Interagency/Community Involvement

Special Multi-disciplinary Assessment Team (SMART)
The mission of SMART is to promote and facilitate inter-departmental cooperation and collaboration so that the participating agencies insure that every possible resource is explored and utilized for at-risk children, regardless of which agency door the child and their family used to enter the system. All resources will be used to avoid group home placements.

The weekly meetings consist of representatives from the following San Joaquin County Agencies: Mental Health Services; Public Health Services; Human Services; Office of Education; Probation Department and County Superior Court.

Contact: Kris Rodriguez (209) 468-4928.

Supported Employment/Living Interagency Team (SELIT)
Coordinated effort of key agencies in the secondary transition process; each facilitating participation in the provision of services leading to supportive employment and living experiences.
Contact: Margaret St. George (209) 468-4908.

Non Public Schools
Coordination of educational placement into Non-Public Schools for students residing in LCI's, group homes or other residential facilities within the San Joaquin SELPA.
Contact: Joan Justice-Brown or Kris Rodriguez (209) 468-4928.

Early Autism Diagnostic Clinic (EADC)
Coordinated team focused on diagnosis, needs identification, family support and education related to young children suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Clinic team members include parents and professionals from Valley Mountain Regional Center, Education and FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment).
Contact: Rolf Athearn (209) 468-9283

Autism Connection
Five county collaboration focused on needs, services and issues related to individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants include: Valley Mountain Regional Center, San Joaquin SELPA, Lodi SELPA, Stockton SELPA, Tri County SELPA (Tuolumne, Amador and Calaveras counties), Family Resource Network (FRN), non-public agency providers and parents. Family Resource Network meetings are held monthly in Stockton. Sponsor of the Annual Autism Collaborative Forum, typically held in April.
Contact: Rolf Athearn (209) 468-9283

CHOICES Committee
CHOICES is a non-profit educational organization with the goal of providing self-advocacy education through training seminars and an annual conference.
Contact: Margaret St.George (209) 468-4908

Delta College Disability Support Programs and Services Advisory Board
Disability Support Programs & Services was developed to provide and coordinate counseling assistance, support services and academic accommodations to students with disabilities who are eligible for services. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations.
Contact: Margaret St.George (209) 468-4908

San Joaquin Mayors’ Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities
The goal of the San Joaquin County Mayor’s Committee is to increase public awareness and understanding of the employment needs of people with disabilities.
Contact: Margaret St.George (209) 468-4908

Transition Task Force
The Transition Task Force is composed of agencies throughout San Joaquin County who work with people with disabilities. The general intent of the Transition Task Force is to promote competitive employment of young adults with developmental disabilities when they leave the education system.
Contact: Margaret St.George (209) 468-4908