? about In Home & Family Services w/MHMR

September 15, 2003

Need some feedback from parents/caregivers that may have been through this,

please! We have been fortunate to have received the IHFS funding for the last

two years. With the budget cuts, we were afraid that this benefit would no

longer be available, but we found out, today, that there are some funds

available. This was after weeks of me calling to get an appt, which should have

been set in August since their fiscal year runs from Aug to Aug, but that's

their style....you know? Maybe the parent will go away if I try to ignore

them....grrrrrr! Here are my questions:

1) My son turned five this past July and attends a public PPCD program. They

told me today that since he is of school age, I must go to the school district

and get the funding (MHMR's budget we might be allowed would be

$2,500.00/annual). If the school will not provide this, then they must write a

denial letter that they will not provide the funding for the services that we

are requesting (respite and behavioral consultation fees). Totally understand

that we must show proof that we have exhausted all other possible funding

sources before MHMR (IHFS) will provide the funds. Anyone been told this or

been through this scenario? Just wanted to compare notes if this is the case.

2) If they (MHMR) approve the funding ($2500.00/annual), can I request a portion

of this funding to be used for therapy equipment? My son has sensory/ot issues

big time that school does not work on (evaluation by their OT said the therapy

he needed was not educational/appropriate......I beg to differ, but that's

another ARD....sigh). Or, is their another benefit/fund that may be requested

aside from the IHFS benefits that might address paying for therapy/special

equipment?

Hope this makes sense, and thanks so much for any feedback/advice.

Elsie (North TX)

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