C. Enrollment

Once you determine a client’s eligibility for the program, you should once again make sure the client understands what the CRCS counselor will expect of them, as well as what they can expect from the counselor and the program.

Enrollment is

• Agreement to work together to make healthy choices and improve well-being
• Formal client consent

A consent form is a written document that describes the services provided by the agency and the rights and responsibilities of both the client and the agency. A consent form also usually addresses confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality (e.g., in most states, if a client reports child abuse, this must be reported to appropriate child protective services agency). Each agency should develop its own consent form that meets the requirements of state laws, as well as agency policies and procedures. If your agency does not have a form, asking another agency in your state that provides similar services may be a good place to start.

The consent process for CRCS typically includes your clients understanding and signing consent form(s). Although many interventions do not require formal consent from clients, the nature of CRCS – involving collaboration across services in support of clients – requires that clients understand and agree to this type of service.

Your agency should ensure that your consent forms and other forms required by your agency or local or state government are in full compliance with local, state, and federal confidentiality and consent guidelines, including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.

Make sure you have your clients’ contact information in their files. Contact information will allow CRCS counselors or outreach workers to follow up with a potential client. Remember to ask if it is okay to leave the name of the agency when leaving a message.

Go to section 2 part 2D