To keep children safe from harm and to avoid the potential trauma of multiple placements, it is important that each child’s transition be planned, prepared, and managed carefully. Child-centered case management is an important approach to ensuring that this is done well. The process should take into consideration all children who are in residential care, regardless of age or special care needs. While the key steps are common to all, the pacing is specific to the preparation and readiness of each child and family. A child-centered focus aims to engage children in age-appropriate ways, protect them from harm, ensure that case managers make decisions in children’s best interests, and work closely with families and communities.
Case management does not end with placing children in families but continues through monitoring each child’s and family’s adjustment for a period of time. Children aging out of residential care or foster care continue to benefit from a case manager who supports their transition to independent living.
Actively Engaging Children and Families
Conducting Child and Family Assessments
Making Child-Focused Decisions