For Service Coordinators

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Purpose of PUENTE:

To increase access and receipt of services among underserved Latino(a) families who are authorized for services but are not utilizing care.

What’s involved in PUENTE:

Families referred for the project will be assigned to a Promotora, who is also a parent of an SDRC client. Promotoras will share their personal experiences and discuss Parents Taking Action (PTA). PTA is an outreach and psychoeducation program to promote family’s knowledge about their child’s disability, available treatments, and how to identify appropriate services. Some topics discussed in PTA include:

  • Evidence-Based Practices
  • Managing Challenging Behaviors
  • Advocacy in Schools
  • Stress and Depression

The Service Coordinator’s role in this program:

While important, service coordinator’s role in this project is limited and involves minimal time. We ask that service coordinators: 

  1. Identify eligible and appropriate families
  2. Introduce the PUENTE Program to client/families
  3. Obtain Permission (ROI) to Contact from the client/family
  4. Complete an initial client referral form and send to Laura Cervantes ([email protected]), with client soft file
  5. Once service initiation is confirmed by PUENTE team, submit a 6-month POS contract under vendor PY2059 (units:6)
  6. Be available for Promotora consultation as needed
  7. Complete updated Benefit Review form

Benefits of this program:

The main benefit includes empowering the parent/caregiver to identify and seek out services to address their child’s needs as well as their own. It also increases parents’ sense of confidence, advocacy, and community by connecting them to another parent who shares aspects of their lived experience, culture, and language.

PUENTE is NOT for:

  • Families in crisis who are in need of urgent support with food, shelter, immigration, domestic violence, etc.
  • Families speaking languages other than English or Spanish

Client Referral Form 

Eligible Clients:

  • Latino(a) English or Spanish speaking
  • Ages: 6 - 16
  • SDRC Category: ASD and/or ID
  • Low or no service use
  • Family that is reachable and able to commit

If you have a family that meets the above criteria, please fill out and submit the Client Referral Form. 

Client Referral Form

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Cervantez.

Phone: (619) 594-7398

Email: [email protected]