Florida Child Welfare Case Manager – Study Guide

Florida Child Welfare Case Manager – Study Guide

1. Foundations of Child Welfare

 Purpose: Ensure child safety, permanency, and well-being.

 Core values: Child-centered, family-focused, trauma-informed care.

 Collaboration with courts, schools, healthcare providers, and community agencies.

2. Abuse, Neglect, and Mandatory Reporting

 Types: Physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment.

 Mandated reporters must report suspected abuse or neglect immediately.

 Understanding risk factors and protective factors.

3. Safety Assessments and Investigations

 Conduct initial safety assessments to determine immediate risk.

 Develop safety plans when necessary.

 Ongoing risk assessments throughout the case lifecycle.

4. Case Planning and Permanency

 Develop individualized case plans with measurable goals.

 Permanency options: reunification, adoption, guardianship, independent living.

 Engage families in service planning and compliance monitoring.

5. Court Process and Legal Responsibilities

 Dependency court procedures.

 Documentation required for court hearings.

 Understanding timelines for permanency decisions under federal and state laws.

6. Documentation and Confidentiality

 Accurate, objective, and timely case notes.

 Maintain confidentiality according to HIPAA and Florida statutes.