1. (a) When children under three (3) years of age are involved in a substantiated case of child maltreatment, but a case is not opened, the investigator will:

   1. (1) Provide an overview of the benefits of early intervention services to the parent/guardian;
   2. (2) Make a referral to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for each child in the home (victims and nonvictims) under three (3) years of age via the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services First Connections referrals page through the Department of Human Services website; and
   3. (3) Inform the parent/guardian that their child or children will be referred to the Division of Developmental Disability Services’ Children’s Services to assess the child’s or children’s need and eligibility for early intervention services that may help the child learn and reach his or her individual potential.

2. (b) When children under three (3) years of age are involved in a substantiated case of child maltreatment and a protective services or foster care case is subsequently opened, the FSW Caseworker (either protective services or foster care, as applicable) will:

   1. (1) Provide an overview of the benefits of early intervention services to the parent/guardian;
   2. (2) Make a referral to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for each child in the home (victims and nonvictims) under three (3) years of age via the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services First Connections referrals page through the department website;
   3. (3) Inform the parent/guardian that their child or children will be referred to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services’ Children’s Services to assess the child’s or children’s need and eligibility for early intervention services;

   4. (4) Prior to the early intervention services intake meeting, provide the local Division of Developmental Disabilities Services services coordinator with:

      1. (A) A court-order, if applicable;
      2. (B) A copy of the Social Security card or number;
      3. (C) A copy of the Medicaid card or number, if applicable;
      4. (D) Any other pertinent information related to the request for the early intervention screening;
      5. (E) A copy of EPSDT, if available (parent must obtain); and
      6. (F) A copy of all evaluations, if applicable;

   5. (5)

      1. (A) Coordinate remaining paperwork and services, as applicable, with the local Division of Developmental Disabilities Services service coordinator.
      2. (B) This includes but is not limited to:

3. (i) Coordinating the completion of DMS-800: Authorization for Children’s Medical Services if the early intervention intake meeting determines the child is eligible for the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services’ children’s medical services;

   1. (ii) Providing a copy of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services completed assessment tool for any child involved in an open case and the associated case plan once they are completed; and

      1. (iii) Notifying, as applicable, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences PACE, Health Service Worker, and foster parent or parents that early intervention screening referral has already been made to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services’ Children’s Services per the Child Abuse and Prevention Act, Pub. L. No. 93-247, requirements prior to PACE evaluation;
   2. (6) Invite the Division of Developmental Disability Services services coordinator and early intervention service providers to staffing if child is receiving early intervention services;
   3. (7) Keep the local Division of Developmental Disabilities Services service coordinator informed of any changes to the case plan that may affect early intervention services and coordination;
   4. (8) Document contacts related to the Division of Developmental Disability Services early intervention services referral in the contacts screen in the Division of Children and Family Services’ information management system;
   5. (9) Update the child’s case plan as appropriate; and

   6. (10) Conference with supervisor as needed regarding the referral to the Division of Developmental Disability Services early intervention services.

      1. (c) Investigative and FSW supervisors will:
   7. (1) Conference with the investigator and/or FSW Caseworker as needed regarding the child’s Division of Developmental Disability Services early intervention referral and/or any subsequent services; and

   8. (2) Notify, as necessary, his or her supervisor of any issues related to the child’s Division of Developmental Disability Services early intervention referral and/or services.

      1. (d)

   9. (1) Upon referral assignment, the Division of Developmental Disability Services service coordinator should:

      1. (A) Arrange the early intervention intake meeting; and
      2. (B) Assess and determine the need and eligibility of the child for services and notify in writing the Division of Children and Family Services Family Service Worker (FSW) and FSW supervisor indicating the eligibility status and needs of the child, if applicable.

   10. (2) If it is determined that the child needs and is eligible for early intervention services:

       1. (A) Provide a more detailed explanation to the parent/guardian of early intervention services including types, benefits, requirements, etc.;
       2. (B) Provide copies of the child’s IFSP and any early intervention evaluations to the FSW; and
       3. (C) Keep the child’s FSW and person serving as the parent informed of the child’s progress and any changes in services.

Codification Notes: This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows: "05/2022"