Aftercare

The facility shall establish written policies and procedures regarding how the six-month aftercare requirements must be implemented to best meet the needs of residents and families, including completion of an aftercare plan that identifies how the facility will ensure continuity of services provided to the resident and the resident's parent or guardian, postdischarge. 1. The aftercare plan must be created prior to discharge in collaboration with the resident and the resident's custodian, parent, or guardian and must include: a. A list of followup appointments scheduled by the facility; b. A list of resident and family supports; c. A list of resources and referrals completed by the facility engagement specialist to meet the needs of the resident, which includes documentation that a release of information was signed by the custodian, parent, or guardian for the family engagement specialist to maintain postdischarge communication regarding services; d. Coordination with and contact information for local service providers; e. A safety plan created to address treatment needs of the resident upon return to the community; f. Documented plan for engagement with the resident and the resident's custodian, parent, or guardian, service providers, and other relevant parties; and g. Documented participation in child and family team meetings if the resident remains in foster care. 2. Aftercare policy applies to all residents accepted into the facility for treatment. If a resident is placed as an emergency placement and not approved for treatment, aftercare services are not required. 3. The aftercare six-month followup period must begin the day following the resident's discharge from the facility. The facility shall implement the aftercare plan developed as part of the discharge planning process. The facility may directly provide aftercare services and supports or coordinate with local service providers. 4. The facility shall conduct a department-approved postresidential outcomes survey at the conclusion of the six-month required aftercare period. 5. Postdischarge aftercare services must be provided by the facility as follows: a. If a resident discharged from the facility remains in foster care, the facility shall collaborate with the custodial agency to implement the six-month aftercare plan. b. If a resident is discharged and no longer in foster care, the facility shall coordinate the ongoing six-month aftercare with the resident and resident's parent or guardian. c. If a resident is successfully discharged, but does require readmission to a facility, the aftercare services will discontinue and a new aftercare period will begin postdischarge from the current facility placement.