ALA Caseworker Responsibilities
Caseworkers in Alabama work in the state Department of Human Resources. The caseworkers try to make sure that all foster children placed in homes are in a suitable environment. Caseworkers must follow standards set forth in the Therapeutic Foster Care Manual. Each caseworker uses a tool called an Individualized Service Plan -- known as an ISP -- to work with foster families.
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Treatment Team
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A caseworker is part of a treatment team in Alabama that helps to make sure each foster child has a comprehensive plan while in foster care. The treatment team consists of the caseworker, the child, the child's family and a Department of Human Resources social worker. The caseworker is considered the practical leader of the treatment team and initiates the comprehensive treatment plan.
Contact With Child
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The caseworker spends time alone with the foster child to allow the youngster the opportunity to communicate all thoughts, feelings and concerns about his foster family. The discussion is held in a safe environment. The caseworker assesses the child's progress, looks for signs of potential abuse and attempts to build a relationship with the child. The caseworker meets with each child on a face-to-face basis on a weekly schedule. If illness or other issues prevent the caseworker from meeting with the child, the caseworker's responsibility should be handled by the caseworker's supervisor.
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Supporting Foster Families
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The caseworker works and communicates with the foster families. The caseworker designs and revises the in-home treatment strategy for the foster child, helps set goals and provides strategies for foster families and training for problem solving. The caseworker also provides emotional support for the foster families and meets with the foster parent at least once a week and visits the foster home biweekly.
Caseloads
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Each caseworker in Alabama is expected to carry a caseload that includes eight to 10 foster children. The caseload can be adjusted downward if responsibilities are greater than those listed in the Therapeutic Foster Care Manual, the individual cases require more intense supervision or the distance traveled is too great to allow the caseworker to meet minimum contact levels with the foster child or foster parents.
Crisis Situations
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The caseworker, along with other staff members, is on-call in crisis situations for all foster parents, children and families. This means that if a crisis arises at any time, the caseworker is available on a 24-hour, seven-day basis. However, when a caseworker has been called for emergencies recently, other caseworkers will be designated to handle the crisis so the primary caseworker can have a respite.
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Resources
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