First Steps
What’s the difference between FDR vs INV?
Essentially, it boils down to collaborative vs. non-collaborative. Under an INV status, MCFD is able to complete tasks and gather any information without consent of the parents to ensure the safety of the child (within reason and without abuse of power).
How often should you been connecting with a family on your caseload while they are in ongoing services (this applies to the Service Phase of an incident as well)?
at least once a month!
Just because we have families participating in services, doesn't mean that we shouldn't be connecting with them too!
How often do Care Plans get created and reviewed?
Annual Care Plans are completed 1x a year, with a review occurring every 6 months!
Why is it important to document clear, up-to-date, notes in narrative form in your incident (give 2 reasons)?
Please try to have your notes inputted, at least a synopsis, no later than a day or two after the interaction occurred!
Name 3 people you can seek support from in the professional work setting?
Peers, TLs, mentors, DOOs, EVAP counseling through Telus Health, Elder Laura, union
We all care about you!
When are we allowed to release the information of a Caller?
NEVER!
(actually, there may be exemptions to this, like when we make a police report and we ask the Caller if they would be open to speaking to police -- but always make sure to consult about this!)
Explain what “service” means in terms of court and how do you do it?
Giving the court documentation to all parties to proceeding (parents, caregivers, children over 12) as per the timelines of court. Examples of how it can be completed include: providing the documents in person, emailing if a Form 8 is completed, serving lawyers via fax or email, substitutional service
What is the purpose of family plan and how often does it need to be created?
A Family Plan identifies goals for the family to address in order for MCFD to end their involvement (goals to mitigate the child protection concerns).
Typically, Family Plans are created on a 6 month cycle, but may be re-evaluated each time there is a new report, a change in circumstance, etc.
What type of consent do we need for collaterals?
Verbal consent for family and friends. Written consent for professionals (doctors, counsellors, probation officer, D&A counsellor)
*** it's always best practice to get written consent regardless, especially on family service when we're working with parents whose children are not in their care ***
If you cannot complete a task given to you by a Team Leader by the timeline they set, or in a timely manner, what should you do?
Inform your Team Leader before said deadline (ideally right away) about any possible barriers so a plan can be made to support you!
Remember, it's your responsibility to follow through when requested/in a timely manner. If not, trust begins to erode.
Name 3 times when you need to consult during an incident (there’s many)
ISA/safety plan, changing FDR to INV, not contacting the parents before seeing a child, pulling medical records from health authority, referring the family for an FCPC, extending the assessment phase past 30 days, creation of a family plan, extending the service phase past 4 months, ending the file, initiating court involvement and/or removing a child... any time you need help or have a question!
How would you explain your role as a Family Service Worker instead of an Intake Worker?
A Family Service Worker is still a child protection worker with the exact same role, but is responsible for working with a family ongoing until all the child protection concerns are addressed. While the Intake Worker completes the initial assessment, the Family Service Worker assists in ongoing creation and monitoring of a family's goal cycle to ensure all the child protection concerns are addressed.
What do you need to know before entering an FCPC/collaborative meeting?
** don't forget, if you're creating a Family Plan as part of your FCPC, you need your TL's approval before it's signed **
What should you have in your "black binder" at all times?
Consent to Collect, Consent to Disclose, Safety Plans, Prior Contact Checks, Consent for Criminal Record Checks, your business card, phone numbers for Parents Legal Centre + Complaints Line, resources for families/youth (Youth Black Book), note pad :)
Tell us about our dress code...
There actually is no formal dress code, BUT we need to look professional. This includes no low-cut tops, no spaghetti straps, no crop tops, no dresses, skirts, or shorts that are too short, no sweat-suits (athleisure needs to look professional).
Reminder: if you wear open-toed shoes, you will not be covered by WorkSafe BC if something happens.
What tool do you need to reference/use in your incidents that have elements of Intimate Partner Violence (which includes how you need to write your notes in the Response Tab)?
BC Summary of Domestic Violence Risk Factors!!
If an audit occurs, they want to see it formally written out for each section. Keep this in mind when you're interviewing.
Don't forget, there are practice guidelines to reference for support in how to manage incidents and cases that have IPV in them.
What does it mean to “lose jurisdiction” with court?
You have not completed your tasks required for MCFD to continue having legal rights over a child/situation. This means that you need to start again from the beginning.. which could mean re-removing a child and having their timeline start again.
Identify 3 things you need to review with a parent when signing a safety plan (there’s many)
Explain what a section 96 is and who can we get it from?
A request of information to a public body – with or without consent (would need to be in INV mode if getting without consent). Examples: health care, school board, ICBC, pharamcare, police, etc.
** we have to be conscious of what information we're gathering and the reason we are doing it **
How often do you need to have clinical supervision and what is its purpose?
At least once a month (as per policy). The whole point of Supervision goes beyond case review.. it also includes reviewing your learning, goals, challenges, trainings, how you're coping, etc.
When do we get "the other parent" involved when there are split households?
- with consent of the Key Player parent we're working with (we should be asking to talk to the other parent as a collateral if possible)
- if we need to safety plan the child out of the home of the Key Player
- if there are immediate safety risks involved for the child and we need a protective parent
** key things to keep in mind include concerns on intimate partner violence, power dynamics, and FLA court - best to consult before we contact the other parent **
What are the total timelines for children in care that are permitted in the Temporary Custody Order stage?
0-2 years old = 1 year
5-12 years old = 1.5 years
12+ years old = 2 years
When do you start con-current planning for a child in care?
Right away :)
If a child is leaving their home, removal or voluntary, we should be collecting information for concurrent planning from the get-go (names of family members, contact information, etc.). When a child is under our care through a TCO, we can start the formal family find process.
Explain the difference between the Child, Family, and Community Service Act and Chapter 3?
What resources do you have available to you in order to continue practicing Reconciliation and furthering your cultural agility?
- Elders teachings
- Truth and Reconciliation Committee
- Aboriginal Policy and Practice Framework (APPF) + Resource Guide
- search "Indigenous Learning" on iConnect for many resources!
- attend community events and conferences