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Improved Outcomes for Children (IOC) Pilot Project
Quotes from Agency Staff working with Family Team Conferencing and Improved Outcomes for Children
I believe that the premise of the IOC (Improved Outcomes for Children) initiative is viable and important in regards to actualizing what is in the best interest of children and families. Having family members participate in Family Team Conferences empowers the members to not only take an active part in the service plan goals, ( which is positive because it gives them a sense that they have ownership of the goals) , but it also provides the members an opportunity to voice their concerns as well. This is a contrast from the previous utilized model in which matters would go forward in Service Plan Reviews with or without the presence of the clients, fosters parents and children and in some respects the service plan goals would be dictated or reiterated by ACS. The main challenge is getting all parties to consider this new process in terms of their perception of its importance, moving away from the old process. This is important when considering attendance. This has improved over time.
It’s important for the Case Planners to be diligent in there regular discussions/ outreach to all parties involved regarding the importance of participation. The FTC/ IOC process also monitors issues of permanency and moving this issue along. When considering what is in the best interest o f children of course minimizing lateral foster home placement movements is important as we all know that these moves can be emotionally traumatic for not only the children but the bio family and in some cases even the foster parents. I have seen positive results in regards to IOC placement preservation conferences being successful. These conferences also help to keep matters focused even when it is clear that the move is unavoidable.
IOC Agency Supervisor
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