Children's HCBS — Children's Waiver Services
At Chemlu Developmental Disabilities Center, we provide Children's HCBS — Home and Community-Based Services under the New York State Children's Waiver — for eligible children and youth under age 21.
Our mission
Help individuals with developmental, emotional, or medical challenges.
Supporting their growth, independence, and overall well-being.
HCBS Programs at Chemlu
Respite Services
Our Respite program offers structured, goal-oriented support for children and teens—while giving families a break from caregiving responsibilities.
Respite staff are carefully trained and vetted to provide consistent, culturally aware, and engaging care.
They help clients work on targeted goals through meaningful activities while building a trusted, supportive connection.
Pre-Vocational Services
We support youth in identifying career goals, developing job-readiness skills, and preparing for future employment.
Resume writing
Completing job applications
Practicing interview techniques
Learning workplace soft skills
Caregiver/Family Advocacy and Support (CFASS)
Through CFASS, our experienced staff partner with families to better understand their loved one’s needs, develop practical strategies, and strengthen communication and advocacy skills.
We provide guidance.
We provide emotional support
We provide education to help families manage day-to-day challenges and build resilience.
Community Habilitation (Com Hab)
Com Hab services promote independence by helping individuals build skills in areas they choose. Our team works alongside each client to set meaningful goals and make steady progress in their personal growth.
Daily living routines.
Self-care skills
Safety awareness skills
Social interaction skills.
Crisis Respite
Short-term, authorized support for eligible children and youth experiencing behavioral or emotional stressors — designed to help stabilize the situation, support the family, and reduce the need for higher levels of care when appropriate. This service is provided through the Children's Waiver authorization process and is not a substitute for emergency services.
Stabilize the situation
Reduce the need for higher levels of care when appropriate
Support families during high-stress periods in a safe, compassionate, and structured environment.
Supported Employment (SEMP)
We help young people succeed in the workplace through job coaching, skill development, and ongoing support—from job matching and on-the-job training to long-term employment success.
Job coaching and on-the-job support
Job matching and workplace skill development
Ongoing support for long-term employment success
What to Expect
We also understand the importance of culturally competent care. Whenever possible, we assign staff who are familiar with the community and speak the preferred language of the individual and family, ensuring comfort, trust, and understanding in every interaction.
Funding, Eligibility & Authorization
For eligible individuals, authorized services are typically funded through Medicaid and applicable waiver programs. Our team can help families understand eligibility, authorization, and next steps.
Eligibility and service authorization are determined by the applicable government program, care-management entity, and/or waiver process. Chemlu can help families understand the process and coordinate next steps, but final eligibility and authorization decisions are not made by Chemlu.
Want to understand how these services work? Read our Children's HCBS FAQ or contact us with Children's HCBS questions.
Questions About Children's HCBS?
Let’s discuss your family’s needs and help determine the right next step.
