BOSR Referral Processes and Follow-Up 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a screening result indicates a child may need further evaluation, what is the screener's primary next step?
- Begin implementing an intervention plan independently
- Make a referral to the appropriate specialist or service (Correct answer)
- Wait and re-screen in six months
- Inform the child's peers of the concern
Correct answer: Make a referral to the appropriate specialist or service
A screener's role is to identify concerns and refer to appropriate specialists for comprehensive evaluation, not to diagnose or treat independently.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a 'warm handoff' in the referral process?
- Sending a written referral letter without prior contact
- A screener personally connecting the family with the receiving provider (Correct answer)
- Scheduling a follow-up screening appointment
- Providing the family with a list of local resources
Correct answer: A screener personally connecting the family with the receiving provider
A warm handoff involves the screener directly facilitating an introduction between the family and the receiving provider to improve follow-through.
Question 3: A parent declines a referral for their child after a positive screen. What should the screener do?
- Override the parent's decision and submit the referral anyway
- Document the parent's decision and provide information about future resources (Correct answer)
- Close the case immediately with no further action
- Refer the child to child protective services
Correct answer: Document the parent's decision and provide information about future resources
Respecting parental autonomy while documenting the decision and ensuring families have access to future resources upholds both ethics and best practice.
Question 4: Which specialist is most appropriate for a referral when a child exhibits significant delays in speech and language development?
- Occupational therapist
- Speech-language pathologist (Correct answer)
- Physical therapist
- Child psychiatrist
Correct answer: Speech-language pathologist
Speech-language pathologists specialize in evaluating and treating communication disorders, making them the appropriate referral for speech and language concerns.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of follow-up after a referral has been made?
- To ensure the screener receives payment for services
- To confirm the family accessed services and the child received needed support (Correct answer)
- To re-administer the original screening tool
- To update the child's immunization records
Correct answer: To confirm the family accessed services and the child received needed support
Follow-up ensures continuity of care by confirming that families successfully connected with recommended services and the child's needs are being addressed.
Question 6: When documenting a referral, which piece of information is MOST critical to include?
- The screener's personal opinion of the family
- The specific concerns that prompted the referral and the service contacted (Correct answer)
- The child's favorite activities
- The cost of the recommended service
Correct answer: The specific concerns that prompted the referral and the service contacted
Documenting specific concerns and referral details creates an accurate record that supports continuity of care and accountability in the screening process.
Question 7: A child receives a borderline score on a behavioral screening. What is the most appropriate referral approach?
- Immediately refer to a child psychiatrist
- Consult with a supervisor and consider re-screening or monitoring (Correct answer)
- Dismiss the result as within normal range
- Refer the family to a social worker only
Correct answer: Consult with a supervisor and consider re-screening or monitoring
Borderline scores warrant consultation and clinical judgment to determine whether re-screening, monitoring, or referral is the most appropriate course of action.
BOSR Referral Processes and Follow-Up 1
When a screening result indicates a child may need further evaluation, what is the screener's primary next step?