INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-4-14

Revised 7-1-07

1.   Termination of voluntary Family-Centered Services (FCS). 

(1) Determining whether to close the case.  The Child Welfare (CW) worker uses the criteria outlined in (A) through (C) in determining whether to close the case.

(A) Children are safe.  From the ongoing risk and safety assessments, judgments are made about risk and safety in respect to absence of threat, no maltreatment, absence of fear, and general sense of security.  The CW worker completes, 04K1023E Safety Assessment, prior to initiating the case closure discussion meeting.  The safety assessment:

(i) indicates the absence of any threats to harm; or

(ii) sufficiently demonstrates that any threats to harm are adequately addressed through in-home safety plans that are based on either informal supports, such as extended family, friends, and neighbors or formal supports, such as child care services, medical services, Temporary Assistance for Needy families (TANF), and other community resources.

(B) Family has achieved case goals.  The family and individual members' behaviors indicate the desired outcomes have been obtained.

(C) Family functioning has improved.  Minimally acceptable family functioning exists, evidenced by:

(i) the ability of the person(s) responsible for the child's health, safety, or welfare (PRFC(s)) or other family members to demonstrate a commitment to protect the child; and

(ii) the presence of effective protective behaviors within the family.

(2) Preparing the family for case closure.  Bringing the working relationship between the CW worker and family to closure before closing the case is essential.  The CW worker must separate from the family while continuing to support and encourage them.  The CW worker increases the emphasis on the family initiating their own efforts.  Family contacts from the CW worker during this stage are gradually decreased while family self-help efforts are increased. 

(A) The determination to close a case is a joint decision with the CW worker and the family.  The CW worker discusses and reviews with the family all critical elements of CW intervention, at which time the family is empowered to express their opinions and feelings, and encouraged to provide constructive feedback to CW.

(B) The CW worker submits the aftercare plan for the family to the CW supervisor for review and approval.

(i) When the written documentation for case closure and aftercare planning are approved, the CW worker formalizes the case closing with the family.

(ii) The CW worker meets with the family to discuss the aftercare plan.  The family is encouraged to contact the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in the future if help is needed.

(C) The CW worker closes the case record by completing all appropriate documentation on KIDS and submitting it to the CW supervisor for final approval.