery for individuals supported by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). It allows for compensation specifically for services with a personal care component, including individualized home support, respite, and personal supports.

Key requirements for parents seeking compensation include demonstrating that the care provided is \"extraordinary,\" which is assessed through an age dependency assessment form. For parents, there is a cap of 800 awake hours of support annually, translating to approximately 15 hours per week. Legal guardians providing support to adults can receive compensation for up to 2,100 hours annually, equating to about 40 hours per week.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the provision of these services is in the best interest of the participant. Concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest were addressed, particularly for those who are both legal guardians and employers of record. The program prohibits individuals from being compensated for support services while simultaneously acting as an employer of record.

Officials expressed optimism about the program's potential benefits, emphasizing the need for ongoing discussions and assessments to ensure that the services provided meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. The meeting concluded with a call for further exploration of residential placement options, as many families currently face challenges in securing appropriate care settings.