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Children have the right to grow safely and healthily in environments set up for them to thrive. However, this is only the reality for some children, not all. To bridge this gap, New York State (NYS) offers a range of free services through Medicaid. These are aimed at providing additional support to children with physical, mental, developmental, and behavioral challenges as well as their families.

Most people are not aware that NYS offers these services and whether or not they are eligible for them, which is why we think it’s important to start with education. Let’s explain each of the NYS services, how to qualify, and what services you can expect.

Children and Family Treatment Support Services (CFTSS)

Children and Family Treatment Support Services (CFTSS) is a program aimed at giving support to children with mental health, emotional and behavioral challenges, and their families. CFTSS offers a range of services, including individual and family therapy, crisis intervention, skill-building, and support services.

Qualification Requirements:

• A diagnosis from a licensed professional
• Under 21 years of age
• Insured through Medicaid

Services Included:

• Counseling/therapy from licensed practitioners
• Crisis intervention
• Community psychiatric support and treatment
• Psychosocial rehabilitation
• Family peer support services
• Youth peer support

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)  are for the benefit of children with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or functional limitations. The primary goal is to empower children with these challenges to lead full lives and get a sense of normalcy through support from their families and communities.

Qualification Requirements:

• Under 21 years of age
• A diagnosis from a licensed professional
• The child has or has applied for an out-of-home placement (e.g. mental institution or juvenile facility) or is multi-system involved (systems such as foster care, CPS, juvenile facility, probation, CFTSS, and 1st-tier intervention)

Services Included:

• Community habilitation
• Day habilitation
• Caregiver/family advocacy and support services (CFASS)
• Respite
• Prevocational services
• Supported employment
• Palliative care (massage, expressive, counseling and support, pain and symptom management)
• Adaptive and assistive technology
• Vehicle modifications
• Enviromental modifications
• Non-medical transportation

Children and Youth Evaluation Services Program (C-YES Program)

The Children and Youth Evaluation Services Program (C-YES Program) is an initiative designed to assess the needs, identify any problems, and find and connect families to the best resources to manage those problems and meet those needs. C-YES is essential for early intervention and getting the best referrals to empower and support children.

Qualification Requirements:

• Under 21 years of age

Services Included:

• Once assessed, children and families will be referred to the appropriate HCBS providers relevant to their needs.

Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is a New York State government agency that provides support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It works closely with local service providers, advocacy organizations, and community partners to ensure that they have access to appropriate support and opportunities.

Qualification Requirements:

• Insured through Medicaid
• A developmental disability that is described by certain qualifying diagnoses or conditions.
• The disability must have occurred before the person reached the age of 22.
• The disability can be expected to continue indefinitely or permanently.
• The disability causes a substantial handicap to a person’s ability to function normally in society.

Services Included:

• Respite
• Self-direction
• Environmental modifications
• Crisis services
• Assistive technology
• Care coordination
• Residential care
• Additional health-related items and services

Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy (ABA Therapy)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a systematic and evidence-based approach used to analyze and modify behavior in individuals, particularly children, under the age of 21. It is commonly employed to address behavioral challenges and improve social, communication, and adaptive skills. Those who qualify can possibly get up to 25 hours per week of this service, which can be done at home, at the school, or in our health service provider’s main facility.

Qualification Requirements:

• A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a licensed professional.
• Any age
• Any Insurance

Services Included:

The services you get with ABA therapy are tailored to each child’s needs. A board-certified behavioral analyst (BCBA) does an assessment, after which a plan is developed that can include anything from discrete trial training (DTT), verbal behavior (VB) therapy, and natural environment training (NET) to name a few.

Do you think your child, ward, or student could qualify for any of the free NYS services? Contact Progen Care and we’ll ensure that you get the assessments, diagnoses, and referral recommendations you need to give your child the best chance at a fulfilling life.