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My child, who is developmentally disabled, will be
turning 18 soon. Should I apply for guardianship?
Guardianship is a choice
many families make when their children turn 18. But
there are several things that need to be considered
before making that decision. Guardianship is awarded if
an individual is determined by a judge to be incompetent
and unable to make the choices necessary to live a
self–determined life. There are alternatives to Plenary
Guardianship such as Conservatorship or representative
payee. Before making this difficult decision, discuss
the options with your child’s Circle of Support
(friends, relatives, and/or support groups) to choose
what would be best for your child and family.
What Role does Oakland County Community Mental Health
Authority play in providing services to persons with
developmental disabilities?
Oakland County Community
Mental Health Authority contracts with Macomb-Oakland
Regional Center and Community Living Services to provide
support and services to people with developmental
disabilities. The Authority funds services, monitors the
service provider, interprets and implements the many
state and federal regulations, coordinates with other
human service agencies in Oakland County, assess, plan,
and implement services to meet the needs of Oakland
County citizens.
Is my child with developmental disabilities eligible for
services?
Determining eligibility
is based on the Federal Guidelines as described in the
Mental Health Code (Section 330.1100a). To find out if
your child is eligible contact Macomb-Oakland Regional
Center at 1 (866) 593-7412 or Community Living Services
of Oakland County 1 (248) 758-2348.
What
happens if services are denied?
If you are told that your
family member is not eligible for services and you
disagree with this assessment, you have the right to a
Second Opinion. To access this option you can call 1
(248) 858-1222. If you have questions about the Second
Opinion process call Customer Services at 1 (800)
341-2003.
What can I do if I’m not happy with the services that
are provided?
If you are unhappy with
the services you are receiving, or you don’t agree with
the decision your support team makes, you can file a
Grievance with the service provider (Macomb-Oakland
Regional Center or Community Living Services), or you
can contact Customer Services at 1 (800) 341-2003. If
you feel that your rights have been violated as
described in the “Your Rights” Booklet, you may call
Office of Recipient Rights at 1 (877) 744-4878.
What services can I purchase with respite funds?
Respite is available for children and adults who are
living in family homes. When a family receives an annual
respite budget, the amount the family must contribute is
a per diem (daily) rate based on ability to pay. A
respite budget is to provide temporary relief to the
unpaid primary caregiver and can be used for a vacation,
camp, time off during school breaks, planned activities,
etc. Respite funds cannot be used for childcare while a
parent or caregiver is at work. Families select their
respite provider(s) and arrange their own services;
possibilities include a friend, relative, neighbor or
agency.
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