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Once the service episode is opened and the initial description of the program is shared with the family, the next step is to begin the BASICS with the family. Ideally, the BASICS is completed by OhioKAN Staff during the first or second conversation with the family.
Goals of the assessment include:
- Collect baseline information about family needs and resources
- Identify which referrals and/or supports to provide immediately
- Identify if the family would like additional support and is willing to create a Support Plan
- Additional supports and resources include:
- Warm hand-off referrals (calling an agency with a family to introduce them and begin the connection)
- Assistance with an application
- Flexible funds and hard goods
- Benefits coordination (assisting families with benefits applications, appeals process, and other matters)
- Collaboration with caseworker, state or local agencies
- In-person services to facilitate access
- Additional supports and resources include:
Family needs and resources are collected through the BASICS, which is organized into three sections and includes nine domain areas of need.
- Basic needs: Housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, food, furniture
- Legal: Questions about custody, delinquency court, other legal services needed
- Caregiver Social Support: Loneliness, no time for self, respite, support groups
- Caregiver Health: Mental health, behavioral health, physical health, cognitive health, dental
- Caregiver training/education: Caregiver or Parenting training, support for children with special needs
- Family Functioning: Child/caregiver relationship, attachment, bonding, family relationships
- Child Care: Locating care, accessing care, after school or summer programs
- Education/Child Development: Enrolling child in school, IEP/504 plan, school supplies, Early Intervention, Head Start
- Child Social Support: Connections to peers and/or caring adults and mentors
- Child Health: Mental health, behavioral health, physical health, dental, special equipment needs