Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System

PCFA Modules

The PCFA Modules project was designed to provide an overview of the Protective Capacity Family Assessment model. When completed it will feature 6 modules: Module 1 – Why PCFA?, Module 2 – Preparation, Module 3 – Introduction, Module 4 – Discovery, and Module 5 – Case Planning.

About
These training modules provide a brief introduction to the Protective Capacity Family Assessment model. They are based off the PCFA, Part 1 training taught at the Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership (MCWP) which is based off a more comprehensive curriculum developed by ACTION for Child Protection. These modules are not intended to be a replacement for PCFA, Part 1 but should instead be used to preview information taught in that training or to review information after the training. If you have questions about PCFA, please contact your supervisor or bring your questions with you when you attend PCFA, Part 1 at the MCWP.

Module One - Why PCFA?

Module 1 is a short introduction to the Protective Capacity Family Assessment model. You will learn why PCFA is the required safety intervention model used in Milwaukee County to meet ongoing services standards. In addition, you will learn why impending danger threats must be known and understood before undertaking the PCFA process. Click the image below to view the module.

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Module Two - Stage One: Preparation

Module 2 introduces you to the first stage of PCFA – preparation. In this module, you will get an overview of the stage including what you do, why you do it, and how long it is expected to last. We also discuss the standards that apply to this stage of PCFA. Click the image below to view the module.

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Module Three - Stage Two: Introduction

Module 3 introduces you to the second stage of PCFA – introduction. In this module, you will learn about  how to articulate the purpose and the process of PCFA and the need to be clear with clients about the safety threats involved in their case. We also cover the four common ways clients respond to CPS and PCFA and some of the ways you can alleviate tensions and confusion surrounding those challenges. Click the image below to view the module.

Module Four - Stage Three: Discovery

Module 4 introduces you to the third stage of PCFA – discovery. In this module, you will learn why and how a worker accomplishes the three main goals of Discovery: discover what must change, focus on diminished protective capacities, and seek agreement with the caregiver(s). Click the image below to view the module.

Module Five - Stage Four: Case Planning

Module 5 introduces you to the final stage of PCFA – case planning. In this module, you will learn how to transition from the discovery stage to the case planning stage. You will be shown how to have critical conversions about what goes into the plan, while keeping in mind that a plan must to be made and is required to include impending danger threats and dismissed protective capacities. Click the image below to view the module.

Credits

The PCFA is a decision making methodology based upon original content, processes and decision making concepts and practices contained within ACTION for Child Protection’s comprehensive safety intervention system, Safety Assessment and Family Evaluation (SAFE), and implemented in Milwaukee since 1998.

On-air Interview: Marta Magnuson & Erin Nasgovitz
Video Actors: Deleono Johnson & Erin Nasgovitz
Module Production: Marta Magnuson
Video Production: Joe Franklin
Music: David Szesztay, “Sunny Street” Commercial II, 2016