410-6        REFERRALS TO OTHER AGENCIES

An important part of the APAAdult Public Assistance application process is the identification of and referral to other benefits to which the applicant may be entitled; this requirement is explained in detail in Manual Section 420.

There may be other publicly or privately operated programs available to APAAdult Public Assistance clients who are residents of a particular community that are important sources of social and health services.  Although such programs do not provide the financial assistance offered by the APAAdult Public Assistance program, and APAAdult Public Assistance clients cannot be required to participate in them, they often provide services which are specifically designed to meet the special needs of the aged, the blind, and the disabled.  It is important for case workers to be aware of what programs are available in the communities they serve so that they may refer clients with special needs to the appropriate agencies.

Social service programs, whether operated by state or local agencies, provide a range of services without which many APAAdult Public Assistance clients would simply be unable to live outside of an institution.  The aged and the disabled are often highly vulnerable to financial, physical, and psychological exploitation.

Case workers should be alert for clients who may have limited ability to care for themselves, or who may be involved in abusive situations, and should, with the client's permission, make any needed referrals for social services.  Similarly, some clients have special health care needs which can be met by home and community health care programs.  These clients should be referred to apply for such services.