The Florence County Disabilities and Special Needs Board offers family support services to address the needs associated with caring for individuals with disabilities. Our aim is to improve quality of life and help build a better future. We offer a variety of family support services to enhance the lives of the people we support.

A Service Coordinator is available to all eligible individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families. Service Coordinator work with the individual and their family to identify needs and develop a plan to meet those need(s).

Community resources are utilized to individual with being as independent as possible. Service Coordinators work to provide and coordinate services to ensure that our mission, to help people grow beyond their boundaries, is realized.

A program to assist families with children who have needs is also available through family support. Early intervention services is a home based family-focused service for developmentally delayed children fro ages birth to three years. Training is provided to the child, and to the family by an Early Interventionist. In-home training provides stimulation and promotes child development. Before the child turns two years of age, the Early Interventionist initiates a transition plan which provides a smooth adjustment into the public school system.

The STEPS program is optional for adults with developmental disabilities who are in need of family planning and health education services. The primary goal of the STEPS program is to help prevent second-generation disabilities through education and family planning. The STEPS program also promotes healthy lifestyles for adults with development disabilities. there are five objectives that addressed by the STEPS program. They are as follows:

• Prevent unwanted pregnancies
• Prevent sexual abuse or victimization
• Prevent sexually transmitted diseases
• Prevent problem pregnancies through assistance in obtaining adequate prenatal care
• Teach parents how to provide nurturing, safe and stimulating environment for their children.

Referrals for services come from many sources, including schools, doctors, Babynet, health centers, hospitals, Children's Rehabilitation Services, and other agencies.