Children & Families
Children’s Services
Support for your child. A partnership with your family.
Understanding Your Options
1915(i): A Path to Support
1915(i) is a Medicaid program that can cover home and community services for eligible children. CLS and respite are services that may be available through this program; they are not separate eligibility programs.
For children with intellectual or developmental disabilities, NC Medicaid lists 1915(i) CLS and respite for ages 3 and older. An independent assessment, the child’s needs, and health plan approval determine eligibility and authorized support.
More About 1915(i) →Everyday Life
Community Living and Supports (CLS)
Help your child take part in daily routines and practice skills at home and in the community.
- Assistance with personal care and everyday activities
- Practice with skills connected to the child’s goals
- Supervision and support for health and safety
Activities and assistance are planned around the child’s age, abilities, interests, and approved service plan.
Support Around the School Calendar
For an eligible child who is in school, 1915(i) CLS may be approved for up to 15 hours per week when school is in session, with support planned outside school hours, and up to 28 hours per week when school is not in session, such as full weeks of summer or holiday break.
These are policy limits, not an automatic allotment. Authorized hours depend on assessed needs and the approved plan. Ask the care manager how the school calendar applies to a partial holiday week and whether an EPSDT exception may apply for a child under 21.
Support for Caregivers
Respite
Respite provides temporary care while a primary caregiver takes time to rest or attend to other responsibilities. Planning considers the child’s routines, communication, comfort, and care needs.
Eligible children may receive up to 300 hours of 1915(i) respite per plan year, with prior approval. Respite is authorized separately from CLS; the amount approved depends on the child’s assessed needs. Ask the care manager about the plan-year dates and any applicable EPSDT exception.
Explore Respite →Coming Soon · Planned for Fall 2027
Homeplace Children’s Respite Home
A welcoming place for children who need temporary support during a change in their care arrangement. Planning will focus on each child’s needs, familiar routines, and relationships, in partnership with their family, guardian, and support team.
Learn About Our Planned Respite Homes →Getting Started
Tell Us About Your Child
Contact WNC Direct Care with your child’s age, county, the support you are seeking, and your care manager’s contact information, if available. If eligibility has not been reviewed, ask your Medicaid health plan for a 1915(i) assessment.
Verified guidance: Vaya Partners 1915(i) services · NC Medicaid CLS policy, section 5.3 · NC Medicaid respite policy, section 5.2.2
Family resources from NC Medicaid: 1915(i) questions and answers · Services for intellectual or developmental disabilities · Assessment information