Brief Explanation:

The AB2726 process functions under an Interagency Agreement between school districts and County Mental Health (CMH) to provide specific services to special education students. The AB2726 process is initiated through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. The mental health needs of the student are discussed and documentation is provided to indicate that the school has exhausted all other avenues of support for the student before recommending assessment through AB2726. The following levels of service may be accessed for students qualifying for services as determined by an AB2726 assessment: outpatient counseling, day treatment and residential treatment.

As with other IEP timelines, the AB2726 process operates on a fifty (50) day timeline. The Interagency Agreement stipulates referrals must be submitted to CMH within five (5) business days of the IEP recommendation or the parent request. Adherence to the five (5) business day timeline for submission of referrals to CMH is mandatory and will ensure that the district maintains compliance with the law.

A courier service has been established to assist case managers and psychologists with the timely transfer of records to CMH. The completed packet should be submitted by the psychologist to Jeannine Rivero, Whittier Center, Room 22. Psychologists or case managers should call Jeannine at (858) 490-2797 on Mondays or Wednesdays to request a pick-up for the following day.

Questions or concerns regarding this process should be directed to Geri Brown (858) 573-5824 or Jeannine Rivero at (858) 490-2797.

GB:daw