Laws and Definitions

Advocacy Definition

The process of asserting oneself or interceding on behalf of others within a system to get the benefits for which they are eligible. Through both direct aid to families and broader-based policy work, the goal of advocacy is to foster the self-empowerment of families by educating them about their own rights.

Chapter 15 Children

These are children who may need special accommodations in school, but not formal special education. These include children with: persitant asthma; seizure disorders; diabetes; mental illnesses; or other health impairments that affects activities of daily living.

CPS

Child Protective Service- all abuse categories (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect). Protective services will respond immediately or within 24 hours.

EPSDT

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment – Works in conjunction with Medicaid to screen for conditions that interfere with normal childhood development and learning.
Phone: 1-800-543-7633

GPS

General Protective Service- involves neglect, lack of supervision, lack of daily basic needs. Protective service will respond in one to six days.

ICM-Intensive Case Management

Intensive Case Management services provide direct services to children ages 3 through 18 years who display serious emotional disturbances. ICM works to ensure that children and their families utilize natural supports, as well as traditional and non-traditional community resources to develop appropriate relationships with family and caregivers.

IDEA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – passed Congress in 1975 to ensure all children with disabilities in the U.S. receive free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

IEP

Individualized Education Plan – for 3-21 year olds- education focused.

IFSP

Individual Family Service Plan – written plan for children 0-3 years old with developmental delays and the services they will receive- family focused.

Mobile Therapist

A person who provides psychological, behavioral, and family therapy to children in their own home.

Public Housing

Federally funded, government-run housing. Must apply at Dept. of Public Housing.

SCOH Services

Services to Children in their own homes – a SCOH worker works individually with a special needs child (mental health needs or medically challenged) in their home and school- through DHS.

Section 504 Accommodations

Similar to Chapter 15 – is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is not a special education program. Any student with a disability that interferes with a major life activity is qualified for educational services and accommodations. Student does not get an IEP. Conditions include: ADHD; Dyslexia; severe Asthma; and others.

Section 8

Federally funded vouchers used to subsidize rent in privately owned apartments.

SSI

Supplemental Security Income – A federal program that makes monthly payments to disabled children/adults who have limited income and resources.
Phone: 1-800-772-1213

Subsidized Housing

Federally funded, privately owned developments; must apply to each development individually.

TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – is the monthly cash assistance program for poor families with children under age 18.

TSS

Therapeutic staff support services – part of WRAP around service one-on-one support.

WRAP Around Services

Multidisciplinary behavioral and therapeutic supports for children ages 0-21 that places support in the child’s community, school, and home.