Final answer:
Given the circumstances and that risk factors have been addressed, the counselor should consider closing the case (A) as the primary need for safety has been met, or (D) refer the family to additional services to help maintain a clean home.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the situation where The Marks family has completed all of the tasks of the case plan except for "keeping the home clean at all times," and noting that the children have been adequately cared for and are no longer at risk, the counselor should take an approach focusing on the ultimate goal of the family’s well-being. Since the primary risk factors have been addressed, and the case has been open for an extensive period - nine months - it does seem reasonable to close the case, with an option A) Close the case, as the children are adequately cared for and no longer at risk. However, it may also be beneficial to provide resources to help the family maintain cleanliness standards, making option D) Refer the family to additional support services for maintaining a clean home a compassionate and supportive option that ensures ongoing family stability without the pressures of an open case.
Options B) Extend the case plan deadline to address the issue of keeping the home clean and C) Recommend that the children be removed from the home due to the cleanliness issue do not seem as fitting. The former because the main objective of risk to children has been mitigated, and the latter being extreme given the children are not in danger.