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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.