Español
or
The Youth Empowerment Services waiver is a statewide 1915(c) Medicaid program that helps children and youth with serious mental, emotional and behavioral difficulties. The YES waiver provides intensive services delivered within a strengths-based team planning process called wraparound. Wraparound builds on family and community support and utilizes YES services to help build the family’s natural support network and connection with their community. YES services are family-centered, coordinated and effective at preventing out-of-home placement and promoting lifelong independence and self-defined success.
The program aims to:
A wraparound facilitator will meet with you weekly to work on creating a plan specifically for your child. The wraparound plan is also made with help from your child and family team, which meets once a month. The team includes you, your child and people who are important in your child’s life. This may be professionals, family, friends, coaches, or teachers who want to help your child meet their goals. Together, the team develops a plan of care to meet the specific needs and goals of your child and family using YES services, community resources and family strengths.
The YES program includes: Professional services such as animal assisted and art therapy, family supports, paraprofessional services, respite care, community livings supports, and others.
The YES waiver is designed to improve the lives of children, youth and families served
To participate in the YES waiver, a child must:
The average length of time in the YES waiver is 8 to 16 months. Your child’s needs will determine program duration.
If you are a parent or a guardian, please contact your local mental health authority and ask for your child to be added to the YES waiver inquiry list. Find your local mental health authority YES waiver inquiry line.