CASE CLOSURES
There are a variety of reasons for closing a child’s case prior to holding an initial IFSP meeting. In these cases, exit processes are inappropriate since the IFSP has never been implemented. Below are the options for closing the child’s case prior to an IFSP being implemented. In each of these cases, the service coordinator will:
- Document information in the notes field on the Post-Referral Screening (PR) Tab in the web IFSP;
- Select the appropriate case closure reason;
- Enter the case closure date; and
- Save the changes.
Parent declines consent for screening/evaluation for eligibility determination/informational only. This option shows when “No” is marked for Consent for Evaluation and Assessment.
Parents have the right to decline to have their child participate in a screening or an evaluation after a referral has been made to Early ACCESS. When this happens, the child’s referral must be closed. After following the procedures for First Visit with the Child and Family, Step 6, and completing the documentation, the service coordinator selects Parent declines consent for screening/evaluation for eligibility determination/informational only as of the reason for closing the child’s file.
Parents withdrew consent for screening/evaluation and/or IFSP completion. No Further Action in Early ACCESS.
There are two times when this case closure reason is used: when parents withdraw consent for screening or evaluation and when parents decline to hold the initial IFSP meeting.:
Parents withdrew consent for screening/evaluation
Parents have the right to withdraw consent for a screening or an evaluation after the written consent has already been provided, even if the screening or evaluation has been started. When this happens, screening or evaluation procedures stop. After following the procedures for First Visit with the Child and Family, Step 7, and completing the documentation, the service coordinator selects Parents withdrew consent for screening/evaluation and/or IFSP completion. No further action in Early ACCESS as the reason for closing the child’s file.
Initial IFSP meeting declined by parents
Parents may decide they do not want to participate in Early ACCESS and decline to hold the initial IFSP meeting where eligibility is determined. After following the procedures for Initial IFSPs and completing the documentation, the service coordinator selects ‘Parents withdrew consent for screening/evaluation and/or IFSP completion. No further action in Early ACCESS’ as the reason for closing the child’s file.
Family Moved/Unable to Locate Family prior to the Initial Meeting & prior to the First Delivery of the Initial Services
When a service coordinator is unable to contact the family after following the procedures for the First Contact with the Family, the referral must be closed. The service coordinator selects ‘Family moved/unable to locate family prior to the initial meeting and prior to the first delivery of initial services’ as the reason for closing the child’s file.
Child Deceased
When a child passes away prior to finishing the evaluation process or after evaluation but prior to holding the initial IFSP meeting, the service coordinator selects the ‘Child Deceased’ as the reason for closing the child’s file.