A Critical Juncture is any change to a family’s circumstances which has the potential to impact the safety of a child. Therefore, a Critical Juncture necessitates a reassessment of the family. The formal assessment tool is the Progress Update.

A new Progress Update must be created in FSFN at a minimum every ninety days from the approval date of the Ongoing Family Functioning Assessment OR the approval date of the last Progress Update. A new Progress Update must be created sooner when fundamental decisions are being made for the children, or when Critical Junctures are occurring that necessitate a formal re-evaluation of protective capacities and child needs.

Below are examples of Critical Junctures but are not limited to only the following:

• When safety management has resulted in a decision to remove a child from home.
• At the birth or death of a sibling.
• Upon the addition of a new family member, including intimate partners.
• Before changing the case plan to include unsupervised visits.
• Before recommending or implementing reunification, as Conditions for Return are met.
• Before a recommendation for case closure.
• When the case has been dismissed by the court.

The supervisor and case manager shall have a case consultation to review case dynamics when case circumstances include any of the following. The case consultation will determine if a Progress Update should be completed prior to the 90-day period based on the discretion of the supervisor and the Critical Juncture.

• When significant changes in family members’ and/or family circumstances warrant a review and possible revision to the safety plan and/or case plan, such as a change to unsupervised visitation.

• When an emergency change in a child’s out-of-home safety plan placement is needed.

• When the children and/or caregivers are making little or no progress toward the established outcomes and/or an immediate change in the case plan is needed.

• After any review (i.e., judicial, administrative, State) recommends or directs that changes be made.

• At receipt of a new investigation or report of domestic violence in the home.

Supervisory case consultation is required at Critical Junctures in the development and updating of:

• Family Functioning Assessments
• Safety planning/safety monitoring
• Case planning 
• Progress Updates