Admissions and Eligibility. Shelter Providers must develop policies and procedures for participant referral and admission. Admission policies and procedures must be clear, written and verbally explained to participants and referring entities at time of referral to ensure appropriate linkage prior to arrival at shelter. Admission policies and procedures must at a minimum, provide information on admission parameters including referral process, eligibility, shelter program services, participant guidelines, the reasonable accommodation process, and reasons for admission denial. Shelter Providers must ensure information is given to participants both verbally and in writing and in a manner which is preferred by participant, considering disability and limited English proficiency. For individuals with communication disabilities, including people who are deaf and/or blind and people who have speech disabilities, Shelter Providers must provide auxiliary aids and services (such as sign language interpreters, information in braille or large print, video relay communications) when needed to communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities. For participants with limited English proficiency, shelter providers must provide interpretation services. Interpretation may be provided by a family or friend if chosen by the participant. Shelter Providers must provide outside interpretation if the participant states that they are not comfortable having their family or friend interpret. Shelter Providers at admission must assess, with input from the participant, the appropriateness of the shelter environment for referred participants to ensure that basic individualized needs of the participant can be met by the facility, shelter staff and programming. Shelter Providers at admission must assess, with input from the participant, for diversion and prevention opportunities by evaluating participant’s strengths and social support networks such as temporary and/or permanent housing options with family and friends. If it is determined that an individual may qualify for a medical or mental health placement with a higher level of care, the Shelter Provider shall request that evaluation from Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) within 1 business day of the determination. HCA will facilitate that assessment at the shelter site within 5 business days, and will provide same day evaluation in exigent circumstances. Shelter Providers must document within Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)...
