Local coordination in action - example
The Strengthening Families Case Management Model
When a family has difficult problems to deal with, this model provides a process for agencies and families to work together in a collaborative partnership. The model has an interagency meeting as its centrepoint - a Strengthening Families Case Conference. This meeting involves all the agencies who are involved with a particular family and aims to create a partnership between the agencies and the family.
Such a meeting can be called by any agency working with a family where there is a belief that there is a need for improved collaboration - this includes both community groups as well as government agencies. The meeting attempts to examine the issues and come up with a specific and structured case plan that is agreed to by all parties - especially the family.
Suggested meeting structure
When to convene a meeting - when two or more agencies are involved in a family situation and are not talking to or co-ordinating with each other.
- Consent - it is important that consent is obtained for the sharing of personal information between the agencies involved
- Suggested meeting agenda
- Introduction - make sure everybody knows who else is represented and why
- Brainstorm the issues
- Create a plan - decide what each agency can contribute and create a plan
- Set a review time (a neutral facilitator is always a good idea when there are a number of groups involved).
Lead agent - the glue that holds the plan together
A key aspect of the case management model is identifying a lead agency (this could be any involved agency). A nominated worker from this agency will act as the case co-ordinator who helps keep the information/communication lines open and can provide leadership in the event of a traumatic turn of evens that may undermine any plans that have been formulated.
Anyone at the meeting can be a lead agent (the case co-ordinator). Other involved agencies still have their respective roles to play in dealing with the issues.
The lead agent acts as a co-ordinator and convenes the review at the agreed time, or earlier if there is a breakdown in the plan.
The lead agent keeps every one up-to-date with developments.
The lead agent has the agreed right to check up on whether an agency has completed the agreed tasks.
Example:
The following is the outcome of a case management model meeting with a family who had multiple agency involvement. Issues of child health, care and protection, and education were relevant.
At the meeting it was decided that the:
Public Health Nurse would:
- liaise with Dr J to set up a referral to a paediatrician for assessment
- organise "M46" form to set up counselling referral for mother and father
- liaise with Dr P on the disability allowance for telephone
- discuss with Specialist Education Services (SES) early intervention team the possibility of referral for younger children
- discuss with Dr P the possibility of referral for needs assessment.
Barnados would:
- engage family support worker to assist with parenting skills and family dynamics
- arrange future use of access centre if required.
School principal would:
- allow mother to use school phone and act as a message centre until she gets phone on
- liaise with truancy officer
- refer child 1 to SES. The child's suicidal comments to be included in any assessment and follow up
- set up a school mentor for child 1
- make mother very welcome at school to strengthen bond between home and school.
Work and Income would:
- meet with parents to review benefit entitlements
- explore possibilities regarding a disability allowance
- set up budgeting advice
- keep in touch with Strengthening Families meeting members
- meet with parents to discuss benefit changes.
CYF would:
- contact Mr. F at the PD centre regarding the mother's situation and need to stabilise before completing sentence
- meet with father to discuss benefit changes. Social worker will convey to the need to him to let the family get on without interference/ pressure.
Mother would:
- meet GP as arranged by public health nurse to complete forms for counselling for children and herself
- make appointment to arrange family day care
- ring Work and Income 0800 number to set up appointment with Work and Income to review benefit entitlements
- walk the children to school each day in the new term
- sit down with the school principal on day one of next term to write letter for her to prevent the father seeing children at school
- meet with CYF social worker and father to discuss benefit changes.
Grandmother would:
- take family (especially child 1) to GP this week
- continue to offer practical help and support.
Review
27 August 9:30 A.M. at school
Lead Agent:
- School principal will be the lead agent through to the review date as such she will:
- ensure that everyone is kept up to date with progress/developments - act as the communications hub.
- convene review meeting at agreed date or sooner if there is a serious breakdown in plans.
All the participants agree to be pro-active in letting the lead agent know of developments/ progress.
Local coordination in action - real example - web version