Screening and Assessment

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CCSA is based on needs; therefore, screening to identify problems and client needs assessment are critical components of this service approach.

Clients are screened at all points of contact to ensure that problems and changes in circumstances are identified and are not overlooked. A one-year study of various screening methods has shown the most effective strategies for identifying client problems. Assessment is a process to identify unmet client needs, client strengths and the outcomes to be achieved together. The assessment is used to develop a care plan to link needs with programs and services both inside the Department as well as resources in the community.

Screening

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The screening process:

• ensures a more consistent service and standardized approach to identifying any changes in client status, problems, or potential problems;
• captures client information and biographical data upon entry of a client file or service number, the reason for the call and prompts for the screening question and recording structure;
• uses an integrated on-line tool that forms part of the Department`s case management system to help ensure that case managers in the field are aware of what involvement other staff in the Department may have had with the client;
• has the capacity to include questions concerning mandatory program-related annual contacts, e.g. the Veterans Independence Program (VIP).

Assessment

Significant work was undertaken to develop a new, flexible, Client Centred assessment tool that:

• is variable in length and based on client needs;

• is appropriate to client needs;

• transcends program requirements and has the capacity to provide data required for administration of specialized benefits;
• facilitates more client-focused case management. The tool will encourage more in-depth probing of the client's situation;
• covers requirements for Attendance Allowance.

The first step in developing a new Client Centred assessment was to identify the strengths, weaknesses and gaps in the old method. Examples of client assessments from other jurisdictions were compared, and experts and users were consulted. Staff representatives from every level of the organization put together the framework for an assessment tool designed to gather information which can be used by different case managers (both internal and external to the Department) working to meet the client's needs.

The new assessment provides better linkages between Counsellor and Nursing assessments and greater interaction among the various individuals involved with our clients, both internally and externally.