ISA Funds Explained

What are these special “ISA” funds?
Jennifer Dooc

What are these special “ISA” funds?

 

ISA funds are provided by the State of Alaska,Behavioral Health Unit.

 

The purpose of the funds are to help reduce to use of residential placement for Alaskan children and youth meeting the state’s definition of severely emotionally disturbed.

 

The use of ISA funds is approved for up to 90 days at a time and can be renewed quarterly.

 

Who can use ISA Funds?

 

• Alaska residents under age 22.
• Currently using a Community Behavioral Health Center
• At risk of being hospitalized or placed in residential treatment or could come home sooner if
•Some essential service, activity, modification or equipment
•cannot be funded by existing sources.

 

Who can provide the services?

 

Once a treatment plan has been developed by a Medicaid Eligible Provider, services can be provided by any agency or individual.

 

ISA’s can not fund:

 

• Any services, activities, modifications, or equipment not specified in the treatment plan.
• what Medicaid can pay for if your child is on Medicaid or Denali Kid Care.
• Supplemental foster care rates.
• Major home renovations or building purchases.

If your child/youth is not on Medicaid, or Medicaid Eligible ISA Funds can pay for:

 

• Any services, activities, modifications, or equipment eligible under Medicaid, not covered by private insurance, grants or funds.

• Also youth to adult transition costs such as: first months rent,rental deposit, case management, etc…

 

What things can ISA funds be used for?

 

• Respite
• Parenting Classes
• Expert Consultations
• Medical or Psychological Assessments
• Travel from bush community to providers for assessment or treatment
• Mentoring, Tutoring, or Peer Navigation
• Social, Community, or Cultural Activities (music,dance,martial arts, swimming, Native Olympic Games, Elder mentoring, Special Olympic Games, etc..)
• Therapeutic Activities (Equine Therapy, Naturalistic Sensory Therapy, Art Therapy, or craft/ hobby supplies)
• Social Skills Training or practice
• Equipment or technical assistance (headphones,computer)
• Outpatient substance use treatment and assessment
• Family therapy without the child/youth present
• Vocational Rehabilitation cost and training
• Car Repair and non-Medicaid eligible items
• Emergency Housing
• Any reasonable intervention

 

What if I am having difficulty getting ISA Funding?

 

A Peer Navigator can assist you in understanding ISA.

funds, and to communicate your families’ needs for your youth to their counselor or other strategies to ensure your families’ voice is heard.

 

To talk to a Peer Navigator call,

 

Alaska Youth and Family Network

907-770-4979 in Anchorage or 1-888-770-4979

Email: ayfn@ayfn.org

Website: http://www.ayfn.org

 

 

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