Family Care Councils

It is important for parents and families who have a child on Agency for Persons with Disabilities' (APD) Waiting list to learn about the DD service system in Florida. The state of Florida has created local Family Care Councils (FCC) for the purpose of helping people with developmental disabilities and their families learn about and use the DD system for vital support. 40% of the people with a developmental disability are eligible for help from APD are on APD's Waiting List, yet very few of our parents are involved in groups like the FCC. This is one reason why we have 20,000 people with developmental disabilities waiting for help. Families on APD's Waiting List do not have a voice because we have not become involved in policy and advisory boards relating to DD services. The FCC in your area is your best place to get started.

FCC Creation and Appointment
 In 1993 the Florida State Legislature established the Family Care Council (Section 393.502 ). The Family care Council (FCC) advises the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) on the needs of self-advocates and their families.
PURPOSE.--The purpose of the local family care councils shall be to advise the agency, to develop a plan for the delivery of family support services within the local area, and to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of services and support provided under the plan. The primary functions of the local family care councils shall be to:
 FCC Primary Functions

1. Assist in providing information and outreach to self-advocates and families.
2. Review the effectiveness of the Developmental Disabilities Program and make recommendations with respect to implementation.
 3. Advise the Developmental Disabilities Program administrators on the community and family support systems in their area.
 4. Meet and share information.
The Council may have up to fifteen (15) members appointed by the Governor. At least three of the members must be self-advocates and the remaining membership are family or guardians of qualified consumers.
Please consider being a part of this very important united voice of families and self-advocates in our state. For more information please go to the following web site to find your local Family Care Council.
http://fccflorida.org/

Contact Person: Mike Coonan 850 478 2558 mikecoonan@cox.net