Policymakers in many states are committed to finding better ways to finance intensive home- and community-based services for youth with serious emotional disturbances (SED) and their families because the problem is urgent and legislative interest is high.

This report, prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy, and Mathematica Policy Research details public financing mechanisms that states use to pay for intensive home- and community-based services for children and youth with SED. It also outlines key considerations for states in designing and financing home- and community-based services for youth with SED.