CFSS: Budget vs Agency Model for Parents of Children with Autism

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:

Is my child eligible for CFSS? Are there specific criteria related to autism, age, or level of need?

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.

How do I get started with CFSS in the first place? Who do I call or talk to first—do I need a referral, or is there an application somewhere?

Can I switch between models later on if one doesn’t work out? Or am I stuck with whatever I choose first?

What’s the timeline like? How long does it take to get approved and actually start services?

Budget Model Questions:

How much support do I get managing the budget? Is there someone who helps me figure out how to set it up, what I can spend it on, or do I have to figure that all out myself?

Can I hire myself or my spouse to care for my child under the Budget Model?

What happens if I mess something up with payroll or reporting? Am I responsible for tax issues or legal stuff?

Are there tools or services that help with scheduling and payroll? Like apps or agencies that just help with the admin side but still let me choose my workers?

Is there a list of what the budget can and can’t be used for? Especially for things like sensory equipment, visual aids, or therapies not covered by insurance?

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.

Call (866) 935-3515

Navigating CFSS: Budget vs. Agency Model for Parents of Children with Autism