When is a referral appropriate?
It is not necessary to determine a child’s eligibility prior to the referral. If there are any questions or concerns about any aspect of a child’s development, a referral is appropriate. Family Outreach will gather the necessary information to determine eligibility.
Referrals can be made by anyone:
- Family and family members are encouraged to self refer.
- Any agency (schools, therapists, medical personnel, other human services agencies, mental health agencies - for example) working with a child can call and make a referral once the parents give permission.
- The law requires Child Protective Services to refer any child under three who has experienced substantiated abuse. Once the referral is made, it is the parent’s decision to continue the process or not.
It is easy to make a referral:
- If you are a parent, call the closest office or any of the three offices to begin the referral process. We’ll connect you to the appropriate office and person.
- If you represent another family member, first talk to the parents to obtain permission to make the referral. Then, with the parents’ permission, call the closest office or any of the three offices to begin the process.
- If you represent an agency working with a child talk to the parents about making the referral, obtain their permission, and call the closest office or any of the three offices. Or encourage the family to make the call themselves.
Once a referral is made:
The Family Support Coordinator (FSC) of the appropriate office will contact the parent to set up an “intake” home visit at a time convenient to the parent. At this first meeting the FSC will gather information from the parents, assist them in filling out the application and necessary release of information forms, possibly complete a developmental assessment on the child and provide information about Family Outreach and available services.
After leaving this first visit and based on the release of information forms signed by the parent, the FSC will then gather information from other sources necessary to determine eligibility. The FSC will ensure that each child’s information moves quickly and confidentially through the process and will keep the parents informed about the status of their child’s referral.
If you are not sure to which office a referral should be made or for more information, just call any office and we’ll help you.
|
