Navigating CFSS: Budget vs. Agency Model for Parents of Children with Autism
Learn the similarities and differences between the two models and which option makes more sense for your family.
When caring for a child with autism, finding the right support system is essential. Minnesota’s Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program offers two models—Budget and Agency—each with distinct advantages. Understanding how each model works can help parents make the best decision for their family's unique needs.
Budget Model: Flexibility and Customization
The budget model gives families direct control over their CFSS budget. For many parents of children with autism, this flexibility is invaluable. Additionally, parents can use their budget to pay for specific training or tools that cater to their child's sensory, communication, or behavioral needs. Whether it's social skills groups, visual aids, or adaptive equipment, the budget model allows for individualized care.
The drawback of having more control under the budget model is also having more work. In this model, the client is the employer for their caregivers and must manage the hiring, recruiting and supervision of their caregivers. Additionally, families choosing this route will need to manage scheduling, and training, with support from their service provider.
Agency Model: Structure and Relief
For parents who prefer a more guided approach, the agency model may be a better fit. Agencies handle more of the administrative side of things, including supervising staff, allowing parents to focus more on their child rather than the logistics of care. Many agencies have experience working with children on the autism spectrum and have expertise in autism-specific needs.
However, the trade-off is less direct control over how services are delivered. Families may have to work within the agency system to ensure their child's unique preferences and sensitivities are addressed.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Whether you select the budget model or the agency model, you will have a say in selecting your caregiver, who can be a parent if the person who needs care is a minor. The ability to hire trusted individuals as caregivers helps reduce transitions and allows for more consistency, which can be especially important for children who thrive on routine.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some families find empowerment in the budget model’s autonomy, while others feel peace of mind knowing trained professionals are handling the logistics through an agency. The decision may also evolve over time depending on your child’s needs and your family's circumstances.
In Minnesota, families first work with a consultation provider, who is there to help qualifying families choose the model that works best for them.
If you're unsure where to start, reach out to Accra by calling 866-935-3515 to learn more about CFSS and how to get started.
General Questions:
Answer: In Minnesota, an individual’s eligibility for CFSS will be assessed by their county, based on their need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), ability to perform tasks independently, as well as their health conditions. If your child has autism, they may be eligible for CFSS.
There are no age-related cut-offs for eligibility, however your child may need to meet additional criteria for ADL dependency based on their age.
Answer: After your child has an assessment and becomes eligible for CFSS, there is no referral required to get started. You can call (866) 935-3515 during normal business hours to speak with a healthcare navigator, or you can use this form to refer yourself or a family member.
Answer: You can switch CFSS models at any time, but you may only switch models once per year.
Answer: The process for getting enrolled in CFSS is different for everyone. First, you must get approval for services by your county. Then, you must work with a consultation provider to help you choose the service model which will best serve your needs.
Budget Model Questions:
Answer: A consultation services employee will help new CFSS recipients set up a budget, and the budget model team will ensure that you manage it appropriately.
Answer: Yes! CFSS allows parents to become their child’s support worker and get paid to support their child.
Answer: Taxes, payroll and legal issues are handled by your budget model provider, and they will help ensure you do not overspend your approved budget.
Answer: Yes. Accra Mobile is an electronic timecard app that makes tracking and documenting caregiver scheduling and payroll easier and more accurate.
Answer: Goods and services purchased through the CFSS budget must meet the following criteria:
- Related to an assessed need (including instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs]).
- For the direct benefit of the person.
- Increase the person’s independence to complete tasks associated with their assessed needs or decrease their need for assistance with a covered CFSS personal care service from another person.
- Included in the person’s service delivery plan.
Sensory equipment or therapies not covered by insurance would not meet these criteria, however some visual aids can be covered depending on how they relate to the child’s needs.
You will work with your budget model provider to determine which goods and services will be covered by CFSS.
Agency Model Questions:
Answer: Yes, you can select the agency that you want to work with. However, your agency provider cannot also serve as your consultation services provider.