Can I get protective supervision for a child under five years old?

It is difficult, but not impossible, to receive protective supervision for young children (those under five years old). This is especially the case for toddlers, because small children generally require very close supervision. However, age cannot be the sole deciding factor in denying protective supervision. Your documentation, including logs of injuries and prevented injuries, will be key to securing this service.

You must be able to demonstrate that your child requires closer supervision than what would be required for a typically developing child of the same age. You have to show impaired judgement, memory, orientation. You need to prove that your child needs 24/7 supervision and more than what a typically developing child needs. You need to document ways they could harm themselves. Everything should be documented; focus on how it’s 24/7, not just specific times.

For more details, check out our article IHSS: Protective Supervision and Paramedical Services.