Dual Diagnosis Funding

The Dual Diagnosis Funding program provides a source of funding for respite for children/youth with a confirmed dual diagnosis (mental health and developmental diagnosis) between 8 and 18 years of age.

To fit the criteria for Dual Diagnosis, a child/youth must have a developmental level at the first percentile or below and must also have a diagnosed mental health disorder. Developmental Diagnosis must be made by a Licensed Physician while mental health diagnosis must be made by a Licensed Psychologist/Psychiatrist.

The Dual Diagnosis Funding program supports children by providing:

• Monies to hire workers to support the individual in the community or to access short-term out of home respite.
• Flexibility to allow scheduling of respite services that meet the families’ needs.
• Autonomy for families to hire the workers or arrange out of home services.

How do I make a referral?

• Families complete an application on behalf of the child/youth on a six-month rotational basis.
• Initial application must be accompanied by verification of both mental health and Developmental Disability diagnoses. These will be maintained by the agency.
• Application will be reviewed, the family will be contacted for additional information as needed and a decision will be made dependent on criteria and availability of funding.
• RFECY will broker all funding allocations and the family will be responsible to ensure submission of invoices in a timely manner.