4.1.9 Minimum Contact Standards after a CA/N Report has been Concluded
The SDM risk level is assessed initially during the investigation/family assessment process on the CPS-1 and then re-assessed every 90 days on the CS-16E. The risk level will determine the overall minimum standards for contact with the family.
The minimum contact standards go into effect at the time the investigation/family assessment is concluded on the CPS-1 or the date the delayed conclusion is entered into the system. This standard should begin within the mandated 30 day timeframe given to conclude CA/N reports.
The “Children’s Division Minimum Contact Standards” represent how many of the overall contact standards must be met by the CD worker. The remaining contacts may be met by a contracted in-home service provider who is working with the family as part of the family’s case plan. However, if the contracted service provider was unable to complete monthly contacts, the CD worker is responsible for meeting the overall contact standards.
It is the responsibility of the Circuit Manager to formulate local protocol to assure that CD staff is meeting minimum contact standards. Minimal contact may be met in accordance with the particular circuit’s personnel and resources, but the protocol should determine the member of staff ultimately responsible for contacts with the family. In some circuits contact standards may be met by a FCS worker, prior to the opening of the case and in some circuits the CA/N worker may continue to make the required contacts until the case is assigned.
4.1.9.1 What Minimum Contacts Should Address
Depending on circuit protocol, the responsibility to make minimum contacts prior to an FCS assessment may fall on FCS staff or stay with the intake worker. Whoever the responsibility falls on during this transitional period, the worker responsible should address the following:
- Is there an active safety plan? Is it still appropriate or in need of revision? (May use a CS-16D)
- Have circumstances changed in the family composition that would warrant a safety assessment or re-assessment? (Example: new members of household, such as a new adult, new baby or additional children or relatives)
- Have circumstances changed in regard to the family physical location/environment that would warrant a safety assessment or re-assessment? (Example: eviction, new housing, utilities shut off, household composition changes causing crowding)
- Have circumstances changed in regard to family physical health? (Example: caretaker or a child has become ill, new medical expenses or not following through with medical services)
- Have circumstances changed in regard to family mental health or substance abuse issues? (Example: Not complying with prescription medication, psychotic break or suicide attempt, escalated symptoms)
- Has there been incidents or reported concerns regarding child abuse/neglect, domestic violence or criminal activity?