Section DHS 61.31 - Information and referral servicesInformation and referral services provide a current complete listing of resources available to the person with a developmental disability. This information shall be cataloged and readily available to the person with a developmental disability, the professional serving the person with a developmental disability and other interested people.
(1) REQUIRED PERSONNEL. There shall be a person responsible for the information and referral service who shall have the skills and knowledge that would typically be acquired through a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in one of the social service fields and one year of experience in human services or graduate education specializing in information services. This person shall have demonstrated knowledge of the local service delivery system as well as the resources available outside of the local system.(2) PROGRAM. (a) The information and referral services shall solicit, catalog and disseminate information on all resources available to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities. All information shall be disseminated in an unbiased manner. When necessary, individuals will be assisted in obtaining services in cooperation with the developmental disabilities follow-along services.(b) Whenever possible this service shall be coordinated with the information and referral activities of the other disability areas of the boards and other public agencies providing information and referral services.(c) Each information and referral service shall have a written plan which describes its method of operation.(d) Each information and referral service shall maintain the following information on all inquiries: 1. Mode of inquiry-personal visit, letter, phone call, and so forth.2. From whom inquiry was received-consumer, professional, and so forth.3. Type of information or referral needed.4. Developmental disability for which information or referral was requested.5. The effectiveness of the referrals.(e) There shall be an internal annual review of par. (d) to ascertain where this service can be improved. Data that appears to point to gaps or weaknesses in community services shall be forwarded in writing to the board for consideration in the planning and budgeting process.(f) Each information and referral services shall develop and implement a written plan for continuous, internal evaluation of the effectiveness of its program.Wis. Admin. Code Department of Health Services DHS 61.31
Cr. Register, January, 1980, No. 289, eff. 2-1-80.