The main difference is that clients with developmental disabilities receive in-home respite more frequently than clients without developmental disabilities. This may reflect the fact that clients with developmental disabilities have had their conditions since birth and their care givers, by this point, may be experiencing substantial fatigue. The CCSP has been in operation in Georgia since 1983. Enrollment depends on the availability of state funds, but the program has grown significantly since its inception and currently serves over 14,000 people. Based on this assessment and consultation with the client, a service package which supports the client in his or her home or community is put together.
Case managers act both as client advocates and service brokers.
While the program was designed generally for older people with a debilitating chronic illness, a subset of clients within the program have developmental disabilities. Of note is that no central repository of client-related data, paper copy or electronic, exists. Two state departments are involved in the financing and management of CCSP, while numerous agencies are involved in service delivery. Important data related to clients are housed with all of these organizations. The DMA pays for the program.