AG 2000 06 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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BrielT¥ describe what the program expects to achieve and why. The narrative should address each of the items (1) Identify the staff and their responsibilittes to the program, (2) describe the physical facilities in which the services will be delivered, (3) a~scuss any areas of concern that could affect the success of the program (4) discuss why these resources used in the manner described shouM be expected to alter inappropriate behavior, (5) describe the referral, screening and admission procedures, (6) describe the means of wor/ang with youth and families, (7) describe the daily program activities and, (8) describe the termination procedures and (9} interaction with juvenile court. This large number of youth coming into our court system places a strain on the ability of the District Court Judges, Juvenile Court Counselors, and Social Services systems to be able to meet the particular problems for the foster care and group home placement service sin the county. All possible measures must be taken to prevent the inappropriate placement of children into foster care where possible. Many times intervention while the youth is in the home can reduce multiple disruptions in the child's life is placement in more than one facility becomes necessary. Also children who experience behavior or emotional problems often have disrupted out-of-home placements. The multiple placements further complicate the youth's ability to cope and may trigger greater disruptive behavior such as acting out, run away, etc. At that point, the task of reuniting the child with the family may become even more difficult. Some parents develop a tendency to "throw away" children once they are placed out of the home, leaving the child with no home to return to, resulting in long term foster care. Referrals to the Home-Based program by District Court Judges and Juvenile Court Counselors, may help to insure that all community resources are fully utilized prior to custody being placed with Department of Social Services and out-of-home placement. Child Welfare Agencies make "reasonable efforts" to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of a child from his home, and to have implemented a preplacement preventive services program designed to help children remain with their families. All services offered prior to a child's placement in foster care are evidence of compliance with this mandate. This must be done in order to receive federal foster care funds. This program is staffed by three full-time social workers. The workers' schedule is flexible in that the worker may be making home visits and contact with the youth and his family after the normal worldng hours of the agency. Some referrals to the program are by telephone. Other referrals to the program are in written form and completed by the referring agency assisted by the social worker. The referral is reviewed by the supervisor of the home-based workers. Following acceptance of the referral, an intake and assessment interview occurs. This initial interview involves the youth, his family, and the referral agent if appropriate. Out of this discussion results the development ora service plan for the youth and his family. Individual and family work are the primary intervention strategies involved for the home-based worker. The worker attempts to provide support for the family and enhance the coping skills of family and youth. Each case is staffed weekly by the worker and other individuals deemed appropriate who have interest in the family's situation and treatment. Besides counseling, the worker attempts to engage other community resources which may be helpful to the family and~referrals are made to other community agencies.