A child does not necessarily have to be unaware of every danger to qualify for IHSS Protective Supervision. Some children understand certain safety rules but remain unable to recognize, evaluate, or respond appropriately to other hazards because of a mental impairment. The county should not base its decision on a single skill or isolated example.

When requesting IHSS Protective Supervision for a child, strong documentation can make a significant difference. The county must decide whether the child is non-self-directing because of a mental impairment and whether the child needs ongoing observation and intervention to remain safely at home. Parents should not rely only on a diagnosis or a general