5224 Icebreaker Conversations

1. An Icebreaker Conversation shall be held within 10 calendar days of a child being placed in any foster home that is non-temporary. They are required when the case plan goal is reintegration.  The Case Manager/Facilitator, parent(s)/caregiver(s), foster parent(s), and child (if appropriate), shall meet in-person, unless the use of technology is approved by the supervisor, to share information about the child and focus on the child’s care and well-being.  The purpose is to not only share information about the child, but to begin building a relationship between the parents and foster parents.  To enhance the relationship building process, the Icebreaker Conversation shall not be combined with other meetings.
2. CWCMP staff who have received training on Icebreaker Conversations may facilitate them.  Case Managers are responsible to make sure they occur.
1. In general, children under the age of 12 do not need to attend the Icebreaker.  For children age 12 and older, the decision about whether they should be involved shall be made on a case by case basis and the reasons documented.
2. If siblings are placed together, one conversation may be held as long as there is time dedicated to each child. If siblings are not placed together, Icebreaker Conversations shall occur in ways that support the parents and children. Factors include the parents’ ability to converse in large groups, the comfort level of the facilitator in managing multiple conversations, the relationship between the siblings, whether the foster parents know each other, etc. 
3. If, due to circumstances of the case, it is not possible for the Icebreaker Conversation to occur in-person, the case manager/facilitator shall staff the case with a supervisor to explore the use of technology to facilitate the conversation.
3. The case manager/facilitator is responsible to:
1. Prepare participants for the conversation by addressing concerns and setting guidelines;
2. Schedule the conversation to allow for maximum participation of all participants; 
3. Facilitate the conversation in a way that allows the parents and birth parents to communicate respectfully, and to provide care to the child that minimizes the trauma of being separated from their family;
4. Remain neutral in the conversation;
5. Summarize decisions made during the conversation;
6. Debrief the participants, if needed.
4. Icebreaker Conversations are not required when:
1. The child is in a temporary placement;
2. The child is in a placement other than a foster home;
3. The parents are unable or unwilling to participate;
4. There are issues that are so significant they create an unsafe situation for participants.