Depending on the type of intake, the intake worker may go through different steps to gather the appropriate information including identifying participants and participant roles, and identifying allegations. Prior to completion of the intake, the intake worker validates whether or not the intake type originally identified has changed. If not, the intake worker proceeds through the intake process. If the intake type has changed, the intake worker follows the steps relevant to the new intake type.
Agencies may use a combination of policy, best practice and reliable assessment tools to assist the intake worker in making a recommendation regarding the actions required for a referral (intake). The intake worker then submits the intake with a recommendation to screen in or screen out the intake. The submission and approval process may be omitted based on the agency's requirements. If the intake supervisor is involved in the submission and approval process, the intake supervisor may approve the intake worker's recommendation. If the supervisor does not agree with the intake worker's recommendation, the intake supervisor may return the intake to the intake worker for re-work, or simply make the necessary changes and override the initial intake recommendation.