Section 131.20  Definitions

For the purposes of this Part, the following terms are defined:

"CARES" – Crisis and referral entry services.  The agent under contract with HFS, DCFS, or DHS to perform certain administrative functions on the State agency's behalf.

"CMHS" –  Community mental health services.

"DCFS" – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

"DHS" – The Illinois Department of Human Services.

"DHS-DMH" – The Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health.

"HFS" – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

"SASS" – Screening, assessment and support services.

"SASS agent" –  A provider of CMHS, under contract with HFS, DCFS or DHS to screen children in psychiatric crisis who are believed to be in need of admission to an inpatient facility.

"SASS period" – A 90-day period beginning with the date that the SASS agent begins initial screening of a child in psychiatric crisis.  The period may be extended beyond 90 days if it has been determined to be clinically necessary to do so by DCFS (for children for whom DCFS is legally responsible) or DHS (for any other child).

(Source:  Amended at 31 Ill. Reg. 10635, effective July 13, 2007)