Common use of Caseworker Visitation Clause in Contracts

Caseworker Visitation. The CSA requires that DHS establish performance targets for two measures on caseworker visits (CSA Section 2.10): the frequency of caseworker visits, which is defined as the number of required monthly visits completed with children in care; and, continuity of visits by the same caseworker. At this time, DHS is only required to report on the frequency of caseworker visits. For frequency of visits, the Metrics Plan establishes that DHS will report the following: 3.1 The percentage of the total minimum number of required monthly face-to- face contacts that took place during the reporting period between caseworkers and children in xxxxxx care for at least 1 calendar month during the reporting period.” The second indicator is the same, but includes only visits made by primary case- workers: 3.2 The percentage of the total minimum number of required monthly face-to- face contacts that took place during the reporting period between primary caseworkers and children in xxxxxx care for at least 1 calendar month during the reporting period.” DHS and the Co-Neutrals agreed that DHS would not begin recording data on continuity of visits until January 2014, with reporting to begin in July 2014. As reflected in the Metrics Plan, DHS and the Co-Neutrals agreed that it would not be reasonable to establish a baseline and measurable targets for continuity of visits while the state was phasing out the use of secondary workers whose responsibilities include conducting the required monthly child visits. DHS committed to end the use of secondary workers across the state by January 2014; however, the Co-Neutrals approved DHS’ request to postpone this target date until July 1, 2014. This delay may affect the Co-Neutrals’ ability to provide a final assessment of DHS’ efforts to achieve progress in providing children in care continuity of visits with the same primary caseworker.