equal-access-provider-options-for-parents

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not provide grants or contracts for direct services for children with disabilities, as required by 98.30(b)(1). (Plan Question 4.5.1i). Please note the Lead Agency has an approved waiver for this requirement through August 1, 2026. Overall Target Completion Date: 07/31/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 DHS/DFD will seek technical assistance to understand how other states contract to serve children with special needs. 06/30/2025 2 DHS/DFD to conduct a needs assessment to identify critical areas of need to ensure contracts increase families’ access and options and not limit them. 07/31/2026 3 DHS/DFD to evaluate and revise existing contracts. 07/31/2026 4 DHS/DFD to build framework for new contracts and begin drafting the direct contracts in form of MOU/MOAs . 07/31/2026 5 DHS/DFD to create system modifications needed to accurately collect, and track data and monitor utilization, trends and gaps. 07/31/2026