PA-RTX 18: Case Closing and Aftercare
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Planning for case closing:
- is clearly defined and includes assignment of staff responsibility;
- begins at intake; and
- involves the worker, the resident, a parent or legal guardian, and others, as appropriate.
When an individual or
family is asked to leave the
program the agency makes every effort to ensure the person is referred to appropriate services.
Upon case closing, the agency notifies any collaborating service providers, including the courts, as appropriate.
When a person's third-party benefits or payments end, the agency determines its responsibility to provide services until appropriate arrangements are made and, if
termination or withdrawal of service is probable due to non-payment, the agency works with the person or family to identify other service options.
Interpretation: The agency must determine on a
case-by-case basis its responsibility to continue providing services to persons whose third-party benefits have ended and who are in critical situations.
NA The agency does not receive third-party benefits or payments for service.
An aftercare plan is:
- developed with the resident;
- supported by the resident’s service plan and
- developed sufficiently in advance of case closing to ensure an orderly transition.
Interpretation: The decision to develop a plan for community living is based on the wishes of the
service recipient, unless it is mandated. In some programs and services, aftercare planning is an integral part of the service and the agency is expected to be strongly proactive with respect to aftercare planning.
Aftercare plans identify information and services needed or desired by the person, available supports, and specific steps for obtaining these services.
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Research Note: Based on an analysis of administrative data, including the change in profile of youth admitted in recent years to residential care, a statewide study of child and youth well being following residential treatment has found that a significant proportion of youth have difficulty maintaining positive post discharge outcomes. These results are consistent with earlier studies of maintaining gains post discharge and highlight the importance of a supportive post discharge environment for youth and caregivers. Research has found that quality of supports available in the child’s post-program environment is associated with community adjustment, regardless of youth status at discharge, and that treatment gains are more likely to be maintained when youth have supportive community network. |
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Research Note: Despite evidence that youth who emancipate from care are under prepared, and enacted legislation that provides authorization to strengthen aftercare services, aftercare is generally considered to be the weakest aspect of independent living programs. A recent qualitative study of teens in foster care concludes that aftercare is needed, lacking and strongly recommended. |
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Research Note: A prospective, longitudinal 15 year, ten cohort study of youth who receive intensive aftercare and long term follow upf ound a low attrition rate, gains in employment experience and matched savings, educational achievement and, with at least two years in the five year program, a positives self-sufficiency trajectory. Findings that education achievement rates compared very favorably with the comparison group. U.S. Hispanic youth, NYC Hispanic, Black and Special Education rates, and US Youth in poverty, support conclusions that aftercare services should be long-term, intensive, flexible and provided by paid professional mentors with reasonable caseloads (15-20 youth). These findings are consistent with evidence that mentoring can work along with necessary services. |
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The agency takes the initiative to explore suitable resources and contact service providers, when appropriate and with the permission of the person, family, or legal guardian.
The agency follows up as appropriate, when possible, and with the permission of the resident.
Interpretation: There are many reasons why follow-up may not be appropriate. These include, but are not limited to, cases where the person’s participation is involuntary, or cases where the individual may be at risk such as in cases of domestic violence
At case closing the agency documents final evaluation and assessment findings, including unmet needs, as appropriate, and with the knowledge of the person or his/her legal guardian.
