ESIT Guidance Memo #2020-04
Date: June 19, 2020
To: Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) Early Intervention Providers
Subject: COVID-19 Extended FRC and Exiting from Services
This memo temporarily adjusts guidance regarding when to exit a child who is only receiving Family Resources Coordination (FRC) to be responsive to families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some families have declined participation in virtual services, except for FRC, for more than three months. Under ESIT’s prior guidance, this would lead to the family being exited from services. This memo outlines a temporary adjustment to ESIT guidance which allows more flexibility in engaging those families in support of continuity of services and effective transitions.
It is important to continue to engage families in a variety of ways to meet their service delivery needs during this unprecedented time. Families who have declined virtual home visits should be offered alternative methods. Refer to guidance regarding telepractice, remote evaluation and assessment tools, alternate service delivery methods and other key topics on the Department of Children, Youth, and Families COVID-19 Updates webpage.
If a family declines alternative methods for all services, including FRC, the child must be exited from the Data Management System (DMS). The family may seek ESIT services again at a later date.
Previous Guidance
An enrolled child who is only receiving FRC can remain enrolled for a maximum of three months and then must be exited from the program. Examples include:
- The child has an IFSP and is eligible based on a diagnosed condition and receiving FRC, but no other early intervention services have started, such as when an infant is in the NICU. (For a maximum of three months)
- The child is enrolled with an IFSP, but unavailable for ongoing services, such as when a child is in the hospital, and FRC is still occurring. (For a maximum of three months)
- The child is enrolled with an IFSP, but unavailable due to family circumstances such as when a child is moved to foster care, or other known or unknown reasons, but FRC is still occurring. (For a maximum of three months)
Temporary Adjustment to Guidance – Effective Until Further Notice
A child who is determined eligible and has an active IFSP may remain enrolled with FRC as the sole service on the IFSP. FRCs must provide this service at least monthly and in support of at least one community resources outcome based on the family’s priorities. See the table below for examples of appropriate community resources outcomes.
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Family Priority
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FRC Outcome Example
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Javon’s family is experiencing a lot of stress right now because of a job loss and resulting loss of income which led to food insecurity and concerns about housing.
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What do we want to accomplish? The family will find housing and options for financial support while looking for a job.
Who will do what? The FRC will use coaching strategies to identify resources the family may consider. The FRC will assist the family with exploring those and/or other housing and financial support options. Javon’s dad will call to inquire about eligibility and complete applications.
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Bella’s mom has expressed concern about managing her stress and anxiety and the impact of her response to Bella’s challenging behaviors.
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What do we want to accomplish? Bella’s mom will find resources to support her mental well-being and consider concrete strategies to address challenging behaviors at home.
Who will do what? The FRC will use coaching strategies to identify resources Bella’s mom might consider. The FRC will assist her in exploring those and/or other resources regarding her stress and anxiety as well as the child’s challenging behaviors. These may include counseling, parent support groups, positive behavior support websites and other resources.
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Jackson’s grandma needs support with new routines and activities to manage a daily schedule for the children.
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What do we want to accomplish? The FRC and Jackson’s grandma will develop and maintain a regular daily schedule to provide more structure for the family’s day and prevent feelings of isolation and frustration for the family.
Who will do what? The FRC will use coaching strategies to identify resources Jackson’s grandma has already considered. The FRC will assist her in exploring those and/or other resources regarding a daily schedule for the family to manage. grandma will gradually implement a new structure to their routine and meet with the FRC to discuss progress and make adjustments.
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Tracy’s parents are feeling isolated because of Tracy’s disability and do not feel they have a way to connect with other parents during the pandemic.
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What do we want to accomplish? Tracy’s parents will connect with other families who are experiencing similar challenges, decreasing the feelings of isolation during the stay home order or pandemic.
Who will do what? The FRC will use coaching strategies to identify resources the family may want to consider to address feelings of isolation. The FRC will assist them in exploring those and/or other resources regarding parent support groups and other ways to connect with families.
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Thank you for joining us in providing important services to children and families. If you have questions or need further information, please email laurie.thomas@dcyf.wa.gov.
Sincerely,
Laurie Thomas
Administrator
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers Program
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