Child & Adolescent Services

Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver

Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver

What is the YES Waiver?

The Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver is a 1915(c) Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver that allows for more flexibility in the funding of intensive community-based services to assist children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances to live in the community with their families. Waiver services are provided in combination with services available through the Medicaid State Plan, other federal, state, and local programs the individual may qualify for, and the natural supports that families and communities provide.

YES Waiver Services:

  • Respite
  • Community Living Supports
  • Family Supports
  • Transitional Services
  • Adaptive Aids & Supports
  • Minor Home Modifications
  • Non-Medical Transportation
  • Paraprofessional Services
  • Professional Services
  • Supportive Family-Based Alternatives

Who is Eligible for YES Waiver Services?

To participate in the YES Waiver, the child or adolescent must meet the following criteria:

Demographic criteria:

  • Be between 3 and 18 years of age
  • Reside in a county in which YES Waiver services
    are available
  • Reside in a non-institutional setting with the child’s or adolescent’s Legally Authorized Representative; or in the child’s or adolescent’s own home or apartment, if legally emancipated.

Clinical criteria:

  • Have serious functional impairment or acute severe psychiatric symptoms as indicated by:
  • Risk of self-harm
  • Disruptive or aggressive behavior
  • Lack of family resources
  • School behavior
  • Current psychiatric diagnosis
  • There is a reasonable expectation that, without YES Waiver services, the child or adolescent would qualify for inpatient care.

Inquiry Line: (866) 501-6535

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Did You Know

1.9M

Texans live with a serious and persistent mental illness

6.4M

Texans have a mental illness and would benefit from treatment

17K

children received care from Metrocare last year

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