Participant-Directed Supports Program Components

PDP involves finding and hiring support staff, managing an individual DDS budget, and working with a financial management service to process invoices and payments.

There are guidelines that must be observed, although this model offers great flexibility and creativity.  The individual determines what supports will be provided based on specific needs identified in the Individual Support Plan (ISP). The Participant-Directed Program offers the following key components:

DDS SUPPORT BROKER

• Works in full partnership with the individual/guardian to customize a support arrangement that will meet the individual’s needs, and to develop an individualized budget.  This may include assistance with the hiring process, developing job descriptions, creating interview questions, and supporting worker recruitment.
• May assist with the online registration and credentialing process for new workers.
• Assists in drafting, monitoring and revising the individual’s budget.
• Helps make adjustments to stay within the budget as necessary in accordance with changing needs.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE

DDS contracts with Public Partnerships Limited (PPL) to provide this service:

• Responsible for processing completed employee registration, credentialing, and paperwork to help the individual hire support staff.
• Assists in the financial management and accountability of the individual’s DDS allocation, and assumes employer fiscal responsibility (e.g., payroll, taxes, worker’s compensation).
• Processes payroll as well as payment for approved goods and services.
• Provides a monthly financial report, as well as online access to review the individual’s budget.