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Children's Long-Term Support Program: What's Next After Eligibility
(#4 of 8 in Series)
Reviewed December 2025
The Children’s Long-Term Support Program (CLTS) provides funding and support for families who have children with disabilities so they can care for their children at home and fully participate in their communities.
As a Medicaid-connected program, it’s jointly funded by the federal and state governments but administered at the county level. Families typically work directly with a county agency (or their designated program administrator) to apply for and receive CLTS services.
My Child is Eligible—Now What?
Great news! You’ve applied for the CLTS Program, completed the functional screening process, and you heard from your county waiver agency that your child is eligible.
The notification letter you receive is packed with a lot of information. It’s important to read this letter carefully and save it for later reference. This letter has the estimated timeline for when your child can begin utilizing the program, often called ‘enrollment.’ Upon enrollment, an assigned Support and Service Coordinator will reach out to schedule a visit with you to get started.
Tip for Families
If you have waited more than 60 days to hear from a Support and Service Coordinator from your county waiver agency, we encourage you to call to inquire when your child’s enrollment will start. This statewide CLTS enrollment dashboard reflects the current enrollment delays in your county: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/clts/enrollment-dashboard.htm
Making the Most of These Initial Appointments
- Share Your Dreams: During your first visit, your Support and Service Coordinator will ask how you care for your child, the areas of your life that are challenging, and the dreams you and your child have for the future.
- Getting to Know Your Child: The Support and Service Coordinator may want to see your child in settings like at home, school, after-school programs or at other community activities. These visits are a good way for them to get to know your child’s abilities and challenges, as well as their likes and dislikes.
- Deciding Together: You will partner with your Support and Service Coordinator to think about long-term and short-term needs and goals for your child. Your child’s best life can be a guide when thinking about this—What would help your child enjoy activities, build relationships and learn new skills? See the Deciding Together Guide (wisconsin.gov) and Deciding Together: What It Is and What It Isn’t to better understand this collaborative process.
- Accept Support: Even if you have learned to live with the stresses of caring for your child with special needs, participating in the CLTS Program can be helpful. It’s okay to let the Support and Service Coordinator know you don’t need much help right now. Together, you can brainstorm future needs. As your child grows and changes their needs may expand, and the CLTS Program can help, especially if you have planned ahead.
Parental Payment
Your family may be responsible for a fee or cost-share, called a Parental Payment for CLTS-funded services. The amount (if you have one) is based on your family’s income and the cost of the supports and services in your child’s Individual Service Plan (ISP). The bill will come from your county waiver agency (CWA) and will be due after your child’s ISP has been submitted and approved.
Learn more about how the parental payment works or to explore if your family might be exempt from having a fee. www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/clts/costs.htm.
Your Support and Service Coordinator is Your Guide on this Journey
One of the CLTS Program’s most important benefits is access to a Support and Service Coordinator. This partner provides guidance as you navigate the CLTS Program and access other resources.
- School IEP Meetings They can attend your child’s IEP meetings and advocate for school-based therapy, programming or modifications to meet their needs and goals. They can remind you to ask the important questions and be another set of ears so you’re not missing anything that is discussed by the school team.
- Medical and Therapy Visits They can go to medical appointments or therapy visits if you need support, especially if you are deciding on new equipment or a new treatment plan for your child.
- Connecting to the Community If you need ideas for things like summer programs, after-school activities, or adaptive equipment, they can help you find resources and programs.
- During Times of Transition They can explore new programs with you or discuss options during times of transition, like the move to elementary school or high school.
- When You Need Help While the Support and Service Coordinator does not always have a solution, they can help you find answers when you are stuck or struggling to get what you need for your child.
The Support and Service Coordinator will meet with you in person each year to review and update your child’s ISP, but you don’t need to wait until then to ask for their input or help. You can reach out to them any time.
Tip for Families
At your first meeting with your Support and Service Coordinator, let them know the best way to reach you: phone calls, texts or emails. Let them know if there’s a best time of day or day of the week to connect for longer conversations.
Resources
The CLTS Program Participant and Family Handbook offers explanations of all topics related to the CLTS Program and where to learn more if your family has questions.
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network, 877-WiscWay (877-947-2929): Wisconsin Wayfinder offers families one name and phone number to find services for children with special health care needs. Wayfinder connects you to a resource guide at one of the five Children’s Resource
Centers in your area.
Do you need a resource in another format or a printed copy? Contact Lynn@fvofwi.org.
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