Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Support Coordinator?
A professional that assists your family with advocacy and helps you plan for your family member to be linked with needed services. Case Manager, Service Coordinator, and Case Worker are all names for the same type of position.
How do I get a Support Coordinator assigned to work with my family member?
Complete an intake with the Kansas City Regional Office at (816) 889-3452. Their intake personnel are responsible for overseeing the determination of eligibility of individuals for The Missouri Department of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities Division.
Does everyone with a developmental disability have a Support Coordinator?
Every Ray County citizen found eligible by KCRO is referred to Special Needs Services of Ray County for Support Coordination.
a) If an eligible individual has active Medicaid, that individual will have a Support Coordinator.
b) If an eligible individual has active Medicaid and participates in a Medicaid Waiver for funding services, that individual will have a Support Coordinator.
c) If an eligible individual does not have Medicaid, has autism, and participates in the Northwest Autism Project, that individual will have a Support Coordinator.
d) If an eligible individual does not have Medicaid and does not have ongoing services through the Northwest Autism Project, that individual will have a Support Coordinator.
Who monitors the progress my family member is making?
The Support Coordinator monitors services and checks on eligible individuals as referred to above:
a) The Support Coordinator will make phone contact three times yearly and face-to-face contact once yearly (Medicaid active).
b) The Support Coordinator will make monthly site visits (12 times per year) to those receiving residential services and quarterly site visits (4 times per year) to those receiving in-home support (Medicaid Waiver)
c) The Support Coordinator will make phone contact three times yearly and face-to-face contact once annually (NWAP).
d) The Support Coordinator will meet with the eligible individual annually and answer your questions by phone as needed (no Medicaid or NWAP).
Who prepares an Individual Support Plan for my family member?
The Support Coordinator heads the team of the individual, service providers, other family members and/or friends, and service agencies.
Who decides how much service support my family member receives?
Unmet needs will be discussed during the planning meeting. The Support Coordinator will discuss with you how those needs can be met. The Support Coordinator is responsible for the final decision.
What kind of help can I receive?
The Support Coordinator can link families to resources. If funding is needed, the Support Coordinator can help connect the family to in-home support, employment, transportation, durable medical equipment, or behavioral services. Environmental adaptations can be made to entrances, bathrooms, and stairs. Referrals can be made to the Division of Health and Senior Services, the Bureau of Special Health Care Needs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Comprehensive Psychiatric Services.
Why is it beneficial to have a support coordinator?
Support Coordination can last from birth until death if the required contact remains. Support Coordination can ensure that your loved one’s needs are met and put supports in place if needed. Your Support Coordinator can act as a guide to understand how Social Security, Medicaid, and other offices work together. They can help give resources for support to school districts or other entities. They can help guide families to available resources locally and in surrounding areas.