What is PACE?
The Project for Adolescent and Child Evaluations (PACE) provides a multidisciplinary Comprehensive Health Assessment (CHA) in outreach clinics to all children (ages 4 weeks to 18 years) placed in foster care within 60 days of entering DCFS (Division of Children and Family Services) Custody. PACE was created through Arkansas state law to partner with DCFS to bring new resources and attention the way children receive care while in DCFS Custody.
What is a PACE evaluation?
A PACE Evaluation is a court directed Comprehensive Health Assessment to all children ages 4 weeks through 18 years placed into DCFS custody. Depending on the age of the child/adolescent, an evaluation may include:
- Hearing Screening
- Vision Screening
- Cognitive/Developmental Assessment
- Academic Assessment
- Behavioral/Emotional Assessment
- Medical Evaluation
- Speech/Language Assessment (including language, articulation, voice, fluency)
- Oral Motor/Feeding Assessment
Where will the evaluation take place?
PACE clinics are in 18 sites across Arkansas with regional program offices located in Little Rock and Springdale, Ark.
How long will the evaluation take?
Evaluations begin in the morning and can last between three and five hours.
What to bring to the PACE evaluation
For infants or toddlers:
- Formula
- Snacks
- Diapers, wipes
- Change of clothes
- Anything your child may need for over half a day
For school aged children:
- Snacks or lunch
- Diapering supplies if not toilet trained
Documents to bring
The PACE staff work closely with DCFS to obtain intake information so that records are provided for each child from primary care providers, hospitals, mental health agencies, schools, and other providers.
- Bring all available paper records for the child, including recent dental, vision, or medical appointment reports.
- Foster Care Questionnaire (provided by DCFS)
Who should attend the PACE evaluation?
It is highly encouraged that the child’s resource (foster) parent brings the child to their PACE evaluation to obtain the most accurate and up to date information regarding the child. However, we understand that is not always an option. In the event the resource (foster) parent cannot bring the child to their PACE evaluation, DCFS can help coordinate transportation. Resource (foster) parents who cannot attend the PACE appointment are encouraged to send written information and/or the UAMS PACE FOSTER CARE QUESTIONNAIRE with the transporter to the appointment.
Can biological parents attend the PACE evaluation?
We encourage biological parents to attend the PACE appointment if there are no restrictions in contact with parents.
What can resource (foster) parents do prior to the PACE appointment?
- Set up care with a primary care provider.
- Schedule a dental appointment if a child has not seen a dentist in the last 6 months.
- Schedule vision appointment if vision has not been checked in the last year.
- Schedule counseling or mental health appointment
**Appointments for vision, dental, and counseling can be initiated without a PCP referral. It is best to mention that the child is in foster care when finding a provider.
What information should be expected from a PACE evaluation?
A PACE evaluation report consists of a Medical Evaluation, Psychological/Mental Health Evaluation, and a Speech/Language Evaluation. An evaluation report is generated for every child and sent to DCFS who then distributes the reports to the resource (foster) parents, attorneys ad litem, primary care providers, mental health providers, and educational/developmental professionals.
When should I expect the Pace reports?
PACE reports are completed within 14 days from the date of the appointment and provided to DCFS for distribution to providers and caregivers.
Where can resource (foster) parents find a report?
Reports can be found in the resource (foster) parent portal or by contacting the assigned Health Service Worker (HSW). Please contact DCFS if you have questions regarding the resource parent portal or if you have trouble accessing the portal.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Or call our office at 501-526-8008 during regular business hours.