// In all cases involving persons who are hearing impaired or limited/non-English speaking, efforts shall be provided by counselors who are able to communicate in the client's preferred mode of communication and are knowledgeable about deaf culture or who speak the client's primary language. If it is not possible, interpreters or other auxiliary service shall be used.
When interpreters must accompany clients to counseling sessions, they must agree to keep all information confidential. Signed statements to that effect shall be obtained from the interpreter and kept on file in the client's case record.
Providers of counseling services who serve Department clients who are hearing impaired or limited/non-English speaking shall do whatever is necessary to make their services understandable to the client or arrange for appropriate referrals. This includes use of TDD's, the Illinois Relay Center, interpreters or other aids which facilitate communication with the client.
a) Counseling Intact Families
Counseling is a basic service provided to intact families to assist in preserving the family as a unit. Counseling may be provided by DCFS staff directly or through purchase. It can be offered both to assist parents and children with problem resolution or to assist families and children identify and obtain other community services including but not
limited to Public Aid, DMH/DD, local mental health center, well-baby clinic, visiting nurses association, general assistance, housing assistance, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
b) Counseling Families and Children Who Are Separated
Counseling is likewise provided to families and children who have been separated through placement of a child and for whom return home is the permanency goal. Counseling shall be provided to children for whom the permanency goal is adoption to the extent of their ability to participate as well as to children who are involved in youth development related programs.
c) Advocating For Individuals
Individual advocates or agencies providing advocate services having purchase of service agreements (contracts) with DCFS may be used when establishing a one-to-one relationship with an adult is part of the child's service plan. Advocates may also work with or, when necessary, on behalf of, clients in assuring their rights to receive services.
d) Relationship to Service Planning
Counseling services shall be provided in relation to an identified service objective on the CFS 497, Part II. In accordance with Procedures 305, Client Service Planning, the appropriateness, effectiveness and necessity of continuing or terminating counseling or advocate services shall be documented on the CFS 497 form series by the worker and supervisor during the six month case review (administrative or non-administrative) process.
POLICY GUIDE