How should I prepare for the IHSS in-home visit?

You and your child will be interviewed in your home to determine eligibility and need for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Your child must be present for the visit. If you and your child are unavailable during the time slot assigned by IHSS, you must notify the caseworker as soon as possible to set a new appointment.

The caseworker will interview you about your child’s self-care skills. You may also wish to provide the caseworker with copies of your child’s ABA assessments, Individualized Program Plan (IPP), and/or Individualized Education Plan (IEP), if you think they will be beneficial to your child’s case.

If you know that you will be applying for protective supervision and/or paramedical services, you may want to have these documents already prepared for the caseworker, along with documentation of need. If you are requesting paramedical services, the caseworker may visit your home again with a nurse from IHSS to go over the specific services on the form.

The nurse will likely observe your child and ask them some questions. For protective supervision, the nurse will be evaluating your child's self-directing behavior, i.e. if the child is able to evaluate the risk of harm before they act. If you have concerns about your child's true need for supervision being understood during the visit, you can speak to the nurse separately after your child's interview and tell the nurse there is a difference between your child knowing the answer to their questions and the impulsivity that has them engaging in unsafe behavior. You can supply a behavior log during your application demonstrating the times you've needed to intervene to protect your child from dangerous behavior.

After your child’s home visit, you should gather and submit any additional documentation that you and the caseworker have discussed.

For more information, check out our article Prepare for the IHSS In-Home Visit.