Project Description:
The Specialized Family Care (SCF) Program, as a result of the class action lawsuit in 1981, Medley versus Ginsberg, the West Virginia Department of Health, Education, and Human Resources (DHHR), and Shawnee Hills Health/Mental Retardation Center, began working together to develop a statewide program of community based services to make it possible for persons with developmental disabilities to move from state facilities into community settings. The Specialized Family Care(SFC) Program is one of these services. SFC is a statewide placement and family support system designed to serve the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities. It is a residential option for any person with developmental disabilities. A SPC home is a specially recruited and trained family that provides training, nurturing, and a family atmosphere for anyone with a developmental disability. A host family provides special services under a contract with the placement agency. The home is a place where the individual can grow and develop to his/her maximum potential mentally, physical, emotionally, and socially. In many instances, the Specialized Family Care home becomes the permanent home for the person. The Family Based Care Specialist (FBCS) is the CED employee who monitors the home. Each FBCS is a WV Licensed Social Worker who is located in local WV Department of Health and Human Resource Offices throughout the state. The FBCS works to develop new homes, reviews referrals to find a family that is a good match and visits their existing homes monthly. Many providers are respite providers who help support the current providers as well as many biological families whenever a break from caregiving and training is needed.
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
