Frequently Asked Questions for Enrolled Participants

  • Q: What is the procedure if a client is absent?

    A: Contact the individual program via their attendance email to inform the team that the client will be absent. This alerts all necessary team members! If the client rides BCSS transportation, contact the transportation company directly to alert them. If there are any issues, contact the program.

    Q: I was informed that BCSS will have a delayed opening. What time should clients report?

    A: BCSS operates under a 60-minute delay; therefore, clients should arrive 60 minutes after the program starts - Paramus at 10:15, Wood-Ridge at 10:00. Families and group home representatives should follow the official direction of BCSS correspondence only.

    Q: Are there any dietary restrictions within the BCSS Adult Services Continuum?

    A: Yes! Individual programs have individual dietary restrictions due to allergies. At this time, Progressive Paths clients should refrain from bringing in any nuts, kiwi, or bananas to the program.

    Q: We are new to BCSS Adult Services and want to connect with other families. What should we do?

    A: We're excited to have you join our community. Contact the Supervisor of Instruction, Danielle Casolaro, at dancas@bergen.org, and she can direct you to the existing group.

    Q: How do pick-up and drop-off work for enrolled participants?

    A: Paramus: Drivers of Paramus participants who do not take BCSS transportation should park in the designated client pick-up/drop-off parking spots located in the right parking lot. Clients should not be left alone unless specifically stated that they may be. Drivers must connect with BCSS staff to ensure the client has been received. In the afternoon, all clients who are dismissed early must be signed out in the main office, showing a valid group home agency ID or driver's license for non-residential early dismissal.

    A: Wood-Ridge: Drivers of Wood-Ridge participants who do not take the BCSS transportation should park on the street and walk the client to the main office. Clients should not be left alone unless specifically stated that they may be. Drivers must connect with BCSS staff to ensure the client has been received. In the afternoon, all clients who are dismissed early must be signed out in the main office, showing a valid group home agency ID or driver's license for non-residential early dismissal.

    Q: I have questions. Who should I contact?

    A: If you have a general inquiry and are unsure of whom to contact, email adultservices@bergen.org, and the appropriate individual will respond. Enrolled participants are assigned instructional staff and program managers, and clients are encouraged to coordinate directly with the manager of their program. 

    Q: My client is interested in receiving formalized Behavioral Supports during the program. What is the process?

    A: All billed Behavioral Support services must be pre-approved and confirmed in a client's ISP with proper prior authorizations and Service Delivery Reports received by BCSS prior to rendering services. In order to obtain such, a collaborative team meeting and/or conversation shall occur in which the Behavioral Support is discussed and allocated. Clients must coordinate with their Support Coordinators to determine their budgetary allocations or restrictions.

    Q: My client has been hospitalized. Is there a re-entry process?

    A: We hope your loved one has a safe and speedy recovery. Yes, all clients who have been hospitalized must submit a note of medical clearance from their physician before returning to the program. If any care levels change as a result of the hospitalization, an IDT re-entry meeting shall be held to discuss the new care expectations.