Your Voice. Your Choice.
What is self-determination?
Self-determination is the belief that all people should be able to define what they need in terms of the life they seek, should have access to meaningful choices, and maintain freedom and control over their lives.
What are self-directed services?
Self-direction gives you more choice and control over your behavioral health services. Instead of having every service planned for you, self-direction lets you take the lead in deciding what supports work best for your recovery and well-being.
You work with your care team to create a plan and a budget for your services. Then, you can choose how to use that budget — like hiring your own support staff, scheduling services that fit your life, and deciding what helps you reach your goals.
When you choose to self-direct, you become the "employer." That means you can hire, train, and supervise the people who support you. Your OnPoint team is still there to help and guide you, but you stay in charge of your path to wellness.
Self-direction is based on four principles:
• Freedom: You have the freedom to make choices about your life and your care. This includes deciding where and how you live, who helps you, and what supports best fit your goals.
• Authority: You have control over your individual budget and how it’s used. This lets you decide what services or supports you want to spend your funds on, based on your personal needs and priorities.
• Support: You don’t have to do it alone. You can choose trusted people — family, friends, or professionals — to help you plan, make decisions, and manage your services.
• Responsibility: You take responsibility for your choices and for managing your supports and services. This includes following program rules and using your funds wisely to reach your goals.
What is a Fiscal Management Service (FMS)? Responsibilities of individuals who decide to self-direct services:
Financial Management Service Providers assist individuals with payroll processing, taxes, budget management, and other fiscal aspects of employing staff. FMS providers assist individuals with managing funds consistent with the Financial Management Services Technical Requirement. OnPoint contracts with GT Independence to provide Financial Management Services. Click here to learn more about GT Independence.
Responsibilities of individuals who decide to self-direct services:
What to expect when beginning a self-directed arrangement?
The SD New Arrangement Coversheet provides guidance on the process of setting up a self-directed arrangement, hiring staff and the required documentation.