Narrative of Resolution:
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Amend Resolution No. 387-25 regarding Sullivan County Early Intervention Program to reimburse parents
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A RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY CATHERINE SCOTT, CHAIR OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE TO AMEND RESOLUTION #387-25 TO AUTHORIZE SULLIVAN COUNTY EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM TO REIMBURSE PARENTS OR CAREGIVERS FOR DIRECT PAYMENTS MADE THEREBY TO RESPITE CARE PROVIDERS FOR ELIGIBLE CHILDREN
WHEREAS, the Early Intervention Program (EIP), in accordance with the 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 caregivers who may otherwise be overwhelmed by the intensity and constancy of caregiving responsibilities necessary for a child with special needs; and
WHEREAS, children must meet eligibility criteria for the EIP and the respite services must be included in the eligible child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP); and
WHEREAS, because there is no list of approved providers issued by the New York State Department of Health, Early Intervention Officials (EIOs) must first reach out to agencies and individuals with experience in delivering respite services, such as those under the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Family Support Services Program; and
WHEREAS, the delivery of respite services includes family reimbursement approaches in which families select, train and supervise respite care workers; and
WHEREAS, respite care workers need not be licensed or certified professionals; and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Health allocates funds to municipalities for reimbursement for respite services on a population-based formula; and
WHEREAS, municipalities set the reimbursement rate for respite services; and
WHEREAS, the EIO determines the rate consistent with those currently used for respite services under the OPWDD Family Support Services Program; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution #387-25, enacted September 18, 2025, the Sullivan County Legislature authorized the EIP to reimburse respite providers directly at a rate of $17.50 per hour, effective June 1, 2025, based on the EIO’s determination made pursuant to OPWDD guidance; and
WHEREAS, the EIP requests that Resolution #387-25 be amended to allow Sullivan County to pay the respite care provider directly or, in the alternative, reimburse parents or caregivers for direct payment(s) made thereby to the respite care provider at a rate of $17.50 per hour;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Resolution #387-25 is hereby amended to allow Sullivan County to pay the respite care provider directly or, in the alternative, reimburse parents or caregivers for direct payment(s) made thereby to the respite care provider at a rate of $17.50 per hour, effective immediately.