PUNS

PUNS (Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services) is a statewide database that records information about individuals with developmental disabilities who are potentially in need of services. The State uses the data to select individuals for services as funding becomes available. Services may include: 

• In-home supports to help someone with developmental disabilities live more independently
• Respite care to provide temporary relief to a caregiver
• Training Programs to teach life and work skills
• Residential living arrangements
• Adaptive equipment
• Other supports to improve quality of life

How to enroll and what to expect: 

To register for PUNS, call Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) (773) 867-4000 and ask for intake to talk to someone who can help you with registering. CAU is a PAS/ISC (Pre-Admission Screening/Independent Service Coordination) Agency that serves the north side of Chicago and the Northern Suburbs of Cook and Lake Counties. CAU provides case management services to several populations including individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, mental health needs, and child welfare challenges. 

The individual with the developmental disability (along with guardian/caregiver/family) meets face-to-face with a Pre-Admission Screening (PAS)/Independent Service Coordination Agency (ISC). The PAS/ISSA will work with the individual and their family to identify the need for services, explain the services, identify the urgency of the need, and put the individual into one of two categories: 

• Planning for services (future)
• Seeking services (now)

CAU is located at:

8765 West Higgins Rd., Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60631
Phone: 773-867-4000