Long-Term Support for Children With Disabilities
Children’s Long-Term Support Program
Milwaukee County’s Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Waiver Program at St. Francis Children’s Center serves children with severe, long-term developmental, physical, emotional or sensory impairments up to age 22. The program is designed to provide support and service coordination for children and teenagers with special needs and their families in Milwaukee County.
Once your child’s case is assigned to St. Francis Children’s Center for Waiver services, one of our service coordinators will meet with your family to develop an Individual Service Plan, which details the unique goals and objectives for your child. Your service coordinator will stay in regular contact with your family through home visits and phone calls, help facilitate services and collaborate with Milwaukee County staff and ensure that your child is connected to the government, medical, educational and community resources, programs and supports that will help enrich his or her life.
For more information about the CLTS Waiver Program, please visit the Milwaukee County Waiver Page.
Empowering Families through Comprehensive Support
Navigating the complexities of long-term support for children with disabilities can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At St. Francis Children’s Center, we believe that every child possesses unique potential, and our role is to provide the tools and advocacy necessary to unlock it. Our dedicated service coordinators act as partners to your family, ensuring that the children’s long-term support program is tailored specifically to your child’s developmental, physical, and emotional needs.
By choosing St. Francis Children’s Center for your CLTS Waiver services, you are joining a community that has championed inclusion for over 55 years. We go beyond basic coordination; we provide a bridge to a life of greater independence. Whether it is identifying specialized equipment, arranging for home modifications, or connecting you with local respite care, our mission is to foster a sense of stability and hope. We understand that the journey of a child with special needs is a marathon, not a sprint, and we are committed to providing the warmth, dedication, and trust your family deserves.
A Holistic Approach to Growth and Inclusion
What sets the children’s long-term support program at St. Francis Children’s Center apart is our holistic view of a child’s development. We recognize that support at home is most effective when paired with high-quality educational environments. For families with younger children, this often includes a transition into our early learning childcare programs, where inclusive classrooms allow children of all abilities to learn side-by-side. This continuity of care ensures that the goals established in your CLTS Individual Service Plan are reinforced across all areas of your child’s life.
As a mission-driven nonprofit in Milwaukee, WI, we are deeply rooted in the belief that “all children can learn if we can learn how to teach them.” This philosophy drives our coordination efforts, ensuring your child is connected to the medical, educational, and social resources that will help them flourish. From infancy through young adulthood, St. Francis Children’s Center remains a steadfast ally for families, providing the expert guidance and empathetic care needed to navigate the challenges of today while building a brighter, more accessible tomorrow.
Ready to learn more about how we can support your child’s journey?
Contact Our Team Today to speak with a coordinator about your family’s needs.
FAQ
Who is eligible for the children's long-term support program at St. Francis Children's Center?
The CLTS Waiver Program is designed for children and young adults up to age 22 who have significant long-term disabilities, including physical, developmental, or severe emotional impairments. To qualify, children must meet specific functional and financial eligibility requirements as determined by Milwaukee County.
How does a service coordinator help my family specifically?
Your service coordinator at St. Francis Children’s Center acts as a dedicated advocate and guide. They work with you to develop an Individual Service Plan tailored to your child’s goals, help you navigate government and medical systems, and connect you with local resources in Milwaukee, WI, to ensure your child has the support needed to thrive at home and in the community.
What kind of services can be funded through long-term support for children with disabilities?
The program can cover a wide range of services that are not typically covered by private insurance or Medicaid alone. This may include specialized medical equipment, home or vehicle modifications, respite care, communication aids, and various adaptive therapies designed to improve a child’s independence and quality of life.
Can my child also participate in early learning childcare while enrolled in CLTS?
Yes. Many families find that combining the early learning childcare at St. Francis Children’s Center with CLTS services provides a comprehensive support system. While the CLTS program focuses on long-term coordination and home-based supports, our inclusive childcare program offers a nurturing, state-licensed environment where children of all abilities can learn and grow together.
How do I get started with the enrollment process at St. Francis Children's Center?
The first step is to contact the Milwaukee County Children’s Disability Resource Center (CDRC) to determine eligibility. Once your child is found eligible and your case is assigned to St. Francis Children’s Center, our team will reach out to schedule an initial meeting to begin building your child’s personalized support plan.
