Policy Basics
What is the main purpose of Policy 10.18?
To ensure meaningful, monthly contact between DFCS staff, children, parents, and caregivers.
How often must a case manager make purposeful contact with each child in foster care?
At least once per month.
Within how many hours must all contacts be entered into SHINES?
Within 72 hours.
What must be determined at every purposeful contact?
Whether the child is “safe” or “unsafe.”
What document outlines confidentiality and parental notice?
HIPAA and parental notification documents.
True or False: All contacts under Policy 10.18 must be face-to-face.
False — most should be, but other contact methods can supplement them
What percentage of those monthly visits must occur in the child’s residence?
Over 50%.
What document section is used to attach photos or forms?
External Documentation.
What safety topics must be reviewed for infants and vehicles?
Safe sleep and motor-vehicle safety.
What must be developed before each visit to guide its focus?
A written contact plan.
Purposeful contacts are designed to promote which three core outcomes?
Safety, permanency, and well-being.
How soon after a child’s placement or move should the SSCM visit occur?
Within 7 calendar days.
Who reviews contact documentation for sufficiency and timeliness?
The supervisor
What are the three guiding principles of purposeful engagement?
Family partnership, inclusion, and cultural awareness.
Purposeful contacts are more than friendly visits — what should they always be?
Planned, goal-driven interventions.
What other DFCS policy sets detailed contact standards referenced in 10.18?
Policy 19.15 – Contact Standards.
What is the timeframe for contact when a missing youth returns to care?
Within 24 hours of the youth’s return.
What report helps supervisors track compliance with monthly contact standards?
Every Child Every Month report.
What should SSCMs observe during each contact to assess safety?
The home environment and child–caregiver interactions.
Name one best practice principle emphasized in Policy 10.18.
Examples: inclusion, respect, engagement, cultural awareness, family as a system.
Which two federal acts influenced this policy?
Child & Family Services Improvement Acts of 2006 and 2011.
What must SSCMs do if a CPS report is screened out but involves a child in foster care?
Make a face-to-face contact within 24 hours.
What system is used to document purposeful contacts?
Georgia SHINES.
What should SSCMs do if they find unsafe conditions?
Consult with the supervisor immediately and take corrective action.
What is the primary goal of all purposeful contacts?
purposeful contacts?To achieve safety, permanency, and well-being through intentional engagement.