Resources

General Resources and Guides

Starting Point Guide – A resource directory for Washington State families who have children with ongoing health conditions or special needs. The Guide provides programs and services for your child and family. The Guide is organized by type of service. Use the alphabetical list on page 4 to find an organization by name: http://cshcn.org/wp-content/uploads/files/Starting-Point-Guide.pdf
ParentHelp123 – For Washington State residents, this website provides information on topics such as health benefits, food resources, pregnancy, child development and child care. There is also a section specifically for families who have children with special needs: http://parenthelp123.org/
Informing Families – A resource provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. It offers news and information to individuals and families that empowers them to be active participants in planning and building a network of support and opportunities: http://informingfamilies.org/
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates – COPAA is an independent, nonprofit, national organization that protects the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families: http://www.copaa.org/
WA State Parent to Parent programs – Support and Information for families of children with developmental disabilities or healthcare needs: http://arcwa.org/getsupport/parent_to_parent_p2p_programs
Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy – Helping families access ASD & DD health insurance benefits, effective services in schools, and supportive community-based services, regardless of their personal financial situation: http://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/updates/
Wraparound With Intensive Services (WISE): Video describing this program which is for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs: http://informingfamilies.org/wise-video/
Families for Effective Autism Treatment (F.E.A.T.): Information about their services and Resource Guide – a database of WA based resources for ASD children and adults
Care and Respite– A guide from the Arc of King County to help you understand respite services and navigate systems to access care. You will also find resources to help you find a care provider in your home or in a community-based setting.
Seattle Children’s Hospital Autism Center – provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for autism spectrum disorders
Seattle Children’s Center for Children with Special Needs County Resources List – County specific resources
Cost Guide for Families with a Disabled Child – helps parents learn about lifelong costs associated with cerebral palsy and other disabilities
Seattle Children’s Center for Children with Special Needs Resource Guide – Directory of statewide resources for advocacy, child care, dental care, insurance and more
Disability Resource Center – Resources for Individuals and Families with Disabilities or Special Needs: provides information and links to resources including disability organizations, raising children with special needs, K-12 special education, transition resources and employment information
Information on Children and Mental Health Issues – http://detoxrehabs.org/children-suffering-mental-health-issues/
Navigating Your Way: ages birth to three – provides a bird’s eye view of services, supports and resources
Navigating Your Way: ages 3-6 – provides a bird’s eye view of services, supports and resources
DDA Access Series 1 – Eligibility
Required Documentation for DDA Eligibility Determination – March 2017
Navigating Your Way: Ages 6-14– provides a bird’s eye view of services, supports and resources
Navigating Your Way: Ages 14-21 – provides a bird’s eye view of services, supports and resources
Dad’s Who Have Children with Special Health Care Needs – Taking Care of Yourself
Dad’s Who Have Children with Special Health Care Needs – How To Be of Help
Washington Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens
ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts Can Be a Winning Combination
DDA Eligibility Flowchart
About DDA, King County DD services, and Supported Employment
What is a developmental disability?
How to Prepare for a DDA Assessment
Help Me Grow WA – a free service that connects parents and caregivers to resources in their community
Early Intervention: How to Access Services for Children Birth to 3 in Washington
Pathways to Respite: Resources and Information for those who support a child or adult with disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and older adults living at home
Supports for People with Disabilities in WA State and a Side by Side comparison of the many services available to individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and those with other/functional disabilities.
CCORS & ISS/DD: King County only. Serves up to age 21. Has a new program serving severe autism and I/DD, offering in-home consultation and goal-focused short-term behavior support. To access, go through DDA Case Manager OR call Crisis Connections 206-461-3222 https://www.seattleymca.org/accelerator/familysupport/ccors
BeST Team: A short-term in-home behavior support team for DDA enrolled clients in King County, ages 3-17. The BeST Team has cancelled in-home services but is offering telephonic and video support to parents during COVID crisis. https://www.navos.org/get-help/children-youth-families/best-program/
WISe Wrap: Case management to help parents trouble-shoot and access services. Good fit for overwhelmed parents needing help with follow through and accessing services. Each county has their own WISe wrap team.. Parents can self-refer. https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports/behavioral-health-recovery/wraparound-intensive-services-wise
Safe Families for Children through Olive Crest. We work with families in crisis by providing short-term Safe Homes for the children in those families on a voluntary basis. The family in crisis keeps all parental rights and can have their children back at any time. We work with a lot of different types of families and crisis’ can include homelessness, DV, hospitalizations, medical emergencies, etc. And we work with kids from 0-18 in King and Pierce County along with some in Thurston and Snohomish. Families can give us a call at 1-877-341-7332.
Teen Link: You’re not alone. There is someone that’s willing to listen to you without judgment. Teen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State. Our teen volunteers are trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever’s on your mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression or any other issues you’re facing. No issue is too big or too small! Calls and chats are confidential. Talk it out! 1-866-833-6546 www.teenlink.org
Changes Parent Support Network is a structured, peer-led program that provides support to parents struggling with children who are engaging in oppositional and self-destructive behaviors. Changes offers hope, help, support and relief from feeling overwhelmed and alone. We invite you to explore this website for information about our philosophy, our structured approach and meeting schedules. https://cpsn.org/
New video explains how to apply for DDA services (and Why!)