Child Welfare Licence (CWEL) Practice Exam

How often must a case be reviewed after its opening date?

1. Every month

2. Every 60 calendar days

3. Every 90 calendar days

4. Every 120 calendar days

The correct answer is: Every 90 calendar days

A case must be reviewed every 90 calendar days after its opening date to ensure that the child’s needs are being met and that appropriate actions are being taken to address any issues. This timeframe is crucial because it allows caseworkers to assess the progress made since the last review, evaluate any changes in the family's situation, and make necessary adjustments to the case plan. Regular reviews help maintain accountability, ensure that interventions are effective, and provide a consistent opportunity for all involved parties, including the family, to communicate about the case. The 90-day interval strikes a balance between being frequent enough to be responsive to the child's or family's evolving needs while also allowing sufficient time for objectives to be pursued between reviews. This standard is informed by best practices in child welfare, emphasizing the importance of timely and ongoing assessments. In contrast, shorter intervals, like every month, may overwhelm caseworkers with excessive reporting and not provide adequate time for significant progress to be made. Longer reviews, such as every 120 days, could lead to delays in necessary actions, potentially compromising the welfare of the child involved.