Laws and Definitions

Advocacy Definition

The process of asserting oneself or interceding on behalf of others within a system to get the benefits for which they are eligible. Through both direct aid to families and broader-based policy work, the goal of advocacy is to foster the self-empowerment of families by educating them about their own rights.

Public Housing

Federally funded, government-run housing. Must apply at Dept. of Public Housing.

WRAP Around Services

Multidisciplinary behavioral and therapeutic supports for children ages 0-21 that places support in the child’s community, school, and home.

TSS

Therapeutic staff support services – part of WRAP around service one-on-one support.

TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – is the monthly cash assistance program for poor families with children under age 18.

Subsidized Housing

Federally funded, privately owned developments; must apply to each development individually.

SSI

Supplemental Security Income – A federal program that makes monthly payments to disabled children/adults who have limited income and resources.
Phone: 1-800-772-1213

Section 8

Federally funded vouchers used to subsidize rent in privately owned apartments.

Section 504 Accommodations

Similar to Chapter 15 – is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is not a special education program. Any student with a disability that interferes with a major life activity is qualified for educational services and accommodations. Student does not get an IEP. Conditions include: ADHD; Dyslexia; severe Asthma; and others.

SCOH Services

Services to Children in their own homes – a SCOH worker works individually with a special needs child (mental health needs or medically challenged) in their home and school- through DHS.

Chapter 15 Children

These are children who may need special accommodations in school, but not formal special education. These include children with: persitant asthma; seizure disorders; diabetes; mental illnesses; or other health impairments that affects activities of daily living.

Mobile Therapist

A person who provides psychological, behavioral, and family therapy to children in their own home.

IFSP

Individual Family Service Plan – written plan for children 0-3 years old with developmental delays and the services they will receive- family focused.

IEP

Individualized Education Plan – for 3-21 year olds- education focused.

IDEA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – passed Congress in 1975 to ensure all children with disabilities in the U.S. receive free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

ICM-Intensive Case Management

Intensive Case Management services provide direct services to children ages 3 through 18 years who display serious emotional disturbances. ICM works to ensure that children and their families utilize natural supports, as well as traditional and non-traditional community resources to develop appropriate relationships with family and caregivers.

GPS

General Protective Service- involves neglect, lack of supervision, lack of daily basic needs. Protective service will respond in one to six days.

EPSDT

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment – Works in conjunction with Medicaid to screen for conditions that interfere with normal childhood development and learning.
Phone: 1-800-543-7633

CPS

Child Protective Service- all abuse categories (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect). Protective services will respond immediately or within 24 hours.