APD Medicaid Waiver vs. DCF (Department of Children and Families)

Which Program Best Supports Your Needs?

Understanding the Difference Between APD and DCF

When Lisa’s 12-year-old son, Marcus, was diagnosed with autism, she found herself overwhelmed by the number of government programs available. She needed therapy services, respite care, and financial support, but she wasn’t sure if she should apply through APD or the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Many families face this same question. Both agencies provide services to individuals with disabilities, but they serve different populations and offer distinct programs. Understanding the differences between APD and DCF can help you choose the right option for your loved one.

Who They Serve: APD vs. DCF

Agency	Who They Serve	Key Focus
APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities)	Individuals with developmental disabilities (before age 18) including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and spina bifida.	Long-term services and supports for community-based care, personal assistance, therapy, and employment support.
DCF (Department of Children and Families)	Children, families, and vulnerable adults in crisis. This includes foster care, child protective services, behavioral health, food assistance, and Medicaid eligibility.	Crisis intervention, child protection, and public assistance programs (food stamps, Medicaid, housing support).

Bottom Line:

• APD serves individuals with developmental disabilities across their lifespan, providing long-term supports.

• DCF focuses on temporary, crisis-based support, including child welfare and financial aid for low-income families.

Comparing Available Services

Service	APD Medicaid Waiver (iBudget Florida)	DCF Services
Personal Care Assistance	✅ Yes	❌ No
Respite Care for Families	✅ Yes	❌ No
Therapies (Physical, Speech, Occupational)	✅ Yes	✅ Limited (if Medicaid-eligible)
Behavioral Therapy	✅ Yes (if part of iBudget waiver)	✅ Yes (if Medicaid-eligible)
Employment & Job Coaching	✅ Yes	❌ No
Housing Support	✅ Yes (Supported Living, Group Homes)	✅ Yes (Emergency Housing Assistance)
Food & Financial Assistance	❌ No	✅ Yes (SNAP, TANF, cash assistance)
Foster Care & Child Protective Services	❌ No	✅ Yes

Why Choose APD vs. DCF?

When APD Is the Right Choice:

• If your loved one has a lifelong developmental disability and needs long-term services like personal care, respite, or supported employment.

• If you need Medicaid-funded waiver services (iBudget Florida) for ongoing care.

• If your child is aging out of DCF support but still needs disability services as an adult.

When DCF Is the Right Choice:

• If your family needs temporary assistance with food, housing, or Medicaid eligibility.

• If you are involved in child protective services or foster care.

• If you need mental health or substance abuse treatment for a family member.

Final Thoughts

APD focuses on long-term disability support, while DCF is designed for temporary crisis intervention. Many families use both agencies at different points in their journey. For example, a child may receive DCF Medicaid for therapy services but later transition to APD for lifelong support.