ECM Case Studies

Resources

‍

Child welfare ECM case examples

Hypothetical but real-world scenarios to show how ECM, CHW and CS can be leveraged to support youth and families in child welfare.

‍

Child welfare case summaries

Explanations of different parts of the child welfare continuum.

‍

Sonja, 7

‍

Scenario

Sonja, 7, was removed from her mother’s care and placed with her father, Carlos, and a family maintenance case was opened. Carlos had not seen her in several years. He was living in his mother’s subsidized apartment in violation of the apartment complex’ rules. He and Sonja could not stay there long-term. Sonja is enrolled in a Medi-Cal managed care plan. Sonja goes to half-day school due to emotional dysregulation and stays with grandma for other part of day. Grandma has diabetes and may not be able to take care of Sonja if it is not better managed. Grandma is enrolled in the same Medi-Cal managed care plan as Sonja.

‍

Presenting Needs/ Child & Family Goals

• Complete Family Maintenance Case Plan

• Support Sonja’s education goals and get her ready to be in full -day school

• Help father find safe, stable housing and other food and employment assistance

• Support Sonja’s ability to self-regulate and increase coping skills

• Support Grandma in controlling her diabetes so she can continue being stable child care

‍

Role of ECM Care Manager

• Refer family to transitional housing program for 60 days of housing and help finding employment

• Connect dad and daughter to FQHC for medical, dental and behavioral needs

• Connect Spanish-speaking grandma to community health worker to support managing her diabetes

• Help father apply for food and cash assistance

• Research specialty MH services within the agency or elsewhere & make a “closed loop” referral

• Help father connect with school to ensure assessments have been completed and accommodations made (e.g. IEP/504 plan)

• Help Sonja/Dad explore and enroll in afterschool enrichment youth programs

‍

Expected outcomes

• Safe, stable housing

• Enrolled in school and enrichment programs

• Linkage to MH services

‍

CASE STUDY | Family Maintenance

‍

Core Needs: Emotional / Psychological, Family & Relationships, Stable Housing, Dental, Medical, School, Safety, Social/Fun

‍

Sisters

‍

Scenario

Two sisters ages 9 and 7 were removed from their home due to sexual abuse by their mother’s boyfriend. The mother is an undocumented immigrant and Spanish is her primary language. The mother wants her children back ASAP, but had no family or supports. She needs a place where she and her children could live, but she has never rented an apartment before on her own.

‍

Presenting Needs/ Child & Family Goals

• Help the mother find stable housing so she can reunify with her children

• Ensure family is enrolled in all available social services supports for utility support and food

• Connection to mental health services for the daughters to address trauma

• Connection to mental health services for the mother to address trauma

• Catch up on all physical health and dental appointments

• Afterschool activities and supports

‍

Role of ECM Care Manager

• Community Supports referral to housing services agency to help family find, secure and sustain housing

• Ensure both sisters are linked to a specialty mental health services provider

• Help mom connect to a mental health provider

• Help both sisters update their assigned pediatrician and make appointments

• Help make dental appointments for both girls

• Identify and find resources for transportation if needed for appointment attendance

• Research youth enrichment programs and help girls enroll

• Refer mother to parenting resources

‍

Expected outcomes

• Secure stable housing

• Speed up family reunification timeframe

• Linkage to MH services

• Once the family is reunified, stay with the case for an additional 5 months to maintain family stability

‍

CASE STUDY | Family Reunification

‍

Core Needs: Emotional / Psychological, Family & Relationships, Stable Housing, Dental, Medical, School, Safety, Social/Fun

‍

Marcee, 17

‍

Scenario

Marcee, 17, was adopted by her grandparents out of foster care when she 2 years old. Her grandfather died unexpectedly when she was 3. Adoption assistance funds helped the family survive financially. Marcee was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, anxiety and ADHD. She had suicidal ideation in the past but currently was receiving services to help her manage. She was doing well in school. Her 18th birthday was approaching and the family worried that the adoption assistance financial support would end, which would be disastrous for the family. Marcee’s grandma needed a plan for after she turned 18. Additionally, Marcee had severe tooth pain but couldn’t find a dentist.

‍

Presenting Needs/ Child & Family Goals

• Help grandmother and Marcee make a plan for ongoing financial and other assistance after Marcee’s 18th birthday

• Help Marcee find a dentist to address her tooth pain

• Ensure that Marcee remains engaged in mental health services

• Work with Marcee on post-high school planning

• Give grandmother additional training and tools to support Marcee

‍

Role of ECM Care Manager

• Help grandmother advocate for extension of adoption assistance funds

• Ensure Marcee will continue to quality for all necessary services after turning 18 and educate Marcee on how she can maintain her eligibility

• Family already received CalFresh food benefits; help them apply and qualify for reduced utility bill program

• Find a dentist that accepts Medi-Cal and make a appointment for Marcee

• Enroll Grandma in agency’s Trust Based Relational Intervention training to give her better skills in dealing with her granddaughter’s trauma responses

• Encourage Marcee to engage with her mental health service provider

‍

Expected outcomes

• Extend adoption assistance financial support due to Marcee’s mental health needs

• Connection to Medi-Cal dental services

• Marcee stays engaged in mental health services and has a plan for post high school

• Education for grandma in supporting Marcee

‍

CASE STUDY | Permanent Placement Stability

‍

Core Needs: Emotional / Psychological, Family & Relationships, Stable Housing, Dental, Medical, School, Safety, Social/Fun

‍

Additional Case Studies

• Brothers (Permanent Placement Stability & Complex Health Support)

• David, 14 (Probation Youth Support)

• Jo, 20 (Non-minor Dependent Transitioning to Adulthood)

‍

(Content for these additional cases can be formatted similarly upon request.)

‍

Child Welfare Definitions

Summaries of key stages in the child welfare continuum are available upon request.