ABOUT CHILDREN'S

Introduction

The Children's Administration Practice Model

The Children's Administration Practice Model provides an overarching framework for child welfare practice in Washington State.

The foundation of this framework is a clinical model that sets out the philosophy and theory of practice and directs the policies and procedures of the agency toward family centered practice. Current policies, practices and proposed changes within the Children's Administration will be evaluated in the context of how well they support the clinical model, Solution Based Casework.

Implementation of CA's Practice Model, Solution Based Casework, includes the following:

• Training, case consultation and coaching of staff to increase clinical skills which build on family strengths and support engagement while, at the same, making decisions about child safety
• Clinical skills and practices CA staff can use in working in partnership with families
• Development of a family assessment and case planning tools, placement resources, adolescent approach, and intake framework consistent with and supportive of the clinical model, and the integration of these tools in FamLink
• Review and revision as needed of CA policies and procedures to ensure they support solution based casework
• Revision to training curriculums, procedures, and practice guides to integrate solution based casework
• Ongoing review of all facets of the Children's Administration, including organization, structure, staffing, and contracts to maximize the effectiveness of the model