Circle Of Supports

01. Focus. The participant's COS is built and operates with the primary goal of working in the interest of the participant. The group's role is to give and get support for the participant and to develop an SSP, along with and on behalf of the participant, to help the participant accomplish their personal goals. (7-1-26) 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 is 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. (7-1-26) 03. Selection and Duties. Members are selected by the participant and commit to work within the group to: (7-1-26) a. Promote and improve the life of the participant in accordance with the participant's choices and preferences; and (7-1-26) b. Meet regularly to assist the participant to accomplish their expressed goals. (7-1-26) 04. Natural Supports. Natural supports may perform any duty of the SB as long as the SB still 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. (7-1-26) 804. (RESERVED)