Case Management, Life Course Alignment Project

​Earlier this week, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) shared the information below about the Case Management, Life Course Alignment Project.

This past June, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services laid the foundation for a collective vision for supporting individuals with disabilities in Indiana. Rooted in the LifeCourse Framework developed by the National Community of Practice for Supporting Families of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, DDRS’s vision brings together commonly held values and beliefs into a comprehensive approach to developing integrated supports that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to chart a LifeCourse consistent with their needs and aspirations.

In order to begin moving towards realizing this vision, the division is taking steps to align current case management systems and supports with the LifeCourse Framework. More specifically, we are completing an analysis to assess to what extent case management services currently support the LifeCourse Framework and to identify what actions are needed to enhance and strengthen case management's alignment with the Framework. The goals of this effort include:

• Develop comprehensive understanding of the role of case management through the lens of federal and state policy, leading practices research and stakeholder experience and perspective
• Assess the degree to which case management services are aligned with the LifeCourse Framework established through the Supporting Families National Community of Practice.
• Working with stakeholders, identify actions needed to strengthen case management's alignment with the Framework and develop necessary adjustments to current rules / regulations, service definition, training requirements and quality standards.

DDRS has committed to providing periodic updates as the project moves forward. Recommendations or suggestions for increasing alignment of case management services with the LifeCourse Framework can also be shared with Julie Reynolds via e-mail at Julie.Reynolds@fssa.in.gov.


Kim Opsahl will be working with the DDRS on this project. She will meet with Case Management organizations individually. Kim and Sarah Chestnut will also meet with a group of INARF institutional members concerning this project on the August 25th. If you have any recommendations or suggestions for increasing alignment of case management services with the LifeCourse Framework, feel free to share them with Sarah Chestnut at sarah@inarf.org.


We hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions, please contact the INARF office.