Case Plans & Staffings

A case plan is required for every child and family receiving ongoing services from DCS, consistent with the requirements of federal and state law. The case plan is a document that identifies what behavioral changes are required from the parent and/or the child to address the safety threats and risk factors that caused the child to be removed from the home and/or prevent the child from living safely at home without DCS involvement. The case plan identifies the case goal for the child (permanency), services/supports to be provided to achieve the behavioral changes, person responsible, and planned date of review. The case plan also must include what services/supports will be provided to assure the child's health, behavior, educational, and independent living needs. The case plan is written and developed with the family. If the parent is not able or willing to participate in the development of the case plan, it will be noted in the plan. The DCS Specialist must provide parents with a copy of the case plan. This proposed case plan must be a part of the report that is submitted to the court at the time of the Preliminary Protective Hearing.

A staffing is a meeting held with parents and others who are providing services to the family to develop or review the case plan. At the first staffing the permanent case plan is developed. Parents are encouraged and expected to be involved in this planning process. Staffings also provide an opportunity for all participants to discuss progress, exchange ideas and suggestions, and to work together cooperatively to resolve family problems. Regular staffings are scheduled at least every six months to discuss case progress.