DC WIC POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL

Policy 8.018 1 | P a g e Title: Referrals Overview Category: Certification CFR Reference 7 CFR 246.7 7 CFR 246.11 Policy Number: 8.018 Effective Date: December 1st, 2021 Revised Date: April 30th, 2024

POLICY STATEMENT: In accordance with 7 CFR 246.7(b) the Local Agency must provide program applicants and participants with information on other health-related and public assistance programs and when appropriate, shall refer applicants and participants to such programs. Each referral provided to the participant must be documented in the participant’s record in the MIS. The Local Agency must also ensure that: 1. Each participant is made known of adjunct eligibility programs and provided appropriate referrals as applicable to the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). 2. Each participant under the age of two is provided screening for immunization status and appropriate referrals for immunization (FNS WIC Policy Memorandum #2001-7). 3. All participants are screened for blood lead testing (FNS Policy Memorandum 93-3A – WIC’s Role in Screening for Childhood Lead Poisoning) in accordance with DC WIC policy 8.010 Anthropometric and Biochemical Data Collection and refer all child participants to their healthcare provider if testing has not been performed or if the Authorized Representative (AR) is unsure of the child participant’s blood lead value. 4. A listing of community resources for substance abuse is maintained and available for distribution in accordance with 7 CFR 246.7(a) and DC WIC policy 8.020 Substance Use Screening and Referral. 5. Referral procedures are established for high-risk participants in accordance with DC WIC policy 2.008 Serving High Risk Participants and participants needing breastfeeding support in accordance with DC WIC policy 2.009 Breastfeeding Education and Support Overview. PROCEDURE 1. Each referral provided to the participant must consider their individual needs based on the nutrition assessment, environmental concerns, and/or living conditions. Referrals to other health-related and public assistance programs can include: • Local food banks, pantries, or other food assistance programs • Housing assistance • Early childhood services • Childcare • Dental care • Prenatal care • Shelters and other services for domestic violence • Infant care supplies • Mental health services

DC WIC POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL

Policy 8.018 2 | P a g e Local agency staff are encouraged to use approved online referral resources such as https://linkudmv.org/. 2. Any referral that is made to directly assist the participant in achieving their health outcome- based goal must be documented in the “I” portion of the TGIF note in accordance with DC WIC 2.005 Nutrition Education Overview. • For example, a referral to the Produce Plus Program is made to the participant to assist in achieving their goal of consuming a fresh fruit and vegetable at least once per day. 3. See additional DC WIC policies for more information on referral procedures for: • Immunization Screening and Referral – 8.019 • Substance Use Screening and Referral – 8.020 • Domestic Violence and Neglect – 8.021 REFERENCES 7 CFR 246.7(b) FNS WIC Policy Memorandum #2001-7 DC WIC policies 2.005 Nutrition Education Overview, 2.008 Serving High Risk Participants, 2.009 Breastfeeding Education and Support Overview, 8.020 Substance Use Screening and Referral ATTACHMENTS & FORMS