Unfortunately, Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG) are an asset that many parents, state agency staff and the general public are not aware of.  A CRCG can provide help and support to many individuals with disabilities and their families while also supporting the efforts of professionals.

The following FAQs are from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission CRCG website:

What are Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCGs)?

CRCGs help people with complex needs that can’t be met by a single agency. They join people or families with public and private agencies to get people the help they need.

Who do CRCGs serve?

CRCGs serves the following age groups:

  • Children and youth: 22 and younger
  • Adults: 18 and older
  • Families: All ages

Different CRCGs serve different age groups. CRCGs may serve mostly children and youth, or adults, or use a combined model that serves both populations.

What happens at a CRCG?

CRCG representatives from state and local agencies work together with the person, or the family to find help for their unique needs. The representatives each meet different needs the person, or the family might have. The representatives and the person or family talk for 30 minutes to an hour. During this talk, the person or family shares their situation, and the group discusses possible services that may help. Based on the needs discussed, the CRCG will work with the person or family to create an Individual Service Plan. Every community has different services and resources, so each meeting and each plan will be different. However, every CRCG works with the person or family to help them get the services they need.

What is an Individual Service Plan?

An Individual Service Plan is an agreement for coordination of services developed between the person or the family and the CRCG. The planning process involves looking at the person or, the family’s complex needs and helps them get the services they need. The person, families, and service providers work together to develop the plan during the CRCG meeting.

What is a family representative and what do they do?

A family representative is a parent or legal guardian of a child who has emotional, behavioral, physical, mental health challenges, or intellectual disabilities and has been through the CRCG process. The family representative can answer questions the family might have, and support the family during and after the meeting.

A CRCG family representative is encouraged to be at every CRCG Staffing, or meeting where Individual Service Plans are created. A family representative may or may not be present, to make sure person or, family specific needs are met. They can also help a person or family feel more comfortable speaking about their personal life with a group of strangers.

How do I connect to a CRCG?

People are connected to CRCGs by state agencies, a family representative, or directly from the community through a referral. A person may also refer themselves by contacting their local CRCG chair. To find a local CRCG in your area, use the “Find Your Local CRCG” feature at https://crcg.hhs.texas.gov/forFamilies.html#localCRCGFinder. You will see the local CRCG chair name and phone number.

Where are CRCGs located?

There are about 140 local CRCGs across Texas’ 254 counties. To find a local CRCG in your area, use the “Find Your Local CRCG” feature at the top of this page. Search by city or county.

What if there isn’t a CRCG in my local area?

If there isn’t a CRCG in your local area, please contact the State CRCG Office by email at: CRCG@hhsc.state.tx.us. Please tell them your county, who needs help and why that person needs help. The State CRCG Office will find the closest CRCG to you or a state agency that can help.

Where can people find more information about CRCGs?

Email the State CRCG Office with questions at: CRCG@hhsc.state.tx.us

PRN Note:  Although it is not mentioned, a child with an endorsement from a CRCG is placed higher on the waiting list than others when being considered for placement in a state mental health facility or Waco Center for Youth. Also a CRCG endorsement can assist in a child being considered for non-educational funding available through a public school and Regional Education Service Centers.