Departments | Central Point Coordination
The office of Central Point of Coordination (CPC) acts as the gatekeeper to a countywide system of services and supports for consumers. We take applications, make eligibility decisions, evaluate the needs of individuals, and work to create and implement a service-funding plan.
An array of support services is available to eligible consumers who are considered chronically mental ill, mentally retarded or developmentally disabled to support them in the least restrictive environment. Once a consumer is determined to be eligible for funding under the Mental Health Plan, the consumer will be assigned a case planner. The case planner will enroll the consumer by completing an assessment, team meeting, and an individualized service plan. The CPC will consider any funding request that is reasonable and a cost-effective use of taxpayer money.
To be eligible for an array of behavioral support services you must:
Consumers may pay for part of their services to lower their countable income to become eligible for services. Consumers may also be asked to contribute towards their service if the team determines that it is reasonable and appropriate.
The CPC office also works with the Clerk of Court in the Civil commitment process. If a consumer's behavior requires involuntary commitment, an application is completed in the Clerk of Court's office in the county where the consumer lives. The application describes the behavior suggesting that the consumer is seriously mentally impaired. Along with the application a supporting statement must be presented by one or more sworn witnesses with the behavior described. Upon application, if the judge finds cause for the consumer to be seriously mentally impaired, the Sheriff is ordered to take the consumer into custody at the psychiatric ward at Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa. A committal hearing will be scheduled not sooner than 48 hours but not more than 5 working days after custody has been obtained. If after reviewing the psychiatric evaluation and hearing all the evidence the judge determines that the consumer is seriously mentally impaired, the consumer will be "committed" and either placed in a hospital, residential facility or to an outpatient service to receive treatment. Following the hearing, a Mental Health Advocate becomes the liaison with the court.
All papers and records regarding consumers are confidential. Information cannot be shared unless a release of information is signed by the consumer. If there is no activity in 3 years, records will be shredded before being thrown away.