Family Support Services Committee Meeting – 2/9/16

Announcements: & Attachments: FSS Attachments feb 9 2016

1. Yesenia Estrella, Sinergia, announced:

• Program Vacancies flyer distributed

For more information, call 212-643-2840

2. Andy Lee, Sprout, announced:

• School Holiday Trips are being offered during spring break (4/25-4/29) for individuals residing in Manhattan.
• Weekend vacations are being offered for individuals residing in Manhattan (Penn Dutch, PA and Mystic, CT) Flyers were distributed

3. Wendy De Leon, UCP of NYC, announced:

• Family Reimbursement available (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island).
• UCP Family Connect Summit on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 8:30am-3:45pm

Booth registration forms were distributed

 

Discussion- NYS Budget Briefing

Committee members discussed the NYS budget plans proposed by governor Cuomo and how it will affect families served. Members also share ideas concerning outreach methods to attract more participants to the Family Support Committee meetings.

1. Margaret Puddington shared information from the NYS budget meeting held on February 4^th, 2016. The governor’s budget grows spending on OPWDD provided supports and services to over $4.4 billion. (An increase of $120M ($60M Federal funds and $60M State funds). OPWDD states there has been a 6% monetary growth but said information doesn’t match the actual numbers. So far $60M was disbursed this year for services. The $120M will be subdivided in the following categories:

• $60M for community services i.e. community hab, respite, day hab etc.
• $15M for new housing project
• $15M for the START Program
• $24M Discreet (which includes .02% Cola)
• $2M for preschool and school age programs

2. During the past year OPWDD has been able offer new or expanded community service opportunities to people with disabilities and their families.

• 500 Residential opportunities
• 600 Day habilitation opportunities
• 400 Respite Opportunities
• 4,000 (other services)

The proposed budget supports up to 6000 new or expanded services opportunities.

3. During the budget meeting the topic concerning DSP’s wages was discussed. The plan is to increase the DSP’s current salaries to $15/hour by 2020. Legislators were very adamant about advocating for wage increase for DSP.

4. Committee members discussed eligibility/application process for ISS and Self-Direction Services.

5. Family Support Services Coordinator shared information regarding the transportation changes for respite services. She explained that the transportation rate is already built-in into the rate for existing family support programs.

6. Committee Chairpersons provided a brief summary about the 2015 Family Support Conference to committee members.

7. Ideas were shared regarding outreach methods to grow the current Family Support Committee.

8. Ideas were shared regarding topic of discussions and presentation for future meetings.

 

Presentation for next meeting: START Presentation by Samantha Sasley

NY START is a community-based program that provides crisis prevention and response services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs, as well as their families and those who provide support within the community.