To Refer or Not
Refer…
that is the question!
Presentation to PAT Coordinator Meeting
September 10, 2013
Sarah Walters
Sarah Walters, L.B.S.W., M.S.Ed.
Coordinator
Kansas Infant-Toddler Services
swalters@kdheks.gov
785.296.6135
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.
Primary Referral Sources

Hospitals

Physicians

Parents

Childcare programs and
early learning programs

LEAs and schools

Child care programs and
early learning programs


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
Public health facilities
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!
ASQ and ASQ-SE Follow up/Referral
Criteria

Well above cut-off points:


Provide follow-up activities and rescreen in 46 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
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
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.
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.
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 reevaluation in the future

Others…?
How do I work with my local tiny-k
program to ensure success?
Two words…..
On-going Communication!
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
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.
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
How do I contact the local tiny-k
program?
http://www.ksits.org/downlo
ad/network_brochure.pdf
Questions?
Sarah Walters, L.B.S.W., M.S.Ed.
Coordinator
Kansas Infant-Toddler Services
swalters@kdheks.gov
785.296.6135
Thank you!