Service #1 of 1: In-Home Family Services a. Activities the Contractor must perform: Service descriptions must be clear and specific so the contract is enforceable and can be appropriately monitored and audited. The service description should clearly define: The service title. Service to be provided. When service will begin. Duration of service. The referral process (if applicable). How the provision of service is to be documented. How the termination of service to a client is determined and documented. How and when the contractor will communicate with MDHHS. The expected time frames for performing tasks. The Contractor must: 1) Provide In-Home Program Supervisor(s) to oversee casework and supervise In-Home Workers. The Supervisor must meet with workers at least weekly to review and discuss the case. 2) Provide In-Home Workers with a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of referred clients during non-traditional hours. 3) Visit the client’s residence within 14 calendar days of the referral to conduct a strength-based interview with the client). 4) Develop a written Service Plan in collaboration with the client within 30 calendar days of the initial home visit. The Service Plan must consist of a narrative description of the family home situation, reason for the referral, and the following: a) Assessment of client’s needs: Housing Education Employment Transportation Childcare b) Assessment of risk factors: Domestic violence Substance abuse Special needs children Young and teen parent Health issues c) Case goals, objectives, and projected outcomes related to the referral d) A listing of activities to be performed by the Contractor and schedule of contacts e) Any other information deemed by the Contractor to relate to the successful outcome of the case f) An Adult/Adolescent Parenting Inventory pretest (AAPI) or equivalent of the family’s assets and strengths, support systems, employment skills, and financial support issues 5) Submit the Service Plan to the MDHHS referring worker for approval within 30 calendar days of the initial home visit. 6) Administer a pre and post-test of parenting skills to the client. A standardized tool such as the AAPI or equivalent must be used to measure the improvement related to parenting and child development issues. 7) Provide individualized services in the home a minimum of one visit per week lasting at least one hour for a maximum of six months. The intensity must be based on needs of the client as approved by the MDHHS referring worker. Sessions may address: a) Parent skills education Children’s basic needs (nutrition, medical safety) Physical and emotional aspects of development Effective communication Active listening Setting behavior and time limits Discipline and child management Age appropriate expectations Alternatives to corporal punishments Reinforcing positive behavior Parents as role models Creating safety plans that are behaviorally specific b) Parent/child interaction skills Infant growth and development Child safety Verbal and physical redirection Problem solving and discipline Reward and punishment Helping children manage their behavior Appropriate methods of discipline Positive recreational activities Helping children with feelings c) Life/home management skills Housekeeping, homemaking and other organizational skills to facilitate a positive home environment Employment Education Budgeting Nutrition, meal planning and preparation Family planning and birth control Stress management Family rules Baby proofing
