Initial
Contact With Family
The
initial contact with the family
will be made by the Services Coordinator to share
information about the child and Nebraska's Early
Development Network. This may be by phone or some
other means. A meeting time will be arranged to
be held within seven calendar days of the referral
to the service
coordination agency. An exception to this
may be made if the family requests a delay.
During
the family's first meeting with the Services
Coordinator, the immediate concerns of the family will
be identified and options explored. The primary consideration
will be the family's natural and cultural supports.
Referrals will be made to services offered within
the community. The meeting time may be spent helping
the family to complete forms, make phone contacts, or
whatever is needed to empower the family.
The
sharing of information with other agencies,
providers, or individuals will be discussed. The Services
Coordinator will explain the release of information
forms to facilitate this exchange of information and
program eligibility. Forms will be signed by the family
based on their wishes. The Services Coordinator will
provide written information explaining the Early Development Network, timelines, family rights, responsibilities,
and the need for their consent for evaluation by the
school district to determine eligibility for early intervention services.
The
Services Coordinator will explain service options
and the difference between those which are available
at no cost and those which may be available for a fee.
The
family may then consent to proceed with the initial
evaluation. If they do not consent, they
have the right to request services at a later date.
(See Rule 51; 009.08D5a) Reasonable efforts must be
made to ensure that parents are fully aware of the
the nature of the evaluation and that consent must be
given in order to receive an evaluation. (See Rule 51;
009.08D5b)
After
the family consents, the Services Coordinator
continues to work with them according to their needs
and wishes until a decision is made regarding eligibility
for early intervention through the schools. They will
also follow up with the referral person to provide information
on the outcome of the referral, with the permission
of the family.
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