Intake & Evaluation

Referrals are accepted via email, phone, fax, U.S. mail or in person to:
intake@neumannfamilyservices.org

Neumann Family Services
5547 N. Ravenswood
Chicago, Illinois 60640
Attn: Intake Department
Ph: (773)506-3229
Fax: (773)751-0798

It is the policy of Neumann Family Services to provide a comprehensive intake and assessment process to all persons seeking admission into adult residential or day services. Intake and assessment is a time-limited service which utilizes agency generated and standardized instruments to assess current strengths and identify needs of persons seeking services. By defining individual preferences, goals, and desired outcomes, through completion of a comprehensive mental health assessment, specific recommendations regarding support and interventions needed for successful vocational and community integration are generated.

The intake process involves the following:

• Preliminary Needs Assessment: will be completed by the Intake Worker within 5 days of receiving the referral, and includes an agency "Dream Assessment" which determines the dreams, hopes and desires of the individual being referred for service. Eligible applicants will then be scheduled for a tour of the facility.

• Tour: Each applicant is provided a personal tour of the day program facility. If the applicant is interested in receiving services, the Intake Worker will obtain signed releases and scheduled an Intake Interview.

• Intake Interview: The applicant will meet with the intake worker for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours to gather data, including education, work history, medical needs, and personal history. At the completion of the interview, a start date for Evaluation will be determined.

• Evaluation: The assessment process can take up to three weeks. Applicants attend evaluation M-F from 9am-2:30pm at the 5547 N. Ravenswood location. During this time, they complete simulated and real work activities. Achievement testing, interest testing, behavioral observation, and independent living skills assessments are obtained. Utilizing local volunteer settings and businesses, applicants are assessed of their job readiness skills. Additionally, these applicants have an opportunity to earn some money while in Evaluation for performing work tasks at the agency. They are paid minimum wage for up to an hour per day for this job trial. As part of Evaluation, applicants may be seen by the agency psychologist and/or psychiatrist for a mental status exam and psychiatric/psychological evaluations to determine intellectual functioning, personality features, mental health problems, and make recommendations for treatment. Finally, applicants are provided the opportunity to be observed in one or more of the day program services at the Ravenswood location to help determine the most desirable placement. At the end of the Evaluation process, a planning meeting is held to review the results of the assessment and develop goals/objectives that reflect the person's dreams, strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences. From this meeting an Individual Program Plan (IPP) is created and implemented.

If you are interested in services at Neumann Association or would like additional information, please contact the Intake Department at: (773) 506-3229. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years of age or older and be diagnosed with a developmental disability and/or a mental illness. For the DD services, the applicant must be eligible for Medicaid Waiver.