How will the SPOE handle responding to referrals upon initial intake when murder, drug dealing, etc., is occurring in the familys neighborhood?
No one, SPOE staff or early intervention provider, is expected to go to dangerous settings to provide services. The service coordinator and family need to identify other settings that the family routinely uses such as a park, the library, a relative’s home, etc., as the location to meet. As a last resort, and with the family’s agreement, the initial intake meeting may be conducted at the SPOE. Q: Once the SPOE is up and running and they begin the eligibility determination, how will children not eligible for First Steps, but that meet the DMH “at risk” criteria, be referred to the Regional Centers? A: When a child is found ineligible for First Steps, it is the responsibility of the Intake Coordinator to refer the family to other resources that may be available to them. This would include DMH Regional Centers, Parents as Teachers, local Health Department, etc. Keep in mind that it is the families’ responsibility to follow through with the referral.
