The best way to improve the programs and services that support children with disabilities is for families to join decision-makers at the table to share their firsthand experiences. The views of parents/families on what works, what needs to be improved, and what can make programs more effective are exactly the type of input administrators need to hear.

Being part of a Children’s Community Options Program (CCOP) Advisory Committee is an example of how families can positively impact a program for children with disabilities. Each CCOP is administered by individual counties. As part of that responsibility, the county must convene and maintain an advisory committee, including parents of children with a variety of disabilities making up most of its members. (Wis. Stat. § 46.272 (4)(a)(1-3))

The Role of CCOP Advisory Committees

The goal of a CCOP Advisory Committee is to assist in developing the program plan, monitor the program, and provide input to the county agency. The committee looks at local services and identifies gaps and other needs in the program. Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services (DHS) gives direction to CCOP Advisory Committees to explore how to meet these needs through government, private sector, other community resources, or parent-to-parent activities.

Local CCOP Advisory Committees are required to review and update the program plan. This plan must include:

• • • The number of families assessed and served,
    • priority groups,
    • how family’s needs are determined,
    • how service plans are monitored, and
    • other important aspects of running an effective CCOP program.

Once approved by the CCOP Advisory Committee, the agency submits the CCOP plan to the DHS Bureau of Children’s Services, for review and final approval.

Serving on a CCOP Advisory Committee

There is no set number of members in CCOP guidelines, they require that most of members be parents of children with disabilities. State law further requires that members should include:

• • • Parents of children currently participating in the CCOP. As much as possible, parents should represent various disabilities, racial and ethnic groups.
    • Representatives from school districts, local health departments, human services and community programs.

The Benefits of CCOP Advisory Committee Membership

As a member of a CCOP Advisory Committee, you can influence a local program that has direct impact on the families in your community who have children with special health care needs. It is a great way to use your family’s lived experience to contribute and solve the problems in you may have experienced.