Fundamentals of Case Management: Intake

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Initial Contact

Although most requests for services are voluntary, meaning the person is seeking and willing to actively participate in services, this is not always the case. Occasionally, persons or their families may be under pressure to accept services, such as in court-ordered services.

Whether requests are voluntary or mandated, the first step toward an intake meeting is to speak to the person requesting services or their legal representative. If the referral source is someone other than the person requesting services or their legal representative, provide contact information and have the person or their legal representative contact you directly.

When scheduling intake meetings, ask if accommodations: translation, interpreter, handicapped parking, large print documents or others are needed. Check that meeting locations are accessible and available when needed.

Winna advises new case managers to be flexible and good listeners. She also reminds us that many people with disabilities and their families need time to accept a diagnosis of a disability, we need to be respectful to their needs.

 

© 2005 Disability Services Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services.
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