What is family support?

"Family Support" is a belief that all people, regardless of disability, should have the right to a permanent and stable relationship with family.  The Program is funded by the Mental Health Division, and is designated to serve families who are caring for a family member with developmental disabilities at home. 

Families receiving Family Support are assisted by a Family Consultant who provides information, resources and support.  Families are assisted to develop a Family Plan. In the Family Plan, families identify the services and supports they need and how they want to meet their concerns.

Participating families can receive support in areas such as respite care, specialized day care, adaptive equipment, modifications to make the home safer or more accessible, transportation, future panning, home health care, specialized clothing and diets, recreational activities and equipment, therapies, dental care, and medical care.

Family Consultants work closely with families to enhance their informal support networks (such as relatives, friends, and neighbors) as well as assisting formal service delivery systems to provide individualized services.  When other resources are not available, the family may have access to funds through Family Support to pay for needed services, within established guidelines.

Families with unmet needs may apply regardless of level of income, age, or category of developmental disability.  To be eligible for Family Support services, the family member who has a developmental disability must meet the eligibility requirements of the Marion County Developmental Disabilities Program.  Family Support will assist families with this requirement when they are selected to be served. 

To apply, a family must complete a referral/request for Services from and return it to Family Support. To request a Referral/Request for Service form, please call Family Support at (503)588-5288.