Support Coordination Agency

What is Support Coordination Agency (SCA): A community based organization funded by DDD that, among other things, helps individuals to gain access to services and programs. The SCA will assign a Support Coordinator to work directly with the individual and the individual’s family.

When to choose the SCA: Once an individual is deemed eligible to receive DDD services, he or she should begin the process of choosing a SCA. If the individual does not select a SCA, then one will be auto assigned. To access DDD services, individuals must have a SCA.

How to choose the SCA:

The individual and those who know the individual best should consider, among other things, the individual’s interests and hobbies, level of behavioral, communication, daily living and transportation needs, health and safety issues and level of desire to have community involvement. The SCA should also serve the county in which the individual resides. Everyone should be very comfortable with the SCA. Seeking out opinions from those in the local community can be helpful.

For a detailed guide regarding choosing a SCA, see boggscenter.rwjms.rutgers.edu/resources/publications/selecting-a-support-coordination-agency

Submitting Support Coordination Agency Selection Form: When submitting the SCA Selection Form, it should include a first and second choice. If you do not submit a choice, a support coordinator will be assigned. It is preferable to choose one after researching the options because the Support Coordination Agency will be a very significant member of the individual's team. After the submission, the individual will be matched with a SCA and be assigned a Support Coordinator that works for the agency.

What is the role of the Support Coordinator:

  1. Develop the Person-Centered Planning Tool (PCPT). The PCPT is a mandatory discovery tool that will help the Support Coordinator and family focus on the individual’s desires and needs.
  2. Write the Individual Service Plan (ISP). Based off of the PCPT, the ISP documents the individual’s services, service providers, and service-related outcomes. If the individual want to self direct some or all of the supports and services, this should be discussed and included in the plan.

    For detailed information about Self Direction, see https://boggscenter.rwjms.rutgers.edu/resources/publications/understanding-self-directed-services-in-new-jersey-and-the-role-of-the-supports-broker

  3. Help to locate options for services based on funds available in the person’s individual budget.
  4. Utilize other funding sources as appropriate to maximize services available to the person.
  5. Monitor the Supports and Services the individual is receiving to make sure they are meeting the individual’s needs and goals. Support coordinators must complete the following contacts:
      1. A monthly contact,
      2. A quarterly face-to-face visit, and
      3. An annual face-to-face home visit
  6. Respond to emergencies and other service related needs of the person and/or family.

Changing the Support Coordination Agency: If an individual wants to change the SCA, they can choose a new SCA. See link to form and instructions: www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/documents/sca-change-form(fillable).pdf