The Community Care Program (CCP) in New Jersey is designed to provide crucial support and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While the Supports Program offers immediate services to eligible individuals, the Community Care Program operates with a waiting list. This article aims to clarify what the CCP waiting list is, how it works, and what it means for individuals and families seeking support.
What is the Community Care Program Waiting List?
The CCP waiting list serves as a notification system for the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to understand the potential future need for CCP enrollment among eligible individuals. It’s important to understand that being placed on the waiting list is not a guarantee of immediate or future enrollment in the Community Care Program.
The waiting list simply indicates an individual’s potential need for CCP services. Actual enrollment into the CCP is determined when an individual is reached on the waiting list and undergoes further evaluation. At that point, the DDD assesses if the individual not only meets general eligibility requirements for Division services but also requires an Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) Level of Care.
This “ICF/IID Level of Care” determination is critical. It signifies that, without the CCP, the individual’s needs are such that they would qualify for services in a state-run institution for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The CCP is designed to prevent institutionalization by providing intensive community-based supports.
Who Can Join the CCP Waiting List? Eligibility Criteria
To request to be added to the Community Care Program waiting list, individuals must meet specific criteria. According to Division Circular 8, the requirements are as follows:
- Age: Be 18 years of age or older.
- Medicaid Eligibility: Be eligible for Medicaid.
- DDD Service Eligibility: Be determined by the Division to be eligible for DDD services, as defined in Division Circular #3 (N.J.A.C. 10:46). This circular outlines the general eligibility criteria for accessing DDD services.
There is also a legacy eligibility pathway for individuals who:
- Were born before January 1, 1997.
- Were deemed eligible for DDD services before January 22, 2013.
- Are Medicaid eligible.
These criteria ensure that the waiting list is comprised of individuals who are likely to meet the more intensive service needs addressed by the Community Care Program.
How to Apply for the CCP Waiting List
To formally request placement on the Community Care Program Waiting List, you need to complete the designated application form: Community Care Program Waiting List Request Form.
Once completed, the form, along with any supporting documentation, should be submitted to the DDD through one of the following methods:
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Email: Send to [email protected]
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Mail:
Waiting List Coordinator
NJDDD
2 Echelon Plaza
221 Laurel Road, Suite 210
Voorhees, NJ 08043
The Division typically processes requests from the waiting list chronologically. For any questions regarding the waiting list, you can contact the DDD Fee-for-Service Helpdesk at [email protected].
Understanding Your Options
Navigating services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be complex. While the Community Care Program waiting list is a necessary step for potential CCP enrollment, it is crucial to remember that the Supports Program offers immediate services to those who are eligible for DDD services. Exploring all available options and understanding the specific needs of the individual is essential in accessing the right supports in New Jersey.
For detailed information on the criteria and procedures, refer to Division Circular 8 (N.J.A.C. 10:46C)(pdf).
