Dual Diagnosis Funding
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What is Dual Diagnosis Respite Funding?
Dual Diagnosis Respite Funding helps your family care for your child who is between 8 and 18 years of age and who has both mental a health condition and a developmental disability.
This funding can be used to:
- Hire a caregiver or respite provider to help in your home or community.
- Pay for other respite services like camps or recreational programs.
The Dual Diagnosis (DD) Respite funding is brokered through Resources. Families apply on an annual basis to receive DD funding and if approved, are provided a funding allocation before April 1. Once families have an allocation for the year, invoices are submitted to Resources, who pays workers or programs directly using the approved funds.
To qualify for Dual Diagnosis Respite Funding, your child must meet the following requirements:
- Be between the ages of 8 and 17* years old (funding available up to 18th birthday);
- Diagnosed with a mental health condition; and
- Diagnosed with a developmental disability (such as Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down’s Syndrome).
Both diagnoses must be confirmed by licensed professionals:
- Developmental diagnosis by a licensed physician.
- Mental health diagnosis by a registered psychologist or licensed psychiatrist.
If your child meets these criteria, they may qualify for funding to help with respite care.
1) For New Families Only: Complete the Referral Form: If your family isn’t receiving funding yet, start by filling out the referral form. You’ll need to include documentation showing your child’s mental health and developmental diagnoses.
Click Below to fill out referral form and email it to info@rfecydurham.com.
Dual Diagnosis Referral Form Fillable PDF
New referrals can be submitted anytime throughout the year. Families already receiving funding do not need to fill out the referral form again.
2) Complete and Submit Annual Application: Every March, all eligible families—whether new or returning—will receive an annual application form. You must complete and return this form to apply for funding for the upcoming year.
3) Review and Approval: We review all applications based on eligibility, the needs of your child, and available funding. You will be notified about the outcome before funding starts on April 1st.
Download the Dual Diagnosis Referral Form
What to expect from Dual Diagnosis Funding
Respite support funding:
Eligible children and youth (aged 8–18) with both a developmental diagnosis (first percentile or below) and a mental health diagnosis can receive financial support. These funds can be used to hire community-based workers or cover short-term out-of-home respite services
Flexible and family-directed use:
Parents have the autonomy to decide how to use the funding, whether to employ a worker directly or coordinate respite services—ensuring it fits their family’s schedule and needs.
Simple eligibility and referral process:
Families complete an annual application, including documentation from a licensed physician (developmental diagnosis) and a licensed psychologist/psychiatrist (mental health diagnosis). The Resources team reviews applications and follows up for additional information if needed.
Agency supported administration:
Resources manages funding allocation and coordinates the process, while families are responsible for timely invoicing. This shared support structure simplifies access and ensures accountability.
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