Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development PATHWAYS TO STRENGTHENING AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN ILLINOIS Module 3A Safety Assessment

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Are safety assessments any different today than they were in 1992, when CERAP was introduced?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Is the assessment of safety the same throughout the state? - Rural? - Urban? - Etc?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Myth or Fact? If a child is not placed in a foster home, that child is considered safe? At case closing, safety is no longer an issue? Others?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development How do we engage in order to gather information for the safety assessment?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development How will the different engagement styles impact safety assessment?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Can you ask the tough safety questions? How do you explore conflicting information?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Is the safety assessment of children by child welfare staff any different than that of investigators?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Safety Assessment (Contd) Is it different regionally? –How do you get past the locked wrought iron gate (Cook, etc.)? –How do you engage the parents who run a Meth lab? (Southern, Central, Northern)

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Safety Assessments (Contd) What are the challenges you have with engaging the following regarding safety assessments? –Non-English Speakers –Deaf & Hard of Hearing –Belligerent Clients –Intoxicated Clients (high, buzzed, etc.) –Others

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Safety Interviewing You were just assigned the Hayes case. You are meeting Mr. Hayes for the first time. His 6 year-old son Shawn came into PC when he was found home alone, with no food during a weekend Mr. Hayes spent gambling at the river boat casino. PC was allowed to lapse when the child identified his PGM as a resource until his dad returned. Mr. Hayes wife left the family three months ago due to his inability to stay sober and employed. Her current whereabouts are unknown.

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development How do you go about gathering safety information? Plan the interview Slow down and think about one case at a time Avoid self-disclosure Think quickly / Think on your feet

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Interviewing Parents & Other Adults Challenges & Concerns? –Receiving information / providing information –Sharing time frames

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Interviewing Parents & Other Adults (Contd) Challenges & Concerns? –Focusing on child well-being & safety –Eliciting parents concerns

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Interviewing Parents & Other Adults (Contd) Challenges & Concerns? –Informing parents of resources –Discovering other adults in the household & their roles

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development When are safety assessments completed for DR cases?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development CFS Initial Initial safety assessment on the childs home environment –within 24 hours of seeing the child, –but no later than five working days after assignment of a child welfare referral.

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development CFS 1441 Milestones Used to assess the childs home environment: –Every 3 months from the case opening date –Preceding supervisory quarterly and 6-month review of the client service plan –Childs permanency goal no longer appropriate (including Intact case disruptions) –The needs of the child and family are no longer being met by the current service plan

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development CFS 1441 Milestones (Contd) Used to assess the childs home environment (Contd): –When there are substantial changes in the family –When considering whether to close an Intact service case

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development CFS 1441 Milestones (Contd) Used to assess the childs home environment (Contd): –Within 5 working days after there is a determination that any child in the family is unsafe and a safety plan is implemented Reassess every 5 working days until all children are safe or removed

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development CFS 1441 Milestones (Contd) Used to assess the childs home environment (Contd): –When an Intact Family Services case is opened during a pending Child Protection investigation Intact worker is responsible for completing subsequent 5-day safety assessments Investigator responsible for implementing safety actions until investigation is completed

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development CFS 1441 Milestones (Contd) Used to assess the childs home environment (Contd): –Within five calendar days prior to closing the familys case if an assessment was not completed immediately prior to supervisory approval of the critical decision.

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What are your challenges regarding interviewing children regarding safety? How do you minimize the trauma to the child during your interview?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Sample Contact Note Contact Type: In person Sub Category: Visit – Child/Worker, Visit - Caregiver Contact Date/Time: 08/17/2008 2:00PM (60 minutes.) Interviewee: Joseph Freeman Contact About: Joseph Freeman Location: Residence Address of Interview: 2944 Chestnut Lane, Crete, IL On 8/17/09 (DATE), Worker, Ben Thomas, visited Joseph in his mothers home (PLACE). Worker met alone with Joseph (WHO WAS PRESENT) who reported that his mother has not hit him since she completed drug treatment and started attending parenting classes. He stated she talks to him much more now. (GOAL – REMAIN HOME) He is waiting to see what happens with the upcoming Christmas vacation, when hes at home for two weeks (SAFETY MILESTONE). Joseph said his mother has often made promises she did not keep, so he doubts hell get the I-Pod he wants. Joseph said that he feels respected and protected at his mothers house. Joseph reports that he doesnt worry about being hit as much anymore. (PURPOSE OF VISIT – SAFETY). At the next visit, this worker will discuss with Joseph and his mother whether he would benefit from a referral to address current losses (fathers death) and other issues related to growing up in a substance abusing home and observing domestic violence (FOLLOW UP ACTIONS).

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Effectiveness Effectiveness 75% of what we learn by sensory is lost within 24 hours

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Recording and Documentation Efficiency –The longer you put it off, the longer it takes to do it (Procrastination is never a good thing). –We lose 75% of information if we dont record it within 1 hour. Healthcare professionals Police –We spend an equal amount of time recreating the information, if we wait 24 hours.

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Activity – On a blank sheet of paper record the following: 1.Record the relevant and material information you recall from yesterday at this time of day. 2.Record everything you saw and heard from the last hour.

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What is the 50 minute hour? Present PracticeFuture Practice 1.Visit client; interview client; conclude visit; possibly take notes to document later. 1.Visit client; interview client; conclude visit; document /complete case recording immediately. 2.Try to recall earlier interview; check notes 3.Complete paperwork (separate event)

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Recording and Documentation (Contd) The note is a legal document –Statewide Uniform Case Recording –Accurate –Timely –Complete –Outcome-focused Memorializes the casework

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development If facts, information and evidence are not recorded, it did not happen; this discredits, disrespects and devalues the memory and importance of the casework time and effort, and the information or evidence given and collected. Whenever possible, write it once. (Prevents doing same work two or more times) Recording and Documentation (Contd)

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Why is the Hand-off Conference important? Note: Its especially important if there are children still in the home while others are in placement!

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Hand-off Conference Required Documentation SACWIS Intake Report; CFS , Hispanic Client Language Determination Form (if applicable); SACWIS case notes and service referral information; Child Endangerment Risk Assessment, approved by the child protection supervisor; SACWIS Risk Assessment Summary; CFS 440-5, Adult Substance Abuse Screen; SACWIS/CANTS 17A-DV, Domestic Violence Screen; Law Enforcement Agency Data System (LEADS) information SACWIS/CANTS18 - Paramour Assessment Checklist

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Topics to be Discussed at Transitional Visits Identified safety and risk concernsIdentified safety and risk concerns Service needs Departments involvement with the family –Schools –Doctors –Family Meetings Worker contact information Consents for release of information:

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What are those practices that enhance time management/organizational skills? How do you currently… … prioritize tasks? … avoid time wasters in your work day? … work smarter not harder? … use the Travel/Activity form in your specific job position?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Safety Assessment Module Summary Questions & Concerns? –Safety Assessment –Interviewing –Recording & Documentation –Time Management/Organizational Skills –Case Opening Protocol

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What strategies do you use to start your day? …what are your working habits that enhance safety assessment?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What Are Your Resources? Who and what do you have to help you get the job done?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Who are you accountable to?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Who are you accountable for?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What are you accountable for?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What is the role of the Supervisor? … Supervisors manager? …Managers administrator? …Administrators Deputy Director?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development The role of a supervisor is to... Carry out the goals & objectives of the Dept. Create & maintain a good working environment. Train the worker. Model appropriate skills. Help the worker develop professionally. Assign work. Reward and recommend discipline. Set clear expectations & standards. Remove barriers. Review work. Provide feedback. Manage time. Make decisions. Follow established expectations

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development How are you impacted by Collective Bargaining? …whether unionized or not, supervisors have the responsibility to manage, provide leadership and direction to the planning and conducting of the work.

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Assigning Work (Small Group Discussion) 1.When assigning cases, what factors do you consider? 2.How do you actually assign the case? 3.What factors do you consider when assigning non-placement related work? 4.How do you utilize your Advanced Specialists?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development If you have staff who perform at a lower level than you would like, how do you raise the bar on their performance? What do you want? When do you want it? What level of quality do you want?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What are some of the challenges your staff face? What can you do about it?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What might happen if you dont check the work you assign? Why is it important to continue to check the work of even your best, most consistent worker?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development How do you solve the following? Team is accumulating OT, liquidating all their sick and vacation time, but your team is lagging behind in case closures.

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Making Decisions. What are the important decisions you have to make? What other decisions do you have to make on a regular basis? What information do you gather? What factors do you weigh in making those decisions?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Do you reward your team? How did you reward your team in the past month?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What stage of team building is your team at? Team Building - The act of involvement and participation for the transfer of ownership, accountability, responsibility, and positive support. Forming Storming Norming Performing

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Decide or Drift or Drown When you have a challenging team…

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development When something goes wrong…

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development What does corrective action mean?

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Team Building Activity Develop concrete realistic change management strategies for the upcoming implementation of the Enhanced Safety Assessment

Erwin McEwen Director Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Pathways to Strengthening and Supporting Families Program March 30, 2010 Division of Service Support, Office of Training and Professional Development Management & Supervision Summary Team Building Coaching Mentoring Accountability Questions & Concerns