Enhanced Family Support

WFS is a contracted provider of Enhanced Family Support (SSQUAL-10) funding for adults (over age 22), via funds available through the MA Department of Developmental Services. 

The program provides support to families of persons with significant developmental disabilities who are living at home. Once an enhanced support budget allocation is determined by DDS, families work with a WFS family navigator to manage their supports within the DDS guidelines. The program allows for a variety of individualized supports, including in home staffing, respite, and flexible reimbursements up to $3,000 (if families do not receive AFC.) The hourly rate for each service through the SSQUAL program is set by DDS and is considered to be “all-inclusive” of agency administrative fees. In addition, all staff paid through the SSQUAL program must be employees of the provider agency.

The SSQUAL program works well for families who have previously been served through the DESE/DDS grant. Currently, all WFS families served through the SSQUAL program are former DESE/DDS participants who have aged out at 22.

Enhanced Family Support Administration
We see our role as offering support and assistance as needed and in accordance with DDS guidelines. If a family chooses to utilize our services, our initial discussion focuses on the identifying the needs of their loved one and what types of services would best support them and the family as a whole. We work together to create a budget and locate appropriate staffing. We are happy to plan either at the family’s home or over the phone, depending on the family’s preference.

With the support of the family, WFS hires all support staff and respite providers that will be working in the family’s home and the community.  WFS staff are highly qualified and have specialized experience in teaching and working safely with people with developmental disabilities.  We ensure that all staff meet the minimum qualifications for the specific services they will be delivering to the individual. In addition, WFS verifies that training is provided to workers to fulfill goals of the home program. WFS monitors the home program through contact with the family and staff.

Family Navigation Services
Family navigation services are not limited to, but include the following:

• Frequent dialogue and home visits (if needed) with families and staff;
• Administering annual budgets in accordance with DDS guidelines and submitting budgets to DDS for approval;
• Assisting families in preparing goals for their home support/training program;
• Documenting and tracking family spending according to DDS contract;
• Coordinating reimbursements for families using online banking and direct deposit;
• Modifying budgets, as directed;
• Assisting families with locating appropriate services and resources for their loved ones;
• Recruiting and hiring potential staff;
• Attending regional and local DESE/DDS provider meetings;
• Maintaining regular communication and working collaboratively with applicable DDS area offices.