Narrative of Resolution:
Authorize Sullivan County Early Intervention Program to reimburse respite providers for eligible children
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If Resolution requires expenditure of County Funds, provide the following information:
Amount to be authorized by Resolution:
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If ‘No,’ specify proposed source of funds
Specify Compliance with Procurement Procedures:
Following OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) guidance
RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO AUTHORIZE SULLIVAN COUNTY EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM TO REIMBURSE RESPITE PROVIDERS FOR ELIGIBLE CHILDREN
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WHEREAS, The Early Intervention Program (EIP), in accordance with New York State Department of Education provides for respite services to eligible children; and
WHEREAS, Respite services are intended to provide support to parents or other caregivers who may otherwise be overwhelmed by the intensity and constancy of caregiving responsibilities that may be necessary for a child with special needs; and
WHEREAS, children must meet eligibility criteria for the Early intervention Program (EIP), and the respite services must be included on the eligible child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP); and
WHEREAS, there is no Department of Health list of approved respite providers, Early Intervention officials must first reach out to agencies and individuals with experience in respite service delivery, such as those under the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Family Support Services Program; and
WHEREAS, this includes family reimbursement approaches in which families select, train, and supervise respite care workers; and
WHEREAS, respite providers need not be licensed or certified professionals; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Health allocates funds to municipalities for reimbursement of respite services on a population-based formula; and
WHEREAS, municipalities set the reimbursement rate for respite services; and
WHERES, the Early Intervention Official (EIO) determines the rate which is consistent with those currently used for respite services under OPWDD Family Support Services Program; and
WHEREAS, the EIO for Sullivan County has determined the reimbursement rate to be $17.50 per hour based on OPWDD guidance; and
WHEREAS, the Early Intervention Program (EIP) requests Sullivan County be allowed to pay the respite provider directly rather than reimburse the parent or caregiver; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Sullivan County EIP be authorized to reimburse respite care providers at the recommended rate of $17.50 per hour effective June 1, 2025, and;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the respite care provider be reimbursed directly.