Case conferencing is a multi-disciplinary method used to provide family support in Head Start programs. Team members meet monthly to discuss children & families comprehensively, along with addressing the immediate needs of families as well as build on their strengths. Ongoing follow-up is documented to assure families receive needed services.
Regulations & Policy
HS Performance Standard 1302.33, 1302.45, 1302.50, 1302.52, 1302.61, 1302.70
The grantee requires the use of case conferencing as a multi-disciplinary method used to provide family support. It is primarily a problem solving process with follow-up provisions of services assigned to particular team members. Family support works best in collaboration with parents/guardians to construct a solid foundation from which the family can foster growth & gain skills. To learn about the policies around Case Conferencing, review the Overview & Grantee Policy
Tools:
Guidance
Case conferencing is for the entire class & takes place after the first 30 days of enrollment & at a minimum of one time per month. After initial meeting only new children/families & children/families with concerns or updates need to be discussed at the meeting.
Case Management will occur at the beginning of each program year and monthly by appointment. Case Management is a time to come together with site staff and management, including the disabilities/mental health team to discuss cases and develop support plans.
Tools:
Documentation
Document discussion details in the COPA data base within the Child Case Notes using the COPA Management Systems Case Conferencing Procedure.
The follow-up form is used for each child/family that was marked as “Support needed”. Transfer follow-up Actions to this form. All staff members present for case conferencing must sign the form.
Note: Health staff will document their Child Case Notes under the Case Conferencing tab in COPA.
Tools:
Binder
Case conferencing documentation is maintained within a binder located at each site.
Keep case conference binder in locked file cabinet.
Tools:
Monitoring
A Grantee monitoring review will be held every program year. In addition, self-monitoring must be documented and occur as follows:
ERSEA: Within first 45 days
FPA Assessment & Goals: Within 90 days
Case Conferencing: Quarterly
Tool:
Knowledge Check
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