Local structure and interagency councils

Local structure and interagency councils. The lead agency, in conjunction with the Council and as defined by administrative rule, shall define local service areas and define the geographic boundaries of each so that all areas of the State are included in a local service area but no area of the State is included in more than one service area. In each local service area, the lead agency shall designate a regional entity responsible for the assessment of eligibility and services and a local interagency council responsible for coordination and design of child find and public awareness. The regional entity shall be responsible for staffing the local council, carrying out child find and public awareness activities, and providing advocacy for eligible families within the given geographic area. The regional entity is the prime contractor responsible to the lead agency for implementation of this Act. The lead agency, in conjunction with the Council, shall create local interagency councils. Members of each local interagency council shall include, but not be limited to, the following: parents; representatives from coordination and advocacy service providers; local education agencies; other local public and private service providers; representatives from State agencies at the local level; and others deemed necessary by the local council. Local interagency councils shall: (a) assist in the development of collaborative agreements between local service providers, diagnostic and other agencies providing additional services to the child and family; (b) assist in conducting local needs assessments and planning efforts; (c) identify and resolve local access issues; (d) conduct collaborative child find activities; (e) coordinate public awareness initiatives; (f) coordinate local planning and evaluation; (g) assist in the recruitment of specialty personnel; (h) develop plans for facilitating transition and integration of eligible children and families into the community; (i) facilitate conflict resolution at the local level; and (j) report annually to the Council. (Source: P.A. 103-594, eff. 6-25-24.)