N.J. Admin. Code § 8:17-2.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:17-2.2 - Referral process

(a) The Department shall maintain a list of SPOEs and shall disseminate the list to primary referral sources for their use in accordance with (d) below.

(b) Regional provider agencies shall develop materials to complement and supplement the list of SPOEs, describing specific resources available in their respective regions and shall disseminate this information and the list of SPOEs described in (a) above, within their respective regions in a manner reasonably calculated to reach populations and referral sources through which children potentially eligible for early intervention services are likely to be located.

(c) Through the Child Find System, the Department shall:

1. Provide methods for making referrals through primary referral sources;

2. Make referrals to SPOEs within two business days after a child has been identified (through regional providers);

3. Coordinate the referral for early intervention services, pursuant to Part C, of each child who is:

i. The subject of a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect as defined in CAPTA pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 5106g, or who has a case in litigation pursuant to N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.8 et seq.;

ii. Identified on the Birth Defects Registry, pursuant to 26:2-110 and 111; or

iii. Identified as affected by illegal substance abuse, or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure; and

4. On an annual basis, determine the effectiveness and impact of public awareness and Child Find activities.

(d) Through the Child Find System, with parental consent, each primary referral source shall refer children who are potentially eligible for early intervention services pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:17-7 to the SPOE serving its particular region.

(e) When an SPOE receives a referral, it shall appoint a service coordinator to serve the referred child and his or her family.

(f) During the intake process, the service coordinator shall inform the parents of the child for whom services are sought of the family cost participation requirements at 8:17-9.2., and shall assist the family in the completion of the Family Cost Participation Income Verification Form at chapter Appendix A, the Family Cost Participation Payment Option Form at chapter Appendix B, and, as appropriate, the Family Cost Participation Application for Income Adjustment at chapter Appendix C, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

(g) Within 45 days of receipt of a referral, each service coordinator shall ensure the completion of the evaluation and assessment activities and hold an initial IFSP meeting consistent with Part C and 8:17-8.3.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:17-2.2

Amended by 54 N.J.R. 1798(a), effective 9/19/2022