School-Age - Community Crossroads

School Age Children

School-Age Children

Family Support Services to school age children are provided through the Family Support Department at Community Crossroads. Services are provided as needed to eligible individuals and their families. Eligibility is determined in accordance with He-M 503. These services are provided for supporting families within the context of their lives and within their own communities.

Supports are provided in a flexible and supportive manner through the family support service coordinators, who have many resources to share with families. Supporting families may include recreational opportunities, respite services, ongoing trainings, assistance in accessing environmental modifications or adaptive equipment, information and referral, periodic behavioral consultation & services, attendance at school meetings, assistance with planning for transition from early supports and services to school, and to adult services; and assistance with applying for state and federal benefits.

The In Home Support Waiver (IHSW) is available to families with children birth to the age of 21. This waivered service is paid for by state and federal dollars; therefore, the child must have NH Medicaid in order to receive this service. The intent of the IHSW service is to enhance the families’ ability to care for the child in the home. Eligibility requirements are stated in state regulation He M 524. This is a family directed service for personal care services, respite, behavioral consultation, and environmental modifications, etc. The I H S Waiver Service is dependent upon the availability of state funding. For more detailed information, please contact your support coordinator.

We try to offer a variety of information sharing events throughout the year. We participate in several community events to share information about our department. We provide trainings to our families and the community on a regular basis. We also participate in Transition events through the Transition Collaborative in our area. This is always a great way for families to begin planning for the future by meeting vendors, other parents, etc.

A Transition Guide to help families learn about the many steps involved when a young person with a developmental disability approaches adulthood (21). The guide offers helpful information about applying for NH Medicaid Insurance, Social Security, and guardianship.

The Transition Guide and checklist work together to assist the family and staff through the process of Transition. As reminders, updated information is sent to families during key milestone periods throughout the transition process. For example, a specific three page outline on what to do when your child turns 18 will be mailed to the parents of children at 17 and a half years of age. We are continuously updating the transition process to ensure that those families receive accurate information and support along the way. Because this is such a critical time, we ask families to invite us to their child’s IEP meeting so we are able to assist when needed through the transition period.

Community Crossroads consists of a Family Support Council as well as the Family Support staff. The members of the Family Support Council have a family member receiving services from an area agency. The Family Support Council provides advice and oversight to the area agency in the development of family support services. Please see Family Support Council for more information.

Community Crossroads is committed to supporting families through; guidance, support, advocacy, and resources to assist in supporting their family member at home.

40 -number of consecutive interagency collaborative trainings between Community Crossroads and Center for Life Management.