Children's Targeted Case Management
Practice Guidelines

TRANSITION 

Agencies should have written policies and procedures for children and their families transitioning to adult services. They should also have written policies and procedures for children and their families who may be experiencing transitions to/from the following settings:  

·        Schools

·        Hospitals

·        Foster Care

·        CDS (Child Development Services)

·        Juvenile Justice/Corrections Facilities

·        Group Homes

·        Homeless Shelters

·        Residential Care/Treatment Facilities 

Case managers should be provided with ongoing professional development training opportunities as needed. Training curricula should include how to support children and their families throughout the transition, including an awareness of the impact and dynamics of trauma during transition, as well as responsive interventions.

Some best practices related to the overall process of transition are:

·        Revising/monitoring the child’s transition plan, ensuring that it is consistent with Wraparound Process principles and pertinent to the unique circumstance that the child and family are experiencing;

·        Identifying risks, strengths-based interventions, and resources that may help to meet the child’s needs;

·        Establishing protocols to determine the need for further assessments and follow up;

·        Assisting the family to identify and explore natural and formal supports, and to whatever extent possible, supporting them to access these supports as soon as they are available;

·        Assisting families to be fully involved and empowered as partners in the child's transition; and

·        Working toward full engagement and active involvement of the child throughout the transition process.

Memoranda of Understanding exist between DHHS-CBHS and other child serving state departments outlining resources and protocols that are in place for children and families experiencing transition.  These include: 

·        The Protocol for the Coordination of Transition of Children Under BCFS Care to the Adult Service programs Under BDS or BEAS – October 2002;

·        BDS Case Management Transition Guidelines for Children Needing Adult Mental Retardation Services – October 2003; and

·        The “at risk” protocol/agreement with DHHS/BCFS for children receiving Intensive Temporary Out-of-Home Treatment Services (ITOOHTS).    

The following site can be accessed for more information:

 http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/bds/children/Child_index.htm

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