PowerPoint Presentation for Family Finding: Evaluation

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation Competency Competency: ▫207-4: The Child Welfare Professional can use assessment data to collaboratively develop an appropriate, culturally competent case plan with the family, and can develop and link supportive family and community resources. 2

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation Learning Objectives Participants will be able to: ▫Identify how the Family Finding model supports casework best practice and child welfare legislation and guidance. ▫Put into action the Family Finding model and related techniques.. 3

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation Steps One though Four Review What are the six steps of the Family Finding model? What are the best practice steps to work within the confines of assuring confidentiality? What are the goals of a Blended Perspectives Meeting? What are the goals of the Family Finding Decision Making step? What are some of the benefits of using Family Group Decision Making as Family Finding’s Decision Making step? 4

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation Step Five: Evaluation Goal: ▫An inclusive, individualized, and unconditional plan to achieve legal and emotional permanency has been created with a timeline for completion. Source: Campbell, Kevin. Family Finding: Workshop Presented by Kevin Campbell. 5

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation Step Five: Evaluation (cont’d) Practice: ▫The team has successfully “foreseen” the likelihood that their plans for the child or young person are safe, stable, and lasting. Adults who are caring for the child have adequate and lasting support and key relationships with siblings, family members, and others important to the child continue. Source: Campbell, Kevin. Family Finding: Workshop Presented by Kevin Campbell. 6

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation Definition of Foresight An act or the power of foreseeing Provident care An act of looking forward; also: a view forward Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary,

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation The Need to Provide Supports and Evaluate Them Parents with a social network often find it is easier to care for their children and themselves. Most parents need people they can call when they need a sympathetic listener, advice, or concrete support. Research shows that parents who are isolated, with few social connections, are at higher risk for child abuse and neglect. 8

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation The Need to Provide Supports and Evaluate Them (cont’d) Families who can meet their own basic needs… and who know how to access essential services … are better able to ensure child safety and well-being. Some families may also need assistance connecting to social service supports… Partnering with parents to identify and access these resources in the community may help prevent the stress that sometimes precipitates child maltreatment. Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway, Children's Bureau, FRIENDS National Resource Center For Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention,

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation The Need to Provide Supports and Evaluate Them (cont’d) Services secure the link between existing needs and desired outcomes. For services to be relevant and effective, workers [and family] must systematically and continuously gather information and evaluate the needs of children and parents/caregivers as well as the ability of family members to use their strengths to address their problems. Source: Schene,

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation Evaluation Differences Family Group Decision Making primarily requires the evaluation of one plan and possibly a backup. Family Finding requires the evaluation of at least three plans. Family Group Decision Making does not always end in permanency as the practice covers a vast array of purposes. Family Finding’s ultimate goal is to find safe, permanent home for the child/youth as written in the Big Unmet Need Statement. Therefore, what is considered when evaluating successful plan iterations may be slightly different at times. 11

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation When to Use Questions and Considerations Given to the family at the end of a FGDM or other decision-making meeting to evaluate their plans. During supervision with caseworkers At court hearings During case acceptance or case closure meetings During every home visit with families During telephone contacts with members of the team or FGDM meeting participants Before referring the family for another FGDM meeting 12

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program Trainer Resource #5, Slideof : Family Finding: Evaluation Summary and Wrap-Up 13