The Integrated Assessment (IA) is a multidimensional approach to evaluate children who enter into care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS). The primary goal of IA program is to ensure safety, permanency, and well-being of the child and family. Since 2005, the School of Social Work at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has been contracted by DCFS to implement the IA program in eighty-four counties of the Central and Southern regions of the state.

Integrated Assessment is a unique model that identifies the client's strengths and needs within a broader systems context. The IA Clinical Screeners, in collaboration with DCFS and Purchase of Service Permanency Workers, conduct in-person interviews with the children, birth parents, substitute caregivers, and paramours to gather comprehensive information on the family of origin, previous child welfare history, information on medical conditions, mental and behavioral health, education level, work history, law enforcement involvement, as well as their personal and family strengths, protective factors, and available supportive resources. The assessment report becomes the foundation for identifying intervention needs and the subsequent development of the case service plan for the children and families involved. The completed report is submitted to DCFS within 45 days of temporary custody. The recommendations made in the IA reports allow the department to address the critical safety and risk factors, as well as necessary medical, developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs of the children and family for treatment and service planning. The IA report serves as a linkage between case service planning and service provision.

Mission

The IA Program strives to enhance safety, well-being, and permanency by providing a comprehensive assessment of the particular strengths and needs of each child and family at the outset of their involvement with the child welfare system throughout the state of Illinois.