Intervention Services Presentation

1. Intervention ServicesPresentation

2. Topics Covered Edmonton Region Child and Family Services • Who do we serve? • What guides our practice? • Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act • Matters to be Considered • Reasons for Involvement • Family Enhancement vs. Child Protection – legal status • Placement types • Permanency • Services for youth and young adults

3. Edmonton RegionChild and Family Services

4. Who do we serve? • Edmonton Region includes Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Leduc & Fort Saskatchewan. • While most reserves are served by DFNA’s, Edmonton Region provides services to Paul Band, Alexander and Enoch • Edmonton Region serves a total of over 1 million people • Multicultural and Aboriginal families, refugees and immigrant populations

5. What guides our practice? • Legislation – Child, Youth & Family Enhancement Act • Policy – Enhancement Policy Manual • Casework Practice Model • Practice Strategies • Outcome Based Service Delivery (OBSD) • Signs of Safety (SOS) • Multicultural Framework • Aboriginal Framework • Permanency Framework

6. Caseload Statistics Provincial statistics - June 2014 • 4455 Intakes – CFS had a 9% decrease – DFNA’s had a 3% increase • 88% closed at intake • 12% opened to child intervention • 5% to CP • 7% to FE • 2729 Not In Care files • 2181 – family enhancement files • 548 – supervision orders ACYS Infomart – 2011/06/15. Quarterly Report to the Board. (June 2011). Edmonton and Area Child and Family Services.

7. 7178 In Care files • 1861 – temporary care – 24% decrease • 5317 – permanent care - 4% decrease • 4922 Aboriginal children are in care = 69% • 4264 Supports for Permanency • 1013 Support & Financial Assistance Agreements • 1372 Regional foster homes • 630 Agency foster homes • 1532 Kinship homes • 151 Adoptions/ Private Guardianship • 592 Family Reunifications • 1230 Family Preservations

8. The Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act

9. The Act • CYFEA proclaimed in 2005 along with provincial policies and regional directives • Recognized the importance of engaging all stakeholders to maintain the family unit whenever safe and possible • Established matters to be considered

10. Matters to be Considered Any person exercising authority or making a decision under the Act relating to the child must do so in the best interests of the child and must consider 2 a-p in the Act as well as any other relevant matter. • The family is the basic unit of society and its well-being should be supported and preserved; • The importance of stable , permanent and nurturing relationships for the child; • Intervention measures should ensure least disruption to the child;

11. A child who is capable of forming an opinion is entitled to express their opinion and their opinion should be considered by those making decisions that affect the child; • Family is responsible for care, supervision and maintenance of its children • services should be provided in a manner that supports the family unit and prevents the need to remove the child and • a child should only be removed when other less disruptive measures are not sufficient to protect the survival, security and development of the child;

12. if a child has been exposed to domestic violence within the child’s family, intervention services should be provided to the family in a manner that supports the abused family members and prevents the need to remove the child from the custody of an abused family member; • any decision concerning the removal of a child from the child’s family should take into account the risk to the child if the child remains with the family, is removed from the family or is returned to the family;

13. Whenever possible, the child or child’s family should be referred to the community for services and supports and to prevent the need for further intervention under this Act. • Any decision concerning the placement of a child outside the child’s family should take into account i.& ii. Extended family and the child’s home community • The child’s familial, cultural, social and religious heritage • The benefits to the child of stability and continuity of relationships • The child’s physical, mental, emotional and developmental needs and stage of development • If the proposed placement is suitable for the child

14. intervention services are intended to alleviate the condition that caused the child to be in need of intervention; • Intervention services are most effective when they are provided through a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach; • Children who are provided with care under this Act, should be provided with a level of care that meets the needs of the child and is consistent with community standards; • If a child is being provided with care under this Act, a plan for the care of that child should be developed that • addresses the child’s need for stability, permanence and continuity of care and relationships • addresses a youth’s transition to independence

15. a person who assumes responsibility for the care of a child under this Act should endeavor to make the child aware of the child’s familial, cultural, social and religious heritage; • there should be no unreasonable delay in making or implementing a decision affecting a child; • When the child is Aboriginal, the uniqueness of Aboriginal culture, heritage, spirituality and traditions should be respected and consideration should be given to the importance of preserving the child’s cultural identity.

16. Reason for Involvement

17. Reason for Involvement • The CFSA gets involved when we believe the survival, security or development of a child is endangered because of any of the following: • The child has been abandoned or lost or the guardian is dead and there is no other guardian • The child is neglected by the guardian • The child has been or there is risk they will be physically injured, emotional or sexually abused by the guardian

18. Reason for Involvement con’t • The guardian is unable or unwilling to protect the child from physical injury, emotional injury or sexual abuse • The child’s guardian has subjected the child to or is unwilling or unable to protect the child from cruel or unusual treatment or punishment

19. Neglect • A child is neglected when the guardian is unable or unwilling to: • provide the child with the necessities of life, • get medical treatment necessary for the health or well-being of the child • provide the child with adequate care or supervision.

20. Possible Behavioral Indicators of Neglect • demands constant attention • has parents/guardians who are uninvolved and uninterested (infants that are failure to thrive) • mental or emotional developmental lags • poor peer relationships / social isolation • extremes in behaviors • has poor attendance at school • expresses persistent hunger

21. Possible Physical Indicators of Neglect • has unattended medical or dental problems such as infected sores, decaying teeth or needing eyeglasses • is underweight or dehydrated • has overall poor hygiene, emaciated or a distended stomach • lacks clean or appropriate clothing suitable for weather or climate conditions

22. Emotional Injury • A child is emotional injured if there is an impairment of mental or emotional functioning or development, and there are grounds to believe that the injury is a result of the following: • Rejection, lack of affection or cognitive stimulation • Emotional, social, cognitive or physiological neglect • exposure to domestic violence • inappropriate criticism, threats, humiliation, accusations or expectations of or toward the child

23. Emotional Injury con’t • the mental or emotional condition of the guardian of the child or anyone living in the same residence • chronic alcohol or drug abuse by the guardian or by anyone living in the same residence as the child

24. Possible Behavioral Indicators of Emotional Injury • is overly compliant, passive or shy • has episodes of aggression, demanding and angry behavior • fears failure, has trouble concentrating, gives up easily or either boastful or negative about self • constantly apologies • is excessively demanding of adult attention • blames or belittles the child in public and at home • withholds comfort when child is frightened or distressed • treats other children in the home better (less critical or more acceptance) • tends to describe the child in negative ways ( stupid, idiot, and trouble maker) • holds the child responsible for every problem that the guardian/parent has ever had or will in the future • identifies the child with disliked relatives

25. Physical Injury • A child is physically injured when there is a substantial and observable injury to any part of the child’s body. A physical injury could be evidenced by: • a laceration, contusion, abrasion, or scar • a bony injury, dislocation, or sprain • loss of hair or teeth, burn, frostbite • loss or alteration of consciousness or physiological functioning

26. Possible Behavioral Indicators of Physical Abuse • is defensive about injuries and shows low self esteem • is wary of physical contact with adults • is apprehensive when other children cry • reports injury by guardians/parents • has behavioral extremes such as aggression or withdrawal • runs away often/ fears going home • is unable to form good peer relationships • is reluctant to undress around others • wears clothing that covers body despite the weather

27. Possible Physical Indicators of Physical Abuse • has unexplained or poorly explained injuries • has several injuries at various stages of healing • has bruises and or scars in the shape of an object (cord, belt, belt buckle or coat hanger) • facial injuries in very young children • repeated injuries over a period of time • injuries not consistent with child’s age and development • has unexplained burns (cigarettes, burner shaped, bite marks)

28. Sexual Abuse • A child is sexually abused when the child is inappropriately exposed or subjected to sexual contact, activity or behaviour including prostitution related activities

29. Possible Behavioral Indicators of Sexual Abuse In very young children • wets /soils pants in a previously trained child • sad, fearful, nightmares, poor concentration • change or loss of appetite • age inappropriate sexual play/ knowledge • dramatic behavioral changes • has sleep disturbances such as nightmares or fears falling asleep In older children and teens • withdraws, depressed or aggressive • is overly compliant or extremely oppositional • abuses alcohol or drugs • refuses to undress/change for sporting events or wears provocative clothing • engages in self destructive activities

30. Possible Physical Indicators of Sexual Abuse • has a sexually-transmitted disease • has genital discharge, infection or bleeding • has physical trauma or irritations in the anal and genital areas • has difficult walking or sitting due to genital pain • has stomach aches or headaches or other psychosomatic complaints

31. Casework Practice Model

32. Casework Practice Model • Ensures critical thinking and that timely decisions are made within clearly defined decision points. • Key points • Comprehensive intake, assessment and planning • Emphasis on building relationships • Plans developed with all stakeholders • Early and meaningful involvement of First Nations Band Designate/Métis Resource Person • Clear decision points for supervisory consultation

33. Casework Practice Model • Five Phases • Intake • Safety Assessment – Part A • Safety Assessment – Part B • Intervention/ Ongoing case (if necessary) • Closure

34. Intake • Reports come from a variety of sources • 5 working days to complete • Report should • Close or close with referral to community resources, OR • Recommend Safety Assessment Part A

35. Safety Assessment – Part A • 10 working days to complete • Assessors explore themes and patterns with the family and social network • Interim services can address immediate needs • Supervisory decision point: • Report should • Close or close with referral to community resource • Opened to Safety Assessment Part B • Considered for Protective Services

36. Safety Assessment – Part B • 30 days to complete • Caseworkers gather information in three broad areas: • Child developmental needs • Parenting capacity • Family and environmental factors

37. Safety Assessment – Part B • Mandatory case conference • Documentation required: • Safety Assessment document • Genogram • Ecomap • Supervisory decision point • Close or close with referral to community resources • Referred to Family Enhancement Services • Referred to Protective Service

38. Intervention Streams/Legal Status • Under Family Enhancement, the family signs an agreement to work with the Department • Protective services are court ordered with the exception of Custody Agreements • The assessment and evaluation of need for intervention continues throughout the ongoing case

39. Child Intervention Legal Status A file can open to one of two streams - Family Enhancement or Protective services with the following possible legal status • Family Enhancement Agreement with Guardian or Youth • Custody Agreement with Guardian or Youth • Supervision Order • Apprehension • Temporary Guardianship Order • Permanent Guardianship Order • Support and Financial Assistance Agreement

40. Days in Care • The total cumulative time that a child is in the care of the director shall not exceed: - 9 months for a child under the age of 6 - 12 months for a child 6 years and older • The Act allows for an additional 6 months for good and sufficient reasons and when it is anticipated that the child can return to their guardian within the period of the order. • If the time in care has been exceeded and the child is unable to return to the care of their guardian, the director must apply for a Permanent Guardianship Order

41. Placements • Children or youth in care could be placed in one of the following placements: - foster care – Agency or Regional - kinship - residential treatment - group home - semi-independent or independent living

42. Permanency • Permanency planning for children in care begins the moment there is a discussion to bring a child into care. • An appropriate permanency plan for a child or youth could be adoption, private guardianship or independent living.

43. Service For Youth • Youth over the age of 16 can voluntarily work with Children’s Services under a Family Enhancement Agreement with Youth or Custody Agreement with Youth • Youth from 18 to 24 can receive supports under a Support and Financial Assistance Agreement – financial supports are negotiated under this agreement and are not always provided depending on what other financial assistance the youth may be receiving.

44. Closure • Closure of an ongoing case can occur at any time when a child is deemed to no longer be in need of intervention • If closure is warranted but there is a court order in place, an application must be made to terminate the order

45. Confidentiality - Section 126(1) • 126(1) The Minister and any person employed or assisting in the administration of this Act, including an agency providing services on behalf of a director, may disclose or communicate personal information that comes to the Minister’s or person’s or agency’s attention under this Act only in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, in proceedings under this Act, in accordance with Part 2, Division 2 or this Part or as follows:

46. Section 126(1) Con’t • to any person or organization, including an agency providing services to a child, if the disclosure is necessary to plan services for or provide services to the child or the child’s family or to plan or provide for the day-to-day care or education of the child; • to the guardian of the child to whom the information relates or the guardian’s lawyer; • to the child to whom the information relates or the child’s lawyer;

47. Section 126(1) Con’t • A director or a person acting on behalf of a director, including an agency providing services on behalf of a director, may collect and use personal information, including health information, for the purposes of conducting and assessment or an investigation or providing services under this Act. • A public body may disclose personal information to a director or a person acting on behalf of a director, including an agency providing services on behalf of a director, for the purpose set out in subsection (3).

48. When Should You Report? • If you believe that a child is in need of intervention, you are legally obligated to report it • Not reporting a child you believe is being neglected or abused could result in a fine of up to $2000 or 6 months imprisonment in default of payment

49. Where To Report Abuse • Local Neighbourhood Centre • Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-387-KIDS • Crisis Unit 780-422-2001 • Bullying Hotline 1-888-456-2323 • Family Violence Info Line 310-1818

50. Questions and Answers