FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN MAINE

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES THROUGH RESPITE, TRAINING, ADVOCACY, AND IN-HOME SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Family Support Services in Maine are designed to help families who care for children or adults with developmental disabilities or autism. These services provide relief, resources, and training to help families navigate caregiving responsibilities, reduce burnout, and maintain stability at home. Services are often funded under MaineCare’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers—primarily Sections 21, 29, and 28—and may be delivered in the home or community.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Role: Oversees home and community-based support systems for individuals with disabilities and their families

Agency: Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)

Role: Administers Sections 21 and 29 Waivers, sets service definitions for adult family support

Agency: Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS)

Role: Manages Section 28 services for children with developmental delays and behavioral needs

Agency: Office of MaineCare Services (OMS)

Role: Administers Medicaid reimbursement and provider enrollment

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures waiver services meet federal HCBS requirements and support family-centered care

2. FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Family Support Services may include:

• Respite care (in-home or out-of-home relief for caregivers)

• Parent training and support groups

• Behavioral strategies and coaching for families

• Sibling support and family-inclusive recreational programs

• Home-based caregiving assistance or coordination with direct support providers

• Advocacy, navigation, and resource referrals

These services must align with the individual’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP) or Individual Support Plan (ISP) and aim to reduce caregiver stress while promoting family stability and independence.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Maine Secretary of State

• Obtain an EIN and Type 2 NPI

• Enroll as a MaineCare provider under:

  • Section 21 (Comprehensive Supports)

  • Section 29 (Support Waiver for Adults)

  • Section 28 (Rehabilitative Services for Children with Disabilities)

• Submit service descriptions, staff credentials, and compliance documentation to DHHS

• Maintain liability insurance and family safety protocols

4. MAINECARE ENROLLMENT & SERVICE APPROVAL

Step 1: Prepare Service Design and Staff Roles

• Outline your support model (e.g., respite, coaching, advocacy)

• Develop intake forms, family assessments, and staff job descriptions

Step 2: Enroll with MaineCare

• Apply via Health PAS Online

• Choose applicable waiver sections (21, 29, or 28)

Step 3: Submit Documentation for OADS/OCFS Review

• Include safety policies, supervision plans, and training materials

• Prepare to demonstrate how supports are tailored to individual family needs

Step 4: Launch Services

• Accept referrals from case managers or children’s behavioral health teams

• Deliver services and maintain records of family engagement and outcomes

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC registration

• IRS EIN and NPI confirmation

• MaineCare provider approval letter

• Policy & procedure manual including:

  • Family intake and service agreement forms

  • Respite schedules, visit logs, and progress tracking tools

  • Emergency response plans for in-home settings

  • HIPAA compliance and confidentiality guidelines

  • Family rights, grievance processes, and communication protocols

  • Staff qualifications, background checks, and training records

  • Supervision and safety policies for working with minors and vulnerable adults

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Family Support Specialist

Requirements: High school diploma (minimum), experience working with families of individuals with disabilities, background check, training in family-centered practices

Role: Respite Care Worker (if offering respite)

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, complete background checks, First Aid/CPR certification (recommended), and training in safety and support strategies

Role: Parent Coach or Trainer

Requirements: Background in behavioral health, education, or disability services; ability to deliver parent education and support strategies

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Person-Centered Planning and ISP Participation

• Trauma-informed care and family systems theory

• HIPAA, Mandated Reporting, and Client Confidentiality

• Safety and de-escalation protocols

• Annual continuing education

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Family Support Services may be covered under:

• Section 21: Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism (family support, respite)

• Section 29: Adults with Disabilities living at home (limited respite and caregiver supports)

• Section 28: Rehabilitative Services for Children (parent coaching and behavioral supports)

Authorized services include:

• Scheduled respite care for caregiver relief

• In-home coaching and behavioral support

• Advocacy assistance for educational or health systems

• Sibling support and inclusive family events

• Family training to reinforce ISP goals

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Policy & Staffing Setup

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: MaineCare Enrollment (Section 21/29/28)Timeline: 4–6 weeks

Phase: Referral Activation & Family Engagement

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)

Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads

Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS)

Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs

Health PAS Online (MaineCare Provider Enrollment)

Website: https://mainecare.maine.gov

Maine Parent Federation – Statewide Family Support Resource

Website: https://www.mpf.org

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MAINE FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER

We help compassionate caregivers, parent educators, and respite providers launch effective, compliant Family Support Services that empower families and prevent out-of-home placements.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• Enrollment under Sections 21, 29, or 28 for family services

• Policy & procedure manual tailored to family-centered supports

• Templates for respite logs, coaching forms, and family intake packets

• Website, HIPAA-compliant email, and client communication system setup

• Staff credentialing, training modules, and supervision plans

• Emergency protocols and family engagement tracking tools

• Referral networking with schools, behavioral health providers, and case managers

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.