© 2013 National Standards of Practice for Case Management

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

One – Case Identification (screening) and Assessment

Standard Clients who meet the eligibility criteria for case management are identified and an assessment is completed. Rationale An element of screening occurs to determine the initial needs of the Client. These needs and risk stratification are matched against the eligibility criteria of the program providing case management, and the Case Manager then completes an assessment. Interpretation Standard Onemay include, but is not limited to, the phases of Screening, Assessing and Stratifying Risk. Case Managers and Clients may be linked through processes of referral or outreach. In some programs, participation in a case management program may be mandated. Case identification involves the collection and screeningof informationabout perceivedClient needsand/ or risks. Stratifying Client risk may also be combined with the Assessing phase depending on the case management setting. Case Identification (screening) results in a decision to either accept or decline case management services for a person based on appropriateness within the aims and objectives of the case management program. Assessment is a phase that underpins all subsequent case management actions. It is an ongoing phase of gathering and appraising data from various sources to identify areas where the Case Manager and Client will focus their efforts. The depth of an assessment will be determined by the limitations of the case management program. The identification of needs commences during the assessment phase and may be facilitated through actions such as interviews and risk assessments. The Case Manager listens to, respects and documents the Client’s individual, diverseandspecial needs, includingaspirations choices, expectations, motivations, preferences and values. Stratifying risk is undertaken by the Case Manager for the purpose of determining (as applicable) the appropriate level of required intervention/s; based on the Client’s situation, special needs and interests. This action allows for the implementation, in partnership with the Client, of targeted risk category-based interventions to enhance Client outcomes. The categories of risk vary depending on the risk assessment tool/model applied inaccordancewith the agency, program and/or funding body guidelines.

Guidelines Case Managers are expected to:

1A Ensure that Clients understand their rights and responsibilities, supported by evidence of Clients consenting to be involved in the program providing case management. 1B Gather information about Clients while respecting their confidentiality and privacy with the aim of not duplicating assessments. 1C Identify and prioritise the Client’s initial needs to inform more comprehensive assessment once initial screening is completed. The CaseManager and Client focus on areas within a defined model (appropriate for the specific case management program), that may influence the Client’s holistic needs. 1D Understand the Client’s individual, diverse and/ or special needs so that appropriate services and support for Client development occurs. 1E Stratify and analyse risk factors that the Client experiences/may experience. 1F Communicate those needs which fall within the aims and objectives of the program (including any third party restrictions). 1G Consider the Client’s current situation, probable future situation and ensuing holistic needs. 1H Communicate the criteria for disengagement with Client. 1I Hold a valid license/certificate to practise, and/or evidence of the necessary skills and qualifications to undertake the case management role pursuant to the relevant specifications and/or mandatory requirements of a professional body, agency, case management program and/or funding body.

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National Standards of Practice for Case Management