In providing casework services in this broader context the worker must be able to manage the child/parent/caregiver triad. Once the triad is identified, it is imperative that the worker make attempts to broaden the network. The worker does this by:
· Setting the stage for the discussion on the kinship network by explaining why available supports are needed and answering any questions that the parent, child and caregiver may have.
· Determining based on the interviews with parent, child and caregiver, who the other important people are in the world in which the family functions.
· Determining to whom the family turns in times of need.
· Determining the existence and strength of the bonds that exist between members of the kinship network and paying particular attention to the bond that exists between the potential caregivers and the child(ren).
· Determining what the optimal level of parental involvement should be with the child. The optimal level of parental involvement should be related to the child's and the parent's strengths and parent's interest in the child .
· Explaining to the parent/child/ caregiver the importance of using other concerned people to help achieve permanency, well-being and safety for children
· Seeking consent from the parent to include these other important people in the assessment, Child and Family Team and the solution of the problem
· Involving the family network in assessment, planning, and services. (Note: workers can use tools such as genograms and ecomaps to identify the people who are in the network and how they might assist.)
Assessment in cases where children are placed with relatives involves three dimensions rather than the two in cases where children are placed with non-relatives. In kinship placements the worker must assess: (1) the child's family of origin, (2) the child and (3) the kinship caregiver and the larger kinship network. There is often very limited information about the potential kinship caregiver. This is a major difference between kinship care and licensed foster care where screening, training and a licensing study are completed prior to placement. The caseworker's assessment of the relative must detail who the members of the household are, how they connect to each other, how they relate to the child and his or her parents, and how they can meet the child's needs for safety, well-being and permanency. The genogram and ecomap can provide information valuable to the decision making process.