to refer or not refer… that is the question! presentation to pat coordinator meeting september 10,...
TRANSCRIPT
Sarah Walters, L.B.S.W., M.S.Ed.
Coordinator
Kansas Infant-Toddler Services
785.296.6135
Referral Requirements Referral Requirements Primary referral sources must make a
referral as soon as possible, but in not case more that 7 days after the child has been identified as needing further evaluation
Even if the family does not give permission. It is a requirement of IDEA that a referral be made. The family ultimately gets to decide to turn down the referral, or not.
Primary Referral SourcesPrimary Referral Sources
Hospitals Physicians Parents Childcare programs
and early learning programs
LEAs and schools Child care programs
and early learning programs
Public health facilities
Other public health or social service agencies
Other clinics and health care providers
Public agencies and staff in child welfare system, including child protective service and foster care
Homeless family shelters and
Domestic violence shelters and agencies
When to Refer…When to Refer…
Results of ASQ or ASQ-SE indicate a need
Results of Hearing or Vision Screening
Parent indicates concern
Child is born with a known condition that causes developmental delays (Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Cleft lip or palate etc…)
When in doubt… REFER!
ASQ and ASQ-SE Follow ASQ and ASQ-SE Follow up/Referral Criteriaup/Referral Criteria
Well above cut-off points:
Provide follow-up activities and rescreen in 4-6 months
Close to Cutoffs:
Use your professional judgment together with family indications and Refer to local tiny-k program if family indicates a concern,
Provide follow-up activities
Rescreen in 4-6 months or sooner
ASQ and ASQ-SE Follow ASQ and ASQ-SE Follow up/Referral Criteriaup/Referral Criteria
Below cut-off in one or more areas:
Refer to local tiny-k program
Parent Concern:
Respond to all concerns
Refer to local tiny-k program
What happens after a referral What happens after a referral is made?is made? The local tiny-k program has 45 days
from the date of the referral to determine if the child is eligible and if appropriate, develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with the family.
Family has the right to turn down involvement with the local tiny-k program.
What if the Child is Eligible?What if the Child is Eligible?An IFSP will be developed with
the family
Services will be provided within the guidelines of the Mission and Key Principles of Early Intervention in Natural Environments.
What if the child is not eligible What if the child is not eligible for the tiny-k programfor the tiny-k program
Referrals to community programs should be made by the local tiny-k program
Information should be given to the family to help address any identified concerns
The local tiny-k program may suggest a re-evaluation in the future
Others…?
How do I work with my local How do I work with my local tiny-k program to ensure tiny-k program to ensure success?success?
Two words…..
On-going Communication!
Strategies to Increase Strategies to Increase CollaborationCollaboration Assure that PAT and Local tiny-k program
staff know and understand each other’s systems
Assure that PAT supervisors and direct service staff are invested in identifying children and increasing referral
Develop an referral process from PAT to the local tiny-k program that ensures timeline requirements are met
Strategies to Increase Strategies to Increase CollaborationCollaboration
Assure responsiveness to referral from BOTH systems
Establish routine communication and cross referencing of service plans
Formalize Collaborative relationships with a written MOU that details respective roles and responsibilities.
Words of Wisdom!Words of Wisdom!
If something isn’t working the way you think it should, revisit the strategies for increasing collaboration.
Meet with the local tiny-k program coordinator
Be purposeful and proactive
Don’t wait until there is a problem
It has to be on-going
How do I contact the local How do I contact the local tiny-k program?tiny-k program?
http://www.ksits.org/download/network_brochure.pdf
Questions?Questions?
Sarah Walters, L.B.S.W., M.S.Ed.
Coordinator
Kansas Infant-Toddler Services
785.296.6135
Thank you!Thank you!