REGIONAL PLAN FOR CHILD WELFARE SERVICES

TITLE IV-B PART I, IV-B PART II

SSBG, CFCIP

For year 2004-2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN

II. SERVICE CATEGORIES, DEFINITIONS, TARGET POPULATION, CASE RECORD DOCUMENTATION, DESIRED OUTCOMES, AND SERVICE ACCESS

  1. Prevention and Support Services (Family Support)
  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access
  1. Crisis Intervention (Family Preservation)
  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access
  1. Time-Limited Family Reunification Services
  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access
  1. Adoption Promotion and Support Services
  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

E. Foster Care Maintenance

  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

F. Adoption Subsidy Payment

  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

G. Foster/Adoptive/Kinship Parent Training

  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

H. Foster Parent Support Services

  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

I. Custody Studies, Step-Parent Adoption Studies, Foster Home Studies/Updates/Relicensing Studies

  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

J. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP)

  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

K. CFCIP – Room and Board

  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

L. CFCIP – Youth Advisory Boards

  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

M. CFCIP Caseworker

  1. Definition of Services
  2. Target Population
  3. Case Record Documentation
  4. Desired Outcomes
  5. Service Access

N. Staff Development

  1. Target Population

Documentation

O. Non Standardized Programs

  1. Documentation

2. Identifying funding source

  1. SERVICE STANDARDS AND APPROVED RATES
  1. Service Standards
  2. Standardized Rates
  3. Non Standardized Program Specification Grid

IV. PROGRAM PROPOSAL STEPS

  1. Identifying Prospective Providers
  2. Program Specification Sheet
  3. Distribution
  4. Program Proposal Format
  5. Completed Proposal
  6. Minority Business Enterprise Participation Plan

V. EVALUATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

  1. Progress Report
  2. Annual Evaluation for Regional Services
  1. Title IV-B Part I & Part II, SSBG
  2. Adoption
  3. CFCIP

VI.REGION REVIEWING AND PLANNING PROCEDURES

A.Steps To Be Taken In Reviewing Program Proposals
1.Notification of Completed Proposals
2.Review of Program Proposal
3.Access to Completed Proposals
  1. Negotiations
  2. Scoring and Acceptance of Proposals

VII.COMPLETION OF PLAN

A.Face Sheet
  1. Coordinator’s Check List
  2. Program Summary Sheet
  3. Application for use of Federal Child Welfare Services Funds (Form 660)
  1. Submission of Plan for Approval
  1. Revision or Additions to Approved Plan
  1. Revision of Approved Plan
  2. New Program Addition to Approved Plan
  1. General Service Delivery

VIII.FISCAL INFORMATION

A.State
  1. Region
  1. Regional Records
  2. Committee Meeting Minutes
  3. Transfer of Funds
  1. Internal Transfers

IX.CLAIMS PROCESSING/DOCUMENTATION

  1. Contract Checklist
  2. Time Table
  3. Allocations

X.APPLICATION FORMS---i.e. 660 FORMS

A. IV-B Part I, IV-B Part II, & SSBG

B. CFCIP

ATTACHMENT A
  1. Service Standards

a. Regional Child Welfare Services Coordinator

b. Diagnostic and Evaluation

c. Counseling Individual/Family

d. Home-Based Therapy

e. Intensive Home-Based Casework Services

f. Parent/Child/Sibling Visit Facilitation

g. Homemaker/Parent Aid

h. Transportation

i. Pre/Post-Placement and Post-Adoption Services

j. Family Preparation for Adoption

k. Child Preparation for Adoption

l. Foster/Adoptive/Kinship Caregiver Training

m.Foster Family Support Services

n. CFCIP-Independent Living Caseworker

o. CFCIP Foster Care Independence Program

p. CFCIP Room and Board

q. CFCIP Youth Advisory Board

  1. State Guidelines for Service Unit Rates
  2. Non Standardized Program Specification Grid

ATTACHMENT B

  1. Program Specification Sheet (to be completed by the Child Welfare Services Coordinator)
  2. Program Proposal and Instructions
  3. Evaluation Form
  4. Amendment Sheet

ATTACHMENT C

  1. Instructions for Progress Report and Program Evaluation
  2. Program Progress Report for Title IV-B Part I, IV-B Part II, SSBG, and CFCIP
  3. Evaluation Format for Title IV-B Part I, IV-B Part II, SSBG, and CFCIP

ATTACHMENT D

  1. Face Sheet
  2. Program Summary Sheet
  3. Application (Form 660) for Title IV-B Part I and II, SSBG, CFCIP with Room and Board Attachment
  4. Instructions for Completing Application for Title IV-B Part I, IV-B Part II, SSBG (Form 660)
  5. Instructions for Completing Application for CFCIP (Form660)

ATTACHMENT E

  1. Claims Processing

CFCIP

All Client Based Services

  1. Documentation

Allocations

3. Time Table

Division of Family and Children/Bureau of Family Protection and Preservation Table Of Contents

Regional Plan for Child Welfare Services - 10/01/2004 through 9/30/ 2006

TITLE IV-B PART I & II, SSBG, SNAP, INDEPENDENT LIVING

REGIONAL PLAN

I.DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONAL PLAN

The Regional Plan for Child Welfare Services contains fifteen service categories:

1)Prevention and Support Services (Family Support);

2)Crisis Intervention (Family Preservation),

3)Time-Limited Family Reunification Services;

4)Adoption Promotion and Support Services;

5)Foster Care Maintenance;

6)Adoption Subsidy Payment;

7)Foster/ Adoptive/Kinship Parent Training;

8)Foster Parent Support Services;

9)Custody Studies, Step-Parent Adoption Studies, Foster Parent Home Studies/Updates/Relicensing Studies;

10)Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP);

11)CFCIP Room and Board;

12)CFCIP Youth Advisory Boards;

13)CFCIP Caseworker;

14)Staff Development; and

15)Non-Standardized Programs (foster parent event, camping, etc.).

This plan includes four different Child Welfare federal/state/county funding sources: Title IV-B Part I, Title IV-B Part II, SSBG, and Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP).Each funding source has guidelines on services that are appropriate to fund.The service categories as well as the service standards in Attachment A have listed the funding that can be used for that particular category or service.

Grantees submitting Request for Funding Proposal shall agree to provide services in a manner described in the Service Plan for 2004-2006 for: IV-B Part 1 Funding;

IV-B Part 2 Funding; SSBG; Chafee Foster Care Independent Program funding (CFCIP); and CountyFunding.

Grantees submitting Request for Funding Proposals agree to claim for all services in an amount not to exceed the service rates set forth in the State’s contract for: IV-B Part 1 Funding; IV-B Part 2 Funding; SSBG; Chafee Foster Care Independent Program funding (CFCIP); and CountyFunding.

Grantees submitting Request for Funding Proposals agree that CountyFunding will be considered the payor of last resort.

Development of the Regional Plan involves the following: completion of the progress report; evaluation of current service needs and possible development of new services; decision to continue, expand or discontinue current services; and monitoring the progress toward the long-range goals.

II. SERVICE CATEGORIES, DEFINITIONS, TARGET POPULATION, CASE RECORD DOCUMENTATION, AND OBJECTIVES

II.APrevention and Support Services (Family Support)

Funding Source: IV-B I and II; SSBG; IL (IV-B Part II funds can be used for independent living for foster care youth)

II.A.1Definition of Services

This category is designed to cover payment for community–based services which promote the well-being of children and families and is designed to strengthen and stabilize families (including adoptive, foster, and extended families).They are preventive services designed to alleviate stress and help parents care for their children’s well being before a crisis occurs.

Services may include: 1) respite care for parents and other caregivers; 2) early developmental screening of children; 3) mentoring, tutoring, and health education for youth; 4) a range of center-based activities (informal interactions in drop-in centers, parent support groups); 5) services designed to increase parenting skills; and 6) counseling and home visiting activities. Client specific services are the identified priority for Family Support Services. Funds for other than client specific services (such as Little Bear, Kids on the Block, etc) are at the discretion of the local office director.

II.A.2Target Population

1)Children and families that are considered “at risk” of abuse and neglect.

2)Families and children that the local office have identified through reports of abuse or neglect or other Community Partners as needing services to avoid child abuse and neglect.

3)Families voluntarily receiving services through the local office of Child Servicescould be served through this program such as a voluntary service referral, Service Referral Agreement, or Informal Adjustment.

II.A.3Case Record Documentation

For individual service:

1)Copy of referral letter or form to service provider for client specific services;

2)Documentation of all family members participating in specific services including name, address, age, and gender; and

3)Records documenting actual participation dates of all services provided with written goals and objectives and progress toward goals.

For group service:

Letter from requesting agency identifying the name or type and location of activity, length of time of activity, expected number of adults and children to be served, and the requested funds for the activity.

Within thirty days of the activity, a report must be submitted identifying the name or type of the activity, location of the activity, length of time the activity was held, the number of adults and children participating in the activity, and a cost accounting of the activity based on funds made available.

II.A.4Desired Outcomes

1)Reduce the number of reports of substantiated abuse and neglect in “at risk” families.

2)Increase the number of preventative services available to families and children and the number of families receiving them.

3)Increase active parenting skills and parental involvement in their children’s lives.

4)For individual services see Attachment A under service standards for specific service outcomes.

II.A.5 Service Access

Services must be accessed through a DCS referral or a referral from a DCS approved source.

II.BCrisis Intervention (Family Preservation)

Funding Source: IV-B I and II; SSBG

II.B.1 Definition of Services

This category is designed to provide services for children and families to help families (including adoptive and extended families) at risk or in crisis including services to assist families in preventing disruption and the unnecessary removal of children from their home (as appropriate). They help to maintain the safety of children in their own homes, support families preparing to reunify or adopt, and assist families in obtaining other services to meet multiple needs. Reunification services are also included in this category which could assist children in returning to their families or placement in adoption or legal guardianship with relatives.These services may include follow-up care to families to whom the child has been returned after placement and other reunification services.

Services may include: 1) intensive home-based casework; 2) home-based therapy; 3) individual/family counseling; 4) parent/ child/sibling visit facilitation; 5) pre/post placement and post-adoptive support services; 6) counseling; 7) family preparation for adoption; 8) child preparation for adoption; 9) case management; 10) day care; 11) respite services; 12) homemaker/parent aid services; and 13) services designed to increase parenting skills, family budgeting, and coping with stress, health, and nutrition. See service standards in Attachment A for specific services.

II.B.2Target Population

1)Children and families for whom a Child Protection Service investigation has been initiated.

2)Children and families who meet the requirements for CHINS 6 (“substantially endangers the child’s own health or the health of another and needs care, treatment or rehabilitation that the child is not receiving…”).

3)A family that adopts or plans to adopt an abused or neglected child who is at risk of placement or adoption disruption by assisting the family to achieve or maintain a stable, successful adoption of the child.

4)Children and families who are currently in substitute care and who are in need of reunification/permanent placement services.

Probation youth are not excluded if they meet the criteria in number 2, 3, or 4 above and provide the required case record documentation listed below.

II.B.3Case Record Documentation

Necessary case record documentation for service eligibility must include one through four of the following:

1)A DCS 310 or 310 and 311 report of abuse or neglect; or

2)An Informal Adjustment Program on file; or

3)A CHINS Petition or CHINS Adjudication (if declared a CHINS 6, documentation as indicated in the Juvenile Code is required; or

4)A Case Plan indicating a need for reunification or permanent placement services; and

5)Agreed upon goals and objectives to be achieved during the course of the intervention;

6)Documentation of regular contact with the referred families and children and referring agency;

7)Written progress reports regarding the family and children provided to the referring agency.

II.B.4Desired Outcomes

The service documentation must include one or more of the following:

1)Increase the number of families served in their own home that remain intact without removal of a child(ren).

2)Reduce the number of reports of substantiated child abuse and neglect in families served in their own homes.

3)Reduce the number of placements of children in substitute care.

4)Decrease the length of stay when substitute care is necessary.

5)Increase the number of children reunited with their families following substitute care placement.

6)Increase the number of permanent placements of children for whom reunification with their family is not possible (includes adoptive, relative, and guardian placements, as well as emancipation services.

7)Increase the number of children and families who receive post-placement adoptive services.

8)Increase the number of families served in their own home once the child is returned to reduce recidivism or abuse/neglect.

9)For specific service outcomes, see Attachment A under service standards.

II.B.5 Service Access

Services must be accessed through a DCS referral.

II.CTime-Limited Family Reunification Services

Funding Source: IV-B I and II; SSBG

II.C.1Definition of Services

This category covers services and activities that are provided to a child that is placed in a foster family home or other out-of-home placement and the child’s parents or primary caregiver, in order to facilitate reunification of the child safely and appropriately within a timely fashion.These services can only be provided during the 15-month period that begins on the date the child is considered to have entered out-of-home care, pursuant to section 475(5)(f).

Services and activities that can be provided under this category include: 1) intensive home-based casework; 2) home-based therapy; 3) individual/

family counseling; 4) inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment services; 5) parent/child/sibling visit facilitation; 6) case management; 7) temporary child care; 8) assistance to address domestic violence; 9) homemaker/parent aid services; and 10) transportation to and from any of the services. See service standards in Attachment A.

II.C.2Target Population

1)Children and families for whom Child Protective Services has substantiated allegations of abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse and the child(ren) have been removed from the home and are in substitute care.

2)Children and families who meet the requirements for CHINS 6 (“substantially endangers the child’s own health or the health of another and needs care, treatment or rehabilitation that the child is not receiving who have been removed from the home and are in substitute care”).

Probation youth are not excluded if they meet the criteria in number 2 and provide the required case record documentation listed below.

II.C.3Case Record Documentation

Necessary case record documentation for service eligibility must include one of the following:

1)A DCS 311 substantiated report of abuse or neglect; or

2)A CHINS Petition or CHINS Adjudication (if declared a CHINS 6, documentation as indicated in the Juvenile Code is required; or

3)A Case Plan indicating reunification as the permanent plan; and

4)Agreed upon goals and objectives to be achieved during the course of the intervention;

5)Documentation of regular contact with the referred families and children and referring agency;

6)Written progress reports regarding the family and children provided to the referring agency.

II.C.4Desired Outcomes

1)Reduce the number of placements of children in substitute care.

2)Decrease the length of stay when substitute care is necessary.

3)Increase the number of children reunited with their families following substitute care placement.

4)Obtain reunification within the assigned time frame by ensuring a safe, stable environment for the child(ren).

5)For specific service outcomes, see Attachment A under service standards.

II.C.5 Service Access

Services can only be accessed through a LOFC referral.

II.DAdoption Promotion and Support Services

Funding Source: IV-B I and II

II.D.1Definition of Services

Services and activities available are designed to encourage more adoptions out of the foster care system, when adoptions promote the best interest of children. Such services and activities are designed to expedite the adoption process and support adoptive families. This includes preparing the child for adoption with regard to loyalty, grief, and loss issues related to their birth family as well as evaluating a prospective adoptive family and making a recommendation regarding appropriateness of the family to adopt special needs children.

Services in this category include: 1) family preparation for adoption; 2) child preparation for adoption; 3) pre/post placement and post-adoption services, 4) respite care, and 5) counseling. See service standards in attachment A.

II.D.2Target Population

1)Foster parents and foster children in their care that have expressed an interest in adoption.

2)Pre-adoptive parents and adoptive parents with recently adopted children.

3)Long term adoptive parents experiencing challenges with their adopted children.

4)Families who have successfully completed the Pre-Service Foster/ Adoption/Kinship Parents/Caregiver Training and are interested in adopting.

5)Families who are interested in parenting children who have suffered abuse or neglect.

6)Families who are interested in adopting children with serious medical and/or developmental challenges, older children, and sibling groups who are in the custody of the State of Indiana.