Taylor County Family Support Program

Taylor County Human Services Department

Family Support Program

The Family Support Program provides individual services and supports to families that include a child with severe disabilities. The program recognizes that meeting the needs of children who have severe disabilities may place hardships on a family's emotional, physical and financial resources. The program offers: 

• information and help in finding services and maximizing community resources;
• limited funding to buy needed services and goods that can't be bought through other sources;
• help in linking families with other families to strengthen natural supports

Eligibility

Families are eligible for services if they have a child with a severe disability, under the age of 21, and living at home. A severe disability is a physical, mental, or emotional limitation which seriously restricts the child's ability to carry out basic daily living activities such as self-care, learning, communications, mobility and self-direction. Although family income is not a basis for eligibility, cost-sharing may be required on a sliding fee scale. 

Family Support is a state-funded program. Because each county has limited funding for this program, eligibility does not guarantee a family will receive services. Agencies may have waiting lists for services and assessments. Families are served on a first-come, first-served basis, although priority for services may be given to families in a crisis situation or families who are bringing a child home from an out-of-home placement. 

How to Apply for Family Support

Families apply for services through their county Family Support Program. The application process includes an eligibility determination and a needs assessment. Information is gathered from a variety of sources which may include interviews with the family, educational records and medical history. 

Once eligibility has been determined, together the family and program staff develop a service plan that addresses the family's unique situation, identifying support needs and setting priorities. 

As the service plan is developed, all supports available to the family are explored. Formal supports include medical, social services, educational and funding resources. Informal supports include friends, family, neighbors and community groups, businesses, or organizations. 

In addition, the program staff may help families learn about and use services in their community, help coordinate services and advocate on behalf of the child and family. 

For information on the Family Support Program please contact:

Taylor County Human Services Department

540 East College Street

Medford, WI  54451

Telephone: (715) 748-3332

Toll Free: (800) 993-3332

Fax: (715) 748-3342

The family calls the Intake Worker here at HSD (715-748-3332) to ask for an assessment or if they have further questions.