Sec.17a-11-11. Applications for the voluntary services program

(a) The parent or guardian of a child under the age of fourteen, or a child age fourteen or older or a youth seeking admission to the voluntary services program shall initiate a request for services by contacting the department's centralized intake system.

(b) The parent or guardian of a child under the age of fourteen, or a child age fourteen or older or a youth seeking voluntary services shall complete an application provided by the department, within sixty (60) days of their initial request, and shall provide the department with written reports from service providers and a current psychiatric or psychological evaluation, if such evaluation exists, which addresses the child or youth's treatment needs.

(c) The parent or guardian of a child under the age of fourteen, or a child age fourteen or older or a youth shall complete a financial form provided by the department.

(d) The parent or guardian of a child under the age of fourteen, or a child age fourteen or older or a youth shall sign all release of information forms required by the department.

(e) The commissioner or designee shall complete the assessment of the completed application within fourteen (14) days and notify the parent or guardian of a child under the age of fourteen or a child age fourteen or more or a youth or the attorney for said child or youth, in writing of the decision. Said notice shall inform the parent or guardian of a child under the age of fourteen or a child age fourteen or more or a youth that he may have a right to a voluntary services hearing if he disagrees with the department's decision.

(f) The commissioner or designee may waive the admission requirements or restrictions of the voluntary services program in the case of unusual circumstances. The burden of proof to show the unusual circumstances shall be upon the parent or guardian of a child under fourteen years of age or by such person himself if he is a child fourteen years of age or older or a youth.

(g) If the department determines that the child or youth is ineligible for voluntary services, the parent or guardian of a child under the age of fourteen, or a child age fourteen or older or a youth shall be notified within ten (10) days of the department's determination of their right to a voluntary services hearing pursuant to section 17a-11-17 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(Adopted effective September 26, 2001)