OKDHS - OAC 340:75-4-14. Termination of voluntary Family-Centered Services

340:75-4-14. Termination of voluntary Family-Centered Services

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Revised 3-26-10

(a) Terminating CW involvement. The primary criterion for closing a case is the determination that the behaviors or conditions that resulted in threats to child safety have changed, caregiver protective capacities are sufficient, and there are no longer threats to child safety. The family, CW worker, and CW supervisor are involved in the determination that the child's health, safety, and welfare is ensured. • 1

(b) Developing an aftercare plan. An aftercare plan is jointly developed with the family. The CW worker:

(1) determines whether the family needs further services or assistance, and provides any needed referrals for community services;
(2) advises the family of signs that might indicate a need for services in the future; and
(3) provides the family with information about whom to contact for help.

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-4-14

Revised 3-26-10

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

(1) Determining whether to close the case. When the family demonstrates behavioral changes and increased protective capacities the CW worker determines with input from the family and other service providers, the family's readiness for decreasing the frequency of contacts. The CW worker obtains approval of the CW supervisor prior to decreasing contacts. Before initiating steps to close the case, the CW worker and CW supervisor staff the case. Prior to case closure the CW worker:

(A) completes Form 04KI030E, Assessment of Child Safety, and determines the child is safe and the protective capacities of the person responsible for the child are sufficient for continued safety; and
(B) develops, through a family team meeting or case closure discussion meeting, a plan for informal supports, such as extended family, friends, and neighbors or formal supports, such as Comprehensive Home Based Service (CHBS), parent aide, child care services, medical services, Temporary Assistance for Needy families (TANF), and other community resources to continue if requested by 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, CW supervisor, 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. A family team meeting may be offered to the family prior to closure.

(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.

(iii) If Oklahoma Children's Services (OCS), CHBS, or parent aide services are to continue after closure of the case, the CW worker provides notice of planned closure date to the OCS liaison to resume oversight of services.

(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.

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