• Client Phone Screening and Assessment

    Use this form to document a trauma-informed initial screening call and capture client readiness, safety, and eligibility for team review.

  • Clinical Notes for Staff:

    • Use reflective listening 
    • Avoid “why” questions
    • It is okay to pause, give time for client to answer questions, any emotions that rise are normal on clients end and on your end
    • Do not make any promises-housing, case management, financial assistance, etc.
    • Keep a mental or documented list of client strengths alongside risk or areas for improvement
    • Look for ambivalence vs. refusal example: it makes feel uncomfortable to be monitored by cameras, I may have a hard time with that vs. If I’m in program you need to turn cameras off-I will not give consent for you to video me

    This is an open script and you can change as needed. Always remember the goal is to set safety, choice, and transparency with each person we talk with. 


    Examples: 

    • “Thank you for calling The Lantern Project. I want to let you know this is an initial screening call, not an intake or application. My goal is to help you understand our program and to see whether it might be a good fit for you right now.
    • Some questions may feel personal, and you are always welcome to skip or pause. If at any point it sounds like our program isn’t the right fit, I can help explore other options with you. Does that sound okay?”

  • Program Readiness & Motivation

    Purpose: Assess willingness and insight
  • Are you willing to participate in case management, goal setting, and regular meetings?

  • Practical Supports & Independence

    Purpose: Gauge long-term success indicators.
  • Access to transportation

  • Basic Eligibility & Demographics

    Purpose: Quickly determine foundational fit.
  • Do you have any children who would live with you if you entered housing?*
  • Children Information
  • Currently pregnant*

  • Trafficking Experience — High Sensitivity

    Purpose: Confirm eligibility without re-traumatization.
  • You do not need to share details — just enough to help us understand eligibility.
  • Do you identify as a survivor of trafficking or exploitation?
  • Are you currently experiencing domestic violence or in an active DV relationship? (DV-only cases are outside program scope.)

  • Immediate Safety & Capacity Check

    Purpose: Rule out urgent risk before continuing.
  • Are you safe right now where you are?*
  • Are your basic needs being met right now, such as food and clothing?*
  • Are you currently having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else?*
  • If yes, do you have a plan or intent right now?*
  • Are you currently struggling with addiction?*

  • Mental Health & Emotional Stability

    Purpose: Assess readiness and risk without diagnosing.
  • Any suicide attempts in the past 6 months?*
  • Any suicidal thoughts with a plan in the past 3 months?*
  • Any self-harming behaviors in the past month?*
  • Any psychiatric hospitalizations, emergency holds, or inpatient stays in the past 6 months?*
  • Currently connected with a therapist?*

  • Substance Use & Recovery

    Purpose: Ensure safety of communal living.
  • Have you used drugs or alcohol in the past 3 months?*
  • Are you currently in recovery?
  • Are you willing to maintain sobriety and follow substance use policies while in the program?*

  • Medical & Physical Health

    Purpose: Identify needs beyond program capacity.
  • Do you currently use or require a medical or emotional support animal?*
  • Are you able to manage your medications independently?*

  • Legal Status & Stability

    Purpose: Prevent barriers to participation.

  • Closing & Next Steps

    Purpose: Preserve dignity regardless of outcome
  • Would you like referrals to other safe or supportive resources if this program is not the best fit right now?*

  • Staff Risk Assessment & Scoring Tool

  • Internal Scoring Instructions
  • Immediate Safety & Stability*
  • Mental Health History & Support*
  • Substance Use & Recovery*
  • Program Engagement & Motivation*
  • Communal Living Readiness*
  • Legal & External Barriers*
  • Medical & Accessibility Fit*
  • Practical Stability & Supports*
  • Screening Outcome

  • Clinical Overrides (Required Documentation)

    Staff may override score only with supervisory approval when:

    • Protective factors outweigh numerical risk
    • Trauma symptoms inflate risk score
    • Client demonstrates exceptional insight and engagement


    Override must include:

    • Rationale
    • Protective factors
    • Mitigation plan
    • Review date

     

  • Should be Empty: