Across the disability community, there has been growing conversation about Medicaid-funded services—specifically, programs that allow family members to serve as paid caregivers.

Recently, national attention has been drawn to this model, with concerns raised about potential fraud and misuse within these programs. (disabilityscoop.com)

And while accountability in any system is important, it’s equally important to understand the full picture—because for many families, this isn’t just a policy discussion. It’s their daily reality.

What This Actually Looks Like for Families

At Community Supports Network, we work closely with individuals and families navigating a wide range of needs.

For many of the individuals we support, care is not simply about assistance—it’s about trust, familiarity, and safety.

In some cases:

• A child may only feel comfortable with a parent
• An individual may rely on a sibling who understands their communication style
• Changes in caregivers can lead to anxiety, behavioral challenges, or regression

For these families, having a trusted caregiver isn’t a preference—it’s essential.

When Caregiving Becomes a Full-Time Role

What often goes unseen is the level of care required behind the scenes.

Family caregivers are frequently responsible for:

• Personal care (feeding, bathing, hygiene)
• Medical needs and monitoring
• Behavioral support
• Transportation to therapies and appointments
• Coordinating services, paperwork, and advocacy

This is not occasional support—it is full-time, highly involved care.

In many cases, parents or family members are forced to leave the workforce entirely to meet these needs.

The Reality of the Caregiver System

There is also a broader challenge that impacts this conversation:
The current nationwide shortage of direct support professionals (DSPs).

When families are approved for services, they often struggle to find consistent, reliable staff.

As a result, family members frequently step in—not as a first choice, but as the only available option.

Advocates emphasize that family caregivers are often “the only reliable option” due to workforce shortages and the complexity of care needs. (The Arc)
Families would also do well not only to provide for their loved ones, but collaborating with agencies in the event they’re unable to fulfill the role the role of caregiver.

Understanding the Fraud Concern – Without Losing Perspective

It’s true that, like any large system, Medicaid programs must guard against fraud.

But it’s equally important to separate:

• Isolated cases of misuse, and
• The legitimate, necessary support that millions of families rely on

In fact, family caregivers provide an enormous amount of care—much of it unpaid—valued at over $1 trillion annually in the U.S. (disabilityscoop.com)

This highlights a critical truth:
Family caregiving is not an exception—it is a foundational part of how care is delivered.

What Could Be at Risk

If policies were to significantly restrict or eliminate the ability for family members to be paid caregivers, the impact could be far-reaching:

1. Increased Financial Strain

Families who already rely on a single income—or no income—could face additional hardship.

2. Disruption in Care

Individuals who depend on familiar caregivers may experience instability, stress, or setbacks.

3. Greater Pressure on an Already-Strained Workforce

With fewer family caregivers, demand for outside staff would increase in a system that is already understaffed.

4. Risk of Institutionalization

Without adequate in-home support, some families may be left with no choice but to seek more restrictive care settings.

A Balanced Path Forward

This conversation does not need to be political—it needs to be practical.

We can hold two truths at once:

• Oversight and accountability are important
• And family caregivers play a vital, irreplaceable role in supporting individuals with disabilities

The goal should not be to eliminate these supports, but to strengthen them responsibly—ensuring integrity while preserving access.

Why This Matters

At its core, this issue is about dignity, choice, and sustainability.

People with disabilities deserve the ability to receive care:

• In their homes
• From people they trust
• In a way that supports their independence and well-being

And families deserve recognition and support for the essential role they play every day.

Final Thought

Behind every policy discussion are real people—families making impossible decisions, caregivers doing the work that keeps their loved ones safe, and individuals who simply want to live comfortably in their communities.

As this conversation continues, it’s critical that those realities remain at the center.

The post Why Paying Family Caregivers Matters appeared first on YourCSN.

Birth–Age 3: Early Intervention (NJEIS)

If you’re concerned about a child’s development before age 3, start with the New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS). It’s the statewide program (run by NJ Department of Health) that evaluates and provides services for infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities. Families can self-refer; services typically end at the child’s third birthday.

For children 3 and older, referrals typically shift to the local school district; families can also use Project Child Find (800-322-8174).

Up to Age 21: Children’s System of Care (CSOC) / PerformCare

For youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), mental health needs, or substance-use challenges, New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care (CSOC) is the public front door.
PerformCare is the 24/7 single point of access for eligibility and service coordination under CSOC:
1-877-652-7624
www.performcarenj.org

Planning the Transition to Adulthood (Around 18–21)

You can apply to the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) at age 18, but DDD’s adult services start at 21 (while school-based services can continue through 21). Families should begin transition planning with the school IEP team and explore DDD eligibility well before the 21st birthday so services can start smoothly.
Learn more: DDD Eligibility

Age 21+: Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

DDD administers New Jersey’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for adults with I/DD via two Medicaid waiver programs:

• Supports Program (SP): for adults living with family or independently in the community.
• Community Care Program (CCP): includes options for licensed residential settings with additional clinical criteria.
  Supports Program Manual

Key Requirements & Steps

1. Medicaid eligibility
   You must have NJ FamilyCare Medicaid to receive ongoing DDD services.
   NJ FamilyCare Info
2. NJCAT assessment
   DDD uses the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJCAT) to measure support needs in self-care, behavioral, and medical areas.
   NJCAT Overview
3. Budgets by tier
   Your NJCAT score determines your tier and annual budget in the Supports Program.
   Budget Tier Table – Effective Jan 1, 2024
4. Choose a Support Coordination Agency (SCA)
   Once eligible/enrolled, adults select a Support Coordination Agency. Support Coordinators help develop the Individualized Service Plan (ISP), locate providers, and make changes as needs evolve.
   Search for SCAs and Providers

Self-Directed Options

New Jersey offers Self-Directed Employee (SDE) models where individuals can hire their own staff and purchase certain approved services.
Two models are available:

• Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA)
• Agency With Choice (AWC)

As of 2025, DDD is transitioning the VF/EA fiscal intermediary from PPL to Acumen, with staggered rollout through September 2025. Your Support Coordinator will guide you through model selection and enrollment.
Self-Direction Resources

How CSN Fits In

• Navigation & planning: We help families prepare for key handoffs—Early Intervention → CSOC/PerformCare → DDD—so services don’t lapse.
• Support Coordination: Once an adult enrolls with DDD, we work with support coordinators to provide this service that matches their NJCAT-based budget.
• Self-direction support: We assist with setting up and maintaining self-directed services for long-term success.

Quick Contacts (New Jersey)

• NJEIS (Birth–3): NJ Early Intervention System
• Project Child Find (Age 3+): Project Child Find Info | 800-322-8174
• PerformCare / CSOC (Youth <21): PerformCare NJ | 877-652-7624
• DDD (Adults 21+): DDD Main Site
• NJCAT & Budgets: NJCAT Overview | 2024 Budget Tier Table
• Support Coordination Search: Find SCAs

The post Breaking Down Barriers: How Disability Services Work in New Jersey (A Family Guide) appeared first on YourCSN.