Local Coordinating Council FAQs
The Local Coordinating Council (LCC) is a collective body of child serving agencies that meet bi-weekly to develop, implement, and/or review the plan of care for youth with special needs who may require or are in a residential placement or alternative to residential placement due to behavioral, educational, developmental, or mental health challenges.
The purpose of the LCC is to promote the development of a system of comprehensive residential, educational and treatment services in the State of Maryland to enable children with special needs to be served in the least restrictive setting, appropriate to their individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the LCC
1. Who serves on the LCC?
The LCC is comprised of representatives from various state and local agencies, including:
- Prince George’s County Local Management BoardPrince George’s County Public Schools
- Department of Juvenile Services
- Prince George’s County Health Department
- Prince George’s County Department of Social Services
- Developmental Disabilities Administration
- Division of Rehabilitation Services
- Core Service Agency
- Alcohol & Drug Administration
- Parent Advocate
2. What is the role of the Parent Advocate?
The Parent Advocate is an individual trained to support and advocate for families of children with special needs and provide additional resources and supportive services as necessary.
3. How does a case come before the LCC?
A lead agency that is responsible for the oversight and implementation of a child’s plan of care makes a referral to the LCC when it determines that the child needs additional services or residential placement (i.e. out of state hospital, residential treatment center, residential school).
4. How does a parent/legal guardian refer his/her child’s case to the LCC?
The parent/legal guardian cannot refer his/her child’s case to the LCC. They must contact the LCC Specialist at (301) 265-8446 who will connect them to a referring agency.
5. What happens after the lead agency makes a referral to the LCC?
At least 10 calendar days before the LCC meeting, the parents and the child’s counsel will receive a written invitation to the meeting, notifying them of the date, time, and location of the meeting; intent to discuss the child’s plan of care at the meeting; and parents’ right to be represented by an advocate or counsel.
6. What can I do to prepare for my appointment with the LCC?
- Confirm the date, time, location and type of appointment (i.e. review, referral for in or out of state placement, private day school, or step down/discharge services).
- Bring any information that will support your position on this matter.
- Discuss the case with your child’s case manager to review the information that will be shared at the meeting.
- Write down any questions that you want to ask.
7. Who attends the LCC meetings?
A youth, his/her parent, youth’s legal counsel, therapist, social worker, case manager, and any person representing an agency that is involved with the youth/family will be invited to attend.
8. What happens at the LCC meeting?
The individuals present at the LCC meeting discuss information regarding their position as it relates to the child’s needs and proposed plan of care. Based on the level of services and care coordination required to meet the child’s needs, the LCC makes its recommendation.
9. What topic areas are discussed in case review at the LCC meetings?
The topic areas discussed include: demographics (name, gender, DOB) in and out of state placement, substance abuse issues, medical history, criminal offenses, education (special education, IEP), diagnosis, psychosocial/psychiatric issues, family functioning, transition/discharge plan, treatment, court involvement, and projected discharge date.
10. What types of recommendations are made by the LCC?
The LCC may recommend in state or out of state residential placements; private day school, or step down/discharge services.
11) What happens after the LCC meeting?
Within 10 calendar days of the recommendation given at the LCC meeting, the parent/legal guardian will receive written notification of the LCC’s recommendation.
12. What if I disagree with the LCC’s recommendation?
You can file an appeal in accordance with the regulations of the lead agency that referred the case to the LCC or file a written request for reconsideration with the State Coordinating Council (SCC) within 30 days of receipt of the LCC decision.
13. What is the State Coordinating Council (SCC)?
The SCC is the state regulatory body that approves or denies and funds out of state residential placements that are recommended by the LCC.
14. What is the process to have my child placed in a residential facility?
First, the LCC reviews the case and makes a recommendation for out of state residential placement. Second, the State Coordinating Council (SCC) reviews the LCC’s recommendation and approves or denies the request for out of state residential placement. Third, if an out of state residential placement is recommended by the LCC and approved by the SCC, then the referring agency identifies an appropriate facility with available beds that will accept the child, based on his/her identified treatment needs.
15. How long will it take before my child is placed in a residential facility?
It depends on the protocols of the agency that referred the case to the LCC. You will need to discuss specific time frames with your case manager/worker.
16. Will I be able to call and visit my child once he/she is in a residential placement?
Yes. Your case worker/manager can provide information about how and when you can call and visit your child.
17. How often will my case be reviewed by the LCC?
When a child is placed out of the home, the case is reviewed every year. Once the child returns home, you will need to contact the LCC Specialist @ (301) 265-8446 to determine the frequency of case review.
18. What happens when my child comes home?
Depending on the child’s treatment plan and the community based services available in the county in which he/she resides, the following aftercare services may be offered to the child and his/her family: tutoring, mentoring, group home placement, recreational activities, wilderness program, anger management, parenting classes, medication management, individual, group, and family therapy. You will need to discuss with your case manager/worker the specific services that will be provided.
19. How long can my child receive community based services?
Community based services may be provided for up to 2 years.
20. How can I obtain more information about the LCC?
Contact Prince George’s County Department of Family Services at (301) 265-8446.
