What is CAS?

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About the Coordinated Assessment System (CAS)

The Coordinated Assessment System (CAS) is a comprehensive assessment for people 18 years or older to identify their strengths, needs and interests. OPWDD is required to perform a conflict-free comprehensive needs assessment for people eligible for OPWDD services.

CAS process

Here is a step-by-step guide to what to expect in the CAS process.

Step 1

An assessor will contact the person to schedule a CAS interview on a day and time that works for the person and their circle of support. This can include family or friends, if the person wants. 

To schedule an assessment, you can contact us at 212-908-6671 or use the chat.

Step 2

The assessor will notify the Care Manager or Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) of the scheduled CAS interview with the date, time, and place of the scheduled meeting. The Care Manager can attend the assessment, but it’s not required.

Step 3

The Care Manager will share the scheduled CAS interview date, time and location with the family, legal guardian, or others.

Step 4

During the assessment the assessor will listen to all the information the person shares; what they enjoy doing, what areas they need help with, and what they want from life. After the interview, the assessor will review the information gathered; speak with others who know the person well, such as family members, residential support staff, Care Managers; and review supporting documents before the CAS interview is complete.

Step 5

After the assessment, a Care Manager or QIDP will schedule a time to talk about the CAS summary with the person and their supports. The Care Manager or QIDP will document their input as part of the assessment review. They will use this information to create a Life Plan, a personalized care plan that fits the person’s needs.

Step 6

The Care Manager or QIDP are responsible for sharing and discussing the output summary with the person and their circle of support, as appropriate within 30 days of availability.

More information

For more information on the CAS, go to the OPWDD CAS website.

After the CAS

The CAS results will be automatically placed into the person’s record in the OPWDD’s computer system, called CHOICES.

The care planning team will use the CAS summary to create a service plan that reflects the person’s abilities, preferences, and support needs.