Children's Long-Term Support Waiver (CLTS) Program

Empowering Children and Families to Thrive at Home

The Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Program at Pepin County Human Services helps children with significant disabilities live their best lives in their homes and communities. This Medicaid waiver program provides tailored supports and services to children under 22 with developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities, ensuring they can stay with their families and participate in community life. We partner with families to create individualized plans that nurture each child’s potential and support family resilience.

 

What is the CLTS Program?

The CLTS Program is designed to keep children with substantial limitations in daily activities at home, rather than in institutional settings. It offers flexible, family-driven services to meet unique needs, helping children engage in their homes, schools, and communities. Our team uses a collaborative approach called Deciding Together, where families, children, and support coordinators work as a team to identify goals and select services that promote independence, inclusion, and well-being.

 

Who is Eligible?

Children may qualify for the CLTS Program if they:

• Are under 22 years old and residents of Wisconsin.
• Are eligible for Wisconsin Medicaid.
• Have a significant developmental, physical, or emotional disability with substantial limitations in multiple daily activities, such as dressing, eating, communicating, or mobility.
• Require a level of care typically provided in a hospital, nursing home, or institution but can be safely supported at home or in the community.

Eligibility is determined through a Functional Screen conducted by our support and service coordinators during a home visit. This process assesses your child’s needs and ensures the program is a good fit.

 

Our Services

The CLTS Program offers a wide range of services based on your child’s and family’s needs, including:

• Adaptive Aids and Home Modifications: Equipment or home changes, like ramps or accessible bathrooms, to enhance safety and independence.
• Respite Care: Short-term relief for caregivers to support family well-being.
• Therapeutic Services: Counseling, music therapy, or other specialized therapies to support emotional and developmental growth.
• Daily Living Skills Training: Support for tasks like bathing, dressing, or meal preparation.
• Service Coordination: Guidance to connect with providers and community resources.
• Assistive Technology: Devices to aid communication or mobility.
• Supportive Home Care: Assistance with personal care or household tasks.

Services are chosen through the Deciding Together process to align with your family’s goals, ensuring your child can learn new skills, build relationships, and thrive in their community.

 

What Will It Cost?

CLTS services are funded through a Medicaid waiver, and there is no cost for eligibility screenings or service coordination. Depending on household income, family size, and the services used, some families may be assessed a parental fee to share in the cost of services. Our support and service coordinators will work with you to understand any costs and explore options like Medical Assistance or private insurance, with your permission. We’re here to make the process clear and manageable.

 

How to Apply

Getting started with the CLTS Program is simple:

• Contact Us: Call Pepin County Human Services at 715-672-8941 to express interest in the CLTS Program.
• Complete an Application: Work with a support and service coordinator to fill out the necessary forms.
• Home Visit: A coordinator will meet with you and your child at home to learn about your needs and conduct a Functional Screen.
• Enrollment: If eligible, your family will begin working with a coordinator to develop an Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

Anyone can make a referral, including parents, doctors, teachers, or community members. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

 

Our Commitment

At Pepin County Human Services, we believe children thrive best within their families and communities. The CLTS Program is built on the principle that parents know their children best, and we’re here to provide the support you need to help your child grow, learn, and live a fulfilling life. Our team is dedicated to delivering culturally sensitive, family-driven services that empower your family’s strengths and resilience.