Transcript Engaging Families in Case Planning through Linkages

Engaging Families in Case
Planning through Linkages
Linkages Fall Convening – September 9, 2008
Debbie Benavente, Tulare County
Leslie Ann Hay, CFPIC Project Associate
Jennifer Valencia, Stanislaus County
Workshop learning objectives
Consider how collaboration enhances
family engagement.
 Learn the variety of methods being used
by Linkages counties to involve families in
case planning.
 Observe specific techniques (video) for
actively engaging families in their futures.
 See examples of case plan documentation
that preserves authentic family voice &
choice.
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Linkages and family engagement:
what’s the connection?
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Integrative power of collaboration: economic
self-sufficiency helps reduce maltreatment risk;
more stability at home improves likelihood of
work participation.
Recognize and meet basic needs of families first
(think Maslow’s hierarchy of needs).
Focus on client skills and potential more than
insights/judgments.
Streamline conflicting expectations to improve
family’s achievement of case plan goals.
Maximize coordinated time & attention spent
with family by Linkages team to promote success.
Engaging families in your location
What challenges do you
face in engaging families?
Child
Welfare
CalWORKs
Linkages innovations: how are joint
families being engaged?
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A philosophy to work for & with families,
rather than responding when families fail
Parent partners: meeting someone who’s
been through both programs promotes trust
for new clients
Joint home visits & interactions increases
family’s experience of broad support
Co-located staff maximizes family’s access to
needed expertise in one place
Inviting fathers to the table…recognizing
their role as earners and parents
Engaging joint families in case planning:
how does Linkages help?
Family-focus of Linkages supports meeting
parent’s needs to broaden traditional childcentered case planning process (WIIFM)
 Active involvement in WtW implies commitment
to a better future; team encourages parent to
transfer this strength to build parenting capacity
 Blending goals of self-sufficiency and family
stability creates sense of hope for the future,
rather than compliance only
 Shared understanding of case information in
advance helps define service responses better
matched to actual needs
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Engaging joint families in case
planning: how does Linkages help?
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Increased ownership of plan by family
increases their accountability for results:
◦ Enlist natural supports of family to help monitor
& support parent’s follow-through on goals
◦ Set up triggers for regular communication
between caseworkers, parent partners & family as
part of case plan expectations
◦ Model consistent communication among team
members
◦ Share relevant aspects of follow-up & support to
impacted team members
◦ Recognize need for case plan adjustments along
the way
Lessons Learned
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Convey empathy and respect thru concrete
behaviors between client & worker(s):
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Set mutually satisfactory goals
Provide services client finds relevant & helpful
Focus on skills, rather than insights
Spend sufficient time with clients to demonstrate
skills and provide necessary resources
Communication does not require co-location
Support/incentives vs. punishment/compliance
MDT Video, Stanislaus County
The video of the mock MDT presented by Stanislaus
County is in the process of re-production.
Availability to be announced at a later date.
Questions and Answers
Family Voices and Choices Tools
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Staffing Sheet
◦ Educate yourself about the family
◦ Reflect on their historical accomplishments and needs
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Coordinated Case Plan Form
◦ Listen for family strengths
◦ Provide resources
◦ Resources provide options
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Home Visit Checklist Form
◦ Recognize growth and remember goals
◦ Continue to offer resources
◦ Respect family feedback
Engaging Ongoing Communication
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Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting (Family Included)
◦ A joint meeting will help solidify a unified goal to all providers
and family members present.
◦ Inviting the Family to assist in the creation of their case plan for
their future.
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Language & Culture
◦ Keep language simple to invite participation by the family.
◦ Family culture needs to be respected and valued as it can be a
strength for most families.
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Home Visits
◦ Consistent visits with the family will encourage trust in the
Linkages team members.
◦ Helping the family to expect change, to prepare for change and
accept change. Change will occur.
Continued Success for Families
Networking with community based
organizations during the life of the Linkages
case can assist families with future resources if
after-care is needed.
 One or two quarterly visits from a Linkages
team member after the Linkages case has
closed can reflect interest in the family’s
success.
 Inviting families to share their stories with
other Linkages families encourages continued
growth.
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Contact Information
Debbie Benavente, Analyst III for Tulare County
Office (559) 737-4660 ext 2212
Mobile (559) 302-0510
[email protected]
Leslie Ann Hay, Hay Consulting and CFPIC Project Associate
Office (206)217-9077
Mobile (206) 617-3830
[email protected]
Jennifer Valencia, Manager II XOI for Stanislaus County
Community Services Agency
Office (209) 558-2717
Mobile (209) 652-0961
[email protected]