Report Writing and DocumentationFamily Preservation, Outcomes Based Service DeliveryPresented by: Jacqueline Dagneau

Paperwork to Have With You

Introduction LetterService PlansContact NotesFAF ScalesSuicide Risk Assessment

Suicide History Inventory

Critical Incident Form

Genogram/Ecomap/ Resiliency Map

Relationship Rating Scale

Internal Referral Forms

Consent Forms

Contact Note Writing

Video andDiscussion

Groups of Four http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A

-2xD3ILrs&feature=related

What information should have been gathered from the clip?

Flip Chart Exercise.

Important to Note:

The date, time, names and roles of persons at the meeting, the name of the person completing the contact note (also if it was a telephone or face-to-face meeting);

The pertinent information* shared; concerns and strengths;

List the work that was completed during your visit.

*Note: What we consider pertinent is influenced by our world view.

World Views

It is important to be self-aware in terms of our world views.

Our world view is the lens through which we understand events/experiences; it is influenced by our collection of previous experiences, social location, culture, values, and etcetera.

Chris Boyle (a Senior Practitioner in Australia) refers to a Munro (2002) publication when speaking to the influences over our assessments. The following is outlined:- “Formal knowledge: Professional training, policy, legislation;

- Practice wisdom: Understanding through experience (self and peers);

- Emotional wisdom: Self awareness, empathy;

- Reasoning skills: Critically reflect on practice;

- Values: Own ethics/values.”

Contact Notes

Why are contact notes important?A means to monitor our purpose and practice of work.Credibility (we provide a service that we are paid to do).To facilitate communication between workers.Highlights the needs/progress/concerns of our families.Assist us in report writing.Contact notes are legal documents that could be called in

court. When?These should be completed after each visit/conversation (no

more than 24 hours after contact).

What?In point form or sentence: describe the work you did in the

home, including any significant observations (language, behaviour, home condition, etc.) should be reported in your notes.

Observations vs. Judgements

Observations

What are Observations? Observable, measurable

activities

Verbal or Non-Verbal

Include any significant quotes that are relevant and necessary

Judgements

What are Judgements? Assumptions about

what occurred or the intent

Avoid making absolute statements

Completing Contact Notes Objectively

State facts.

Use your senses, for instance what you saw or heard.

Do not make generalizations.

List the work that was completed during your visit.

Avoid these pitfalls.- Labelling: Susan is depressed

- Using absolutes or slang: always, never, very

- Setting client/family up to fail: documenting only negative behaviours or concerning information—important to present a balanced picture

Examples of Problem Sentences

Erin’s family is refusing to support her during this time.

Katie’s home is a disaster.

Sheila was angry at the Caseworker.

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Exercise

Examples of Appropriate

Wording

Flip Chart Exercise

Report Writing

FormatFamily Assessment Functioning (FAF) (must be completed 40 days after referral)

Summary of Service Team Meeting/Progress Reports

Interim Letters/ Termination Letters

Termination Report

Deadlines

Who, what, when, where, who?

Professional language (do not use the first person)

Reviewing reports (Supervisor, Caseworker & Family)

The importance of…

Report Samples

Reviewing well written and poorly written reports. Please see handouts.

We would be happy to help.

Do You Have Any Questions?