Introduction to the

MA Department of Children and Families

Integrated Casework Practice Model (ICPM)
Fall 2009

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What is a Casework Practice Model?

Defines what we do, how we do it, and why we do it the way we

do.
Establishes how DCF works internally and partners with families, service
providers, and other stakeholders to focus on Safety, Permanency,
and Well-being.
Links agency values and priorities to daily practice with families.
Provides clear, written explanation in agency regulations, policies, and
procedures of how services should be provided.
Defines effective casework practice, while allowing for appropriate
flexibility and professional discretion.
Defines the structures, processes and content of casework.

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Why are we implementing the ICPM?

Expected Outcomes

To improve outcomes for children

To improve outcomes for families

Stabilize families so that children can safely remain at home

Reduce repeat maltreatment of children
Promote permanency by stabilizing and strengthening families

Strengthen parenting capacities

Strengthen engagement and empowerment of families
Help families make connections to their communities

Effectively target DCF resources

Focus on highest risk families

Improve timeliness of access to DCF interventions and supports

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How Did We Get Here?

External Influences on the ICPM

Findings of the 2007 Federal Child and Family Services Review

and included in the resulting Program Improvement Plan (PIP).
MA Legislation, July 2008: An Act Protecting Children in the Care
of the Commonwealth.
Findings of the External Review conducted by the Center for the
Support of Families completed December 2008.

Nationally Recognized Innovations in Child Welfare Practice.

Support from Casey Family Programs.

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How Did We Get Here?

Working With Families Right From The

Start
Development /
Family
Field Testing
Engagement
Safety & Risk Tools
Model
Family Group
Decision-making:
(e.g., FGC & Family Team
Meetings)

Teaming
Pilot Sites

Breakthrough
Series
Community
Family
Connections &
Networks
Patch Sites

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LESSONS LEARNED

ICPM Based on Prior DCF Planning

DCF
Strategic
Planning

DCF
INTEGRATED
CASEWORK
PRACTICE
MODEL

ICPM Reflects DCF Core Values

Child-Driven

Family Centered

Strength-Based

Community Connected

Committed to Cultural Competence & Diversity

Committed To Continuous Learning & Quality Improvement

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ICPM Casework Pathways

Access
Pathways

Differential
Response

Screening

Screen-In

51A

CLOSE: No
service needed;
Community
Referral, CBHI*

CPS
INVESTIGATION
RESPONSE

Change Tracks Possible

Safe
Haven

SCREENING
CPS ASSESSMENT RESPONSE

Probate
Custody

Accept for Voluntary

CHINS
Voluntary
ICPC requests will
continue to be
processed as usual

Screen-Out
Voluntary Not
Accepted

Initial
Assessment

Comprehensive
Assessment

Ongoing
Case
Mgmt.

No Services Needed
Community Referral
CBHI

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CLOSE*

CLOSE*

CLOSE*

ICPM: Key Features

1.

Extended timeframes for Screening and Investigations to

allow greater opportunity to gather information from collaterals
and determine how best to target DCF resources.

2.

Differential Response to enable DCF to respond to allegations of

child abuse and/or neglect based on the unique circumstances of a
case and the individual needs/strengths of a family. This
includes two tracks: Investigation or Assessment, depending
on the severity of the allegation.

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ICPM: Key Features (cont.)

3.

Use of new research based assessment and planning tools to

support consistent clinical practice in assessing danger, safety and
risk, and to focus on what families need to keep children safe.

4.

Enhanced family and community engagement to provide

opportunities for children, families and their support systems to
be actively engaged and empowered in decision-making.

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What happens when DCF receives a

Report of Abuse and/or Neglect (51A)?
1. The report is screened to determine if the allegation meets the
criteria for suspected abuse and/or neglect, if there is immediate
danger to the child, and whether DCF involvement is warranted.

Families may also be referred for appropriate community

services, as needed.

2. If screened-in, the report is assigned for either a Child Protective

Services (CPS) Investigation or Assessment Response (51B).
3. A determination is made about whether the child can safely remain
at home and whether the family would benefit from continued DCF
involvement.

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What is the difference between an Investigation and an Assessment?

INVESTIGATION

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Determine Whether There Are Danger Factors

Impacting Safety of Child
Purpose: Detection of Maltreatment

Purpose: Engagement & Helping

Focus: Determine validity of allegation

Authority: MGL Chapter 51B

Focus: Determine what (if any) supports and

services family needs
Authority: MGL Chapter 51B

Introduce DCF involvement as

Investigation

Introduce DCF Involvement as

Assessment of Safety and Family Needs

Conclusion Includes:
Identification of victim
Identification of perpetrator
Determination of fault
Support / unsupport of allegation
Listing of perpetrator on Central
Registry

Conclusion Includes:
Identification of which family members need
services or support
No identification of perpetrator
No determination of fault
Decision as to whether there are concerns of
safety or risk that warrant DCF services or no
concern or minimal risk of future
abuse/neglect
No alleged perpetrator discoverable on BRC
for employment

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ICPM: What is Not Changing?

Focus on Safety, Permanency, and Well-being

Timeframes for initiating emergency investigations

DCFs legal authority to investigate reports of abuse and/or neglect

Responsibility of Mandated Reporters

Respectful engagement of families

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We are following well established state and national

trends in moving away from a one size fits all approach
to child welfare. Our new Model allows us to focus on
the unique needs and strengths of each family, while
targeting our resources in the most effective way to
keep kids safe and families together.
-- Angelo McClain, Commissioner
MA Department of Children and Families

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