NCJ Number
199073
Date Published
2002
Length
193 pages
Annotation
This document was developed to assist both case managers and management staff in implementing an excellent case management system.
Abstract
Case management is the infrastructure for delivering effective services that will facilitate the positive growth and development of youth and the achievement of individual and organizational performance goals. At the systems level, case management is defined as a strategy for coordinating the provision of services to participants within that system. Case management is a client-centered, goal-oriented process for assessing the need of an individual for particular services and assisting him/her to obtain those services. Successful case management initiatives incorporate a number of nearly standard steps that allow interventions to be orderly and structured while also being client-centered and flexible. These steps vary in priority, sequencing, time allotted, and content based upon client goals and needs. Many are ongoing or regularly repeated rather than one-time activities. These steps are pre-screening, intaking, assessing, setting goals, designing and implementing a case plan, monitoring service delivery, weaning the participant from dependence on case management, and evaluating. The primary goal is to enable youth to achieve economic and personal independence and self-sufficiency. The five basic ingredients in the helping relationship are acceptance and respect, understanding and empathy, trust, and confidentiality. The foundation of good case management is good assessment. Assessment, the contents of a comprehensive case plan, implementing the case plan, record keeping, and tools for managing a case load are all discussed. An overview of Youth Opportunity Initiative is provided.