INTERAGENCY COORDINATION

An interagency representative from the BCIU works with Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) members to encourage the cooperation of families, social service agencies, and school districts for the best prescription plan (including the IEP and the ISP) for each child. The goal is to follow the six CASSP principles: provide education that is child-centered, family-focused, community-based, multi-systemed, culturally competent, and in the least restrictive or the least intrusive environment.

The Interagency Coordinator represents the Berks County Intermediate Unit on the Berks Interagency Children's Team (BICT), assists school districts in case preparations, and acts as a resource to school districts and others when dealing with children in need. The coordinator also serves as a communications link with the Juvenile Probation Office, MH&MR, Children & Youth Services, the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

In addition, BCIU provides placement services in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN).

Students who are at-risk of placement are tracked to ensure Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) due to the Cordero Court Order. This process includes the CASSP (Child and Adolescent Service System Program) members and delegates all members to build local capacity for the good of the individual child and the future improvement of the "class action" services across all human service delivery systems. The goal is to place students in appropriate educational sites with the necessary support as quickly as possible.