Coordinated Intake & Assessment

Transcription

1 Coordinated Intake & Assessment Colleen Velez, Sr. Program Manager Corporation for Supportive Housing December 7, 2012

2 Corporation for Supportive Housing We help communities throughout the country transform how they address homelessness and improve people s lives through quality supportive housing. Project-Specific Financing and Expertise to help create supportive housing Capacity Building to strengthen and expand the supportive housing industry Public Policy Reform to build an efficient system for producing and financing supportive housing HUD Technical Assistance

3 What is it? Standardized Processes Access, assessment, and referral process for diversion/prevention, shelter, RR, TH, PSH, dedicated housing subsidies and/or other related housing and services. Comprehensive Implemented consistently throughout the entire geographic area of a Continuum of Care (CoC). Accessible Easy to use and well-publicized to the homeless individuals and families who need it.

4 What is it? Just to confuse you Coordinated Access Coordinated Assessment Coordinated Intake All generally referring to the same thing

5 Strategy Shift Current System: Should we accept this household into our program? Program-Centric Unique forms and assessment processes to each organization or small subgroup of programs Does not necessarily ensure match between need and service received Uneven knowledge about available housing and service interventions in the CoC Future System: What housing /service assistance is best for each household and quickly ends their housing crisis permanently? Client-Centric and System Driven Standard forms and assessment processes used by every program for every client Coordinated referral process across the CoC Accessible information about available housing and service interventions in the CoC

6 Guiding Question Guiding Question: What housing and service assistance strategy is best for each household of the several services available? Core Principles: Standardized Access and Assessment Coordinated Referral Access Assess Assign

7 HUD HUD is requiring all CoCs to develop and implement a coordinated access and assessment system Language is already included in the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Interim Rule and the HEARTH CoC Interim Rule. Applies to all Shelter, Rapid Rehousing, Prevention, Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing funded by ESG or CoC

8 Components Access Assess Accountability Assign

9 System components: Access Access The entry point for individuals and families facing a housing crisis to determine whether the homeless assistance system is the right place to serve them. Access models vary by site location, number of access points, services offered at each access point, and type of organization overseeing each access point.

10 System components: Access What Model is Right for Your Community? Single Point of Entry Multiple points of Entry No Wrong Door

11 System components: Assess Assess Document homeless and housing history and related barriers Identify appropriate services using consistently-used assessment tool Capture data to meet program needs and funder requirements Obtain consent for sharing with providers Draft a housing plan

12 Assess Homeless and Housing History Basic Info Client Profile Income and Finances Community Services and Natural Supports Urgent/ Special Needs

13 Assess Determining Housing Exit Client Profile RRH PSH TH Should be assessing to determine appropriate housing exit Understand all housing models in the system and who is best served in the housing

14 Assess Prioritization Medical/ Vulnerable Length of Time Homeless Frequent User Prioritized based on Community Priorities

15 System components: Assign Assign Match the recommended type of intervention to a program in the CoC that can provide the right services Check availability and make a referral (or direct placement) Use HMIS to check availability, transfer client information to the receiving program, and provide enrollment status back to the intake coordinator Monitor to ensure successful enrollment

16 Assign Matching Profiles Sample Profile Sample Profile Can stay where they are or make other temporary arrangements Cannot stay where they are Divert Shelter

17 Assign Matching Profiles Sample Profile Sample Profile Sample Profile Most Families Singles able to Work High Need but not PSH. In transition Long term serious disability/ condition RRH TH PSH

18 Accountability ü Ensure consistent procedures across all agencies to ensure fairness for clients, trust from providers, efficiency for the system and compliance with regulations ü Establish Policies and Procedures ü Monitor Process and Outcomes ü Adjust/Evolve Program

19 Models Los Angeles, CA Access use phone-based Regional Solutions Centers walk ins Assess Divert where possible Regional Ctrs Staff will do all assessments Assign Diversion, RR, Maybe set-aside Section 8 All referrals from Solutions Centers Accountability City/Cty Agency LA H less Svcs Authority Monitor Program and System Outcomes

20 Models Dayton Access Physical Location 4 shelters Men, Women and Families, Youth, DV Assess Common Intake and Assessment in HMIS Assess for ALL Homeless Services Assign Refer to Centralized wait lists for RR, TH and PSH Priorities Can decline referrals, use case conference Accountability County oversees process Monthly mtgs of Assessors, NO CH left!

21 Models Columbus, OH Access Single location for Families in downtown Run by YWCA Assess Intake and Assessment in HMIS Focus on Diversion and RR Assign Referral process for ALL Homeless Svces All families develop a stabilization plan Accountability CSB oversee process, contracts w/ywca Closed side doors to the homeless system

22 Key Lessons Learned Tailor to Local Needs and System Ensure Access for all in Geographic Area Implement in pieces Use HMIS ID Available Resources in the System Quality Assurance Test and Adjust

23 How do we implement? Community Process Identify Population Include System Components Create referral processes Design structure/ tools Build from current processes Test and Refine (in parts) Fully Implement

24 Getting Started - Guiding Principles Streamlined processing Ease of use: client-focused design of navigation process Multiple ways in Transparent and consistent Client choice accommodated Housing First approach to addressing housing crisis Leverage HMIS use of real time data

25 Getting Started - Guiding Principles (cont.) Prioritize enrollment based on client need Recognize provider choice in making enrollment decisions Accountability Supportive work for broad-based consensus Sustainable Leverage and support existing partnerships

26 Initial Steps Understand current access Tour the frontend system, map current client flow Understand current demand Use HMIS to identify high volume access points; look at profile; identify overlaps Convene provider work groups Key stakeholders; act as ambassadors Convene funders policy group Anyone who can contractually mandate use and monitor

27 Thank You! Colleen Velez