Case Management

In Florida, when someone reports possible abuse, neglect or abandonment of a child, an investigation is conducted by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

In Monroe County, if a judge decides the child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed, the court then turns to Wesley House Family Services to ensure the ongoing safety of the child and to help the family address the issues that put the child in jeopardy.

This service is called “case management.”  A dedicated case manager is assigned to each family.  The case manager’s job is to check on the child frequently and report to the court on his or her safety and well-being.

The case manager also works closely with the child’s parents to develop a personalized plan that identifies, addresses, corrects and prevents repetition of any circumstances which put the child at risk of harm. The intent is to strengthen and preserve the family with the primary goal of protecting the child.

The case manager reports regularly to the court on the progress the parents are making throughout the case.  Typically, parents are given a one-year period to complete the services needed to eliminate the risk to the child.

Selected by the State of Florida as an exemplary agency, Wesley House has provided these services to more than 300 children in Monroe County each year since assuming the responsibility in 2005.