REFUGE HOUSE, INC.
Child Placing Agency
INTELLECTUAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY (IDD)/AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER SUPPORT SERVICES
COMPREHENSIVE ENHANCED SNAPSHOT
Umbrella Policy and Procedures with Embedded Cross-References
| Policy Information | Details |
|---|---|
| POLICY NAME | IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services Policy |
| POLICY NUMBER | FC-IDD-01 |
| DOCUMENT TYPE | Comprehensive Enhanced Snapshot |
| ORIGINATED | December 2025 |
| REVISION DATE | June 2026 |
| LAST UPDATED | 5/15/2026 |
| LAST APPROVED | 5/22/2026 |
| APPROVED BY | Board of Directors |
| APPROVED ON | 5/22/2026 |
| EFFECTIVE DATE | 5/22/2026 |
| SECTION | FC-IDD |
| DATE(S) OF REVISION | January 2026 - Added Section 5.9 Service Documentation and Cost Coverage; April 2026 - Added Group therapy to §5.2, concrete LOS range in §4.2, and §5.14 IDD/Autism-specific Foster Family Home Support Services; May 2026 - Added twice-monthly aftercare contact frequency and skills-transfer focus to §9; added dual Director confirmation reference to §8; expanded §5.4 RN Consultant role; added AAC/sensory accommodation specifics; added §10 Forms & Attachments, §11 Regulatory References, §12 Related Procedures; June 2026 - Removed Package-specific foster home capacity claim from §3.5 and §7.3 (not supported by T3C Blueprint p.125-136) |
| APPLICABLE T3C PACKAGES: | APPLICABLE T3C ADD-ON SERVICES: |
|---|---|
| ☐ T3C Basic Foster Family Home | ☒ Transition Support Services for Youth & Young Adults |
| ☐ Substance Use Support Services | ☒ Kinship Caregiver Support Services |
| ☐ Short-Term Assessment | ☒ Pregnant & Parenting Youth or Young Adult |
| ☐ Mental & Behavioral Health | |
| ☐ Sexual Aggression/Sex Offender | |
| ☐ Complex Medical Needs or Medically Fragile | |
| ☐ Human Trafficking Victim/Survivor | |
| ☒ Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD)/Autism Spectrum Disorder | |
| ☐ T3C Treatment Foster Family Care |
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
Purpose: This Comprehensive Enhanced Snapshot is designed for external reviewers (e.g., DFPS credentialing analysts) who need a complete picture of IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services implementation without referring to separate policy and procedure documents.
Related Documents:
- FC-IDD-01 (Quick Reference): Lean cross-reference version for internal quick lookup
- FC-IDD-01 (Standard): Working template with cross-references to standalone policies
- FC-IDD-01 Implementation Addendum: Interim Credential period operational details
TABLE OF CONTENTS
POLICY SECTIONS
- Purpose and Service Package Description
- Governing Principles
- Admission Criteria and Guidelines
- Length of Service Parameters
- Service Package Expectations
- Staffing Requirements and Ratios
- Foster Family Home Requirements
- Quality Assurance and Continued Stay Guidelines
- Aftercare Services (Mandatory)
PROCEDURE SECTIONS
10-17. [Procedures integrated throughout]
TRAINING, TREATMENT MODEL, CQI, AND REFERENCES
- Forms and Attachments
- Regulatory References
- Related Procedures and Policies
- Document Control and Compliance Statement
POLICY SECTIONS
1. PURPOSE AND SERVICE PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
1.1 Service Package Definition
IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services provides specialized foster care for children, youth, and young adults with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders who require developmental, behavioral, and medical supports through evidence-informed treatment models.
1.2 Target Population
Children, youth, and young adults who:
- Have a formal diagnosis of Intellectual Disability (mild, moderate, severe, or profound)
- Have Autism Spectrum Disorder at any level requiring support
- Have Pervasive Developmental Disorder
- Have other developmental disabilities significantly impacting adaptive functioning
1.3 Service Package Objectives
- Provide stable foster home environment with specialized developmental supports
- Coordinate comprehensive developmental and therapeutic services
- Support skill development and independence appropriate to developmental level
- Integrate family engagement in care coordination
- Provide educational coordination including IEP/ARD advocacy
1.4 Dual Credentialing Requirement
In addition to maintaining the IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services Package credential, the Child Placing Agency and Foster Family Home Caregivers must be Credentialed to provide the T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support Service Package. This allows for step-down within the same foster family home when the SSCC or DFPS determines the child no longer requires the level of intervention and services inherent in the IDD/Autism package.
Credential Maintenance: CPA and Foster Family Home Caregivers providing IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services maintain BOTH:
- T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support Services credential (foundational), AND
- IDD/Autism service package credential (specialized)
Loss or lapse of either credential suspends IDD/Autism service delivery until remediation is completed and both credentials are reinstated; service delivery cannot continue under the service package credential alone.
2. GOVERNING PRINCIPLES
2.1 TBRI® Adapted for Developmental Differences
📋 DERIVED FROM: TBRI Treatment Model Executive Summary
Refuge House's Evidence-informed Treatment Model applies Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) principles adapted for developmental differences:
Connecting Principles: Building trust and connection using developmentally appropriate communication strategies and sensory-aware interaction.
Empowering Principles: Addressing sensory processing needs, communication supports, and physical regulation with specialized developmental understanding.
Correcting Principles: Responding to behaviors with understanding of developmental context and implementing positive behavioral support strategies.
2.2 Neurodiversity-Affirming Philosophy
Services respect neurodiversity while promoting skill development and independence appropriate to each child's developmental level and individual strengths.
3. ADMISSION CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES
3.1 Admission Guidelines
In addition to statutory and Minimum Standards Requirements:
- Placement type and Service Package align with child's needs and strengths as demonstrated through CANS 3.0 Assessment
- Pre-Placement visit conducted (when applicable and appropriate) and was successful
- CPA admissions staff have reviewed child's information and determined needs align with services offered
- CPA and Foster Family Home are Credentialed for IDD/Autism Support Services Package
3.2 Diagnostic Eligibility
Primary admission criteria include formal diagnosis or pending evaluation for:
- Intellectual Disability (mild, moderate, severe, or profound)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder at any level requiring support
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder
- Other developmental disabilities significantly impacting adaptive functioning
These diagnoses must be supported by:
- Formal psychological or developmental evaluation
- CANS 3.0 Assessment indicators in developmental domains
- Documentation of functional limitations in multiple life areas
- Medical documentation of associated conditions
3.3 Functional Assessment Requirements
Comprehensive assessment ensures accurate identification of developmental support needs:
- Adaptive functioning across all domains
- Communication abilities and preferred methods
- Sensory processing patterns and needs
- Medical complexity and equipment requirements
- Behavioral manifestations of disability
3.4 Placement Matching Considerations
📋 DERIVED FROM: FC6-01 Admission Matching & Criteria Policy
Foster families caring for children with IDD/Autism require specialized preparation. Matching evaluates:
- Experience with developmental disabilities
- Home environment structure and predictability
- Understanding of alternative communication methods including AAC
- Capacity to manage medical needs and equipment
- Commitment to consistency and routine
3.5 Capacity
The T3C Blueprint (April 2026, pp.125-136) does not specify a Package-specific foster home capacity limit for the IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services Package. Standard TAC §749 base foster home capacity standards apply; refer to each foster home's verification for the approved capacity.
4. LENGTH OF SERVICE PARAMETERS
4.1 Length of Service
Length of service is individualized based on:
- Child's Treatment Model for providing IDD/Autism Support Services
- Admission Guidelines and Continued Stay Guidelines
- Child's CANS 3.0 Assessment
- Child's ability to sustain or improve overall well-being and functioning in accordance with evaluation and the Service Plan
4.2 Anticipated Length of Service
Anticipated Length of Service: 18-36 months typical duration, customized based on individual developmental needs and Continued Stay Guidelines as outlined in the T3C Blueprint. IDD/Autism services may extend beyond this range based on ongoing developmental needs and the child's Service Plan.
4.3 Service Plan Reviews
Service Plans are reviewed every 90 days to assess developmental progress, therapeutic effectiveness, support needs, and continued service need.
5. SERVICE PACKAGE EXPECTATIONS
5.1 Developmental Assessment and Services
Assessment Requirements:
- Comprehensive developmental evaluation
- Communication assessment, including determination of whether Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is indicated
- Sensory processing evaluation as indicated
- Medical review for associated conditions
- Functional behavioral assessment as needed
Service Components:
- Developmental therapies (speech, occupational, physical as indicated)
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as clinically appropriate
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports and devices where indicated (speech-generating devices, picture exchange systems, visual schedules, or other AAC tools)
- Sensory regulation strategies tailored to each child's sensory profile
- Adaptive skill development
5.2 Therapeutic Services
Services provided as clinically indicated based on child's needs:
- Individual therapy with developmental adaptation
- Family therapy as clinically indicated
- Group therapy as clinically indicated
- Behavioral therapy/support
Provider Qualifications: Therapists must have experience with DSM-5 diagnoses of IDD/Autism, verified during STAR Health coordination.
5.3 Service Planning Requirements
| Requirement | IDD/Autism Package | Standard Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Service Plan Reviews | Every 90 days | Per FC3-01.1 |
| CANS 3.0 | Every 90 days | Per FC3-01.1 |
| Developmental Progress Review | Required component | Package-specific |
| IEP Integration | Required within 5 business days of ARD | Package-specific |
5.4 Registered Nurse Consultation
📋 DERIVED FROM: Professional Health Guide; FC-STAR-01.1; T3C Blueprint p.126
RN Consultant — Full Role Description:
Children with IDD/Autism frequently have medical complexity requiring registered nurse oversight. The RN Consultant is a required position for this Service Package and carries the following responsibilities:
Medical Protocol Development:
- Develop individualized medical care protocols for each child with complex medical needs at or before admission
- Protocols address medication administration, seizure management, feeding tube care, G-tube management, bowel and bladder protocols, and any other condition-specific medical routines
- Update protocols within 5 business days when a new medical order is issued or a condition changes
- Train Foster Family Home Caregivers on each protocol; document training in the child's health file
Adaptive Equipment Management:
- Assess, document, and coordinate the supply and maintenance of durable medical equipment (DME) including wheelchairs, communication devices, orthotics, positioning equipment, feeding pumps, and other assistive technology
- Coordinate with STAR Health for DME authorization and with community vendors for timely delivery
- Verify equipment is functioning properly at each home visit and document condition
Health Monitoring:
- Complete health status review for each child with complex medical needs at a minimum of every 90 days (aligned with the CSR cycle) and at any significant change in condition
- Review lab results, specialist reports, and therapy progress notes as received
- Identify early indicators of medical deterioration and coordinate with the child's physician
- Maintain a Medical Status Summary in each child's health file, updated at each monitoring review
24/7 Medical Consultation:
- Available for consultation 24/7 for medical questions and emergencies arising in IDD/Autism foster homes
- On-Call Crisis Management Staff coordinates RN consultation for medical concerns during crisis response (per FC-04.1 §3.3)
Cross-Reference: FC-04.1 Crisis Management Procedure §3.3 (IDD/ASD medical consultation during crisis); FC-AF-01.1 §2.3 and §3.3 (RN consultation during aftercare)
5.5 24/7 Crisis Availability
📋 DERIVED FROM: FC-04 Crisis Management Policy; FC-04.1 Crisis Management Procedure
Crisis Management Staff available 24/7/365 with IDD/Autism-specific protocols including:
- Behavioral escalation with developmental context (distinguishing communication frustration from behavioral refusal)
- Medical emergency response (seizure, aspiration, equipment failure)
- Sensory crisis intervention (sensory overload de-escalation, environmental modification)
- Elopement response protocol
- RN consultation coordination for medical emergencies
Cross-Reference: FC-04.1 Crisis Management Procedure, Sections 2.2 (IDD/Autism assessment factors), 3.3 (RN consultation coordination), 7.2 (post-crisis documentation)
5.6 Human Trafficking Prevention
📋 DERIVED FROM: FC-HT-01 Human Trafficking Prevention Policy
Universal Human Trafficking Prevention per FC-HT-01, with awareness that individuals with IDD/Autism may be at heightened vulnerability.
5.7 Educational Coordination
CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: This Service Package requires coordination and participation in school enrollment, including advocating for and ensuring various educational testing and plans are completed as necessary, and accommodations and/or supports are in place to aid in the child's educational success.
IEP/ARD Meeting Responsibilities:
- Designated Attendee: Case Manager serves as educational liaison and attends all IEP/ARD meetings
- Documentation Required: Copy of IEP obtained and maintained in child's educational file
- Service Plan Integration: IEP goals incorporated into Service Plan within 5 business days of ARD meeting
5.8 STAR Health Coordination
📋 DERIVED FROM: FC-STAR-01.1 STAR Health Coordination Procedure
CPA and Foster Family Home Caregiver are required to coordinate care with the child's medical consenter and participate in STAR Health Service Coordination.
CPA and Foster Family Home Caregivers must have enhanced skill in advocating for and supporting coordination of services through STAR Health and HHSC Supports and Services for children, youth, and young adults with Intellectual Developmental Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
5.9 Service Documentation and Cost Coverage
T3C Blueprint Reference: Page 130 (April 2026)
5.9.1 Service Documentation Requirements
In collaboration with the Medical Consenter, Refuge House must document all services the child, youth, or young adult is receiving through STAR Health, HHSC Behavioral Health, Early Childhood Intervention (if applicable), the education system, and any other county, community, or state agency.
5.9.2 Service Request and Denial Documentation
Requests for specific services determined necessary as a part of the Service Plan or Service Plan review, and for which the child, youth, or young adult is referred, and the service is not readily available and/or it is determined that the child, youth, or young adult is ineligible for the service, must be documented in the case record. This documentation shall include:
- The date the service request, application, or referral was made
- The specific type of service being requested
- The status of the service request
- The reason provided for any denial (if applicable)
- The status of any service request appeals (if applicable)
5.9.3 SSCC/DFPS Notification
Refuge House shall notify the SSCC or DFPS caseworker of any challenges encountered with access to services and/or service referral denials within 3 business days.
5.9.4 Community Resource Pursuit
Refuge House shall seek community resources to obtain any needed services that are not covered through STAR Health.
5.9.5 Cost Coverage Commitment
If community resources are not available and/or STAR Health does not cover the needed service(s) consistent with this Service Package, and as outlined in the Service Plan or Service Plan review, Refuge House will ensure delivery of, and cover the cost of the needed service(s) and related supports.
Cross-Reference: FC-STAR-01.1 STAR Health Coordination Procedure Section 9 (Managing Service Denials and Access Barriers)
5.10 Normalcy Activities
Foster Family Home Caregivers must support Normalcy activities to include, but not limited to clothing, hygiene products, hair care, birthdays, holidays, graduations, and other Normalcy activities that are age appropriate and developmentally appropriate, and in accordance with the Service Plan.
5.11 Family Engagement
📋 DERIVED FROM: FC7-01 Family Connections and Engagement Policy
Family engagement for IDD/Autism Support Services includes:
- Family education on developmental supports
- Family involvement in service planning
- Family therapy as clinically indicated
- Support for family reunification with developmental considerations
5.12 IDD/ASD Identification and Coordination via Multi-Source Assessment
CPA staff and Foster Family Home Caregivers identify and coordinate IDD/ASD-specific service needs by synthesizing information from:
- Direct observation and daily interaction with the youth in the foster home setting
- CANS 3.0 Assessment — initial and ongoing re-administration per package cadence
- 3-day medical exam (if applicable, for new placements) — per STAR Health requirements
- Texas Health Steps checkups — routine preventive care visits per Medicaid schedule
- ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) evaluations — for children 0-3 with developmental concerns
- Medicaid and community-based evaluations — including psychological, neurodevelopmental, behavioral, speech/language, occupational, and physical therapy assessments
CPA staff coordinate across STAR Health, HHSC LIDDA (Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority), school district special education services, and community-based providers to ensure identified needs translate into an integrated service plan. Per T3C Blueprint (April 2026).
5.13 Therapy and Evaluation Support
Consistent with each youth's individualized service plan, CPA staff and Foster Family Home Caregivers facilitate, incorporate into daily routines, and support:
- Physical therapy (PT) — for mobility, motor, and physical development needs
- Occupational therapy (OT) — for sensory, fine motor, and activities of daily living needs
- Speech-language therapy — for communication and swallowing needs; includes AAC device programming support and daily use facilitation
- Behavioral therapy — including ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) where clinically indicated
- Other specialized therapy — including music, art, equine, or recreational therapy when part of the service plan
Additionally, CPA staff coordinate and support access to:
- Psychological evaluations — including cognitive, adaptive functioning, and neuropsychological assessments
- Psychiatric evaluations — for medication management and co-occurring mental health needs
- Other diagnostic assessments — as recommended by treating clinicians
CPA staff provide Foster Family Home Caregivers with training and coaching on home-based reinforcement of therapy goals and strategies. Per T3C Blueprint (April 2026).
5.14 Foster Family Home Support Services (IDD/Autism-Specific)
Foster Family Home Caregivers serving children under the IDD/Autism Support Services Package are required to offer (a) logistical support, (b) transportation, (c) coordination, and (d) documentation/record keeping of services in accordance with court orders and the Service Plan. This package-specific support approach recognizes the heightened service-coordination demands of IDD/Autism care.
Logistical Support:
- Coordination of daily routines to accommodate therapy schedules, IEP-related appointments, medical visits, and sensory/behavioral regulation needs
- Integration of therapeutic, developmental, and medical recommendations into daily caregiving
- Preparation of the home environment to support the child's sensory, communication, and adaptive needs
Transportation:
- Provision and coordination of transportation to and from IEP/ARD meetings, developmental and therapeutic appointments (PT/OT/speech/ABA), psychiatric and medical specialty appointments, and STAR Health care coordination meetings
- Coordination with public transit, Medicaid transportation (MTP), or other approved transportation supports when appropriate
Service Coordination:
- Active coordination with STAR Health, HHSC LIDDA, school district special education staff, ECI (for children 0-3), community-based therapists, and medical providers
- Participation in IEP/ARD meetings, IDT (Interdisciplinary Team) meetings, Service Plan reviews, CFT (Child and Family Team) meetings, and provider consultations
- Communication with the Case Manager and Treatment Director regarding service access, barriers, and changes in the child's status
Documentation and Record Keeping:
- Maintenance of daily logs capturing behavioral observations, skill acquisition, sensory regulation patterns, medical status, and communication progress
- Documentation of service delivery attendance and progress toward IEP and Service Plan goals
- Maintenance of copies of IEPs, assessments, and medical and therapy reports in the child's educational and health files
- Timely documentation sufficient to support CSR submission within 15 business days and SSCC/DFPS caseworker reporting
CPA staff provide training, supervision, and direct support to Foster Family Home Caregivers to build and sustain this IDD/Autism-specific support capacity (T3C Blueprint (April 2026); TAC §749.1335).
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS AND RATIOS
6.1 Administrative Leadership
| Position | Requirements |
|---|---|
| LCPAA | Full-time, dedicated to single CPA |
| Program Director | May serve as LCPAA; bachelor's degree OR 5 years residential childcare experience |
| Treatment Director | Must meet T3C Blueprint qualifications including expertise in developmental disabilities (psychiatrist, psychologist, professional counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or registered nurse licensure; OR TEA certification as education diagnostician with master's degree in special education or human services and 3 years experience with IDD/Autism) |
| RN Consultant | Licensed Registered Nurse with experience in developmental disabilities and/or pediatric complex medical needs; responsible for medical protocol development, equipment management, health monitoring, and 24/7 medical consultation |
6.2 Staff-to-Child Ratios
| Position | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Case Manager | 1:15 | Per 15 children receiving IDD/Autism Services |
| Licensed Therapist | 1:14 | Per 14 children receiving IDD/Autism Services |
| Behavior Support Specialist/Mentor | 1:15 | Per 15 children receiving IDD/Autism Services |
| RN Consultant | As needed | Provides consultation for all children with complex medical needs; 24/7 availability |
| Crisis Management Staff | 1:25 | Standard T3C ratio |
| Aftercare Case Manager | 1:25 | Standard T3C ratio |
6.3 Hours of Operation
Admissions and placement staff on-call/available 365 days per year, 24 hours per day.
7. FOSTER FAMILY HOME REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Credentialing Requirements
Foster homes providing IDD/Autism Support Services must:
- Hold current foster home verification
- Complete IDD/Autism specific training (4 hours per FC-16 Section 4.7)
- Demonstrate competency in developmental supports
- Be credentialed for BOTH IDD/Autism AND Basic Foster Family Home packages
7.2 Training Requirements
📋 DERIVED FROM: FC-16 Staff and Caregiver Training Policy, Section 4.7
Foster Parent Training - IDD/Autism:
Training Component Hours Content Timing Initial Training 4 hours Understanding IDD/Autism diagnoses; Creating structured home environment; Communication strategies and AAC supports; Sensory processing and regulation; Behavioral support strategies; Medical needs management; Working with developmental specialists; Educational advocacy (IEP/ARD) Before first IDD/Autism placement Annual Refresher 2 hours Updates and reinforcement; Case discussion Annually
7.3 Foster Home Capacity
The T3C Blueprint (April 2026, pp.125-136) does not specify a Package-specific foster home capacity limit for the IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services Package. Standard TAC §749 base foster home capacity standards apply; refer to each foster home's verification for the approved capacity.
7.4 Foster Home Environment
Foster home must:
- Maintain structured, predictable environment with consistent daily routines
- Provide sensory-appropriate spaces (quiet areas, sensory tools, reduced stimulation zones as needed)
- Support AAC communication methods and devices (store devices safely, charge devices, implement communication systems consistently in daily interactions)
- Accommodate medical equipment as needed (space, storage, power supply)
- Maintain safety accommodations appropriate to developmental level (door alarms for elopement risk, secured medications, locked cabinets for hazardous items)
7.5 Active Participation in Therapy and Clinical Meetings
Foster Family Home Caregivers are expected to:
- Participate directly in therapy with the youth, as clinically indicated — including family therapy sessions, parent training, and therapy-adjacent coaching sessions.
- Attend clinical and service planning meetings — including IEP/ARD meetings, IDT (Interdisciplinary Team) meetings, Service Plan reviews, CFT (Child and Family Team) meetings, and provider consultations.
- Respond immediately to behavioral health needs — using trauma-informed de-escalation and safety planning per TBRI® principles, and contacting CPA on-call staff for support when needed.
CPA staff provide Foster Family Home Caregivers with advance notice of meetings, coverage support for attendance, and post-meeting debrief and planning. Per T3C Blueprint (April 2026).
8. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTINUED STAY GUIDELINES
8.1 Continued Stay Review Requirements
Continued Stay Reviews for IDD/Autism Support Services follow the 90-day cycle:
| Requirement | IDD/Autism Package |
|---|---|
| Review Frequency | Every 90 days |
| CANS 3.0 Update | Required at each review |
| Developmental Progress Assessment | Required component |
| IEP Goal Progress Review | Required component |
| RN Consultation Summary | Required for children with complex medical needs |
| SSCC/DFPS Submission | Within 15 business days |
Dual Director Written Confirmation (CRITICAL — T3C Blueprint p.135):
Each 90-day review requires written confirmation from BOTH the Treatment Director AND the Program Director before submission to SSCC/DFPS. One signature alone is insufficient.
Treatment Director Written Confirmation: Documents specific developmental and medical indicators supporting continued stay, including adaptive functioning deficits, communication challenges, behavioral manifestations, medical complexity, sensory/environmental needs, and the specialized support requirements that cannot be met in a less restrictive setting. The Treatment Director must confirm the child is benefitting from the Treatment Model.
Program Director Written Confirmation: Documents administrative indicators including placement stability, resource utilization, service availability, and permanency progress. Before signing, the Program Director must verify that BOTH the T3C IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services credential AND the T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support Services credential are current and in good standing for Refuge House and the placing foster home. If either credential has lapsed, the Program Director does not sign — remediation is initiated per §1.4 before the confirmation is completed.
Cross-Reference: FC-CSR-01.1 Continued Stay Review Procedure, Sections 5.3 and 5.4 (full procedure steps for each Director's confirmation); Section 5.2 (RN Consultant input at 90-day review)
8.2 Outcome Monitoring
IDD/Autism Services require specialized quality metrics recognizing that progress may be incremental:
- Adaptive skill development across domains
- Communication goal achievement (including AAC system use and vocabulary growth)
- Reduction in challenging behaviors
- Medical stability indicators
- Educational progress markers
- Quality of life measures
8.3 Documentation Standards
Comprehensive documentation captures the complex needs and incremental progress of children with IDD/Autism:
- Daily medical and behavioral logs
- Communication attempts and successes (including AAC device use frequency)
- Skill acquisition data
- Sensory regulation patterns
- Medical status changes
- Environmental modification effectiveness
9. AFTERCARE SERVICES
9.1 Aftercare Requirements
📋 DERIVED FROM: FC-AF-01 Aftercare Services Policy; FC-AF-01.1 Aftercare Services Procedure §2.3 and §3.1
Mandatory 6-Month Aftercare:
Aftercare services are mandatory for ALL children discharged from IDD/Autism Support Services. Services continue for a minimum of 6 months following discharge, regardless of discharge reason.
Contact Frequency (CRITICAL — T3C Blueprint p.136):
- Minimum twice-monthly contact with the youth throughout the 6-month aftercare period
- Communication method adapted to the child's AAC system and communication preferences
- 24/7 RN consultation for medical questions and emergencies maintained throughout the 6-month period
IDD/Autism Aftercare Components:
- Developmental stability monitoring (adaptive functioning, communication progress, behavioral patterns)
- Continued service coordination (STAR Health, HHSC LIDDA, ECI, school district)
- Educational transition support (IEP/ARD continuity, new school district coordination)
- Skills transfer focus: monitor that daily living skills, communication strategies, behavioral supports, and sensory accommodations developed during placement are actively maintained and built upon in the receiving placement
- Support for receiving caregivers on developmental needs, AAC device use, sensory accommodations, and behavior support plan implementation
- Connection to community developmental resources (LIDDA, DADS, recreational programs, peer support)
9.2 Family and Caregiver Engagement During Aftercare
📋 DERIVED FROM: FC-AF-01.1 §2.3; FC7-01 Family Connections and Engagement Policy
- Minimum twice-monthly contact with family/caregivers in the receiving placement throughout the 6-month aftercare period
- Aftercare Case Manager consults on daily routines, sensory accommodations, AAC system use, and behavior support plan implementation
- Verify that IEP accommodations are being honored and IEP meetings are attended in the new placement
- Identify caregiver training gaps and arrange targeted support (RN Consultant training for medical protocols; Behavior Specialist coaching for behavior plans)
- Connect families to regional IDD support resources and parent training programs
- Document all family engagement contacts in the Family Engagement Log
9.3 RN Consultation During Aftercare
The RN Consultant is available for consultation during the 6-month aftercare period for children with complex medical needs. This includes:
- Monthly scheduled medical status review calls with the receiving caregiver
- 24/7 availability for urgent medical questions
- Coordination with the child's physicians at the new placement
- Verification that medical protocols and equipment are properly transferred and maintained
9.4 Aftercare Staffing
| Position | Ratio | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Aftercare Case Manager | 1:25 | Developmental stability monitoring; service coordination; twice-monthly contact; caregiver support |
| RN Consultant | As needed | 24/7 medical consultation; monthly medical status review; protocol transfer verification |
9.5 Aftercare Completion and Extension
At the 5-month mark, the Aftercare Case Manager, Treatment Team, and RN Consultant (for medically complex children) conduct a completion assessment reviewing developmental stability, service engagement, skills maintenance, caregiver competency, and natural support strength. The Program Director approves service completion, extension (with clinical justification), or transfer to adult services before the 6-month deadline. Cross-Reference: FC-AF-01.1 §6.1
10. FORMS AND ATTACHMENTS
| Form Name | Purpose | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Continued Stay Confirmation Form (90-Day) | Dual PD + TD written confirmation for 90-day CSR | FC-CSR-01.1; T3C Blueprint p.135 |
| RN Consultation Form | RN medical status summary and recommendation at each 90-day review | FC-CSR-01.1 §5.2 |
| Medical Status Summary | RN-maintained health record updated at each monitoring review | §5.4 |
| Individualized Medical Care Protocol | Per-child protocol developed by RN Consultant covering medications, equipment, emergency procedures | §5.4 |
| Service Plan T3C Supplement Form (FC3-03) | 90-day service plan review and continued stay evaluation | FC3-01.1 |
| CANS 3.0 Assessment Form | Standardized child and adolescent needs and strengths assessment | FC3-01.1 |
| Personal Safety Plan | Crisis trigger identification, behavioral de-escalation strategies, safety protocols | FC-04.1 §1.1 |
| Behavior Support Plan | Positive behavioral support plan including antecedent strategies, reinforcement, data collection | FC-04.1 §5 |
| Sensory Accommodation Documentation | Documents each child's sensory profile and environmental accommodations | §7.4 |
| AAC Device and Communication Strategy Guide | Documents AAC system type, vocabulary, communication strategies for consistent caregiver use | §5.1; §5.13 |
| Behavior Support Plan Transfer Form | Transfers current BSP with data to receiving placement at discharge | FC-AF-01.1 §2.3 |
| Contact Documentation Form | Record of all aftercare contacts with youth and family | FC-AF-01.1 §3.2 |
| Family Engagement Log (IDD/Autism Aftercare) | Tracks twice-monthly family/caregiver contacts during aftercare | FC-AF-01.1 §2.3; FC7-01 |
| Monthly SSCC/DFPS Aftercare Report Template | Required monthly aftercare reporting | FC-AF-01.1 §5.2 |
| Aftercare Completion Assessment Tool | 5-month completion review | FC-AF-01.1 §6.1 |
| Foster Home Credentialing Verification Log | Tracks dual credential status for IDD and Basic packages | FC-CSR-01.1 §5.1; FC-IDD-01 §1.4 |
All forms available at previewforms.refugehouse.org and in Radius.
11. REGULATORY REFERENCES
| Reference | Description |
|---|---|
| T3C Blueprint p.125-137 | IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services requirements |
| T3C Blueprint p.126 | RN Consultant requirement; medical protocol, equipment management |
| T3C Blueprint p.130 | Service Documentation and Cost Coverage requirements |
| T3C Blueprint p.135 | 90-day Continued Stay Review; dual Director written confirmation |
| T3C Blueprint p.136 | Mandatory 6-month aftercare; twice-monthly contact requirement |
| TAC §749.1335 | Service Plan Review requirements |
| TAC §749.665 | Program Director responsibilities |
| TAC §749.673 | Quality improvement |
| TAC §749.131 | Records and documentation |
| TAC §749.1309 | Personal Safety Plan requirements |
| TAC §749.339 | Crisis response and restrictions of privileges |
| TAC §749.901 | Emergency behavior intervention requirements |
| TAC §749.361 | Aftercare services |
| Texas Family Code §264.125 | Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard |
| Human Resources Code §42.042 | Normalcy activities |
| TAC §749.2605 | Normalcy activities |
| TAC §749.1335 | Foster Family Home Caregiver responsibilities |
| DFPS 24-Hour RCC Requirements (FY26) | Placement and service requirements; aftercare |
| IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) | IEP/ARD rights and procedures |
12. RELATED PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
| Document | Relationship to This Package |
|---|---|
| FC-CSR-01 Continued Stay Review Policy | Governs 90-day CSR policy |
| FC-CSR-01.1 Continued Stay Review Procedure | Full dual confirmation procedure steps (Sections 5.1–5.5); RN input at review |
| FC3-01.1 Individual Service Planning Procedure | 90-day service plan review; CANS 3.0 cycle; IDD package-specific service plan requirements |
| FC-04 Crisis Management Policy | 24/7 crisis policy |
| FC-04.1 Crisis Management Procedure | IDD/Autism-specific crisis protocols (Sections 2.2, 3.3); RN consultation during crisis; post-crisis documentation |
| FC-AF-01 Aftercare Services Policy | Mandatory 6-month aftercare policy |
| FC-AF-01.1 Aftercare Services Procedure | Twice-monthly contact procedure; IDD/Autism aftercare planning and delivery (Section 2.3, 3.3); RN consultation during aftercare |
| FC7-01 Family Connections and Engagement Policy | Family engagement in service planning; aftercare family engagement |
| FC-STAR-01.1 STAR Health Coordination Procedure | Developmental service authorization; DME coordination; service denial management (Section 9) |
| FC-16 Staff and Caregiver Training Policy | Section 4.7: IDD/Autism 4-hour foster parent training; staff training requirements |
| FC10-01 Physical and Mental Health Care Policy | Health care coordination; RN coordination |
| FC14-01 Discharge and Permanency Planning Policy | Discharge process; skills transfer documentation; BSP/AAC transfer |
| FC6-01 Admission Matching & Criteria Policy | IDD/Autism placement matching |
| FC1-01.1 Admission Screening Procedure | Screening for IDD/Autism package eligibility |
| FC2-01.1 Admission Assessment Procedure | CANS 3.0 initial assessment; functional assessment |
| FC-HT-01 Human Trafficking Prevention Policy | Universal trafficking screening |
| FC-CRED-01.1 Foster Family Home Credentialing Procedure | Dual credential verification |
| Professional Health Guide | RN consultation scope and responsibilities |
| TBRI Treatment Model Executive Summary | Treatment model application adapted for developmental differences |
| CQI Plan | Quality improvement infrastructure |
13. DOCUMENT CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
Document Control
| Version | Date | Author | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | December 2025 | Refuge House Leadership | Initial comprehensive enhanced snapshot |
| 1.1 | January 2026 | Refuge House Leadership | Added Section 5.9 Service Documentation and Cost Coverage per T3C Blueprint p.130 requirements |
| 1.2 | April 2026 | Refuge House Leadership | Added Group therapy to §5.2; strengthened §4.2 Anticipated Length of Service with typical duration range; added §5.14 IDD/Autism-specific Foster Family Home Support Services |
| 1.3 | May 2026 | Refuge House Leadership | Added twice-monthly aftercare contact frequency, RN consultation during aftercare, and skills-transfer focus to §9; added dual Director written confirmation procedure to §8.1; expanded §5.4 RN Consultant to full role description (medical protocols, equipment management, health monitoring, 24/7 availability); added AAC/sensory specifics to §5.1, §5.13, §7.4; added RN Consultant to §6.1 and §6.2; added §10 Forms & Attachments, §11 Regulatory References, §12 Related Procedures and Policies |
| 1.4 | June 2026 | Refuge House Leadership | Removed Package-specific foster home capacity claim from §3.5 and §7.3 — the T3C Blueprint (April 2026, pp.125-136) does not specify a capacity limit for this Service Package, so the prior "Maximum 4 children" language is not regulatorily supported. Standard TAC §749 base foster home capacity applies. |
Compliance Statement
This Comprehensive Enhanced Snapshot demonstrates Refuge House's compliance with T3C Blueprint (April 2026) for IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services. This document integrates content from the following Refuge House policies and procedures:
| Source Document | Sections Incorporated |
|---|---|
| FC-04 Crisis Management Policy | IDD/Autism crisis principles |
| FC-04.1 Crisis Management Procedure | IDD/Autism crisis protocols; RN consultation coordination |
| FC-16 Staff and Caregiver Training Policy | Section 4.7: IDD/Autism training (4-hour requirement) |
| FC-AF-01 Aftercare Services Policy | Mandatory 6-month aftercare with developmental monitoring |
| FC-AF-01.1 Aftercare Services Procedure | Twice-monthly contact; RN consultation during aftercare; skills transfer; family engagement; completion assessment |
| FC-CSR-01.1 Continued Stay Review Procedure | 90-day review process; dual Director written confirmation (Sections 5.3–5.4); RN input |
| FC1-01.1 Admission Screening Procedure | Admission process |
| FC2-01.1 Admission Assessment Procedure | Assessment process |
| FC3-01.1 Individual Service Planning Procedure | Service planning with developmental components |
| FC6-01 Admission Matching & Criteria Policy | Placement matching |
| FC7-01 Family Connections and Engagement Policy | Family engagement |
| FC10-01 Physical and Mental Health Care Policy | Health care coordination |
| FC14-01 Discharge and Permanency Planning Policy | Discharge process |
| FC-HT-01 Human Trafficking Prevention Policy | Trafficking screening |
| FC-STAR-01.1 STAR Health Coordination Procedure | Developmental service authorization; Service Documentation and Cost Coverage |
| FC-CRED-01.1 Foster Family Home Credentialing Procedure | Foster home credentialing |
| Professional Health Guide | RN Consultant role: medical protocols, equipment management, health monitoring, 24/7 availability |
| TBRI Treatment Model Executive Summary | Treatment model application |
| CQI Plan | Quality improvement |
*This Comprehensive Enhanced Snapshot is designed for external review purposes. For day-to-day operations, staff should reference the standalone policies and procedures, which may be updated more frequently than this snapshot document.'