To Refer or Not Refer… that is the question! Presentation to PAT Coordinator Meeting September 10, 2013 Sarah Walters

Sarah Walters, L.B.S.W., M.S.Ed. Coordinator Kansas Infant-Toddler Services

Referral RequirementsReferral 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 up/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 up/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 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 for 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 tiny-k program to ensure success? Two words….. On-going Communication!

Strategies to Increase CollaborationStrategies to Increase Collaboration  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 CollaborationStrategies to Increase Collaboration  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 tiny-k program? ad/network_brochure.pdf

Questions?

Sarah Walters, L.B.S.W., M.S.Ed. Coordinator Kansas Infant-Toddler Services

Thank you!Thank you!