Getting back to the subject of the system, one of the main components of the process is the case plan. The case plan is determined based on the needs of the child, and specifies who will be in charge of what as far as providing services, the frequency of those services, and the expected completion dates. There are also consequences stated for when objectives are not achieved.

The case manager is responsible for coming up with the case plan, and ensuring that appropriate services are being provided for the family and the child, in order for the child to safely remain in their own home, or to reunify the family if out of home placement is deemed necessary. If reunification is not possible, immediate plans need to be made for a permanent placement in a home that will provide for the child’s basic emotional, physical, educational and psychological needs. The child’s religious, racial, and/or ethnic identity must also be respected.

The plan must then be reviewed at least every six months, but any member of the team may also call a staffing at any time. If services are not being provided, or some other issue comes up, six months may be too long to wait before the problem is rectified. At the staffing, the team discusses whether progress is being made toward the case plan goal, and whether the target date can be met. If progress is not being made, then the plan needs to be adjusted accordingly.

If the plan is reunification, but the parent is not participating in services, there may be a need for a concurrent plan of adoption or guardianship. The case plan needs to be flexible enough to allow for needed changes, but rigid enough to provide stability for the child as far as knowing what the team is working toward.