Starlight Support Services

Services | Family Support Services | Abuse/Neglect Reporting
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                                                  Service Coordinators “also known as Service Support Administrators (SSA)” assist eligible individuals with their request for services from this agency or any other agency in the community. We promote independence, choice, and community integration for our clients and work together with the client and/or family/other important persons in the client’s life.




                                                                                 

Anyone wanting additional information or to request Community Support Services may contact Dee Fountain, Director at (740)453-4829 or by clicking here . Emergency situations can be reported by calling 1-800-881-8790 during evenings, weekends, or holidays.

The Service Coordinator's Office is mandated by the Ohio Revised Code 5123: 2-1-11 to provide services to people within Muskingum County who have a diagnosis of mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities.  The Service Coordinator, or Service and Support Administrator (SSA) has been identified as the "single point of accountability".  What this means for individuals with disabilities and their families is they do not have to navigate the often confusing system of agencies, providers, doctors, teachers, etc. alone.  Ideally, when communication occurs between the service providers an individual need; the services are improved.  Other tasks the SSA can help with include:

*Determine Eligibility

*Information and Referral

*Service Placement

*Crisis Intervention

*Advocacy

*Service Monitoring

*Major Unusual Incidents

A 24 hour assistance service is available to help resolve situations that need immediate action to help ensure an individual's health and safety.  An SSA can be reached during business hours at (740) 453-4829.  During evenings, weekends and holidays at (800) 881-8790.

Our goal is to promote independence, choice, and community integration for individuals with disabilities.

For more information or to request Support Services, contact Dee Fountain, Support Services Director at (740) 453-4829.

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Family Support Services

Family Support Services is a special program designed to assist the family with maintaining their son/daughter in the home. This program is available to all individuals with Mental Retardation or Developmental Disabilities that have been determined eligible for County Board Services, and reside in Muskingum County. Family Support Services provides assistance with in and out of home respite care, home modifications, adaptive equipment, parent education training and counseling, special diets, or may include funding for other needs not listed. Funding of these services is based on a sliding fee scale.

Please contact Allison Skidmore, Family Support Coordinator, at(740) 453-4829 for additional information or to apply for these services.

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Abuse/Neglect Reporting

There are many types of abuse and/or neglect that individuals with mental retardation or developmental disabilities may be exposed.  These include:

*Physical-physical pain or injury

*Verbal-language or gestures that threaten, insult, or show disrespect

*Mental-harassing or humiliating

*Sexual-inappropriate touching or sexual gratification

*Neglect-failure to provide food, medical, or personal care

*Violation of Rights-basic client rights are ignored

*Misappropriation (theft)-obtaining the property of an individual without consent

If you are aware of an individual (child or adult) with disabilities who is being abused or neglected, please report this information as soon as possible to Linda Marks, MUI Coordinator, or Catherine Smith, Administrative Services Coordinator, at (740) 453-4829 during business hours (weekdays between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM).  On  evenings, weekends, or holidays call 1-800-881-8790 and a Service Coordinator will take your report. These reports can be made anonymously if you choose.

Only by working together as a community can we help ensure the health and safety of people with disabilities.

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