1. NAME OF PROGRAM: Home Based Services

2. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: The goal of Home Based Services is to work with delinquent and undisciplined children and their families to help correct the problems that have led to juvenile services involvement.

3. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: The children and families who participate in Home Based Services must be referred to the program by juvenile services. The child does not have to go to court in order to participate. Most of our cases are diverted from court. Families who want our assistance must first schedule an intake interview with juvenile services. A court counselor will talk with the family and determine what types of services may be needed. If Home Based is the appropriate program for the family, the court counselor will complete the referral form and send it to DSS.

4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: A referral from juvenile services.

5. OTHER PROGRAM DETAILS: The other program details include:

1. Screening: Every Home Based case begins with an assessment. The social worker visits the home and meets with the parents and children. The worker has already reviewed any records provided by juvenile services, so he or she is familiar with the circumstances. However, it is important to hear the family's perspective on what is occurring in the home, at school and in the community. The worker will explain Home Based to the family and determine if they are willing to participate and if the child is appropriate for the program. Some children may not be able to participate in Home Based Services due to chronic mental illness, severe developmental disabilities, or violent and aggressive behavior that could place the worker at risk. Families must be committed to the goal of keeping the child in the home and avoiding placement in training school, foster care, group care or any other facility.
   
   
2. Provision of Services: If the family is willing to participate and the child's needs can be served by the program, the worker will open a case. Home Based workers carry a maximum of only 10 cases at one time. The small caseload allows the worker to see every family once a week. As soon as the assessment is complete, the worker will begin to help the family formulate goals for the case plan. Both parents and children should participate in developing goals. The Home Based worker will also incorporate any goals stated by the referring agency. The family's progress in working toward their goals will be monitored closely and different counseling techniques and strategies will be used to help them stay on track. Most cases remain open for approximately four months. The maximum length of service is six months.
   
   
3. Case Closure: A Home Based case can be closed by the family at any time since participation is voluntary. However, most families remain in the program until they have accomplished their goals. If there are still unresolved issues at the end of six months, the family is referred to another resource that can help them continue working on their issues. Families can call the worker at any time in the future when they need assistance. If the family does not contact the agency, we initiate a follow-up contact within six months.

6. DATE OF INFORMATION: May 1, 2001