Family-Centered Early Supports and Services include information, guidance, instruction, therapeutic interventions, financial resources, materials, and emotional support. These may come from formal and informal sources including family, friends, and relatives; other parents who have children with developmental issues; professionals; and the community. The emphasis is on utilizing what families already bring to the process and not on replacing family resources with professionally dominated services.
All services to families through this program are intended to support families within the context of their lives and their communities. Services are provided in "natural settings" such as the child's own home, in the home of friends and/or relatives, childcare facilities, neighborhood play groups, and other inclusive public and private community settings. Family-Centered Early Supports and Services are available to eligible families without regard to income. Families who are eligible for this program are automatically eligible for Family Support. In addition to other eligibility requirements, the child must be between birth and his/her third birthday.
The Family-Centered Early Supports and Services Program is governed by the State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, New Hampshire Division of Developmental Services, as well as Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).