The Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP) is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate an individual’s functional abilities, adaptive behaviors, and support needs. It is widely utilized in the fields of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health, and special education to assist in planning services and supports for individuals.
Purpose of the ICAP:
- Assessment of Abilities:
- Measures an individual’s strengths and limitations across various domains, such as personal care, social skills, communication, and motor skills.
- Support Planning:
- Identifies the level of support needed for daily living activities and community integration.
- Helps create tailored service plans or individualized support programs.
- Eligibility Determination:
- Used by agencies to determine eligibility for certain programs, services, or funding.
- Provides evidence for placement decisions in educational or residential settings.
- Progress Monitoring:
- Tracks changes in an individual’s abilities over time to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions or supports.
Key Components of the ICAP:
- Adaptive Behavior Domains:
- Motor Skills: Physical coordination and mobility.
- Social and Communication Skills: Interaction with others, expressive and receptive communication.
- Personal Living Skills: Daily living activities such as eating, dressing, and hygiene.
- Community Living Skills: Skills required for participation in the community, such as money management or transportation.
- Maladaptive Behavior Index:
- Assesses the frequency and severity of problem behaviors, such as aggression, self-injury, or non-compliance.
- Service Needs Profile:
- Provides recommendations for the type and intensity of services or interventions required.
- General Information:
- Includes demographic details, medical conditions, and other relevant background information about the individual.
Scoring and Interpretation:
- The ICAP uses a scoring system to categorize an individual’s abilities and needs:
- Adaptive Behavior Scores: Higher scores indicate greater independence.
- Maladaptive Behavior Scores: Higher scores indicate more significant challenges that may require intervention.
- Results are often presented as a summary report with recommendations for care planning.
Who Uses the ICAP?
- Service Providers: For planning individualized care or program placements.
- Educational Institutions: To design Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Government Agencies: To assess eligibility for Medicaid waivers or other support services.
- Families and Caregivers: To better understand an individual’s needs and advocate for appropriate services.
The ICAP is a valuable tool for fostering person-centered planning, ensuring individuals receive the right level of support to enhance their quality of life and independence.