4.36 Case Closure and Aftercare Planning

Legal Authority

The SSW:

Initiates completion of the ongoing case plan evaluation/ongoing assessment within thirty (30) calendar days prior to closure;
Considers whether:

The safety threats and risk factors that contributed to the maltreatment are resolved to the point that the parent or guardian can protect and meet the needs of the children; or
The case planning objectives have been achieved;

Discusses with the family the possibility of case closure concurrent to the completion of the new ongoing assessment;
Documents the mutual agreement to close the case;
Provides the court at least fourteen (14) calendar days advance notice, in writing, of the intention to close the case, if there is court involvement;
Works with the family to develop an aftercare plan that focuses on maintaining the family's progress, including elements related to a plan of safe care if applicable (referenced in SOP 1.15 Working with Families Affected by Substance Misuse); Links the family to community resources as necessary;
Provides the family, including identified fathers as outlined in SOP 4.15 Family Attachment and Involvement, with the following forms:
DPP-154A Notice of Intended Action, advising of the intention to close the case; and
DPP-154 Protection and Permanency Service Appeal, advising of the right to a fair hearing;
Summarizes the reason for closure in the ongoing disposition TWIST screens, including the following information:

Discussion and agreement with the family of the mutual agreement to close the case;
If court involvement, the date the court was sent notice (at least fourteen (14) calendar days advance notice, in writing, of the intention to close the case);
Rationale for case closure:

The safety threats and risk factors causing maltreatment are reduced to the point that the parent or guardian can protect and meet the needs of the child(ren); and
The case planning objectives have been achieved.

A description of the community resources the family has been linked to in the aftercare plan.

Closes the case immediately, if the forms are hand delivered unless the client disagrees with the closure; and
Waits ten (10) working days prior to closing the case if the forms are sent via U.S. mail.

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