Expanding Opportunities for Children and Youth with Serious Mental Health Needs
The Youth Empowerment Services (Y.E.S.) Waiver is designed to transform the way children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbances receive care. Through flexible Medicaid funding and community-based services, the Y.E.S. Waiver helps families access specialized, intensive support in the least restrictive environment possible - keeping children at home, in school, and connected to their communities.
The Y.E.S. Waiver brings Anderson and Cherokee county together families, schools, and service providers to address a child’s emotional, intellectual, cultural, and social needs while empowering them to reach their full potential.
Our Services
The Y.E.S. Waiver provides access to eleven specialized services designed to offer comprehensive support for youth and their families:
- Respite Care: Temporary relief for caregivers while ensuring the child’s safety and well-being.
- Community Living Supports: Assistance with daily activities to improve independence.
- Family Supports: Guidance and resources for families navigating mental health challenges.
- Specialized Psychiatric Observation: Short-term psychiatric support and crisis stabilization.
- Transitional Services: Help for youth transitioning between care settings or life stages.
- Adaptive Aids & Supports: Equipment and tools to improve daily functioning.
- Minor Home Modifications: Changes to the home environment to enhance accessibility and safety.
- Non-Medical Transportation: Transportation to appointments and community activities.
- Paraprofessional Services: Support from trained professionals to assist with behavioral needs.
- Professional Services: Specialized therapy and interventions tailored to the child’s needs.
- Supportive Family-Based Alternatives: Alternative family-based placements when needed.
Who is Eligible for Y.E.S. Waiver Services?
To qualify for the Y.E.S. Waiver, a child or adolescent must meet the following criteria:
- Age 3-18 years old
- Resident of Cherokee or Anderson County
- Lives in a non-institutional setting with a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) or in their own home if emancipated
- Medicaid-eligible under an approved waiver eligibility group
- Chooses, or has their LAR choose, waiver services as an alternative to inpatient psychiatric care
- Meets Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) clinical criteria for serious emotional disturbance
- Is at risk of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization without waiver services
How to Access Services
Families interested in enrolling in Y.E.S. Waiver services can contact: Kelli at ACCESS: 844-801-8382 (for enrollment).
Cherokee County: (903) 589-9000 Anderson County: (903) 723-6136
