1. Policy Statement
Family Promise of Puget Sound is committed to helping individuals achieve stable housing and access comprehensive support services. To comply with federal guidelines and enhance our ability to connect individuals with the most appropriate resources, Family Promise of Puget Sound partners with Coordinated Entry (CE). This policy outlines the expectation for all eligible individuals to participate in the CE process within 90 days of entry into our programs, facilitating their connection to additional housing and support services.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals entering and participating in Family Promise of Puget Sound’s shelter and housing programs who are eligible for Coordinated Entry services. It also applies to all FPOPS staff involved in individual consultation, case management, and referrals.
3. Guiding Principles
* Individual-Centered Support: Ensure individuals are connected to a broad range of resources tailored to their specific needs.
* Systemic Collaboration: Actively participate in the regional system designed to address homelessness.
* Efficiency and Effectiveness: Streamline the process for individuals to access appropriate housing and support services.
* Empowerment: Empower individuals by connecting them to opportunities for long-term stability.
* Compliance: Adhere to federal guidelines and best practices for homelessness services.
4. Definitions
* Coordinated Entry (CE): A standardized process that helps people experiencing homelessness access housing and support services. It involves a consistent assessment of needs, prioritization based on vulnerability, and referral to available resources across a community or region. CE aims to ensure that all people experiencing homelessness have fair and equal access to assistance, and that resources are allocated efficiently.
* Program Entry: The date a individual is officially admitted into a Family Promise of Puget Sound shelter or housing program.
* Resources: Refers to various housing options (e.g., rapid re-housing, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing) and support services (e.g., mental health, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance) available through the CE system.
5. Individual Participation in Coordinated Entry
Family Promise of Puget Sound expects all eligible individuals to actively participate in the Coordinated Entry (CE) process according to the following guidelines:
* Mandatory Participation: Participation in the CE process is a required component of receiving services from Family Promise of Puget Sound, as it is essential for connecting individuals to broader community resources and complying with federal guidelines.
* Timeline for Engagement: Individuals are expected to engage in the CE process and complete the necessary assessments within 90 days of their entry into a Family Promise of Puget Sound program.
* Referral and Connection: Depending on individual needs and the type of shelter or program a individual is staying in, FPOPS staff will refer individuals to CE to connect with additional housing and support services.
6. Benefits of Coordinated Entry for Individuals
Participating in the CE process offers significant benefits to individuals, including:
* Fair and Equitable Access: Ensures fair and equal access to housing and services across the community, regardless of where or how a individual seeks help.
* Tailored Referrals: Helps match individuals to the most appropriate housing and support services based on their specific needs and vulnerabilities.
* Reduced Barriers: Simplifies the process of finding housing by providing a single point of entry to a network of resources.
* Faster Connections: Aims to reduce the time individuals spend experiencing homelessness by efficiently connecting them to available solutions.
7. Staff Responsibilities
Family Promise of Puget Sound staff will provide comprehensive support to individuals throughout the CE process:
* Information and Education: Staff will inform individuals about the CE process upon program entry, explaining its purpose, benefits, and requirements.
* Referral Assistance: Staff will assist individuals in initiating their connection to CE, including providing necessary contact information and guidance on how to engage.
* Assessment Support: Staff will help individuals understand and, if needed, prepare for CE assessments.
* Advocacy: Staff will advocate for individuals within the CE system as appropriate, to ensure their needs are accurately represented.
* Documentation: Staff will document individual engagement with the CE process in their case files.
8. Individual Responsibilities
To ensure successful participation in the CE process, individuals are responsible for:
* Active Engagement: Actively participating in all required CE assessments and follow-up appointments.
* Honest Communication: Providing accurate and complete information during CE assessments.
* Cooperation: Cooperating with FPOPS staff and CE personnel to complete the necessary steps within the 90-day timeframe.
* Following Referrals: Pursuing referrals to housing and support services provided through the CE system.
9. Confidentiality
All individual information shared during the CE process will be handled with strict confidentiality, in accordance with Family Promise of Puget Sound’s Confidentiality Policy and applicable federal and state privacy laws. Individuals will be informed about how their information will be used and shared within the CE system.
10. Policy Review and Revision
This policy will be reviewed annually by the CEO and Program Directors, or more frequently as needed, to ensure its continued effectiveness, relevance, and alignment with federal guidelines and best practices in Coordinated Entry systems. Any revisions will be communicated to all relevant personnel.