INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-1-152.3
Issued 3-26-10
1. Initiation of Oklahoma Children’s Services (OCS). Notification by the contractor that an OCS referral has been assigned signals the referring worker to schedule the intake staffing per Instructions to Staff # 3. If the case was referred from Child Protective Services (CPS) and is, or has been, transferred to Family Centered Services (FCS) for ongoing Child Welfare (CW) services, either or both CW workers or supervisors may attend the intake staffing provided the CW staff attending is prepared to perform the CW role.
2. Inclusion in the family team meeting (FTM). Contract case managers (CCMs) and parent aides may be included in transfer staffings and FTMs scheduled after a parent has consented to participate in OCS. If the OCS case has not been assigned by the time the transfer staffing is scheduled, the contract supervisor is invited to attend.
3. (a) Intake Staffing for Comprehensive Home-Based Services (CHBS) and Parent Aide Services (PAS). The CW worker schedules an intake staffing to be held in the family’s home to introduce contract personnel, review the reasons for the family’s involvement with Child Welfare, and the expected behavioral changes. Service protocols are explained by contract staff; contact information is exchanged, and a convenient schedule for future visits is planned at this initial meeting. At least one adult, parent or caregiver, must be present. The intake staffing is held within 15 working days from the contractor’s notification of case assignment.
(b) Location of staffing. The intake staffing is a formal meeting of the family with the CW worker and OCS contract staff, held in the family’s home or another location that offers comfort and privacy.
(c) CW worker role in the intake staffing. The CW worker sets the tone for the work to be accomplished, whether the referral is for CHBS or PAS. In this meeting the CW worker defines the purpose, roles, and expectations for CHBS or PAS, including the specific behavioral changes to be cited in the Family Intervention Plan goals for CHBS.
(d) Family’s understanding of program requirements. Parents need to know what to expect and what is required of them during services, including information-sharing that will occur between the worker and CCM or parent aide regarding the family. Contract staff will present this information before asking parents to sign the contractor’s consent to services. Parents are informed that children are to be seen at each visit, and infants seen unclothed. Parents are educated about the possible consequences of non-cooperation. The family is advised that the CW worker provides direction to the CCM or parent aide throughout the service or until such time the expected changes in behavior or home safety are evident.