LA Children's Choice Waiver

Louisiana's Children's Choice Waiver (CCW) is a crucial program introduced in 2001 to offer additional support to children with developmental disabilities aged 0 to 20. The CCW aims to provide a safety net for these children, enabling them to live at home with their families or foster families while receiving essential services and care.

Overview of Louisiana's Children's Choice Waiver 

The primary goal of the CCW is to ensure that these children can continue to live with their families or foster families rather than residing in institutional settings. By providing an individualized support package, the CCW aims to enhance the quality of life for these children and their families.

The waiver offers various services, including family support, respite care, family training, accessibility adaptations, specialized medical equipment, therapies (like aquatic, art, music, hippotherapy/therapeutic horseback riding, and sensory integration), and permanent housing stabilization.

The CCW recognizes the significant role of family caregivers in the lives of these children and emphasizes the importance of family-based care. The program strives to empower caregivers and create a supportive environment where children can flourish and reach their full potential. By doing so, the CCW contributes to a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of family caregivers in caring for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Eligibility Requirements for Louisiana's Children's Choice Waiver

To qualify for the Children's Choice Waiver, individuals must meet specific criteria to ensure services are provided to those who genuinely need them. The eligibility requirements include:

1. Age: The program is available to children aged 0 to 20 years.
2. Developmental Disability: Applicants must have a developmental disability as defined by Louisiana law, manifested before the age of 22. The disability should significantly impair the individual's ability to perform daily activities.
3. OCDD Statement of Approval: Applicants must have an official Statement of Approval from the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD).
4. Intermediate Care Facility-Intellectual Disability (ICF-ID) Level of Care Criteria: Applicants must meet the criteria for an ICF-ID level of care, indicating the need for substantial support due to their developmental disability.
5. Louisiana Medicaid Eligibility: Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for Louisiana Medicaid, which typically includes income and resource limits.
6. Living Arrangement: Eligible individuals must either live at home with their families or with a foster family. The program aims to support community-based care rather than institutionalization.

The Children's Choice Waiver is not intended to provide 24-hour support, and its services are designed to offer flexibility and personalized care to eligible children and their families.

Services and Supports under Louisiana's Children's Choice Waiver

This waiver provides comprehensive services and supports to enhance the lives of children with developmental disabilities and their families. The program's focus on individualized care ensures that each child's needs are addressed. The range of services and supports available under the CCW includes:

1. Support Coordination: Dedicated support coordinators assist families in developing individualized plans and accessing necessary services.
2. Family Support: Financial assistance is provided to cover various expenses related to the child's care, such as respite care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
3. Center-Based Respite Care: Children can receive short-term care in a specialized center, giving their families a much-needed break.
4. Family Training: Training and guidance are offered to families, empowering them to better care for their child's needs.
5. Environmental Accessibility Adaptations: Necessary home modifications are made to ensure a safe and accessible environment for the child.
6. Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies: Funding for essential medical equipment and supplies required for the child's well-being.
7. Therapies: Various therapies are offered, including aquatic therapy, art therapy, music therapy, hippotherapy/therapeutic horseback riding, and sensory integration therapy.
8. Permanent Housing Stabilization: Assistance to secure stable housing for families, fostering a nurturing environment for the child.

The CCW recognizes the importance of providing home and community-based services (HCBS) to enable children to thrive in familiar and supportive surroundings. Additionally, the program emphasizes utilizing assistive technologies and specialized healthcare services to maximize each child's potential and improve their overall quality of life. Through these extensive services and supports, the Children's Choice Waiver endeavors to create a more inclusive and caring community for children with developmental disabilities and their families.

Compensation for Family Caregivers

The CCW does offer compensation for unpaid family caregivers through a self-directed option. The program recognizes the crucial role of family caregivers in providing care and support to children with developmental disabilities. With the self-directed option, eligible families can hire and manage their own caregivers, which often includes family members. This approach empowers caregivers to make decisions that best suit the child's unique needs, fostering a more personalized and nurturing caregiving environment. Through this compensation mechanism, the CCW aims to acknowledge and support the dedication of family caregivers, ensuring they are appropriately recognized for their essential contributions to the well-being of their loved ones.