Applies To: This policy applies to caseworkers.
Policy Number & Title: 1140. Family Assessment
Effective Date: October 31, 2019
Purpose
Conducting an assessment of the family is the process of gathering information to gain a greater understanding of how a family's strengths, needs and resources affect child safety, well-being, and permanency. Assessments are completed in partnership with the family to understand what everyday life challenges and individual caregiver patterns of behaviors contribute to child safety threats that will be addressed in case planning.
Authority
RCW 26.44.260 Family assessment response
RCW 26.44.270 Family assessment, recommendation of services
Policy
- Assessments of the family are completed at key decision points in a case.
- Assessments must identify the enhanced protective and diminished protective capacities directly related to the identified safety threats.
- Family members must be included in the assessment process.
- Assessments must include information and input from professionals and other collateral contacts that have knowledge about the child or youth and family.
- Information contained in the Comprehensive Family Evaluation (CFE) DCYF 10-480 form, LD/CPS Investigative Assessment DCYF 09-967 form and the FAR Family Assessment (FARFA) DCYF 10-474 form will be used to help develop the case plan.
Forms
Comprehensive Family Evaluation DCYF 10-480 (located in the Forms repository on the DCYF intranet)
LD/CPS Investigative Assessment DCYF 09-967 (located in the Forms repository on the DCYF intranet)
FAR Family Assessment DCYF 10-474 (located in the Forms repository on the DCYF intranet)
Resources
Family Assessment procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint)
Original Date: December 1, 2011
Revised Date: October 31, 2019
Review Date:
Approved by: Jody Becker, Deputy Secretary