Service Plan Questions

When will my service plan be developed and reviewed?
Some states begin to develop service plans with families at the first contact. Other
states might start the service planning process later. The service plan is to be
discussed at least once every 6 months. This may happen sooner if your family
situation changes.

Is a service plan the same thing as a case plan?
It could be the same. Different states use different names for the service planning
process. Your state might use the term “permanency plan,” “case plan,” “family
service plan,” “reunification plan,” or “treatment plan.”

What are the benefits of a service plan?
You can use a service plan like a road map. It tells you where you are going (for
example, trying to keep your child at home, helping your child return home, or
planning another permanent home for your child). It also gives directions as to
how to get there. A service plan can help you focus on what needs to change to
help your family’s situation improve. A service plan also helps you know how far
you have come and to keep track of the progress that is being made.

Who is involved in developing the service plan?
You, the parent, should always be involved with the agency worker in developing,
writing, and signing the service plan. It is also important to include children who
are old enough to participate.
Often a “child and family team” helps you and the agency worker develop the
service plan. This team should include people that you know, such as a service
provider, someone from your child’s school, a counselor who works with your
family, a family advocate, someone from your church, a good friend, or a close
relative. There may be some people on the team that you are meeting for the first
time. Members of the child and family team will have some responsibility for
helping you and the agency complete the service plan.