Integrated Case Management (ICM)

 

As implementation of ICM expands, we have become more focused on how this model can compliment the already existing team models for cross-systems collaboration.  Because the ICM model focuses on bringing together interdepartmental and interdisciplinary teams to work with families, its critical work involves the integration of those systems and disciplines rather than implementation of specific case management functions.  As such, the “case management” terminology does not truly reflect the focus of the work done in the ICM model.  Therefore, as the initiative moves forward in 2003 one of its challenges will be to re-name the initiative to more accurately reflect its systems integration focus within the larger framework of integrated services delivery.  Maine’s Children Cabinet reaffirmed that framework with the  signing and adoption of the “Policy on Integrated Service Delivery and Integrated Case Management” in the summer of 2002.

 

In 2002 both the ICM project sites, Region III and the Bath/Brunswick community, have continued to experience support, commitment and success with ICM. During 2002, Region III had a total of 18 families participating in ICM.  They continue to train both facilitators and team members and are consistently growing their pool of trained facilitators.  In the Region III area, the use of ICM to deal with issues around housing and expelled youth has also proven very successful.  Region III continues to work towards their goal of coordinated models of case management and service delivery for every family.

 

During 2002, the Bath/Brunswick ICM project is also moving forward in their ICM initiative.  Based on the cases that utilized ICM during the pilot phase the Bath/Brunswick project has decided to adopt the facilitator model for ICM that has been utilized in the Region III project.  This decision sets the stage for a more consistent implementation of ICM across the state while still allowing for individual communities to “fit the model” within their existing service delivery systems.  The Bath/Brunswick project has also focused its energy on working with the Region II Children’s Cabinet ICM Subcommittee around how to expand the availability of ICM in Region II, as well as, how to provide systemic and cabinet support for the Bath/Brunswick project during this expansion period.

 

Additionally in 2002, two new venues have embraced the ICM model.  First, the Department of Corrections Juvenile Services Division began an ICM Training initiative that will train its entire staff by the end of 2003.  Second, following  adoption of the Policy on Integrated Service Delivery, the Children’s Cabinet Report on Incarcerated Girls was completed and based on that report, the Cabinet identified the Incarcerated Girls Project as a venue where ICM could provide additional support and direction to secure better outcomes for girls moving out of facilities.  A brief update on each of these initiatives follows.

 

DOC/ICM Initiative:

As the Department of Corrections (DOC) strives to move towards a therapeutic and restorative justice model, they are being helped along that path by programs calling for the collaboration and integration in the delivery of services.  At the forefront of the state of Maine’s journey towards collaborative practice across disciplines, DOC has realized the necessity of working with other departments and agencies to find the best solutions for the individuals and families that they serve. 

 

As DOC reviewed the current models of integrated service delivery, they identified the Integrated Case Management (ICM) model as a way to serve the needs of their populations.  In keeping with the collaborative approach, DOC has undertaken the training of their employees in conjunction with their counterparts from other departments.

 

 The first of these trainings, for Policy-Makers, was held with over 60 individuals from various departments and agencies in attendance.  DOC will continue to hold trainings during the spring and early summer of 2003 with the goal being that by the end of the year staff at all levels of the juvenile service division will have received ICM training as appropriate for their needs.

 

Incarcerated Girls:

The idea to use Integrated Case Management specifically for girls within the correctional system began with a report initiated by Maine’s Children’s Cabinet. This report focused on 25 girls committed and/or detained in Maine’s juvenile facilities between December 2001 and September 2002.  One of the strongest recommendations of the report was to increase systems collaboration in order to ensure that services for girls were both gender responsive and comprehensive.  The report suggested “ICM be used for coordinating services when girls and their families face multiple problems.  This approach may be particularly useful for girls leaving a DOC facility to make a successful transition from a highly structured, corrections environment to living in a community” (Salisbury, 2002).  Based upon this recommendation, the Children’s Cabinet decided to use the ICM model for a specified number of girls within the correctional system. 

 

The ICM Steering Committee was then charged with forming a committee and undertaking the project, titled “Incarcerated Girls”.  During 2003, four girls from each facility will be selected to participate in the project.   These girls will be from different parts of the state, some will be in DHS custody, most will have mental health and/or substance abuse issues, and the group will reflect different stages of transitioning into and out of the correctional system.  The project goals include the identification of systems barriers that kept girls involved with DOC and the establishment of gender-responsive, comprehensive plans for the identified girls.