Frequently Asked Questions

In Peer Support, individuals are matched with trained peers who have lived through similar experiences. Youth receive mentorship from trained young people, while adults work with adult peers who provide encouragement and resources to support recovery and independence.

Peer Support providers are trained youth and adults with lived experience who understand the challenges families face. They are certified to mentor and guide others through their journey.

Youth Peer Support is typically offered for ages 13–21, while Adult Peer Support is available starting at age 18 and up.

Yes! Many families benefit from Peer Support alongside HCBS or Care Management to create a well-rounded plan of care.

Youth Peer Support can be provided for up to 12 hours per week. Adult Peer Support ranges from 10 to 20 hours per week, depending on each person’s needs.

At home, at school or in the community. Support can also be provided virtually.

Young people dealing with anxiety, depression, social pressure or other emotional struggles learn coping skills, gain the confidence to speak up and ask for help, and feel less alone. Learn more on our Peer Support page.

HCBS stands for Home and Community-Based Services, which are supports delivered directly in the home and community. These services focus on skill-building, behavior management, and helping families achieve personal goals in real-world environments.

Supports may include respite care, skill development, behavioral support, caregiver education, and daily living assistance based on the child’s or family’s needs.

Children and youth with mental health challenges, developmental delays, or medical fragility may qualify. Eligibility is determined during the intake and assessment process.

HCBS is typically provided in the child’s home or community settings like parks, libraries, or recreational centers to encourage skill use in everyday life.

HCBS teaches children and youth practical skills for daily living, helps manage challenging behaviors and gives parents and caregivers strategies that work. Every plan is built around the family’s own goals.

Trained direct service providers who work one-on-one with children after school and on weekends. They provide services such as respite, caregiver and family supports (CFASS), pre-vocational services and ABA. See HCBS & Care Management.

This program provides families with a dedicated care manager who helps coordinate all aspects of care, including health, behavioral, and community resources.

A care manager acts as a single point of contact, helping families navigate appointments, services, and supports so nothing falls through the cracks.

Children and families with significant health, mental health, or social needs may qualify for Care Management to help coordinate their care plan.

Care Management is designed to provide continuous support, adjusting the family’s plan as needs change to ensure ongoing stability and progress.

The two work together. HCBS gives children and families hands-on, day-to-day support, and Health Home Care Management makes sure every service is connected and working toward the same goals.

Healthcare, behavioral health, social services and community resources. Your care manager is the one point of contact for every referral and follow-up, and advocates for your family’s needs.

Early Intervention provides therapy and support services for infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays.

Infants and toddlers with developmental delays or certain diagnosed conditions may qualify. Eligibility is determined by a professional evaluation.

Services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and family training to help children build essential early skills.

Families can begin by contacting their local Early Intervention Program or reaching out to FSS NY for guidance on referrals and evaluations.

No. You don’t need a referral from a doctor or hospital. You can call 311 and ask for Early Intervention, or reach out to us and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

From the time of referral, NYC Early Intervention has 45 days to evaluate your child, decide on eligibility and develop the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

In New York City, evaluations and assessments, service coordination, IFSP development and reviews, and most early intervention services are provided at no cost to families.

We provide early intervention in partnership with Stand Out Care. Our Early Intervention page walks through each step of the process in NYC.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-based therapy that helps children build meaningful life skills through structured learning and positive reinforcement.

Children with autism who need individualized help with communication, social and emotional skills, and families who want to understand their child’s behaviors and use proven strategies at home.

One-on-one ABA sessions, parent and caregiver training, guidance at home, at school and in the community, and IEP assistance and advocacy. See ABA Therapy.

No. We believe every child deserves immediate access to the help they need.

Yes. In-home ABA lets your child learn in a familiar setting and makes it easy for parents to take part. See In-Home Services.

Yes. Evaluations are done in person or by telehealth by licensed psychologists and licensed clinical social workers. See Evaluations.

A case manager coordinates your child’s services, helps you prepare for meetings and speaks up for your needs. See Case Management.

Providers work one-on-one with children after school and/or on weekends, delivering services like respite, caregiver and family supports, pre-vocational services and more.

Early Intervention ABA Therapist, Peer Support Provider, Respite Provider, HCBS CFASS Provider and ABA Provider. Each page has the full description, pay where listed, and the application form.

It depends on the role. Peer Support and Respite Providers need a high school diploma or equivalent. HCBS CFASS and ABA Providers need a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education or a related field. Early Intervention ABA Therapists need a bachelor’s degree or higher in psychology, education, behavior analysis or a related field.

Staffing opportunities are available across Long Island and all five New York City boroughs. Each listing on our Jobs page shows where it is.

Yes. Every position is open part-time or full-time.

Fill out the application on our Jobs page, or email staff@fssny.org.

Training and supervision, plus vouchers and outing ideas on our Provider Resources page to help you engage the children you work with.