Section 4, Chapter 10 (Case Management Activities) – Overview

Effective Date: 11/05/2025

Overview

This chapter describes a variety of activities completed by Children’s Division team members when working with families whose child(ren) is in Alternative Care (AC). This includes activities such as case planning, visitation, and diligent searches.

Case Opening in FACES

When a child(ren) is placed in the legal custody of Children’s Division (CD), the child’s case must be opened in FACES within two (2) business days. Although an AC function is opened in most scenarios, there are cases in which a Family Centered Services (FCS) case may be opened instead of, or in addition to, the AC function.

When Children’s Division has legal custody and the child(ren) is placed in out of home care, an AC function should be opened.

When Children’s Division has legal custody and the child(ren) never leaves the care of a parent, an FCS case should be opened.

Some families whose children are in legal custody of CD may have an AC function and an FCS function open at the same time. This may occur when one child is placed in out of home care and CD has legal custody of the other child, but that child never leaves the care of a parent.

Updating or adding a child whom CD has legal custody of to the Family View screen, without the proper case function opening, is not sufficient. The Family View screen does not capture adequate information about the child’s legal status.

Table of Contents

10.1 – Permanency and Case Planning

10.2 – Diligent Search and Placement Guidance

10.2.1 Diligent Search for Placement

Attachment A: Diligent Search Activities

10.2.2 Notifying Relatives

10.2.3 Documentation and Notice to the Court

10.2.4 Making a Placement Decision

10.2.4.1 Emergency Placements

10.2.4.2 Placement Preference

10.3 – Visitation between Parents, Children and Siblings

10.3.1 – Parent Criminal History