Intake processes differ by agency. In particular, the intake process for needs-based programs such as cash assistance and unemployment benefits, differs greatly from the intake process for a protection-based program such as child welfare.
For needs-based programs, the client is usually required to fill out an application form, and the agency determines eligibility for programs based on the information provided in the application. Common Intake provides a intake process that can be configured to suit both protection and needs based programs.
For protection-based programs, the process is triggered by a report of abuse or neglect, resulting in the agency potentially investigating the report, and putting measures in place to ensure that the client is safe and not at risk of further abuse or neglect.
The intake process in Common Intake is represented by an XML document which is stored in the database. This XML document controls certain aspects of the behaviour of the application including certain flow of control aspects. Different users, or rather the applications assigned to those users, may be assigned different intake process XML documents in configuration, allowing for varying behaviour between those users.