Collecting Data
The intake and assessment form is a crucial part of the helping process. “Assessment means appraisal or evaluation of a situation, the person(s) involved, or both” (McClam & Woodside, 2012) and according to Summers (2012), an assessment is simply an outline of what is important in the client’s life. When people come into an agency seeking services, an assessment is taken during the initial meeting to determine eligibility and a need for services. During this initial meeting or intake interview the human service professional gathers data to address the client’s immediate needs and to encourage the client to engage in the services. Data are facts collected together for reference or analysis. The case manager is responsible for assessing and documenting the details of the client’s problems and the client’s background with the gathered data. Accurate data collection is essential to maintaining the integrity of the interviewing process.
The purpose for collecting appropriate data for the intake and assessment form is to provide guidance in the diagnosis and treatment plan of the client. Without accurate information on these forms the helping process can come to a standstill. It can prevent the client from receiving the appropriate services and hinder the implementation of the treatment plan for example, when a client comes in for services and if the intake or assessment form is not accurate there is a chance the client may receive the wrong service which will further delay the treatment plan. By collecting appropriate and accurate data and if the client is referred to another agency, the new case manager can basically continue with the care of service without much delay. On the other hand, not providing the correct or false information can cause confusion with the agency accepting the referral. For example, if a client is referred and is in desperate need for services the new case manager can feel lost based on the information...