8.1 Policy Requirements Relating to Case Closure
The decision to terminate services is based on a thorough evaluation of the family situation. Prior to termination the Children’s Service Worker shall:
- Discuss the treatment plan progress with the family members; and
- Confer with the supervisor to review case progress. Risk factors must be thoroughly assessed at this time.
After conferring with the supervisor, a joint decision will be made to close the case. If the case is to be closed, the Children’s Service Worker shall:
- Meet with the family to discuss the termination of services and development of an aftercare plan within 15 days of the decision to close the case;
- Summarize the events of the final meeting with the family on the CD-14D Termination of Services/Aftercare Plan.
- Close the case in the automated SS-63 system.
8.1.1 Additional Requirements Relating to Newborn Crisis Assessment Cases
Newborn crisis assessment cases require additional procedures for the case closing.
The Children’s Division (CD) Children’s Service Worker shall discuss the planned case closing with the Department of Health service coordinator, and make a joint visit with the coordinator, when possible. The worker should then send their reasons for recommending closure, in writing, to the coordinator. At least 15 days prior to the planned closing date, the DHSS coordinator will send a letter to the referring physician/health care provider (or hospital/clinic if physician is no longer involved with this family). DHSS’s case will remain open until DHSS receives an affirmative response from the physician/health care provider. CD may close the case when these guidelines have been followed.
As much of the following information as is available should be provided in the written recommendation to DHSS:
- Reason for initial referral;
- Services provided by all agencies involved with the family and whether they agree that CD may close its case;
- How those services met the needs of the family;
- Name of infant’s current physician, and if different than the referring physician;
- How risk of abuse or neglect to the child has been reduced;
- Other agencies that plan to continue to provide services;
- Projected closing date; and
- Request written agreement of DHSS that the case may be closed or notify DHSS that we will close the case on the specified date if we do not receive a response.