(The Center Square) – Louisiana will move intake for its EarlySteps program from contractors to state regional offices within the existing $6.6 million annual funding allocation, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
The change affects entry into an early intervention program serving approximately 17,000 infants and toddlers annually.
Regional offices began hiring dedicated intake staff in October and will begin accepting new referrals Jan. 10.
Department press secretary Amy Whitehead told The Center Square the allocation will cover staffing and operational costs.
“We do not anticipate an increase in annual expenditures as a result of the transition,” Whitehead said.
The department announced the move Wednesday, saying its Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports would assume responsibility for intake from contracted Single Point of Entry providers. The six-month transition is scheduled to conclude March 31.
EarlySteps is Louisiana’s early intervention program for children from birth through age 2 who have developmental delays or medical conditions likely to cause delays. Services support children’s development and help families meet their needs before they reach school age.
The department reported that 94% of children measured under its timely-service indicator received early intervention services on time in its reporting period labeled federal fiscal year 2024-25. Its target was 100%.
For a separate indicator covering completion of initial evaluations, assessments and individualized family service plans within 45 days, the department reported 99% compliance against a 100% target.
Whitehead said there is no waiting list for entry into EarlySteps and that intake and service coordination begin upon referral. The department did not provide average elapsed times from referral to evaluation or the start of services.
According to the Health Department, federal requirements generally allow 45 calendar days to complete the initial evaluation, assessment and individualized family service plan meeting, with limited exceptions. Services begin according to the timelines in each child’s plan.
To manage the handoff, regional staff will receive training through early January. Existing contractors will continue processing referrals received before Jan. 10 through March 15, with their contracts remaining in place through March 31.
“This approach allows regional operations to begin accepting new referrals while existing contractors complete pending intake activities,” Whitehead said.
The department will monitor referral processing, evaluations and service initiation during the transition to identify potential delays, she said. Eligibility requirements, services and required timelines will remain unchanged.
The Health Department said families will continue receiving services without interruption during the transition.