Ongoing Services Worker Information When opening a case for Ongoing Services the reason for agency intervention must be shared with all involved. This is required for voluntary or court ordered cases. The reason for intervention directs case planning. It also clarifies the roles of caseworkers, formal and informal providers. Services provided are based on inclusive assessments and discussions with the family. This process establishes goals that achieve measurable outcomes. The primary role of the caseworker in Ongoing Services is to engage families in a positive working relationship. This is crucial in achieving a safe, stable home and permanence for children. Safety Child Protective Services (CPS) implements and manages sufficient, feasible, and sustainable safety plans to control impending danger. Implementing a safety plan does not mean a child is safe. It means the impending danger is controlled through an in-home safety plan (link to in-home ongoing services webpage). When assessing safety, workers should refer to CPS Safety Intervention Standards. An out-of-home placement is necessary if safety cannot be managed in the home. When out-of-home placement is required, agencies must determine whether the placement environment is safe. Workers should refer to the Ongoing Services Standards section “Confirming a Safe Environment when Children are placed in Out-of-Home Care”. Confirming Safe Environment Ongoing Services Worker Information provides additional direction. Placement continues until protective capacities are established and safety threats are eliminated. Permanence Permanency planning occurs when a child is in out-of-home care. Goals are set for the child to establish permanency in a timely manner and reviewed every 6 months. Whenever possible, permanency is achieved through reunification, guardianship or adoption. For more information on permanency planning see the Ongoing Services Standards Permanence section. Ongoing Out-of-Home Care Services Worker Information provides additional direction. Well-Being A child’s well-being depends on the caretaker’s ability to meet their needs. This includes a child’s: physical health mental health behavioral health educational needs cultural needs Agencies should assess children’s and adult’s needs in these areas throughout the case process. These needs are to be addressed as part of case planning activities. Children and families should be engaged in the service process. This builds and maintains a trusting, supportive working relationship. More information on case planning requirements is in the Ongoing Services Standards. Safe Case Closure Safe case closure occurs when a child is: Safe Protected In a permanent and stable home The agency works with the family to establish supports before ending involvement. These supports include the family network or community. Supports may be new or strengthened. Resources Wisconsin Safe at Home Confidentiality Program eWiSACWIS User Guide provides guidance relating to documentation of a Safe at Home participant’s address information on eWiSACWIS. Safe at Home: A Desk Guide for Child Welfare Agencies is a desk guide that provides general case practice guidance for local agencies when working with a child, family, or out-of-home care provider enrolled in Safe at Home. Wisconsin Child Welfare Dashboards presents information on county practice surrounding Ongoing Services.
