DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to inform staff and supervisors of the new required time frame for updating the electronic case record in FACES. As previously stated in CD09-80, the timeliness of updating and approving the electronic case record in FACES is an important aspect of the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), Council on Accreditation (COA) Standards, and the Child and Family Services Review (CFSR).

Staff are relied upon to update the electronic case record in FACES timely and accurately to capture the required information for federal reports and for best practice. Supervisors are also relied upon to approve the electronic case record in FACES in a timely manner to ensure the accuracy of the case record.

COA Standards require information about a new placement to be entered in the case record within 24 hours. Policy previously allowed 2 business days for the change to be made. Effective immediately, if a child moves to a new placement, this information must be entered into FACES as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after the change occurs. The Child Welfare Manual has been updated to reflect the change in policy.