This is to remind all staff of the policy and procedures when working with the Regional Center. See Special Information Bulletin DCFS Regional Center Working Agreement, dated January 11, 1995, (available on LAKids).

Staff should be aware that, as part of the above-referenced agreement, the CSWs and the Regional Center Service Coordinators are to jointly participate in risk assessments, needs assessments, and service planning and delivery activities. This collaboration should include sharing information for the risk assessment, as well as the development of a comprehensive service plan with shared case management and service delivery for the child and family. In all child welfare cases, our Department maintains the primary responsibility for case management. Regional Center has primary case management responsibility for children they place in a licensed out-of-home care facility.

CSWs should keep in mind the following:

• DCFS must supply Regional Center with all available assessments at the time of the referral to Regional Center. Regional Center must complete an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) within 45 days if the child is under three years of age. If the child is three or older, an Individual Program Plan must be completed within 60 days of the time the Regional Center receives the referral. These plans are the equivalent of a DCFS case plan.

• DCFS should request information from Regional Center in order to complete a thorough assessment.

• Once eligibility for Regional Center services has been established, the CSW and the Regional Center Service Coordinator should continue to notify one another of reassessments, court hearings, changes in the child’s or family’s residence, change of worker, and changes in the child’s or parent’s circumstances.

CONTACT: Toni Hertz (213) 351-5723