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First Steps: Service Coordinator
Unit I Lesson 2: Intake
The intake process is one of the most crucial steps of the First Steps process for families as this is their first introduction to First Steps. There is an old saying, “First impressions last a life time.” We don’t know if this is true, but it is awfully hard to correct a bad first impression. This being the case, it is critically important that during the intake process, families feel welcomed, respected, and valued as important people in the life of their child.
Now let’s spend some time looking at the Service Coordination intake process and the responsibilities of the service coordinator in this process.
Open the bubble chart for a look at the intake process by clicking here.
Imagine that you have a child being referred to First Steps. So far, all you know is that your doctor is concerned about your baby and he/she thinks First Steps could be helpful. You also know he/she made the referral and you got a call from someone called the “First Steps Intake Coordinator.” You are waiting in your living room for that person to come and do something. What questions would you have of this intake coordinator before you would feel comfortable signing the consent form to proceed with this program?
We have been discussing the importance of the service coordinator’s knowledge to answer any questions that may arise from their first meeting with prospective families. To further familiarize you with this vast area, we are going to take a look at the parental procedural safeguards mentioned in Part C of the law.
Review questions:
1. What makes a child/family eligible?
2. How is eligibility determined?
3. Does it cost anything?
4. Will people come to my home?
5. Will child care be provided?
6. When is the composition of the eligibiligy determination team developed (HINT: review the bubble chart)?
Reflection questions:
1. How does the First Steps process work?
2. What is the philosophy of the program?
3. What do the families get from the program?