4.13.1 Frequency of Conferences: | 4.13.2 Content of Supervisory Conferences: | 4.13.3 General social work and case specific issues for supervision:

4.13 Supervisor Responsibilities

Child protective services (CPS) is a complex process involving assessments of physical indicators of maltreatment, the adequacy of the physical home environment, and the current psychological and emotional status of children and families to estimate the likelihood of future child maltreatment. Supervision is fundamental in good decision-making and impacts the quality of service delivery to children and families. Insuring child safety and permanence throughout the life of an investigation remain crucial for the supervisor and CPSW.

The Public Service Administrator (PSA) or supervisor conducts clinical supervision that includes case/investigation specific and general social work (developmental) supervision. Case specific supervision is to be documented on the CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A) and placed in the investigation to which it pertains. Developmental supervision is to be retained in the supervisory file for the specific CPSW.

4.13.1 Frequency of Conferences:

• During every stage of the investigation the supervisor monitors the CPSW in the areas of assessment of safety, strengths and needs, identification of service, monitoring the safety plan, case status and the targeted case completion date. The CPSW will have weekly supervision to insure all critical safety issues have been addressed and that the best possible assessment as it relates to safety has been completed. The unique nature of investigations combined with the knowledge and skill of individual investigators may necessitate more or less frequent supervisory contact. However, case specific supervision must be documented and occur at the following points:

• Upon assignment to the CPSW to review the CANTS 1 and develop an investigatory plan;
• To review the safety plan and approve the CERAP;
• Prior to screening a case with the state's attorney (if warranted) to review and approve the screening packet and to make recommendations;
• Immediately prior to investigative determination. The supervisor and worker review and analyze obtained information (e.g., collateral contacts, professionals, witness and subjects' statements, etc.) to decide the finding; and
• Critical decision-making.

NOTE: While in-person supervision is always preferable, the nature of investigations may not always permit this to occur. Thus, if for example, the investigatory plan and the discussion of the CANTS 1 occur over the telephone, the CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A) shall document that a telephone review with the CPSW occurred.

4.13.2 Content of Supervisory Conferences:

• The worker and supervisor should discuss case specific and general areas during supervisory conferences. The following content areas are to be discussed at least once during the life of each case unless otherwise specified:

4.13.2.1 Case Specific Supervision:

• Child Safety: Current risk/safety factors; the interaction of present risk factors (individually and/or in combination) as these contribute to maltreatment or risk of maltreatment; appropriateness of the worker's assessment of safety; how do risk factors individually or in combination contribute to maltreatment or risk of maltreatment; effectiveness and monitoring of the safety plan (insuring that the safety service or plan will lead to the preferred outcome for the involved child(ren); alternative safety plan should the primary plan fail. This content area must be discussed a minimum of weekly for all pending investigations.
• Timeframe Compliance: Establishing timeframes and insuring compliance with procedurally established timeframes for initiating the investigation, interviewing subjects, completing case notes, CERAP completion, service referrals, case completion, screening for court, court attendance, licensing notifications, etc.
• Progress and Quality of Assessment Process: Whether timely progress is being made; are correct areas of risk/safety being explored; is sufficient depth of analysis being attained; parent/caretaker's understanding of the problem/incident.
• Collateral Contact: Timely contacts with professionals and family members who may be aware of the family's circumstances.
• Appropriate Level of Service: Based upon risk/safety levels and the nature and dynamics of family functioning, what is the appropriate level of service for this family; individualizing assessments.
• Worker Self-Awareness and Safety Issues: Identification of problematic personal issues for the worker related to this investigation; identification of potential safety issues for the worker; effective strategies to deal with these issues.
• Case Determination: Case finding and recommended services; desired outcomes; referral to court; requests by juvenile court for additional information; open case to DCFS or POS; primary risk factors for the permanency worker's intervention; final safety assessment.

4.13.3 General social work and case specific issues for supervision:

• Clinical Issues and Intervention Techniques: Meaning of family dynamics as it relates to child safety; identifying family strengths and intervention strategies to deal with difficult assessment or treatment issues.
• Documentation: Ensure that CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT INTERVIEW NOTES (CANTS 17-A)s are completed within 24 hours of contact or by the next business day (pursuant to Procedures 300.110) with the interviewee; have required consents been obtained and request for records been made in a timely manner; does the investigative file contain the requisite documentation for the particular allegation; have required collateral contacts been made in a timely manner; is requisite court information contained in the file; etc.
• Developmental Issues: Identification of general social work and child welfare/protective services skills needed for the worker. Assumptions, beliefs and biases about certain populations, family circumstances, societal issues; avoidance behaviors; decision-making skills; objectivity; reasoning skills, etc., are appropriate concerns for supervisory intervention. There should be effective strategies to improve in these areas; policy, procedure and personnel issues as these relate to the worker's responsibilities.
• Engagement Techniques: Identification of case specific and general engagement techniques utilized by the CPSW; attentive listening skills; appropriate use of inherent authority in the position.
• Previously Assigned Tasks: Follow up on any case specific or general tasks assigned to the CPSW the previous week(s). Strategies to complete tasks must be developed. Weekly follow-up for this content area.
• Complete Annual Evaluations: Evaluation and assessment of the worker's abilities and performance is an on-going activity. The supervisor must continuously communicate growths, strengths and struggles to the worker. Where appropriate, documentation via memorandum shall be provided to the CPSW. Evaluations or performance appraisals are to be completed two months prior to the due date and submitted to the manager for authorization and signature.

4.13.1 Frequency of Conferences: | 4.13.2 Content of Supervisory Conferences: | 4.13.3 General social work and case specific issues for supervision: