Frequently Asked Questions For Families

1. How soon can I expect services to begin?
   

   Trellis Services is dedicated to providing quality service. We are constantly recruiting and training both family training staff and instructors for IISS services. When a team of trained staff is available that matches the needs of your child, schedule, and location we will begin service. We do maintain a waiting list for as long as it takes to find available staff. Based on our location, services in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Hartford, and Howard Counties typically occur faster; however, we have successful recruitment in all areas. We currently are serving families in the above areas as well as Anne Arundel, Prince Georges, Calvert, and Talbot counties.

2. Can I use staff that currently work for me as my instructors?
   

   Yes, we are happy to consider hiring staff that have already proven to have a rapport with your child. They should obtain application materials from the web site job opportunities section and send in the paperwork stating clearly they are applying with a position specifically with your family. If these instructors currently work for another agency, they are welcome to apply with Trellis Services. All staff are independent contractors and are not restricted by our policies of working with other agencies. However, Trellis services has a policy of not supervising any IISS or respite staff from another agency. (see #3)

3. Can I use more than one agency for services?
   

   All medicaid services, including those provided under the waiver, employ a "freedom of choice" policy. At Trellis we support this intention and encourage you to explore all agencies of service and decide what and who is the best match for your family and child. Trellis services does have a policy that we will not supervise staff from any other agency. Therefore, we can provide family training, for example, while IISS or respite services are provided by another agency, but we will not provide any direct care supervision for that staff; which is the responsibility of the providing agency. In addition, we will not provide partial IISS services so that some hours approved on the plan of care are provided by another agency.

4. Do you provide respite care services only?
   

   No, we only provide respite care services to those families receiving other services by Trellis. We prefer to use staff familiar with your child for these services and typically contract with the same instructor providing IISS to provide these services.

5. How do I know if I am on the waiting list?
   

   You will receive a letter in writing when your intake package is processed at our office. You will remain on the waiting list unless you request in writing to be removed. If at any time you wish to be removed, we request we be informed immediately.