The purpose of the standardized Screener is to enhance behavioral health services for children in out-of-home-care (OOHC). Upon a child’s entry into OOHC, the SSW will complete the Screener to engage with the child and family and gather information about the child’s traumatic experiences and symptoms of concern. If a child scores in the clinical range on any of the screening tools, the child will be referred to an approved behavioral health provider for additional clinical assessment.
The behavioral health provider will complete a Kentucky Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (KY-CANS) assessment with the child and family of origin (if applicable). Through the KY-CANS Assessment Report, the behavioral health provider will share the recommended treatment modalities and frequency of services, diagnosis, and actionable items identified through the assessment process. The initial KY-CANS will be completed within thirty (30) days of placement (or completion of Screener). In order to monitor progress over time, the KY-CANS Assessment will be re-administered every ninety (90) days. Upon receipt of the KY-CANS Assessment Report in TWIST, the SSW will utilize the report to update the case plan and monitor a child’s progress over time. As part of the process, information from the Screener and the KY-CANS will be used to enhance communication between DCBS and behavioral health providers, support the child’s placement, and engage the family/caregiver on the need for services. The processes created around screening are designed to address child behavioral health needs early in the OOHC episode in order to enhance placement stability and permanency.