Community Based Alternatives for Youth (CBAY)
Community Based Alternatives for Youth is a Medicaid waiver- a federal designation allowing states to “waive” certain portions of Medicaid law in order to provide home and community based services to individuals who otherwise require institutional care. CBAY is a funding source to support additional services and supports not covered by the Georgia Medicaid State plan. The purpose of CBAY is to allow youth to “waive” institutional care at the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) level and be served in the community by CORE and specialty providers, supplemented with waiver services. CBAY is available statewide to those children and youth who meet eligibility requirements detailed below. Through the wraparound process detailed in the Choices Overview and based on family voice and choice, Choices does the following:
- Provides care coordination
- Arranges for respite
- Assists with transportation
- Connects your family to community resources
- Provides family support using Family Support Partners
- Arranges for Behavioral Aide supports
- Creatively fill gaps through access to financial support
- Advocates in school, court, juvenile justice and child welfare systems
- Links to traditional and non-traditional treatment services
- Assists with transition between community systems
- Presents opportunities for leadership and personal growth
Eligibility: Families with children and youth, ages 5-21, who are either in or at risk to be in a PRTF. The child or youth must have a primary mental health diagnosis and meet Medicaid eligibility.
Referrals: Referrals for CBAY must be made through the child/youth’s CORE provider or current Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility.