Needed supports must not be limited to existing services. Individual service coordination is a distinct social service that enables people with mental retardation and their families to find, use and coordinate resources and opportunities in their communities on the basis of individual need. Individual service coordinators should be competent, sensitive and committed to representing the interests, preferences and visions of the individual and, when appropriate, the family. They must provide reliable information, help explore options, guide individuals, families and friends in making informed decisions and gaining access to services and supports. Service coordinators should use formal and informal supports.
Informal supports are natural supports such as family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.
The number of individuals served by each coordinator must be no more than can be served effectively by that coordinator. To avoid conflict of interest, service coordination must be independent of providers of services and funding sources. Public funds must support individual service coordination that is of high quality as measured by effectiveness, responsiveness, continuity, reliability and acceptability to the user. Adopted by Delegate Body, Nov. 1996. Replaces Position adopted Nov. 1990.