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