The Family Support Program is funded by state dollars through the Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services.  The program is intended to assist persons with severe or developmental disabilities and their families in staying together in their homes and communities.  The primary purpose of the Family Support Program is to support:

• Families who have school-aged or younger children who have severe or developmental disabilities at home; or
• Families who have adult children or other adult family members with severe or developmental disabilities living at home with them; or
• Adults with severe or developmental disabilities who live on their own in the community with some or no family help (not living in a state or federally-funded program).

Compass administers the Family Support Program in Montgomery County and Stewart County, Tennessee.  A Local Council of volunteer families of persons with disabilities sets the priorities and guidelines for granting assistance to families who qualify and are selected for enrollment in the Family Support Program.  The Council oversees the distribution of funds and services within the two-county area.

The Family Support Program is flexible and wide-ranging in the kinds of assistance that families may choose to receive.  Families who are selected may use their funding to purchase such things as:

• Respite Care;
• Child Care;
• In-Home Personal Care Assistance;
• Homemaker Services;
• Minor home modifications to improve accessibility;
• Medications not covered by TennCare or other insurance;
• Family counseling, training and support groups; and
• Supplies, specialized nutrition, and equipment.