To Refer or Not Refer… that is the question!

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

2. Sarah Walters, L.B.S.W., M.S.Ed. Coordinator Kansas Infant-Toddler Services swalters@kdheks.gov 785.296.6135

3. 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.

4. Primary 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

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

12. 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…?

13. How do I work with my local tiny-k program to ensure success? Two words….. On-going Communication!

14. Strategies 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

15. Strategies 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.

16. 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

17. How do I contact the local tiny-k program? http://www.ksits.org/download/network_brochure.pdf

18. Questions?

19. Sarah Walters, L.B.S.W., M.S.Ed. Coordinator Kansas Infant-Toddler Services swalters@kdheks.gov 785.296.6135

20. Thank you!