Legal Authority/Introduction

LEGAL AUTHORITY

• CAPTA 106(b)(2)(B)

• 922 KAR 1:430 Child protective services in-home case planning and service delivery

Procedure

The SSW: 

1. Initiates completion of the ongoing case plan evaluation/ongoing assessment within thirty (30) days prior to closure;
2. Considers whether:
1. The factors and high risk behaviors causing maltreatment are resolved to the point that the parent or guardian can protect and meet the needs of the children;
2. The documented risk of maltreatment is reduced to the point that the parent or guardian can protect and meet the needs of the children; or
3. The case planning goals have been achieved;
3. Discusses with the family the possibility of case closure concurrent to the completion of the new ongoing assessment;
4. Documents the mutual agreement to close the case;
5. Provides the court at least fourteen (14) days advance notice, in writing, of the intention to close the case, if there is court involvement;
6. Works with the family in developing an aftercare plan that focuses on preventing maltreatment, including elements related to a plan of safe care if applicable (referenced in SOP 1.15 Working with Families Affected by Substance Misuse);
7. Links the family to community resources as necessary;
8. Provides the family, including identified fathers as outlined in SOP 4.14 Family Attachment and Involvement with the following forms:
1. DPP-154A Notice of Intended Action, advising of the intention to close the case; and
2. DPP-154 Protection and Permanency Service Appeal, advising of the right to a fair hearing;
9. Summarizes the reason for closure in the ongoing disposition TWIST screens including the following information:
1. Discussion and agreement with the family of the mutual agreement to close the case;
2. If court involvement, the date the court was sent notice {at least fourteen (14) days advance notice, in writing, of the intention to close the case};
3. Rationale for case closure:
1. The factors causing maltreatment is reduced to the point that the parent or guardian can protect and meet the needs of the children;
2. The documented risk of maltreatment is reduced to the point that the parent or guardian can protect and meet the needs of the children; and
3. The case planning goals have been achieved.
4. A description of the community resources the family has been linked to in the aftercare plan.
10. Closes the case immediately, if the forms are hand delivered unless the client disagrees with the closure;
11. Waits ten (10) days prior to closing the case if the forms are sent via U.S. mail. 
    

Contingencies and Clarifications

• When incorporating a plan of safe care into an after care plan, the worker ensures that the aftercare plan specifies what service provider will be working with the family to ensure delivery of services.