5.5.1  Content of Referral

The Children’s Service Worker shall submit a written referral summary to the provider before the provider initiates services with the family member(s).  (Verbal referrals must be followed by the written referral.)

In most instances this form will provide the CTS provider with the necessary information to begin his/her delivery of services.  Additional information deemed necessary by the Children’s Service Worker may be attached.  A copy will be kept for the case record in the Forms Section of the case record.

At a minimum, the written referral summary will contain:

• Relevant background data on the family;
• History of Children’s Division (CD) involvement;
• Description of presenting problems/symptoms;
• Summary of treatment goals for the family, including expected time limits of the family treatment plan;
• Expected outcomes of the CTS intervention and estimated length of CD involvement;
• Plan for information sharing and service coordination.  At a minimum, this must include the provider's 30-day initial report and subsequent 90-day reports as required in the CTS contract; and
• Additional comments, as appropriate.

NOTE:  Form CS-40 will be used in protective services child care referrals in lieu of the CS-13.

5.5.2  Ongoing Communication

Verbal communication should occur continuously between the Children’s Service Worker, provider, and family or individual.  Verbal communication between the worker and provider is essential.

As case manager, the Children’s Service Worker must monitor the progress of the treatment plan, including the work of contracted providers.  The worker shall be in regular contact with the contracted providers in addition to receiving regular written reports.

The current CTS contract requires the provider to submit a written report to the Children’s Service Worker within 30 days after service is initiated and every subsequent 60 days.  More frequent reporting is preferred and may be requested, but provider compliance is voluntary.

The reports should include dates of contacts, persons attending counseling, the progress or regression of the behavior of those in counseling, the goals/objectives reached, and the methods used by the therapist in obtaining these goals/objectives.  Time frames shall be given on each report as to the projected length of time it takes to achieve specific goals and also the estimated time for the conclusion of the counseling.