9 CAR § 40-344. Division of Developmental Disabilities Services early intervention services referrals

(a) When children under three (3) years of age are involved in a substantiated case of child maltreatment, but a case is not opened, the investigator will: (1) Provide an overview of the benefits of early intervention services to the caregiver; (2) Make a referral to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for each child in the home (victims and nonvictims) under three (3) years of age via the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services First Connections referrals page through the Department of Human Services website; and (3) Inform the caregiver that their child or children will be referred to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services’ Children’s Services to assess the child’s or children’s need and eligibility for early intervention services that may help the child learn and reach his or her individual potential. (b) When children under three (3) years of age are involved in a substantiated case of child maltreatment and an in-home or permanency case is subsequently opened, the Social Service Specialist (either in-home services or permanency services, as applicable) will: (1) Provide an overview of the benefits of early intervention services to the caregiver; (2) Make a referral to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for each child in the home (victims and nonvictims) under three (3) years of age via the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services First Connections referrals page through the department website; (3) Inform the caregiver that their child or children will be referred to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services’ Children’s Services to assess the child’s or children’s need and eligibility for early intervention services; (4) Prior to the early intervention services intake meeting, provide the local Division of Developmental Disabilities Services coordinator with: (A) A court-order, if applicable; (B) A copy of the Social Security card or number; (C) A copy of the Medicaid card or number, if applicable; (D) Any other pertinent information related to the request for the early intervention screening; (E) A copy of EPSDT, if available (caregiver must obtain); and (F) A copy of all evaluations, if applicable; (5)(A) Coordinate remaining paperwork and services, as applicable, with the local Division of Developmental Disabilities Services coordinator. (B) This includes but is not limited to: (i) Coordinating the completion of the Authorization for Children’s Medical Services if the early intervention intake meeting determines the child is eligible for the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services’ children’s medical services; (ii) Providing a copy of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services completed assessment tool, for any child involved in an open case, and the associated case plan once they are completed; and (iii) Notifying, as applicable, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences PACE, Health Service Assistant, and resource parents that an early intervention screening referral has already been made to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services’ Children’s Services per the Child Abuse and Prevention Act, Pub. L. No. 93-247, requirements prior to PACE evaluation; (6) Invite the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services coordinator and early intervention service providers to the family team meeting if child is receiving early intervention services; (7) Keep the local Division of Developmental Disabilities Services service coordinator informed of any changes to the family case plan that may affect early intervention services and coordination; (8) Document contacts related to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services early intervention services referral in the contacts screen in the division information management system; (9) Update the child’s family case plan as appropriate; and (10) Conference with supervisor as needed regarding the referral to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services early intervention services. (c) Supervisors will: (1) Conference with the Social Service Specialist as needed regarding the child’s Division of Developmental Disabilities Services early intervention referral and any subsequent services; and (2) Notify, as necessary, their supervisor of any issues related to the child’s Division of Developmental Disabilities Services early intervention referral and services. (d)(1) Upon referral assignment, the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services coordinator should: (A) Arrange the early intervention intake meeting; and (B) Assess and determine the need and eligibility of the child for services and notify in writing the Division of Children and Family Services Social Service Specialist and supervisor indicating the eligibility status and needs of the child, if applicable. (2) If it is determined that the child needs and is eligible for early intervention services: (A) Provide a more detailed explanation to the caregiver of early intervention services including types, benefits, requirements; (B) Provide copies of the child’s IFSP and any early intervention evaluations to the Social Service Specialist; and (C) Keep the child’s Social Service Specialist and person serving as the caregiver informed of the child’s progress and any changes in services.