CANS Implementation Update
Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
I have completed the online training on the Communimetrics website and am now certified. What do I do? First, congratulations on your certification! You may begin to use the CANS, but will need to ensure that your locality has begun doing so. Check with your designated Super Users (a listing is on the CSA website), or your CSA coordinator to find out how your locality is implementing the CANS. Some localities have developed formal implementation plans. If you’re given the go-ahead to use the CANS, go to either the CSA website at http://www.csa.virginia.gov/html/systems_of_care/cans_document s.cfm or the Communimetrics website and print the score sheets and users’ manual. (You will use individual score sheets for each child, but only need to print the manual once.) You will complete the Comprehensive version for all “new” children ages 5-17 as they are added to your case load. As reassessments come due for children already on your caseload, complete a CANS Comprehensive as it will be the first time a CANS has been completed on this child. Afterwards, when reassessments are due, you will complete a CANS Reassessment.
Answer:
Question: Answer:
What are the CANS Modules? When do I use them? Certain items on the assessment score sheet are marked with a number. For example, the “Developmental” item has a small (1)
Fact Sheet #7 September 3, 2008
next to it. If the child rates a 1, 2 or 3 on the Development item, you will find the Developmental Module (the first module) and complete it. Likewise, for the “Adjustment to Trauma” item, if the child scores a 1, 2, or 3, you will find the second module “Trauma” and complete it. The modules provide for the gathering of additional information on areas that are identified as problematic for the child. There are two placement modules that are not prompted by how a child is rated on an item on the CANS. If a child is in a foster home, complete the “Temporary Caregiver” module. If the child is in a Residential Treatment Center, complete that module. You will only use the modules when you complete the Comprehensive version of the CANS, not when you do a Reassessment. Question: Is the online training system hosted by Communimetrics the same as the online CANS assessment instrument system? No. The online training and certification is on a site hosted by Communimetrics and is active. The CANS online assessment instrument will be hosted by a state VITA server and is not active. When will the online (web-based) CANS assessment instrument be available? The target date for is January 1, 2009. OCS is in the contracting process with RCR Technology, an Indiana company that worked with that state agency to build the CANS data system. Although Indiana is sharing the CANS software with us at no cost, we must use their contractor for installation and configuration. OCS is working with VITA to ensure a successful implementation. Should private providers complete the CANS assessment for children served by CSA? No. The public agency (LDSS, CSU, CSB or school) case manager will complete the CANS assessment.
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
CANS Fact Sheet #7 September 3, 2008
2
Question:
Will private providers know about the CANS? May they be trained? Yes. Private providers may access the Communimetrics site and be trained and certified for their own use. It is also helpful for them to be knowledgeable about CANS for CSA as the assessment will assist FAPTs in determining what services the child and family need.
Answer:
CANS Fact Sheet #7 September 3, 2008
3