What are ARC referral and assessment procedures for support services?
This article provides customer service agents with detailed procedures for referring clients to the Assessment and Referral Court (ARC), completing assessments, managing consent, and coordinating with treatment and support providers.
Overview
ARC relies on coordinated referrals and assessments to connect defendants with appropriate treatment and social supports. Agents supporting clients or service providers should understand the documentation, consent and multi-agency coordination required for successful ARC enrolment.
Step-by-Step Referral Procedures
- Identify Need: Confirm the client has complex needs (substance dependence, mental health, homelessness) that contribute to offending and may benefit from ARC.
- Gather Required Information: Collect client identifiers (name, DOB), case number, current charges, relevant service history, and a brief summary of needs and risks.
- Complete Referral Form: Use the ARC referral template or email to the local ARC coordinator. Include consent to share information where possible.
- Obtain Consent: Secure written consent from the client for multi-agency information sharing. Explain the purpose of data sharing and confidentiality protections.
- Submit to ARC Coordinator: Send the referral and supporting documents to the ARC coordinator who will triage and arrange assessment with clinical partners.
- Follow Up: Confirm receipt of referral and expected timelines for assessment. Maintain contact with the ARC case manager to monitor progress.
Assessment Procedures
Assessments are typically performed by health or social service professionals and include clinical interviews, risk assessments, and service mapping. The assessor produces a report to inform the case plan and court.
Important Notes / Warnings
- ⚠️ Consent is Essential: Without client consent to share information, referrals may be limited.
- Timeliness: Early referral (before sentencing or case finalisation) increases the chance of ARC acceptance.
- Confidentiality: Ensure secure transmission of referral documents and limit sensitive detail to necessary information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a service provider refer someone directly?
A: Yes. Service providers can refer clients to ARC following the local referral process, ideally with client consent and supporting documentation.
Q: What if the client lacks capacity to consent?
A: Follow local protocols for capacity assessment and involve guardianship services or legal representatives where required.
Troubleshooting Tips
| Issue | Action |
|---|---|
| Referral missing key details | Contact the referrer to obtain missing information and update the referral to avoid delays. |
| No response from ARC coordinator | Follow up by phone and escalate to the registry or program manager if necessary. |
Related Information
- ARC contact list and referral templates
- Drug Court and diversion program information
- Privacy and information-sharing protocols
Agent Tip: Maintain a central referral checklist and log referral outcomes to track client progress and ensure timely follow-up with ARC case managers.