4.1.6  The Home Visit

A home visit must be made as a part of the investigation, except in situations where it is suspected a methamphetamine laboratory exists.

Related Subject:  Section 2, Chapter 4, Attachment J, Meth Lab Emergency Response Protocol and Section 7, Chapter 27, Methamphetamine (Meth”) Use; Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories and Guidelines

Observe and/or take photographs of the conditions of the physical environment and any threat to the safety and well-being of the child.

Related Subject:  Section 2, Chapter 4, Attachment G, Collection of Evidence

4.1.6.1 Assessing the Need for Services

Identify the services needed to resolve family problems.

NOTE:  In assessing the family situation, determine whether crisis intervention funds may remedy a current situation that is causing risk of harm to a child.  If the family has limited resources, obtaining crisis intervention funds may immediately reduce risk to a child and may prevent a case from being opened.

Related Subject:  Section 3, Chapter 4 Attachment C, Crisis Intervention Funds

Proceed to offer the family preventive services through CD or community resources if protective custody is not necessary.

NOTE:  If the decision is made to arrange for any purchased service during the investigation (i.e., SAFE exam paid for by Children’s Division (CD) and not from Medicaid, evaluation and diagnosis, psychological or medical exam through SEAS), check the automated system (protective services and alternative care), to determined if Emergency Assistance Services (EAS) have been provided in the previous year.  If the authorization start date is more than one year old, complete an application for Emergency Assistance Services  (Form CS-EAS-1) with the family.

File the completed CS-EAS-1 in the case file in order that the Family-Centered Services worker can enter the service authorization start date on the SS-63 if a case is opened for services.

4.1.6.2 Interface with Family-Centered Services (FCS)

Staff should ensure a continuum of services to a family from the beginning of the family assessment process and through the provision of ongoing Family-Centered Services (FCS).  The family assessment is just one segment of the Division’s process to assess and engage the family.  Staff should make the process as fluid as possible.  If during the intake process it is determined a family needs and wants services, staff should then assess:

If the service needs are immediate and warrants the development of a safety plan;

If there is need for a family support team meeting for intact families; or

If the need is a function of risk and should be addressed in the Written Service Agreement (CD-14B) by the assigned FCS worker as part of the FCS family assessment process.

4.1.6.3 When the Family is Uncooperative

CSW shall notify the juvenile office if the subjects of a report fail to cooperate during the investigation.