BHDDH has an "Eligibility Determination by 17" Policy that establishes a referral process at age 16 with eligibility determination by age 17. Our goal is that individuals with disabilities enrolled in Rhode Island schools will be identified as eligible for adult services before their exit from school or transition programs. School districts will be guided to inform families that they have a right to file an application for BHDDH adult services at the age of 16 for youth who are categorized under IDEA as having an intellectual disability, autism, or multiple disabilities, or are believed to have a developmental disability and be eligible for BHDDH services. It is solely the family's decision whether to submit an application for services at this age.