2.3 Procedures Applicable to All Case Types
After case assignment, the Children’s Service Worker must initiate the treatment process. Briefly, the step-by-step process which the Children’s Service Worker is required to follow is:
- Immediately review the priority status found during intake and based on the SDM risk assessment;
- Schedule a home visit with the family to assess whether risk has increased or decreased since the investigation or intake. This initial contact must be within the time frames established by the priority status, or as directed by the supervisor during the case assignment. It is important to meet with all family members to adequately assess risk, being especially important to see all the children. Consult with a supervisor if any of the children are unavailable at the time of the home visits. A plan should be made to assure the children are safe.
- Initiate the Family-Centered Services Assessment. The Children’s Service Worker should meet with all family members, evaluate the family situation, and determine if services are still needed. During this time, the case is considered to be in an "open for assessment" status. The case should be closed, after supervisory consultation, if the Children’s Service Worker determines during the assessment that the family situation has changed since intake and services are no longer needed by the family.
- If services are needed, a CD-14 Packet will be completed to determine the presenting problems and their underlying reasons.
- Conduct an emergency assistance (EAS) assessment when an emergency situation exists for the family. An emergency situation exists when it is determined that abuse or neglect has occurred, a preventive services case is opened because of an emergency situation when a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, or a child is placed in out-of-home care because of abuse or neglect. Complete a Missouri Title IV-A Emergency Assessment Services Form (CS-EAS-1) with the family. If the child is in out-of-home care, the Children’s Service Worker completes the form. This is required when the decision has been made that purchased services will be delivered to the client. Form CS-EAS-1 documents the client's application for assistance by providing EAS and documents the family's eligibility for those services. The services which may be provided under EAS include all purchased services, such as CTS, child care, residential treatment, foster care, kinship care, emergency shelter, intensive in-home services, etc.
- Any changes in household composition (i.e. birth of a child, new paramour, separation, divorce, marriage, etc.) must be updated on the Family Centered Services Case Report form (SS-63). The Children’s Services Worker should review the Family Centered Services Case form regularly to insure accuracy of the system information.