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Idaho Parents Unlimited
Engage + Educate + Bridge + Lead
What does Idaho’s Family Direct Services (FDS) say about service animals?
When FDS considers an application for a service dog the committee looks at the child’s qualifying diagnosis, the tasks/services that are requested for the dog to perform, what has already been tried to help the child with these tasks, and what has worked/not worked out of the interventions that have been tried. FDS can approve service dogs by definition in the Americans with Disabilities Act. FDS does not fund Emotional Support animals, therapy dogs, or animals other than dogs. The service dog has to be trained to do tasks for the child with a developmental disability. The qualifying developmental disabilities in Idaho are Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Intellectual Disability, or something that a doctor has closely related to one of those four diagnoses.
Other FDS requirements: A dog that has been a pet cannot be “converted” into a Service dog. The dog has to be at least 1 year old and completed basic obedience training. The dog also has to have completed and passed a public access test or met the minimum standards for service dogs established by Assistance Dogs International. https://assistancedogsinternational.org/
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Service Dogs through Medicaid’s Children’s Developmental Disability Services Program
Service dogs and service dog related expenses can be obtained through the Medicaid Children’s Developmental Disability Services Family Direction Program in certain circumstances. They are funded as adaptive equipment to assist children with activties of daily living.
The Department will review requests for service dog related funding and make recommendations based on current evidence-based practice and best practice guidelines. Evidence-based practice and best practice guidelines include, but are not limited to, industry guidelines and standards on service animal selection, acquisition and training. When necessary, the Department may ask for additional information.
Attached is an application for funding of a service dog and/or service dog related expenses through the Family Directed Service Option. Typically, a written response will be made to the parent(s) legal guardian within 15 business days from when the application is complete and all the information that the committee has requested has been submitted.
Steps in Applying for a Service Dog through Medicaid’s Children’s Developmental Disability Services Program
1. If not already participating in the Medicaid’s Children’s Community Developmental Disability Program, apply. Contact information can be obtained at www.ChildrensDDservices.dhw.idaho.gov or by calling (208) 334-5512.
2. The Children’s Community Developmental Disability Program has two program options. The “Traditional Model” and the “Family Directed Services” Model. Service dogs are available through the Family Directed Services Model.
3. Indicate to Family and Community Services (FACS) staff that you wish to select the Family-Directed Services Model.
4. Once you have gone through the Family-Directed Services process, and are ready to write an annual plan (Support and Spending Plan), indicate that you wish to purchase a service dog.
5. You will be given an Application for a Service Dog. You will need to gather information regarding the dog’s intended use, breeding and training. Once the application is complete submit it to your regional FACS staff who will forward it to the Service Dog Funding Advisory Committee. Typically, you will be notified of the decision within 15 business days.
6. You will be issued a Notice of Decision regarding plan approval.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Rachel Johnson at (208) 334-0603 or Rachel.Johnson2@dhw.idaho.gov
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