(1) The family care program is established for the purpose of providing services and support to families and individuals with developmental disabilities in order to maintain the individual in the home environment and avoid costly out-of-home residential placement. Services and support available to families and individuals with developmental disabilities shall emphasize community living and self-determination and enable individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy typical lifestyles. One way to accomplish this is to recognize that families are the greatest resource available to individuals who have developmental disabilities and must be supported in their role as primary care givers.

(2) Services and support authorized under the family care program shall, to the extent of available resources, include the services listed under s. 393.066 and, in addition, shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Attendant care.

(b) Barrier-free modifications to the home.

(c) Home visitation by agency workers.

(d) In-home subsidies.

(e) Low-interest loans.

(f) Modifications for vehicles used to transport the individual with a developmental disability.

(g) Facilitated communication.

(h) Family counseling.

(i) Equipment and supplies.

(j) Self-advocacy training.

(k) Roommate services.

(l) Integrated community activities.

(m) Emergency services.

(n) Support coordination.

(o) Other support services as identified by the family or individual.

(3) When it is determined by the agency to be more cost-effective and in the best interest of the client to maintain such client in the home of a direct service provider, the parent or guardian of the client or, if competent, the client may enroll the client in the family care program. The direct service provider of a client enrolled in the family care program shall be reimbursed according to a rate schedule set by the agency, except that in-home subsidies shall be provided in accordance with s. 393.0695.

(4) All existing community resources available to the client shall be utilized to support program objectives. Additional services may be incorporated into the program as appropriate and to the extent that resources are available. The agency is authorized to accept gifts and grants in order to carry out the program.

(5) The agency may contract for the provision of any portion of the services required by the program, except for in-home subsidies, which shall be provided pursuant to s. 393.0695 whenever the services so provided are more cost-efficient than those provided by the agency.

(6) When possible, services shall be obtained under the “Florida Comprehensive Annual Services Program Plan under Title XX of the Social Security Act” and the “Florida Plan for Medical Assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.”

(7) To provide a range of personal care services for the client, the use of volunteers shall be maximized. The agency shall assure appropriate insurance coverage to protect volunteers from personal liability while acting within the scope of their volunteer assignments under the program.

History.—s. 1, ch. 77-335; s. 11, ch. 86-220; s. 15, ch. 89-308; s. 19, ch. 91-158; s. 5, ch. 92-174; s. 1, ch. 93-143; s. 10, ch. 93-200; s. 6, ch. 93-267; s. 13, ch. 94-154; s. 76, ch. 2004-267; s. 53, ch. 2005-2; s. 24, ch. 2006-227.