An Act Expanding The Adult Family Living-foster Care Program To Persons With Intellectual Disabilities.
With the enactment of HB 07231, the Adult Family Living-Foster Care program would significantly alter the landscape of support services available for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Connecticut. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Social Services, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Developmental Services, expand the existing program, thereby integrating additional participants who qualify under its provisions. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2019, thereby initiating a shift in policy that emphasizes family and community support over institutional care.
House Bill 07231 aims to expand the Adult Family Living-Foster Care program to include individuals with intellectual disabilities. This legislation enables certain Medicaid-eligible persons aged eighteen to sixty-four, who have intellectual disabilities affecting their daily living activities, to receive personal care and support services from caregivers residing in private homes. The bill highlights the importance of community-based support for individuals with disabilities and aims to enhance their quality of life through personalized care arrangements.
While supportive of the bill's intent, discussions may arise around the implementation details such as caregiver training, oversight, and stipend regulations as outlined in the bill. Critics may express concerns regarding the adequacy of these stipends and the level of care provided under this program. The regulatory framework to be established for caregiver accountability and the quality of service delivered to individuals with disabilities is likely to be a significant point of contention in the discussions surrounding this bill.