Section 404.39  Professional Services

a)         Each child and family shall be assigned a child welfare worker.  The assigned child welfare worker shall have weekly in-person contact with each child.  The child welfare worker shall assist in:

1)         planning for individual care, treatment, and discharge which shall include evaluation of the individual problems and needs of the child with determination of the specific treatment and social work services required.  Plans shall include an analysis of those problems that preclude the child from remaining in a family setting, preferably in his own home, or in another less restrictive placement.  Plans shall also include behavioral objectives for the child that, when achieved, shall lead to the child's discharge.  Discharge plans shall specify ongoing support services to allow the child to function satisfactorily after discharge from the institution.  Joint planning is recommended by all involved parties whenever possible.

2)         reviewing each child's current situation including progress, problems, and needs at least every six months   The review shall include revision of the plans for the child and an explanation of the child's progress toward achieving his service goals and behavioral objectives.  In addition, the service plan shall include a statement of the specific treatments that have been given the child and any further treatment that is planned;

3)         planning the children's visits and contacts with their families or other persons who have established a parenting bond with them.  Weekly visitations with these persons shall be encouraged.  To the extent he is able, the child shall participate in planning the visits; and

4)         the decision-making process around such issues as subsequent placement, termination or change in the treatment plan, and discharge from care shall be reviewed by the social work supervisor before implementation.  When needed, these decisions shall result in a revised service plan.

b)         The child welfare worker shall assist families and children in:

1)         understanding the need for placement;

2)         developing and maintaining a continuing relationship with parents, siblings and other relatives unless clearly contraindicated by specific factors in the family situation; and

3)         planning for and implementing the child's return home or other aftercare.

c)         Social, psychological and psychiatric evaluation and treatment shall be provided to children in need of such services by qualified personnel.

d)         The institution shall maintain an average of one full time child welfare worker (or equivalent) to every 25 children receiving services.