Work First 117 - Ongoing Assessment AND SERVICES

II. Ongoing Assessments

The ongoing assessment is a more structured follow up with challenging cases. In reassessing these more difficult cases the Work First case manager should review the Social, Economic, Environment/Home, Mental Health, Activities of Daily Living, Physical Health and Summary of Strengths (S.E.E.M.A.P.S.) dimensions (see below for further explanation). This is a best practice assessment guide for case managers. If the above assessment tools have been completed during the initial information gathering process then the case manager should continue the assessment process by completing the Work First Family Assessment of Strengths and Needs Form (DSS-5298).

The Work First Family Assessment of Strengths and Needs will explore the following major domains:

A. Social-ask questions to determine what individuals, organizations and systems are connected to the family. Are these resources social support systems on which the family can depend? Does the family use resources in the community and how? Are there problems at school? Do the children have age appropriate knowledge of physical and sexual relationships? Are pre-teen or teenage children sexually active? What non-traditional connections does the family have?

B. Economic-includes a discussion of the family’s finances. Are the caretakers or other adults able to pay bills and manage money? Is the family’s available income reasonable enough to live on? If the income seems appropriate, but the family/residence appears to be needy, is there a comprehensible explanation about where the money goes? Is the family using LIEAP, EA, Food and Nutrition Services, childcare services? What source does the money come from (child support, work, SSI, etc., WFFA)? What are current and future career goals? Are they content with the current job? What is the work history for each adult member of the home? What job skills does the work eligible individual possess? What is their educational level

C. Environment/Home-How does the residence appear from the outside (Is it in good condition, etc.)? Is the home safe? Are there obvious hazards such as old refrigerators, non-working cars, etc.? How does the home appear inside? Is there a working phone, a computer system?

D. Mental Health-Do the members of the family have any mental illnesses? Are family members able to attend to the conversation? Do members of the family have a history of emotional difficulties or impulse problems? Does the family communicate well with each other, as well as with others? Are there indicators that the persons in the family have substance abuse addictions? Assess how the family expresses anger. What is the major belief system of the family? Have any of the children been diagnosed as “hyperactive” (which can sometimes be a sign of depression)? Does the family receive counseling or have they in the past? Has a medical provider prescribed medications for any mental health problem for a member of the family?

NOTE: At this level of involvement in the case, the Audit and DAST-10 screenings have been completed. Refer to Section 104B on the completion of the substance abuse tools. The Audit/DAST-10 tools are completed at application and at review (if necessary). However, there may be a need to assess further. For further assessment, use the Substance Abuse Behavioral Indicator Checklist II (attachment D in Section 104B). A new assessment tool entitled “The North Carolina Work First Family Assessment of Strengths and Needs” is available to assist the Work First case manager in identifying the strengths and needs of the family to aid in family case planning.

E. Activities of Daily Living- Is appropriate clothing available for the family (appropriate as to weather, size, cleanliness, etc.)? What activities does the family participate in? Does the family own a car? Is public transportation available and convenient? Is support needed in learning how to manage or organize the household or how to budget limited resources? Are the family members employable? Do the parents know how to discipline the children in the home? Do the children attend childcare? If so, where? How are the children performing in childcare, are they socializing well with other children? Are there any behavioral concerns from the childcare provider?

F. Physical Health-Are there any special medical concerns for family members? Is anyone in the family chronically ill and/or physically disabled? Does the family engage in regular exercise and have healthy meals? Have the children been vaccinated and are they up to date? Who are the medical/dental providers for the family?

Summary of Strengths- Assess the overall major strengths of the family. Review the issues of substance abuse, domestic violence, etc. Family strength can come in the form of interests, hobbies, skills, talents, resources and other capacities, both formal and informal extended community supports. Assess all family unit members for strengths.

Scoring-The highest score represents the area the family has a need. Once the need has been identified, the worker should refer the participant to the appropriate service. To score an item accurately, enter only one score for each item. Once each item has been scored, the worker should identify the strengths and needs. Strengths are those items with the lowest score and needs are those with the highest score. These strengths and needs will be used in the family case planning process.

Signatures-The TANF Strengths and Needs Assessment form requires the signature of the case manager and the participant.