Self Advocates and Families for Excellence (SAFE)
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Self Advocates and Families for Excellence (SAFE) is a statewide volunteer organization consisting of people with developmental disabilities / self advocates and family members of people with developmental disabilities.
Trained SAFE volunteers work in conjunction with the MO Department of Mental Health – Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MR-DD) to help gather information directly from individuals with developmental disabilities about the services and supports they receive; how individuals with developmental disabilities feel about their lives; and to help determine the presence of the Missouri Quality Outcomes in their lives.
The SAFE program was written into Division Directive (4.060), which was signed into effect on March 1, 2006. The purpose of the directive follows:
To ensure that the Individual Planning process leads to person-centered quality outcomes for individuals. To evaluate the effectiveness of support services in meeting individuals needs. To identify support services strengths, as well as areas in need of enhancement. To describe the processes used to ensure compliance with Medicaid Waiver and Division Directive 4.050 Individual Planning Requirements and Person Centered Planning Guidelines.
Volunteers will work together with the Division to complete face-to-face interviews using a standardized survey tool with randomly chosen individuals who receive a division and/or waiver funded residential and/or day habilitation service. The standardized survey tool the volunteers will use was created and developed around the 16 Missouri Quality Outcomes that were identified for individuals.
The Division values hearing directly from individuals with developmental disabilities who are receiving services and is committed to working with individuals and family members to gain that important information. The information gathered for SAFE will be obtained directly from individuals by individuals and family members.
Findings from the surveys will be used by the Division to mark trends; evaluate the quality of services being provided to individuals; and to initiate changes /enhancements in the system, where needed.
If you would additional information on the SAFE Initiative, please contact
Lisa Nothaus at Lisa.Nothaus@dmh.mo.gov or 573-368-2589.
