They also solicit local support, act as connections to their communities and advocates, address problems, and provide for networking and informal education about the service system. CRTs are instrumental in accessing state funding for respite care, case management, and family support. Through the project, personal networks are to replace professionally dominated service teams in assisting consumers. The role of the case manager will be transformed to a personal agent who serves as a catalyst to help the consumer realize and define a positive future. A premise of the project is that linking self-determination with individual consumer budgets will result in lower costs and more satisfactory outcomes for consumers.
Early data suggest some per capita savings and enhanced quality of life for consumers.