HARRY HUGHES, Governor

3887

THIS STATE TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY
DISABLED CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES, TO PRESERVE FAMILY UNITY,
AND TO PROMOTE FAMILY STABILITY BY:

(1)  PROVIDING ESSENTIAL FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES TO
ASSIST FAMILIES IN CARING FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN
IN THE HOME; AND

(2)  DIMINISHING THE USE OF RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENTS FOR
DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN.

15-203.

(A) (1) THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE SHALL
ESTABLISH A FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM IN MARYLAND.

(2) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONTRACT WITH PRIVATE
NONPROFIT COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE PROVISION OF
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES.

(B)  THE DEPARTMENT SHALL IMPLEMENT A SLIDING PAYMENT SCALE
FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM FAMILIES FINANCIALLY ABLE TO PAY FOR ALL
OR PART OF THE SERVICES UNDER THE PROGRAM.

(C)  (1) BEFORE USING PROGRAM FUNDS, THE PROGRAM SHALL
COORDINATE AND ASSIST ANY ELIGIBLE CHILD AND FAMILY IN RECEIVING
SERVICES AVAILABLE UNDER EXISTING PROGRAMS INCLUDING:

(I)  RESPITE CARE UNDER ARTICLE 88A, SECTION 128
OF THE CODE;

(II)  DAY CARE SERVICES;

(III)  HOMEMAKER SERVICES;

(IV)  PERSONAL CARE;                                                     

(V)  SERVICES TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN UNDER
ARTICLE 88A, SECTION 121 OF THE CODE;

(VI)  CRIPPLED CHILDREN'S SERVICES UNDER §
15-125 OF THE HEALTH - GENERAL ARTICLE;

(VII)  ATTENDANT CARE SERVICES UNDER § 21-502 OF
THE EDUCATION ARTICLE; AND

(VIII)  OTHER APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND LOCAL
PROGRAMS.

(2) THE PROGRAM SHALL ASSIST IN PROVIDING FAMILY
SUPPORT SERVICES THAT ARE NOT OTHERWISE AVAILABLE.

15-204.