Circle Of Supports

01. Focus. The participant's COS is built and operates with the primary goal of working in the interes t of the participant. The group's role is to give and get support for the participant and to develop an SSP, along with an d on behalf of the participant, to help the participant accomplish their personal goals. (7-1-25) 02. Members. A COS is unpaid, selected by the participant, and may include family members, friends , neighbors, co-workers, and other community members. For the SDCS, when the participant's legal guardian i s selected as a CSW, the COS must include at least one (1) non-family member who is not the SB. For the purposes of this chapter a family member is anyone related by blood or marriage to the participant or legal guardian. (7-1-25) 03. Selection and Duties. Members are selected by the participant and commit to work within th e group to: (7-1-25) a. Promote and improve the life of the participant in accordance with the participant's choices and preferences; and (7-1-25) b. Meet regularly to assist the participant to accomplish their expressed goals. (7-1-25) 04. Natural Supports. Natural supports may perform any duty of the SB as long as the SB stil l completes the required responsibilities listed in these rules. Additionally, any CSW task may be performed by a qualified natural support person. Supports provided by a natural support person must be identified on the participant' s SSP, but time worked does not need to be recorded or reported to the FEA. (7-1-25) 181. -- 189. (RESERVED)