Preparing for the future can be daunting for parents or caregivers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Many want to be more proactive in finding residential services for their children and also have resources to contribute to a home and supports. However, many have found, amid the countless details involved, that there is no single source of information or assistance to navigate the often confusing system of public services and funding.

Thatrsquos where Parent Compass comes in.

Parent Compass provides:

• A complete source of information for family-directed housing, also called a consortium
• Information and support to empower family member and caregivers to meet their childrsquos residential needs
• Answers common questions
• Insight on topics you may not have considered before

ldquoWe are the conductors of the symphony of caring, comfort, and support for our relatives. No one else has the breadth of vision and the passion.rdquo ndash Al Etmanski, A Good LifeThe information here comes from several sources:

• Interviews with families who have been through the process
• County boards of DD
• Service providers

Developing the best possible home and supports can be time-consuming, difficult and frustrating. Who better, though, to meet the challenge than parents?

You may ultimately decide that family-directed housing does not meet your familyrsquos needs. If so, it is still important to follow some of the steps, especially those found in Individual Future Planning.

If, on the other hand, you are interested in pursuing a family-directed housing, but feel overwhelmed, take this process one step at a time beginning with Reside