§2 ch4: Investigation Response
Attachment M: Intensive In-Home Services (IIS)
This attachment addresses the responsibility of the Children’s Division for referring families to Intensive In-Home Services (IIS).
Intensive In-Home Services are designed to prevent the out-of-home placement of children. IIS is targeted to families who have children in immediate risk of placement. Immediate risk is identified as a crisis, which erupts and the family or Children's Service Worker is ready to recommend out-of-home placement. A preliminary screening shall be completed for all children when out-of-home placement is being considered to determine if an IIS referral is necessary. The preliminary screening is defined as a conference between the Children's Service Worker and supervisor. During this conference, a determination will be made if the case is appropriate to refer for Intensive In-Home Services.
An IIS preliminary screening is required in all cases when a Children's Service Worker plans to recommend the removal of the child(ren) except in the following situations:
- When the child(ren) cannot be adequately protected during the referral and assessment process and must be removed on an emergency basis; or
- When all caregivers have indicated that they will not cooperate with IIS.
When the Children's Service Worker identifies that the family's situation requires a recommendation for out-of-home placement, he/she should discuss his/her concerns for the welfare of the child(ren) with the family and inform them of his/her decision to recommend out-of-home placement of the child(ren). The Children's Service Worker should advise the family that IIS is a resource that may be available to them, which could help prevent placement of the child(ren).
There will be situations when the child(ren) is removed from his/her home on an emergency basis. If an IIS referral was not made at the time of removal, the Children's Service Worker who is responsible for the child(ren) immediately following placement, and his/her supervisor, should re-evaluate the placement decision within 72 hours following the placement, according to Section 211.180, RSMo. which requires a screening after removal from the home and placement into custody of the court. This will be a preliminary screening between the Children's Division Investigator and/or Case Manager and Supervisor. If safety can not be assured with IIS in the home, the family will be screened out. If the case is deemed appropriate for IIS, a referral will be made within 72 hours of placement.
Information regarding the decision to refer the family for IIS and the outcome of that decision will be documented on the CPS-1 and CPS-1A. The results of the consultation should also be documented on the CPS-1, Child Abuse/Neglect Investigation and Family Assessment Summary.
All IIS preliminary screenings and referrals will be documented in the narrative and on the court report submitted to the court for the protective custody hearing.
All referrals must be recorded on the FP-100, referral form. The FP-100 will be completed by the IIS CD worker or contractor if contracted out. The FP-100 will be entered by the 5th day of each month. Field #18 will be completed stating whether the case was accepted or not. If the case is not accepted, field #19 will also be completed using the appropriate code on the form for the reason it was not accepted. If the case is accepted, an FP-200 must be completed upon IIS exit/discharge and at one (1) month, six (6) month, and twelve (12) months following the exit/discharge date to track the status of the child(ren) regarding placement. The FP-200 will be completed by the site coordinator as identified in each IIS site.
IIS referrals for Newborn Crisis Assessments
The family involved in a Newborn Crisis Assessment may be referred to IIS for services. If the physician has provided a statement that specifies why the child is without proper care, custody or support, and that immediate protective custody is necessary to prevent personal harm to the child, then a referral to IIS may be an option. If the child is removed prior to a referral, CD must re-evaluate the placement decision within 72 hours following the placement, as per Section 211.180, RSMo.
If the mother agrees to go through an in-patient, drug treatment facility, an IIS worker will go to the treatment center to assist the mother in maintaining custody of her infant.