Program Description

Program/Practice Description: NWD emerged from a 2003 Louisiana legislative act, with the goal of improving client services with access to multiple State agency assistance programs through a single point of entry, integrated screening and referral, and multiagency case management. NWD is being piloted in a limited capacity within DSS in two parishes. Program goals are supported by the development of the ACESS (A Comprehensive Enterprise Social Service System) electronic case management system.

Innovations and Results: At DSS entry points (Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, Office of Community Services, Office of Family Support) or through the online tool, clients expressing interest can be screened for eligibility for Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and cash assistance, child care assistance, and Medicaid. If the screening occurs at a DSS facility, staff must offer to make appointments with agencies supporting identified needs. A new document scanning project, being piloted in one parish, allows staff within each of the three DSS agencies to view a client's submitted documentation to reduce the collection of duplicative information and documents. DSS staff receive broad cross-training on the functions and rules of DSS agencies.