Program Description

The activities of Children's Advancement Fund, Inc. will increase a child's motor, speech and language skills through speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. In addition, we assist with funding for social skills groups. Children's Advancement Fund, Inc. will provide funding directly to therapy providers who are contracted with CAF.

CAF's goal is to provide as many children as possible medically based therapy services. It is a commitment on the families' end to bring a child to weekly therapy services and we want as many children as possible to attend. The long term goal is self esteem, employment and college. The more services children receive early in life, the fewer services they will need when they turn 22. When a child turns 22, the school district's services end and the state funding begins. At 22 (if a need still exists), adults enter state programs such as group homes and supervised work sites.
Our funding for therapy services is available to children whose insurance companies have denied their therapy services or whose families need assistance with copayments and deductibles. In addition, families applying for funding should meet the income requirements. At this time only families with an income less than or equal to 400% of the federal poverty level will be eligible for funding (proof of income is required through financial documentation).
There is also funding available for social skills groups. These children learn how to have a conversation, engage appropriately in public and accept constructive criticism.There is not an income cap for the social skills program. All families should apply.

Our Vision for the Future

The goal is to increase available services as funding is available. In addition, we want to spread the word that not all insurance companies and school systems cover all therapy services.

Process

In order to initiate enrollment in CAF the family should make contact with Stephanie Bendiske by emailing her at caf@cafinfo.org. The intake process involves the parents completing paperwork. After the intake process is completed and all paperwork is submitted and signed, the child will be placed on a waiting list until funding and providers are available.

Services

Eligible participants will be evaluated by contracted providers for speech and language, occupational therapy, physical therapy services and/or social skills. Children who qualify for services have an identified need based on standardized testing. Services must be traditional in nature and research based (provided services include but not limited to: oral motor, therapeutic exercises, feeding, language, handwriting and functional activities). Provided services must be approved.

Participant Qualifications:

Children who have received an insurance denial, have exhausted benefits for the year or need assistance with copayments and deductibles should apply. For funding for therapy services families should fall within stated income levels. Funding is available to children ages 3-18. For children who have exhausted their insurance benefits, CAF will only support participation in the program if the child can stay with a provider who accepts both the family's insurance and CAF funding. In addition the family must be paid in full or have a current and up to date payment plan with all current or past providers before receiving funding from CAF. Families must be willing to sign releases and submit all previous/present evaluations, IEPs and treatment notes.

Family Participation Fee:

A family participation fee will be paid by families and based on a sliding scale. Family participation fees are equivalent to copayments. Fees will be collected at each visit by the provider.