10/2009 1 Introduction to the MA Department of Children and Families’ Integrated Casework Practice...
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Transcript of 10/2009 1 Introduction to the MA Department of Children and Families’ Integrated Casework Practice...
10/2009 1
Introduction to the MA Department of Children and Families’
Integrated Casework Practice Model (ICPM)
Fall 2009
10/2009 2
What is a Casework Practice Model?
Defines what we do, how we do it, and why we do it the way we do.
Establishes how DCF works internally and partners with families, service providers, and other stakeholders to focus on Safety, Permanency, and Well-being.
Links agency values and priorities to daily practice with families.
Provides clear, written explanation in agency regulations, policies, and procedures of how services should be provided.
Defines effective casework practice, while allowing for appropriate flexibility and professional discretion.
Defines the structures, processes and content of casework.
10/2009 3
Why are we implementing the ICPM?Expected Outcomes
To improve outcomes for children Stabilize families so that children can safely remain at home Reduce repeat maltreatment of children Promote permanency by stabilizing and strengthening families
To improve outcomes for families Strengthen parenting capacities Strengthen engagement and empowerment of families Help families make connections to their communities
Effectively target DCF resources Focus on highest risk families Improve timeliness of access to DCF interventions and supports
10/2009 4
How Did We Get Here? External Influences on the ICPM
Findings of the 2007 Federal Child and Family Services Review and included in the resulting Program Improvement Plan (PIP).
MA Legislation, July 2008: An Act Protecting Children in the Care of the Commonwealth.
Findings of the External Review conducted by the Center for the Support of Families completed December 2008.
Nationally Recognized Innovations in Child Welfare Practice.
Support from Casey Family Programs.
10/2009 5
How Did We Get Here?ICPM Based on Prior DCF Planning
Community Connections &
Patch Sites
Working With Families Right From The Start
Development / Field Testing
Safety & Risk Tools
Family Engagement
Model
“Teaming” Pilot Sites
Breakthrough Series
LE
SS
ON
S L
EA
RN
ED
DCF INTEGRATED CASEWORK PRACTICE
MODEL
Family Group Decision-making: (e.g., FGC & Family Team
Meetings)
Family Networks
DCF Strategic Planning
10/2009 6
Child-Driven
Family Centered
Strength-Based
Community Connected
Committed to Cultural Competence & Diversity
Committed To Continuous Learning & Quality Improvement
ICPM Reflects DCF Core Values
10/2009 7
ICPM Casework Pathways
ICPC requests will continue to be processed as usual
Screening
Differential Response
Change Tracks Possible
Access Pathways
• No Services Needed
• Community Referral
• CBHI
Screen-In
Screen-Out
Voluntary Not Accepted
CPS INVESTIGATION
RESPONSE
Initial Assessment
Comprehensive Assessment
Ongoing Case
Mgmt.
CPS ASSESSMENT RESPONSE
CLOSE*
CLOSE: No service needed; Community Referral, CBHI*51A
Probate Custody
CHINS
Voluntary
SCREENING
CLOSE* CLOSE*
Safe Haven
Accept for Voluntary
10/2009 8
ICPM: Key Features
1. Extended timeframes for Screening and Investigations to
allow greater opportunity to gather information from collaterals
and determine how best to target DCF resources.
2. Differential Response to enable DCF to respond to allegations
of child abuse and/or neglect based on the unique circumstances
of a case and the individual needs/strengths of a family. This
includes two tracks: Investigation or Assessment, depending
on the severity of the allegation.
10/2009 9
ICPM: Key Features (cont.)
3. Use of new research based assessment and planning tools to
support consistent clinical practice in assessing danger, safety and
risk, and to focus on what families need to keep children safe.
4. Enhanced family and community engagement to provide
opportunities for children, families and their support systems to be
actively engaged and empowered in decision-making.
10/2009 10
What happens when DCF receives a Report of Abuse and/or Neglect (“51A)?
1. The report is screened to determine if the allegation meets the criteria for suspected abuse and/or neglect, if there is immediate danger to the child, and whether DCF involvement is warranted.
Families may also be referred for appropriate community
services, as needed.
2. If “screened-in,” the report is assigned for either a Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation or Assessment Response (“51B).
3. A determination is made about whether the child can safely remain at home and whether the family would benefit from continued DCF involvement.
10/2009 11
INVESTIGATION
Purpose: Detection of Maltreatment
Focus: Determine validity of allegation
Authority: MGL Chapter 51B
Introduce DCF involvement as Investigation
Conclusion Includes:• Identification of victim• Identification of perpetrator• Determination of fault• Support / unsupport of allegation• Listing of perpetrator on Central Registry
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Purpose: Engagement & Helping
Focus: Determine what (if any) supports and services family needsAuthority: MGL Chapter 51B
Introduce DCF Involvement as Assessment of Safety and Family Needs
Conclusion Includes:• Identification of which family members need services or support• No identification of perpetrator• No determination of fault• Decision as to whether there are concerns of safety or risk that warrant DCF services or no concern or minimal risk of future abuse/neglect• No alleged perpetrator discoverable on BRC for employment
Determine Whether There Are Danger Factors Impacting Safety of Child
What is the difference between an Investigation and an Assessment?
10/2009 12
ICPM: What is Not Changing?
Focus on Safety, Permanency, and Well-being
Timeframes for initiating emergency investigations
DCF’s legal authority to investigate reports of abuse and/or neglect
Responsibility of Mandated Reporters
Respectful engagement of families
10/2009 13
“We are following well established state and national trends in moving away from a one size fits all approach to child welfare. Our new Model allows us to focus on the unique needs and strengths of each family, while targeting our resources in the most effective way to
keep kids safe and families together.”
-- Angelo McClain,
Commissioner MA Department of Children
and Families