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            A. The legislature recognizes that the department provides services to individuals with multiple needs; however, the conventional service delivery system of requiring individuals to access various offices within the department to address those multiple needs creates a barrier to the delivery of services. Additionally, these needs can be better met, more efficiently and less costly, through integrated case management at a “no wrong door” service location. It is the intent of the legislature to provide a social services department that is streamlined in the delivery of services and incorporates integrated case management models for clients and families served by multiple programs.

            B. For purposes of this Section:

            (1) “Integrated case management” means a team approach to accessing the needs of a client and, if applicable, the family, establishing a comprehensive plan for addressing all those needs, and utilizing service integration to deliver required services. An integrated case management model includes:

            (a) A multidisciplinary team, natural supports to the client, and the client or advocate, in order to develop an integrated service plan.

            (b) A client-centered integrated service plan, based on the client’s strengths, risks, service desires, and service needs.

            (c) A lead case manager to coordinate the joint planning and coordinated delivery of services for the client.

            (d) Monitoring and evaluation of the service plan, services, and outcomes to allow the team to make model change as appropriate.

            (2) “Multidisciplinary team” or “team” means a team comprised of appropriate department program staff members, regardless of their title or office assignment. It shall also include staff of the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Workforce Commission, and Department of Public Safety and Corrections and local community organizations.

            (3) “Service integration” means a process by which a range of social services are delivered in a coordinated and seamless manner to provide client-oriented services, increase early intervention and prevention opportunities, improve client outcomes, and establish provider accountability through performance measures. Service integration includes:

            (a) A “No Wrong Door” site which requires co-location of a multidisciplinary team to make it easier for the client to obtain service and to allow the team to learn to work well together. In the event co-location is not physically possible, the team members shall provide a seamless link with the other team members and resources.

            (b) Cross-training among the multidisciplinary team, to ensure a general understanding of each other’s services and processes.

            (c) Flexible use of funding among the offices and, if applicable, departments and community programs, comprising the multidisciplinary team to ensure that the client receives services for which he is eligible.

            C.(1) The secretary shall begin the process of developing and implementing an integrated case management model by providing the leadership, planning, data, and ability to deliver social services and, if applicable, other services, to clients by:

            (a) Encouraging within the department multidisciplinary team collaboration in the rendering of services and encouraging the participation of other departments and local community organizations.

            (b) Co-locating programs from different offices within the department. Co-location of offices shall not be necessary in situations where the offices are located within two miles of each other.

            (c) Improving access to services, including minimizing the number of contacts the client is required to make with the department.

            (d) Sharing data and information across offices and, if applicable, across departments and with local community organizations.

            (e) Identifying opportunities for leveraging and matching funds among offices, departments, and local community organizations.

            (2) The secretary shall develop and implement a shared consent form and a common screening tool for multiple-need clients, provide cross-program training, improve communication through information technology, and devise a method for flexible funding across offices. The secretary is urged to include other departments and local community programs in performing the requirements of this Paragraph.

            D. The secretary shall provide an implementation and strategy plan for a pilot program to the House Health and Welfare Committee before March 1, 2004.

            E. To advance the purposes set forth in this Section and La. Rev. Stat. 46:52.2, the secretaries for the Louisiana Department of Health and the Department of Children and Family Services, the secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the deputy secretary for youth services of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and the state superintendent of education shall guide the implementation of service delivery integration designed to meet the needs of children and their families. All delivery of integrated services shall be in accordance with the statutory authority of each agency or department.

            F. This state leadership group shall:

            (1) Identify opportunities and implement recommendations regarding human services integration.

            (2) Provide plans to execute the collective recommendations of these departments.

            (3) Lead execution of service integration plans to include:

            (a) Comprehensive screening for needs, coordinated assessment and referrals in multiple areas including, but not limited to the following:

            (i) Academic challenges.

            (ii) Behavioral problems.

            (iii) Family stability.

            (iv) Alcohol and drug abuse.

            (v) Domestic violence.

            (vi) Mental health concerns.

            (vii) Employment and training.

            (viii) Food and shelter.

            (b) Screening, eligibility, and redeterminations for temporary assistance programs, Medicaid, and nutrition assistance benefits.

            (c) Data sharing capabilities among participating agencies for the purposes of service delivery and statistical research.

            (d) Child abuse intervention and prevention.

            (e) Student attendance support.

            (f) Other local human services.

            (4) Identify targeted outcome results of service integration.

            (5) Attain regular measures of performance relative to the targeted outcomes of service integration.

            G. The guiding principles shall be to:

            (1) Support community human service endeavors that transcend and strengthen any single agency’s mission.

            (2) Recognize that collaboration occurs among people, not among institutions.

            (3) Encourage agencies to fully cooperate through productive dialogue and action that dissolves barriers and advances more effective service delivery.

            (4) Promote a commitment to collaboration at every level of participating organizations.

            (5) Recognize the diversity of both the community to be served and the providers.

            (6) Recognize and address the obstacles local agencies, organizations, or institutions will face in this process.

            (7) Instill mutual accountability among all participating organizations measured qualitatively and quantitatively.

            (8) Promote maximization of state general fund investments and increase the state’s return on investments.

            (9) Prevent fraud and abuse to ensure funds are appropriately utilized.

            Acts 2003, No. 726, §1; Acts 2005, No. 88, §1, eff. June 21, 2005; Acts 2007, No. 122, §1, eff. June 25, 2007; Acts 2008, No. 743, §7, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2008, No. 775, §1, eff. July 6, 2008; Acts 2018, No. 206, §5.