Common Release

Traumatic Brain Injury

A common release form honored by all participants eliminates delays and duplication of efforts.

• The client can give information one time rather than repeating the same information multiple times to multiple agencies
• Information is shared more quickly across agencies so that services can be implemented more quickly
• Eliminates duplicate forms – at least one agency has reduced the number of forms they must use

A commitment to a collaborative approach and shared data across agencies further enhances the collaborative planning toward an agreed-upon outcome

• Intake/profile of the person, including eligibility documentation
• Assessment of an individual’s needs and resources
• Plans for services directed by the client’s priorities

Collaborative Approach

Sharing data and a collaborative approach to service planning can have the following effects on the client's/family's and the state worker's experiences:

• Provides a reasonable accommodation for clients/families who may be experiencing cognitive problems with lack of memory or organizational skills to plan for themselves, initiate and follow through when seeking services. While this is specific to persons with TBI, many individuals seeking state services lack the sophistication necessary to persist through the “maze” of the state service system.
• Avoids repetition when information about previous service experiences can be considered in planning for current services
• Creates a partnership of client/family and agencies working together to achieve an agreed-upon outcome
• Promotes open communication with everyone participating toward a clear outcome
• Promotes opportunities for each person’s role and responsibility to be clearly identified, with timelines and benchmarks that are measurable
• Eliminates duplication for both the client and the state worker if profile information obtained at intake is common to all agencies
• Offers substantial cost savings in staff and consumer paperwork time

Expands awareness of community resources by incorporating the collective knowledge of several agencies rather than considering only what the client may be eligible for from one department