Intake Process

Intake is the procedure by which information is gathered to determine eligibility for Regional Center services. A formal referral to the local Regional Center and the completion of an application packet is required. Further information is obtained from public agencies, schools and interviews to expedite and facilitate eligibility determination. In situations where current information isn't available further testing may be required. We have designed this site to give you a better understanding of the process and what you are required to do.

• Eligibility Requirements: The person must reside in the state of Missouri and have been determined to have a physical or mental impairment. For mental retardation the impairment must be evident prior to age 18 and for a developmental disability evidence must have manifested prior to age of 22. The mental or physical impairment is expected to continue indefinitely and cause substantial functional limitations in two or more areas of major life activities such as self-care, communication, learning, mobility, decision-making and/or economic self-sufficiency.
  
  
• Referral: Any person in the state of Missouri may request an intake packet and be screened for mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities. Referrals to initiate the intake process can be made by parents, guardians, or with the permission of the legally responsible party, other agencies, hospital, physicians or service providers. Individual may self-refer if they are 18 years old and do not have a guardian.
  
  
• Intake Information: Regional Center staff will assist the person in completing an application packet and then determine eligibility for services. During initial visits and during the development of the plan resources and information about the system and supports are shared with the person and/or the family.
  
  
• Screening and Assessment: Information obtained from the various sources will be used by an Interdisciplinary team to identify the individual's health status, intellectual, emotional, physical, developmental and social functioning levels for use in determining eligibility and developing the service plan.
  
  
• Eligibility Determination: Within 30 working days or less of receiving a valid application the determination for Regional Center services will be completed and a case manager assigned to develop the individual plan for services. Specific consideration is given to young children at risk of becoming developmentally delayed or developmentally disabled.
  
  
• Appeal Process: If you have been notified by a Regional Center that you or your ward are ineligible for services or ineligible for continued services, you may appeal the decision. You must appeal within 30 days after you receive written notice that you are ineligible. (It would be good to attach the appeals brochure here, and it can be found at: www.dmh.missouri.gov/mrdd/consfam/appealsprint.pdf.