New Hampshire Bureau of Developmental Services – Concord, NH

New Hampshire Bureau of Developmental Services

Empowering Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

The New Hampshire Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is the primary state agency responsible for planning, funding, and overseeing services for individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders. Headquartered in the Hugh Gallen State Office Park in Concord, BDS operates under a philosophy that emphasizes community-based support, ensuring that individuals of all ages can live with dignity, independence, and social connection. The Bureau does not provide direct care but rather manages a statewide network of Area Agencies and non-profit providers that deliver essential services such as residential support, employment training, and service coordination. BDS is committed to a person-centered approach, allowing eligible participants to have significant control over their service budgets and life choices through mechanisms like the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver.

• Area Agency Oversight: Manages contracts with regional non-profit Area Agencies that serve as the primary entry point for families seeking support.
• Medicaid Waivers: Administers the DD Waiver and Acquired Brain Disorder (ABD) Waiver to fund home and community-based services (HCBS).
• In-Home Supports: Provides funding for personal care, respite for family caregivers, and environmental modifications to make homes accessible.
• Employment and Day Services: Supports vocational training and community integration programs to help individuals secure meaningful employment.

Eligibility and System Administration

The Bureau is responsible for determining clinical and financial eligibility for state-funded services. This process involves comprehensive assessments to identify the specific needs of applicants, ranging from early intervention for infants to long-term care for aging adults. BDS also enforces quality assurance standards, conducting reviews to ensure that all contracted providers meet strict safety and performance guidelines. The agency actively engages in systems change work, collaborating with advocacy groups and stakeholders to improve the service delivery system. Whether facilitating a transition from school to adult services or managing crisis interventions, the Bureau of Developmental Services acts as the backbone of New Hampshire’s support infrastructure for citizens with intellectual and developmental challenges.