Best+Practices

__Best Practices and Emerging Trends in Case Management__

Technology is driving the evolution of case management. Agencies are starting to realize the benefits of a single point of entry. This means that there could be several agencies servicing one client. Agencies are starting to pool resources and create a standardized identification and intake process. This calls for strong inter -agency communication. In these cases the agencies tend to service the same population.

The state of Louisianna has experienced some success with their single point of entry protocol. The duties of the single point of entry worker are outlined as:

A minimum of ten (10) System Points of Entry (SPOE’s) will be established statewide for all children referred (approximately 8000 per year) to the EarlySteps System. Under this RFP, the Contractor will be responsible for providing Intake Service Coordination during the referral process and eligibility determination of each referred child. Approximately 3500 eligible children are anticipated for entry following eligibility determination. The SPOE will be responsible for providing ongoing Family Service [|RFP for SPOE Louisianna] Coordination in the event of service coordination provider shortages. The cumulative total of eligible children for 2007 was 5200 statewide. The Intake Service Coordinators at each SPOE will be responsible for facilitating the process for a child and family from referral through the intake and eligibility determination process to the completion of a child’s initial Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). After completion of the IFSP, a Family Service Coordinator (FSC) will be responsible for ongoing coordination of early intervention services and other services that the child needs. The FSC is also responsible for IFSP reviews and annual re-determination of eligibility and completion of the annual IFSP’s. Specific Intake Service Coordination responsibilities include: 1. Processing referrals received to determine eligibility. 2. Assisting parents of eligible children in gaining access to all services identified in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). 3. Ensuring appropriate IFSP teams are established to determine appropriate levels of services. 4. Ensuring that the services listed on the IFSP meet the individual child and family needs identified during the assessment process. 5. Coordinating the provision of early intervention services and other services (such as medical services for purposes other than diagnostic and evaluation reasons) that the child needs or are being provided. 6. Facilitating the timely delivery of available services. 7. Continuously seeking the appropriate services and situations necessary to benefit the development of each eligible child for the duration of the child’s eligibility. 8. Ensuring that each child is appropriately transitioned at program exit.