Social Work Corner

Developmental Learning Program

Some information and links to resources that you and your family may find helpful.

PUNS survey – Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services survey

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) is implementing a statewide process to determine the number of developmentally disabled Illinois residents who are in need of services.

The PUNS process (Illinois Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) will allow Illinois to establish a database of developmentally disabled individuals and also prioritize their need for services. DHS has hired a consultant, Ms. Celia Feinstein, to oversee this process and initiative. She has been very successful in five other states in obtaining additional funding. The process involves completion of a PUNS form. The form is to be completed with a face to face conversation with the individual to be served, and the individual’s guardian, primary care giver, or parent and the individual’s PAS agency. PACT Inc. is the PAS agency for DuPage county, 630-960-9700. www.pactinc.net

The PUNS initiative is for developmentally delayed individuals of all ages and its purpose is to establish an accurate database. It is the first step in establishing a list of who needs what service. It is important to remember that “inclusion in the database does not assume eligibility for services or guarantee the receipt of services.” Since DHS has been given the opportunity to collect this data, contact your PAS agency to obtain further information and determine your next step. (If you don’t know your pass agency visit www.dhs.state.il.us/OfficeLocator/ or call: Springfield: 217-524-0260 Chicago: 312-814-2735.)

Medical Home Model – refers to a partnership between the Primary Care Physician and families of children with special health care needs supported by the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC). www.medicalhomeinfo.org

Special Education Links

www.ed.gov National Education Administration

www.frcd.org Family Resource Center on Disabilities

www.wdsra.org Western DuPage Special Education Recreation Association

www.sea200.org SEA 200 Local Parent Support Group for students with special needs

www.familysupportnetwork.org Family Support Network

www.cec.sped.org The Council for Exceptional Children

www.nichcy.org National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities

www.designsforchange.org Designs for Change