“Our goal is to make it easier for Louisiana families to connect with the services their children need,” Bernard Brown, assistant secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports, said according to the Louisiana Department of Health. The state agency is shifting the intake process for its early intervention program from outside contracted vendors directly into OIDD regional offices.
The operational shift is part of a broader “No Wrong Door” model intended to simplify how families enter the developmental disabilities system. While referrals can originate from any source, the intake and eligibility evaluation process now funnels through a single administrative pathway. State officials state the change aims to strengthen continuity of care and streamline daily operations across Louisiana.
Louisiana transitions EarlySteps services by March 2027
The six-month transition process began in October and is scheduled for completion on March 31, 2027, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. State administrators emphasize that families enrolled in the program will continue to receive services without interruption while regional offices assume intake duties from the previous contractors.
EarlySteps serves infants and toddlers from birth through age two. The administrative realignment aligns with directives issued by Governor Jeff Landry aimed at increasing efficiency across state agencies. OIDD plans to issue ongoing guidance to both families and participating providers as regional offices take over full administrative control.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EarlySteps Intake Shift
Who is affected by the OIDD intake transition?
Families with children from birth through age two who are seeking early intervention services in Louisiana are affected by the shift from contracted vendors to OIDD regional operations. Current participants will experience no disruption in their active services during the transition period.
When will the administrative transfer finish?
The transition started in October and is scheduled to be fully completed by March 31, 2027, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
Where do referrals go under the new system?
Referrals can still come from any source, but evaluation for eligibility is now centralized through OIDD regional operations as part of the agency’s “No Wrong Door” approach.
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