This policy guide was updated from the 11/09/2022 version to include specific transfer requirements on the Case Transfer Guide: When and Where to Transfer attachment as well as under the section “Circumstances to Transfer a Case”. This version also includes updated transfer protocols for AB12 and MCMS Section case transfers.
POLICY
Case Transfers
Whenever a case moves from a CSW to another CSW, including within an office, Case Transfer Criteria applies, unless other arrangements are made between impacted managers. It is important that the sending and receiving offices communicate clearly with each other about the needs of the family and child in order to ensure the following:
Case transfer is in the child's best interest;
A case is transferred promptly;
A child receives seamless services; and
The safety of the child is maintained.
Cases are transferred electronically and assigned within two (2) hours to ensure that there is no disruption in the provision of services on cases. The sending office is responsible for tracking case transfers. For further information, refer to Case Transfer Guide: When and Where to Transfer.
Stability Requirements
This section is not applicable to Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Unit or newly promoted referrals from ER case transfers except where noted.
Ensure the address for each parent/guardian/child is updated in CWS/CMS.
Verify the address in person within thirty (30) days prior to the transfer.
The last face-to-face visit was within fifteen (15) calendar days of the transfer at the current placement/Home of Parent (HOP) and documented in CWS/CMS.
Neither the caregiver(s) nor the child in placement has requested a replacement prior to transfer.
The child in placement is not currently a runaway; or abducted from placement and there are no outstanding protective custody warrants issued.
The child is not under a medical or psychiatric hospitalization.
There are no questions or concerns from Community Care Licensing regarding the supervision given to the child(ren) in the out-of-home care facility.
A child receiving Family Reunification (FR) services has been in the current placement for at least 30 calendar days.
The sending CSW has assessed that a family receiving Family Maintenance (FM) services is not planning to move, the address is not temporary, or the family is not under an eviction notice.
If the sending office arranged with a parent receiving FM services for the parent to reside at one address and the child to reside at another address, the case as part of the appropriate plan, should remain in the office that serves the address of the home of parent.
A child receiving Permanent Placement (PP) services has been in the current placement for at least 90 calendar days.
A Child and Family Team Meeting (CFTM) has been completed within the last thirty (30) days before case transfer. If the caregiver refuses to attend a CFTM, a child-focused CFTM must be conducted. This does not apply to home of parent (HOP) or FM cases.
Children have current medical and dental records on file. If the medical and/or dental records are delayed by the provider, state the date the records were requested and the dates the service was provided. If the child has a confirmed appointment to update medical and/or dental information, state the date of the appointment and the date the appointment was verified by the provider.
Services and court orders must be initiated prior to transfer.
If warranted, the case can be considered for transfer after ninety (90) days to another office.
If there is a need to transfer the case to another office due to placement location issues for the assigned CSW, the transfer can take place within ninety (90) days only with agreement between all parties.
The sending CSW has completed the initial physical inspection of the Supervised Independent Living Placement (SILP) ensuring the placement meets minimal criteria, initiated, and submitted the SILP for approval.
This section applies to all transfers.
The sending CSW has completed the initial physical inspection ensuring the home does not have any safety threats and meets the physical, emotional, medical, and mental health needs of the child. A detailed home description including the layout and composition, of where each child andadult sleeps must be documented in CWS/CMS.
If the home is not an approved resource family home, document in CWS/CMS the date the intake referral was submitted to the RFA Intake Unit or that the resource family home is waiting for approval.
Sibling Groups
When appropriate, every effort is to be made to transfer sibling groups as a family unit. If sibling separation is unavoidable, the siblings’ placements are to be in close geographical proximity to each another as outlined in Placement Preference for Children. If only one (1) child is transferred, a new Case Plan/Case Plan Update must be written for the transferring child.
If it is a PP CSEC case transfer, siblings to the CSEC child are to remain with the current office.
High Priority Cases
A high priority case conference is held prior to transferring the case. A case is considered a high priority case when at least one (1) of the following exists:
The child has significant medical/psychological needs.
There are barriers to meeting the child's critical needs.
Adverse court orders(A court order/decicion which is contrary to the Department's recommendation and which the Department beleives, if carried out, wil jeopardize the child's safety.)
Risk of child abduction, including history of abducted sibling(s).
The child was returned to the parent’s custody within the last three (3) months
CSEC aases approved for transfer to CSEC Units:
Child/Family has ties and/or a nexus to organized crime that presents a risk to all involved.
Child has a history of violence to others or self.
High Priority Case Conferences
A high priority case conference gathers DCFS staff to ensure that their efforts are coordinated effectively and that they support the objectives outlined in the case plan. These conferences produce high priority case transfer plan.
The sending ARA will contact the receiving ARA to arrange the case conference and to determine the format. A High Priority Case Conference can occur via teleconferencing, video-conferencing, or in person. The sending and receiving ARA mutually determines who (ARAs, SCSWs, and/or CSWs) participates in the High Priority Case Conference.
Prior to accepting the case, the receiving ARA has the option to give the receiving SCSW/CSW CWS/CMS access to the case for purposes of case conferencing and for facilitating the high priority case transfer plan.
High priority case transfer requires the sending SCSW to alert their ARA regarding the need for a high priority case conference.
Group Homes, Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP), and Community Treatment Facility (CTF)
Cases with children residing in residential care should not be transferred from one office and/or CSW to another unless deemed necessary by the office administrator, agreed to by the receiving office, and in the best interest of the child. This is because group homes, STRTPs, and CTF placements are meant to be short term, and a transfer may cause delays in transitioning children to home-based family care. If a NMD is placed in a STRTP, the case cannot be transferred to another office, but may be transferred within the same office with administrative agreement.
If a Continuing Services (CS) case transfer within the office is necessary, the case should be transferred within the same unit to promote continuity of services and a speedy transition to home-based family care.
As an exception, case transfers are permitted for children/NMDs who meet the transfer criteria to specialized programs (e.g., Medical Case Management Services, Commercial Sexual Exploitation Prevention, etc.). In addition, transfer must be deemed necessary and in the child/NMD’s best interest as described above.The case is assigned according the mother’s address rather than the address of the group home, STRTP, or where the child/NMD resides. For NMDs, the case is assigned according to the NMD’s address.
Circumstances to Transfer a Case
The services portion of a pre-disposition case can be transferred to any office when either:
However, if one (1) or more of the allegations in a referral were not investigated, the service portion of a pre-disposition case cannot be transferred until the investigation is completed.
The following types of cases can also be transferred, if they meet the corresponding requirements:
Case/Child to be Transferred
Requirements for Transfer
A case is receiving Emergency Response (ER) services and there is an outstanding protective custody warrant for a parent or child.
The case can be transferred to Continuing Services (CS) if it meets the rest of the case transfer requirements.
General Case Transfer guidelines include but are not limited to
The case can be transferred if a Child and Family Team Meeting (CFTM) was held before the transfer and if, during the CFTM, it was agreed to transfer. This does not apply for HOP and FM cases.
The case can be transferred if:
A family receiving court ordered FM or Voluntary Family Maintenance (VFM) services moves out of the office service area; unless the plan is to close the case within the next ninety (90) days and the VFM case has not been open for more than two months.
The parent(s) receiving FR services move(s) out of the office service area.
The court terminates FR services and orders PP services, and the youngest child in the case resides in a different office service area.
When the adoption has finalized.
A case is serviced by the Adoptions Division and the court orders that adoption is no longer the Case Plan.
The case can be transferred, even if the child is mising or absent from care and a protective custody warrant has been issued.
If there are siblings, the missing or absent from care child’s case is assigned to the siblings’ CSW.
A child receiving Permanent Placement (PP) services has a sibling who is receiving Family Maintenance (FM)/Reunification (FR) services.
When appropriate, the PP case will be assigned to the CSW servicing the siblings receiving FM/FR services. However, when transferring a PP case, consideration should be given to what is in the best interest of the family, including assigning the case to the CSW who knows the family the best. Whenever there are any noted conflicts of interest, ARA consultation should be sought.
The NMD/youth must meet all other applicable transfer requirements in this policy guide.
A case is being transferred from a Regional Office to another after termination of parental rights (TPR) for a child receiving adoption services, and the Adoptions Division and the Regional Office case assignments are currently in the same office.
A child is considered to receive adoption services when an Adoption CSW is assigned to the case as a secondary.
A case can be transferred after TPR when the case is currently split between offices (i.e. the Regional and Adoption CSWs are in different offices).
Such a transfer is negotiated up the chain of command and involves both Regional and Adoptions Division staff.
The desired end result is for both the Adoptions Division and Regional case assignment to be in the same office.
A case is serviced by MCMS and the child no longer meets the criteria for service by MCMS.
The case can be transferred, even if the child is misisng or absent from care and a protective custody warrant has been issued.
A child on the case is identified as having been sexually exploited.
The case can be referred to the CSEC Bureau Liaison (CSA III) to be placed on a waiting list for consideration once CSEC criteria is met. Case is eligible to receive CSEC services.
A child identified as a CSEC case is closed or transferred to an AB12 worker, but their sibling’s case remains open.
The sibling’s case can be transferred from the CSEC section to the appropriate regional office.
Circumstances to Not Transfer a Case
The following types of cases cannot be transferred, given the following provisions:
Case/Child to be Transferred
Provisions
One (1) or more of the allegations in a referral were not investigated.
The services portion of a Pre-Disposition case cannot be transferred until court has reached a disposition.
The court has not reached a disposition.
The DI/Legal portion of a Pre-Disposition case cannot be transferred unless the sending and receiving ARAs pre-approve the transfer due to special circumstances.
When a WIC 366.26 hearing is scheduled.
Allowed when transferring into and out of certain specialized programs.
The sending office is responsible for ensuring that a DI is assigned to complete WIC 366.26 responsibilities.
A family is receiving Family Maintenance (FM) or Voluntary Family Maintenance (VFM) services, and the plan is to close the case within the next ninety (90) days.
N/A
All children in the case are placed in a non-adjacent county.
The child is receiving FR or PP services, and there is an outstanding protective custody warrant for a parent or child.
Permitted if the child is serviced by MCMS and no longer meets the criteria for service from MCMS.
Permitted if the child is identified as CSEC and accepted in the CSEC Unit.
A parent abducted a child from DCFS custody.
Permitted if the child is serviced by MCMS and no longer meets the criteria for service from MCMS.
The child is missing or absent from care.
Permitted if the child is serviced by MCMS and no longer meets the criteria for service from MCMS.
Permitted if the child is identified as CSEC and accepted in the CSEC Unit.
The American Indian (AI) Unit
The American Indian (AI) Unit makes the final determination whether to accept a case regarding an Indian parent or an Indian child. A case can be suitable to transfer to the AI Unit if at least one (1) of the following Tribal Enrollment Eligibility factors exists:
The tribes’ criteria for enrollment by blood quantum (i.e., full, ¾, ½, ¼)
If a child meets the blood quantum criteria, they are eligible for enrollment if the parent(s) or grandparent(s) are enrolled with the tribe the child claims to be members.
If the child is not enrolled, determine if the child’s father, mother, or grandparent(s) are enrolled in any tribe.
Tribes’ criteria for enrollment are by lineage or dependency (i.e., the Seneca and some tribes in California)
Tribes in Oklahoma, such as the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole, recognize members as eligible for enrollment if an ancestor was listed on the Dawes Land Allotment Roll in the late 1800’s.
The region in which a parent and/or his ancestors resided should be determined if a parent states that they may be enrolled in a tribe but does not know for certain which one.
Heritage cases cannot be transferred. In a heritage case, a parent is enrolled with their tribe but the child does not meet the enrollment criteria of the tribe.
Commercially Sexually Exploited Child (CSEC) Unit
DCFS has specialized CSEC units that serve children that have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation. CSEC units are located at the Broadway office and the LASD Human Trafficking Bureau in Monterey Park. In addition, staff are co-located in various law enforcement stations. CSEC section can be reached at (213) 660-6912 or by email at CSEC@dcfs.lacounty.gov.
For CSEC transfer eligibility, the identified child/NMD must be coded on the CWS/CMS CSEC data grid as an identified child/NMD of commercial sexual exploitation. Children/NMDs coded as "at risk" with no verifiable commercial sexual exploitation will be reviewed by the program and accepted at the discretion of the CSEC units.
New cases identified through the CSEC First Responder Protocol with substantiated allegations of exploitation will be directly transferred to a CSEC unit. Open regional office cases identified through the law enforcement First Responders Protocol with substantiated allegations for exploitation can be referred to the CSEC in-box for case review, provided that all other requirements have been met.
Due to the placement instability of many children/NMDs identified as CSEC , the CSEC units will accept cases where the placement is unstable or the child/NMD is a runaway and their whereabouts are unknown.
Children/NMDs identified as “at risk” on the CSEC Data Grid can be referred for support from the following resources:
DREAM Court for Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDT’s)
The Runaway Outreach Unit for trained CSEC secondary support and/or
Linkage to CSEC Advocacy agencies
The required substantiated allegation for commercial sexual exploitation should also be accompanied by the following related behaviors and activities within the last six (6) months:
Child/NMD spends time in areas associated with commercial sex work
Provocative, sexualized clothing
Sexually explicit images/text posted on social media
Unexplained/suspicious access to expensive clothing and goods
Tattoos or branding on face/neck/thighs/hands/chest/shoulder that suggest property (i.e., crowns, roses, “$”, “precious”, CREAM, “beloved”, “Sir”, “Daddy’s girl", etc.). Also monikers or symbols of the gangs that branded them (i.e., a star for Hoovers, “S” for Sixties, etc.).
Attachment/dependence on cell phones
Frequent changing of social media accounts
Unexplained bruises or other physical trauma
Chronic runaway behavior from home/placement
Unexplained absences from school
Romantic relationships with older adults
Inappropriate/unhealthy intimate relationships with adults
Glamorizing trafficking/the commercial sex industry
Use of slang referencing exploitation
Frequent or multiple sexually transmitted infections
Unplanned pregnancies
Multiple interactions with Law Enforcement
Eligible regional office cases must be referred to the identified CSEC Liaison from the office where the primary case is serviced. The CSEC regional Liaison will then review the case thoroughly to assure the child/NMD has been identified as a commercially sexually exploited child/youth and meets the criteria for transfer to the CSEC units in concert with the case transfer policy. Eligible cases will then be forwarded to the CSEC@dcfs.lacounty.gov in-box for eligibility review, case review, transfer, and warm handoff from the office the case was accepted from.
AB12 Unit
Every regional office has discretion to begin transitioning any youth who is expected to become a NMD within six (6) months of their 18th birthday into an AB12 Unit. However, if initiating transition services into an AB12 unit for a soon to be NMD earlier than their 18th birthday, those cases should not be transferred between offices.
The following must occur in order to transfer to AB12:
A case transfer conference/screening must be done prior to transfer (including case transfer in the same office as well as to a different office).
A NMD eighteen (18) and over (until age 20 ½) to be transferred from a CS unit or an AB12 unit to the corresponding region that services the NMD’s residing zip code once they have been stable in their placement for 90 days or more at the time of transfer.
Have a current placement active in CWS/CMS.
Have current and signed placement forms; this includes THPP-NMD, SILP, RFA and FFA placements
RFA forms have been submitted and current RFA paperwork, if applicable.
When transferring from CS to AB12 within your office, if youth is placed in an STRTP, an extension does not expire within the next ninety (90) days. If an NMD is placed in an STRTP, the case cannot be transferred to another office, but can be transferred within the same office with administrative agreement.
A Court report must be calendared for more than ninety (90) days from date of transfer.
Current 709 Foster Child Needs and Case Plan Summary (should be for the current placement and within the last twelve (12) months), if applicable.
Face-to-face visit in the current placement within fifteen (15) days of transfer.
Current Transitional Independent Living Plan (TILP) and current SOC 161 Six Month Certification of Extended Foster Care Participation with aligned dates.
Current Child and Family Team meeting inputted in CWS/CMS.
Updated case plan signed and approved in CWS/CMS by SCSW.
The Case Plan must be specific to the NMD, have no siblings attached, and include the Sexual Reproductive Health component and the Post Secondary Education Support information.
The DCFS 5556, 6-Month Transition Plan, must include date discussed and documented in CWS/CMS on the Special Project page using the following code: TAY-DCFS 5556 form.
The FC 1637, 90-Day Transition Conference, must include date discussed and all information related must be documented in CWS/CMS under the Transition Plan Notebook.
The discussion about Cal Fresh must to be documented in CWS/CMS on Special Project page and must include the date of the discussion.
Signed DCFS 6009, Nonminor Dependent Informed Consent.
Signed DCFS 6010, Nonminor Dependent 2-Way Authorization for Sharing Information.
The completed DCFS 123 B, SILP Inspection Request, 123 C, The Extended Foster Care Grievance Review Process for Nonminor Dependents, and 123 E, SILP Inspection: Portable Space-Heater Safety Check-List, if applicable.
Current photo in Kid Pix.
Current medical and dental information.
The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) national tool should be up to date.
Verify that the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) fields in CWS/CMS has been updated in the last six (6) months.
Current educational information entered into CWS/CMS including colleges and/or vocational schools
All DCFS 280, Technical Assistance Action Request, in the FCSS system are approved and cleared.
All court ordered services must be initiated prior to transfer.
Service component must be accurately coded as Supportive Transition (ST).
Consults must occur for Non Court Legal Guardians cases.
Case files for siblings should be forwarded to archives or the appropriated region office and not the AB12 unit.
Cases need to have a history of substantiated allegations for exploitation and appropriately coded in the CSEC Data Grid in CWS/CMS for commercial sexual exploitation and/or cases should have recently confirmed CSEC activity to include; police reports, social media accounts, court recommendation, etc.; aided by documentation in CWS/CMS within six (6) months of the transfer request.
NMD’s court case may be in Department 401, Department 620, or Department 624 at Edelman Children’s Court, and for Antelope Valley Children’s Court, Department 428.
AB12 NMD is capable of complying with required services and willing to transfer to the AB12 Unit.
NMD should be eighteen (18) years or older and have a Supportive Transition (ST) Service Component.
An AB12 NMD whose placement is not stable will be accepted (with agreement between all parties) under the following criteria:
The NMD has an active source of contact (cell phone, parent, caregiver, etc.).
The sending CSW has made some contact with the NMD within the last thirty (30) days.
The sending office has submitted an Abducted Runaway Kids System (ARKS) request to the ARKS Liaison (PCW is not required for NMDs eighteen (18) and over).
A current or pending Runaway Outreach Unit (ROU) CSW is assigned to the case/or has been confirmed requested and in the process of review by ROU.
If a NMD is placed in a STRTP, the case cannot be transferred to another office, but can be transferred within the same office with administrative agreement.
Medical Case Management Services (MCMS)
DCFS has six (6) Medical Case Management Services (MCMS) Units that serve medically fragile children and children with special health care needs. These units are located in the Metro North, Torrance, and Glendora Offices. MCMS Case Transfers are screened by MCMS Intake Coordinators who can be reached by emailing MCMSIntake@dcfs.lacounty.gov.
MCMS Intake Criteria
Children that qualify for Specialized Care Increment (SCI) Medical Tiers two (2) and three (3) on the 1696(a) OR F-3 and F-4 on the DCFS 1696, should be transferred to the MCMS Unit. The CSW and/or SCSW should discuss with the Public Health Nurse (PHN) if case appears to meet eligibility for transfer to MCMS. If it appears the child is eligible, the following forms are required to initiate the transfer:
A case does not qualify for transfer to MCMS if the child’s only medical condition is a food allergy or other condition that may require the use of an Epi-pen in the event of an allergic reaction.
A case does not qualify if the SCI was raised to F-3 from F-2 based on the child's severe emotional problems.
A case should not be transferred solely because of a diagnosis of intellectual disability, autism, or another developmental disability.
If there is more than one (1) child in the family and other children in the family do not meet the MCMS Unit criteria, only the children who meet the criteria can be transferred.
In this case, the sending CSW must create a separate case file and Case Plan/Case Plan Update for the child being transferred to the MCMS Unit.
General Case Transfer Criteria referenced in this policy must also be met.
The attached flow chart provides guidance as to the MCMS transfer process.
For case transfers from other specialized units to MCMS (i.e. Asian Pacific Unit, Sensitive Case Unit, Deaf Services Unit, etc.) assessments should be made on a case-by-case basis prior to transfer. Some otherwise eligible cases may not be appropriate for primary assignment to the MCMS unit, based on what is in the best interest of the family (i.e. lack of primary language accommodations, etc.). During the HPCC, the ARAs can discuss whether there are special circumstances that prevent MCMS from being added as primary assignment. The section that best suits the child/NMD’s most complex needs would take primary assignment.
Disagreements between regional staff and MCMS Unit staff shall be negotiated at the ARA level. If agreement cannot be negotiated, those can be resolved through chain of command.
Adoptions Division
A child/NMD's Adoptions Division case and Regional Office case should be serviced in the same office.
A child’s case is transferred to the Adoptions Division, in Model Case Format after the child’s adoption has finalized.
If a case has been assigned in CWS/CMS, review the case and consult with the SCSW within one (1) business day.
Conduct a thorough review of the case in CWS/CMS using the DCFS 4366, Case Transfer Check Sheet.
Include all elements referred to in the CWS/CMS Transfer Request Summary Detail.
If it is an initial contact, mail the DCFS 2221, Notification of Change of Worker, to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and caregiver(s) within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the case, and place a hard copy in the case file.
Include the new CSW's name and contact information.
Have the initial face-to-face contact within ten (10) calendar days from the day of electronic assignment.
Do not to wait for the physical case to service the case.
If a transferred case is received with unresolved safety issues or if the hardcopy documents are missing from the physical case, notify the SCSW immediately.
Receiving SCSW Responsibilities
Make sure DCFS 4366, Case Transfer Check Sheet, is correctly assigned.
The Receiving Transfer Desk will provide notification of the case assignment via e-mail, telephone, or in-person.
If the case is incorrectly assigned, verify that the Transfer Desk forward the electronic case to the correct CWS/CMS Transfer Desk Inbox within one (1) hour of the Transfer Desk receiving it.
If the electronic case is sent to the wrong office, it is not considered to have been assigned until it is assigned to a CSW in the correct receiving office.
The sending CSW remains responsible for the case until it has been assigned to the correct office.
Review the case within three (3) business days of receiving the electronic portion of the case.
Conduct a thorough review of the case in CWS/CMS using the DCFS4366, Case Transfer Check Sheet.
Include all elements referred to in the CWS/CMS Transfer Request Summary Detail.
When appropriate and agreed to by sending and receiving ARAs, the sending CSW can be added as a secondary assignment to complete missing documents or task.
Before adding the sending CSW as a secondary, the sending and receiving SCSWs must conference the case and confirm which required hard-copy documents are needed and the time frame for their completion.
Notify the sending SCSW and receiving ARA immediately via email and telephone when:
A transferred case is received with unresolved safety issues.
Required CWS/CMS elements have not been completed within three (3) business days of the review.
The required hardcopy documents are missing from the physical case.
If unable to resolve issues, notify ARA via email informing them of the steps taken to resolve issues and current outstanding issues.
Receiving ARA Responsibilities
If applicable, notify the sending ARA that the case transfer took place with unresolved safety issues.
Submit a written request for any missing documentation to the sending ARA within two (2) business days of written notification from the SCSW.
When appropriate and agreed to by sending and receiving ARA, the sending CSW can be added as a secondary assignment until the missing documents are completed.
The sending ARA and receiving ARA will need to discuss time frames and plans in resolving missing documents and issues. If the issues are not resolved in the agreed upon time frame, the possible return of the case should be discussed.
Transferring Cases
Sending CSW Responsibilities
Discuss the case transfer with the SCSW.
Verify that there is no freeze on case transfers currently in effect.
Determine if it is in the best interest of the child/NMD to keep or to transfer the case.
Complete required face-to-face contacts within fifteen (15) calendar days prior to electronic case transfer date to verify the address and assure the child's safety and well-being.
Conduct a thorough review of the case on CWS/CMS and the physical files in order to ensure that the case is in Model Case Format.
Evaluate the assigning address and determine the receiving office.
When possible, discuss the transfer plan in advance with the parent, caregiver, and the child/NMD.
Submit both a Transfer Request on CWS/CMS and the physical case file with a completed DCFS 4366, Case Transfer Check Sheet, to the SCSW for approval.
Check all items of the “High Priority” field that apply in the upper right hand corner of the DCFS 4366. All high priority cases must have a case conference.
Discuss the high priority issue(s) of the case and make a High Priority Case Transfer Plan. This plan will utilize social work best practice and consider the best interests of the child.
Sending SCSW Responsibilities
Use the DCFS 4366 to make sure all CWS/CMS required elements have been completed.
Conduct a thorough review of the case on CWS/CMS and the physical files in order to ensure that the case is in Model Case Format.
Staff engagement between the sending and receiving CSW’s and SCSW’s to occur to ensure the best interest of the family. If there is disagreement, the Staff Engagement must include the ARA.
Discuss the high priority issue(s) of the case and make a High Priority Case Transfer Plan. This plan will utilize social work best practice and consider the best interests of the child/NMD.
Determine follow-up tasks that the sending office will complete, including whether the sending CSW will remain as a secondary assignment and for how long.
The sending SCSW consults with the Transfer Desk to determine which office the case will be sent to, discuss with the ARA about the high priority issues of the case, and to make a High Priority Case Transfer Plan.
If the DCFS 4366 documentation is incomplete, obtain approval from the sending ARA to transfer the case.
Use the CWS/CMS Transfer Request Summary Detail to include messages regarding:
Any missing documentation
Steps that are being taken to obtain and provide the documentation to the receiving office
When the receiving office can expect to receive the missing documentation
Upon approval of the case for transfer in CWS/CMS, give the secondary assignment to the sending office Transfer Desk Inbox in CWS/CMS.
The sending office Transfer Desk transfers the electronic portion of the case to the receiving office Transfer Desk Inbox within one (1) hour of receiving secondary assignment from the sending SCSW.
The receiving office Transfer Desk assigns the case to the primary CSW within one (1) hour of receipt of the case.
Verify the electronic transfer of the case’s primary assignment in the receiving office within three (3) hours).
Annotate the DCFS 4366 with the receiving SCSW’s name.
Give the physical case and the signed DCFS 4366 to assigned support staff (Unit Clerk, etc.) with instructions to forward the case to the receiving SCSW.
Sending ARA Responsibilities
To approve a case transfer without complete documentation, review and approve the SCSW’s written accounting of the steps and time frames needed to obtain and provide the documentation to the receiving office.
Transferring 2PEN Cases from ERCP to Regional Office
Take the placement packet to ERCP Headquarters no later than the end of work shift.
Input all required information into CWS/CMS.
Complete the Transfer Request Page in CWS/CMS.
Request SCSW on-line approval.
Forward the hard-copy documentation, (such as the police report, medical report, and signed placement agreement, etc.) to the ERCP SCSW.
ERCP SCSW Responsibilities
Review hard-copy documents (such as the police report, medical report, signed placement agreement, etc.) and on-line case for completeness.
If any additional forms and/or information are required, contact the CSW and obtain the forms from them.
Log the case on the SCSW Control Log.
If the referral is on an open case, close the referral investigation by choosing, "Child Already in a CWD/CWS (Child Welfare Department/Child Welfare System) Case". This action attaches all contacts in the referral to the open case.
If the referral is on an open referral in a Regional Office, close the referral by choosing, “Open New CWD/CWS Case”.
Review Transfer Request page.
If necessary, complete assignment match for office location.
Make a primary assignment to the receiving office Transfer Desk.
No later than the end of the shift, inform the case-carrying CSW and SCSW by telephone, leaving a voice mail, or e-mail that ERCP has taken the child into temporary custody.
Provide the child’s current location and a brief explanation as to why the child was removed.
No later than five (5) calendar days from the date of detention, forward hard-copy documents (such as criminal clearance requests and/or results, RFA Intake Request, DCFS 709, etc.) and copy of the SCSW Control Log to the ERCP Unit Clerk.
Regional SCSW Responsibilities
Review ERCP hard-copy documents and on-line case.
Review the CSW assignment, and determine whether to accept or to change assignment.
Forward ERCP documents to the Unit Clerk who initiates the Master Case Folder and files the documents in appropriate folders per Model Case Format (MCF) procedures.
Ensure that the TA Eligibility Supervisor (ES) is notified that an ERCP placement has been received.
Transferring Cases to the AI Unit
Case-Carrying CSW Responsibilities
Contact the American Indian (AI) Unit at (626) 938-1846 or (626) 938-1838.
Consult with an AI Unit SCSW regarding the facts of the case and whether the case should be transferred to AI Unit for services.
If appropriate, transfer the case.
If the case is not appropriate to transfer to the AI Unit, continue to provide services and consult with the AI Unit on how to proceed.
E-mail the case-carrying CSW and the SCSW to alert them that the adoption has finalized.
Adoption Assistant Responsibilities
Upon receipt of the adoption order, submit the JC2, Termination of Court Jurisdiction, to the court requesting termination of court jurisdiction.
Within ten (10) days from the date of the submission of the JC2:
Obtain the minute order that reflects the termination of court jurisdiction.
Forward the minute order to the Adoption CSW.
Adoption CSW Responsibilities
Within three (3) business days of either learning or receiving an e-mail from the Adoption Finalization Liaison/Unit Clerk that an adoption has been finalized, e-mail the Regional case-carrying CSW and SCSW to prepare the case for end-date and for closure. Use the following sample:
This electronic notification is being sent to alert you that the case for [Child's Full Name], DOB: MM/DD/YYYY, has had their adoption finalized and is now awaiting the termination of Court jurisdiction. Please prepare the case for end-dating and closure over the next ten (10) business days, but do not send the case at this time. A second e-mail will be sent to notify you when court jurisdiction has terminated and to complete the final steps to end-date your assignment and for closure by the Adoption CSW.
Upon receipt of the minute order reflecting termination of court jurisdiction, send a second e-mail to the case-carrying CSW and SCSW, instructing them to assign the case to the Adoption SCSW within three (3) business days. Use the following sample:
This electronic notification is being sent to alert you that the case for [Child's Full Name] DOB: 1/1/2000, has had their Court jurisdiction ended. Please send the physical case to the Adoption, and transfer the primary assignment in CWS/CMS to [Adoption SCSW’s] In-box.
Within (3) days of the receipt of the physical case from the case-carrying CSW, input all necessary information in CWS/CMS, including the AD42R field information, placement episode termination date, and finalization date.
Designate these tasks, as necessary, to other Adoption unit members (i.e. Unit Clerk, Adoption Assistant and SCSW) on an individual unit basis.
End the case in CWS/CMS.
Send to Adoption SCSW for approval.
Transfer the closed case to Revenue Enhancement.
Designate these tasks, as necessary, to other Adoption unit members (i.e. Unit Clerk, Adoption Assistant and SCSW) on an individual unit basis.
Adoption SCSW Responsibilities
Review the case, and determine if it should be approved.
If approved, approve the case termination in CWS/CMS.
If the case is not approved, return to Adoption CSW for corrective action.
Case-Carrying CSW Responsibilities
Within ten (10) days of receiving the Adoption CSW’s notification that the adoption has been finalized, input all necessary information in CWS/CMS, including documentation of all contacts and the removal of future court hearings.
File all necessary documents into the case files using model case format (MCF), and DCFS 4366, Children’s Services Case Transfer Check Sheet.
Within three (3) days of receiving the Adoption CSW’s e-mail notification that court jurisdiction has been terminated, forward physical case with a completed DCFS 4366 to the SCSW.
Case-Carrying SCSW Responsibilities
Review the case and ensure that it is ready for transfer, including disposition of all prior approval requests.
If the case is not ready for transfer, return it to the CSW for corrective action.
If the case is ready for transfer, approve DCFS 4366.
Change the primary assignment to the Adoption SCSW in CWS/CMS.
Forward the physical case to the Adoption SCSW.
Transferring a Case to the CSEC Unit
Before a case can be considered for transfer, ensure thatthe CSEC identified client and family are aware and agree to the transfer, and thatthe transfer is in the best interest of the child/NMD.
Case File Must Include
Birth certificate for child/NMD in care
Social Security Card for child/NMD in care
Current approved JV220 (within six (6) months)
TILP referrals submitted for all children sixteen (16) years of age or older.
SSI referral completed/submitted for all children over 16 ½ years of age in care.
Signed 90-Day transition plan within 90 days of youth turning eighteen (18) year olds.
All AB12 documents for 18-year-old (SOC 161 +162) filed in Emancipation Folder.
All SILP documents must be in the Emancipation Folder.
SOC 162 must be signed on or after their 18th birthday.
SOC 161 must be submitted to Eligibility Worker and processed.
Completed and approved STRTP documents, including a Qualified Individual (QI) assessment and Interagency Placement Committee (IPC) screening, if applicable
For children/NMDs whose whereabouts are unknown:
Children/NMD must have a current Protective Custody Warrant.
The sending office has submitted a Protective Custody Warrant to their offices ARKS Liaison.
A current or pending secondary Runaway Outreach Unit (ROU) CSW is assigned to the case.
The case has an active National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) referral and/or case manager assigned.
CSEC Advocacy Referral has been initiated.
Additional Transfer Criteria
Cases need to have a history of substantiated allegations for exploitation and appropriately coded in the CSEC Data Grid in CWS/CMS for commercial sexual exploitation and/or cases should have recently confirmed CSEC activity including: police reports, social media accounts, court recommendation, etc.; aided by documentation in CWS/CMS within 6 months of the transfer request.
Other requirements:
Child/NMDs court case may be in Department 401, Department 620, or 624 at Edelman Children’s Court, and for Antelope Valley Children’s Court, Department 428.
AB12 NMD is capable of complying with required services and willing to transfer to CSEC.
NMD should be eighteen (18) years of age or older and have a Supportive Transition (S.T.) Service Component.
A CSEC child/NMD whose placement is not stable will be accepted under the following criteria:
The child/NMD has an active source of contact (cell phone, parent, caregiver, etc.).
The sending CSW has made some contact with the child/NMD within the last 30 days.
The sending office has submitted an ARKS request to the ARKS Liaison (PCW is not required for NMDs 18 and over).
A current or pending Runaway Outreach Unit (ROU) CSW is assigned to the case/or has been confirmed requested and in the process of review by ROU.
If the child/NMD is in placement , the current placement must be active in CWS/CMS.
The last face-to-face visit was within fifteen (15) calendar days of transfer at the current placement/HOP.
There are no pending DCFS 280’s in the Foster Care Search System (FCSS).
RFA inspection forms must be submitted, if applicable.
SILP inspection forms must be submitted, if applicable.
All services and court orders must be initiated prior to transfer.
A current case plan must be on file and approved in CWS/CMS.
Case must be post-disposition.
Case needs to be coded accurately on the CSEC data grid.
Case needs to have a current CFTM completed.
The Following Cases will NOT be Accepted to Transfer
Suspected unconfirmed, or “at-risk” behaviors that do not qualify as commercial sexual exploitation.
NMD will be twenty-one (21) years old within six (6) months of transfer.
The child/NMD is not willing to accept CSEC services and case transfer.
Whereabouts are unknown for more than thirty (30) days and there is no active source of contact.
When a case transfer is not in the best interest of the child/NMD due to issues related to: substance abuse, mental health, Medical Case Management Services (MCMS), or when there are more prevalent/paramount needs of the child/NMD than the CSEC activity. In such cases, CSEC CS, CSEC Advocacy services and ROU can be sought out for support and in some cases placed on secondary assignment to address exploitation activity.
Siblings of identified CSEC child/NMDs remain in the regional office.
Pre-disposition cases
WIC 366.26 hearing is on calendar.
Detained or VFM/VFR children of CSEC minor mothers.
FM cases that will be closing within ninety (90) days.
Child/NMD “at risk” for commercial sexual exploitation.
Case-Carrying CSW Responsibilities
Contact the CSEC Unit at (213) 660-6912 or by email CSEC@dcfs.lacounty.gov
Consult with an CSEC SCSW and regional CSEC Liaison regarding the facts of the case is eligible and appropriate to be transferred to CSEC for services.
If appropriate, start the transfer process.
If the case is not appropriate to transfer to the CSEC Unit, continue to provide services and consult with the regional CSEC Liaison and CSEC Unit representatives on how to proceed.
Transferring a Case to the AB12 Unit
Case File Must Include
Legal folder with current minute order
Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
California Identification Card
SSI screening and if appropriate referral for benefits
Signed 90-Day Transition Conference form
DCFS 5556, 6-Month Transition Plan
SOC 161 (must be signed on or after18th birthday)
SOC 162 (must be signed on or after 18th birthday)
SOC 163 (for all re-entries)
Approved SILP documents
SOC 157A Approval and Placement Agreement
SOC 157B SILP Inspection Checklist of Facility Health & Safety Standards
SOC 157C SILP Readiness Assessment
Current, completed and approved Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) documents, if applicable
The Following Cases will NOT be Accepted to Transfer
Siblings of NMD
Detained or VFM/VFR children of the NMD
Cases with 366.26 hearings on calendar
Cases where the NMD will be turning 21 years-old within (6) months of transfer
NMD whose whereabouts are unknown
NMD who has been in placement less than ninety (90) days
Probate Cases
Whereabouts are unknown for more than thirty (30) days and there is no known contact information.
Case-Carrying CSW Responsibilities
A mandatory transfer conference shall take place prior to transfer (transferring in the same office or different office). The transfer conference should be initiated/scheduled by the SCSWs.
If the case is approved for transfer, transfer case.
If the case is not appropriate for transfer to the AB12 unit, continue to provide services and consult AB12 unit on how to proceed.
Case-Carrying CSW/SCSW Responsibilities
Contact your office AB12 Liaison to conference the case and determine eligibility of transfer.
If the AB12 Liaison agrees the case is eligible to transfer, the liaison should submit a formal request for transfer to the AB12 Unit.
The email should include the following:
AB12 NMD’s name and DOB;
Sending CSW and SCSW names and contact numbers/email;
A brief summary of facts, as to why the NMD qualifies for transfer to AB12.
AB12 Unit will respond to the request acknowledging receipt and will review the case for eligibility. If eligibility is confirmed, the AB12 SCSW will contact the sending CSW and SCSW to schedule a conference call to discuss current case information/details and arrange a warm hand-off (conjoint visit when available).
The primary assignment will be changed over to AB12 after all pending items are complete and the physical case file (White-Emancipation, Purple-Medical/Education, Legal-last 2 full reports, and last minute order) has been exchanged.
If the case does not meet criteria and is not accepted, correspondence will be made acknowledging the reasons for denial. The AB12 Unit will offer ongoing support and referrals, as needed.
Transferring a Case from the MART Unit
MART provides Emergency Response investigation services countywide. Please see MART Case Transfer Assignment for case assignment. MART transfers should meet the same criteria as a regional case transfer from ER to CS and will be assigned to a regional office based on the custodial situation. Existing CFT requirements on Child and Family Teams also apply for MART transfers.
Transferring a Case to the MCMS Unit
Case File Must Include, when applicable:
For AB12 cases:
All AB12 documents for 18-year-old youth (SOC 161, SOC 162, SOC 163) filed in the Emancipation Folder.
All SILP documents must be in the Emancipation Folder.
Have a current placement active in CWS/CMS for children/youth/NMDs in out of home care as well as signed placement agreements on file.
Current approved JV220 Psychotropic Medication Authorization (PMA) (within six (6) months).
TILP referrals submitted for all children in out of home care over 16-years- old.
SSI referral completed/submitted for all children in out of home care over sixteen and a half (16 ½) years of age.
Signed 90-Day transition plan within ninety (90) days of youth in out of home care turning eighteen (18) years of age.
Completed and approved STRTP documents, including a QI assessment and IPC screening, if applicable.
RFA forms have been submitted and current RFA paperwork, if applicable.
A Status Review Receipt of Report (ROR) hearing must be calendared for more than ninety (90) days from the date of transfer. If no ROR is scheduled, then the report due date (usually ten (10) days before the hearing) must be more than ninety (90) days from date of transfer.
The Structured and Decision Making (SDM) and Child and Adolescent Strength and Needs Assessment (CANS) have been completed and approved by the SCSW.
Current 709 Foster Child Needs and Case Plan Summary (should be for the current placement and within the last twelve (12) months), if applicable.
Face-to-face visit in the current placement within fifteen (15) days of transfer.
Updated case plan signed and approved in CWS/CMS by SCSW.
Current photo in Kid Pix.
Current medical and dental information on file.
Case needs to have a current CFTM completed.
A DI must be assigned if there is a 366.26 hearing on calendar.
ERCP/ER/Case-Carrying CSW Responsibilities
Assess all cases to determine if the child appears to meet the MCMS Intake Criteria. The attached flow chart provies guidance as to MCMS transfer criteriaand ransfer procedures.
Consult with the Public Health Nurse (PHN) and the MCMS Intake Coordinator to determined if the case qualifies to be transferred to the MCMS Unit.
Ensure that the PHN documents the child/NMD's medical condition and/or special needs in the Health Notebook, if any.
If it is determined that the case will not be transferred to the MCMS Unit, follow the procedures to transfer the case to a regional office.
Submit the following documents to MCMS Intake Coordinators at MCMSIntake@dcfs.lacounty.gov (Please note that all the following forms are required to be completed regardless of whether the child is in out-of-home care or HOP):
If LOC does not apply (HOP, STRTP, Dual Agency Rate, Guardianship granted prior to 2017, etc.) or the LOC process will delay the transfer, request the PHN to complete a preliminary 1696 or 1696(a) for the purpose of determining if the child qualifies for MCMS.
If using the DCFS 1696(a), only the medical section completed by PHN is required. Other LOC sections are not required to initiate the transfer.
Reassess all cases whenever a change in a child’s medical condition appears to meet the MCMS Intake Criteria.
Ensure that the case has all required documents (i.e. medical reports, police reports, signed placement agreements, CPA, KidPix, SDM, signed consent forms, signed Case Plan, etc.).
Ensure that all documents requiring ARA and RA signatures are completed, signed-off, and filed.
Upon receiving and email from MCMS to send the case files, complete an Initial Case Plan or a Case Plan Update. If there is more that one (1) child in the family, create a separate case file and Case Plan/Case Plan Update for the child being transferred to the MCMS Unit.
Complete the DCFS 4366 and prepare the case for transfer, and provide to the SCSW. Sending CSW will remain primary and responsible for all emergent services until MCMS Intake has requested, received, and reviewed the physical file and determined the case is ready for assignment to MCMS.
A High Priority Case Conference (HPCC) will be held for all cases transferred to MCMS. Once MCMS has received the file and identified the MCMS CSW that will be assigned, the sending ARA is to set up the HPCC with sending and receiving CSW, SCSW and ARAs.
Participate in the HPCC.
ERCP/ER/Case-Carrying SCSW Responsibilities
Ensure cases that appear to meet MCMS Intake Criteriaa have the required forms and have been sent to MCMS for review. The attached flow chart provides guidance as to MCMS transfer criteria and transfer procedures.
Review the physical and CWS/CMS case for transfer compliance.
If there is more than one (1) child in the family and other children in the family do not meet the MCMS Unit criteria, ensure there is a separate file created for the child who meets MCMS transfer criteria (including copies of all joint family folders).
Approve case plan/case plan update for the child(ren) who meets MCMS case transfer criteria.
Ensure that all documents requiring ARA and RA signatures are completed, signed-off, and filed.
Review and sign the DCFS 4366 and send the case according to directions provided by MCMS Intake.
Send the case files via County messenger or hand deliver to the specified office as instructed. Note: MCMS does not have a Transfer desk to receive the case.
Sending CSW will remain primary and responsible for all emergent services until MCMS Intake has received and reviewed the physical file.
Participate in the HPCC.
Sending ARA Responsibilities
Set up and participate in the HPCC.
MCMS CSW Responsibilities
Participate in the HPCC.
Maintain regular contact and collaborate with the case-carrying CSW for any siblings whose cases were not transferred to the MCMS Unit.
MCMS Intake Coordinator and SCSW Responsibilities
Provide consultation to staff regarding potential MCMS cases, as requested.
Inform staff of transfer criteria, policy, and procedure including required documentation or actions for case transfer and which office the case should be transferred to.
Review cases for transfer and provide instructions for sending the case files.
Participate in the HPCC.
MCMS ARA Responsibilities
Review cases for transfer and provide instructions for sending the case files.
Participate in the HPCC.
Delayed Case Transfers
Sending SCSW Responsibilities
Conduct a thorough review of the case in CWS/CMS using the DCFS 4366, Case Transfer Check Sheet.
Include all elements referred to in the CWS/CMS Transfer Request Summary Detail.
Make sure DCFS 4366, Case Transfer Check Sheet, is completed correctly.
Make sure the physical files meet Case Model Format.
Ensure the required hardcopy documents are included in the physical case.
If the case is incorrectly assigned:
It is not considered to have been assigned until it is assigned to a CSW in the correct receiving office.
The sending CSW remains responsible for the case until it has been assigned in the correct office.
Notify the receiving ARA immediately when a case requires a High Priority Case Conference.
Sending ARA Responsibilities
Notify the receiving office of the need for a High Priority Case Conference, if applicable.
Health and Safety Code (HSC) Section 1501.1 – States, in pertinent part, that when placing children in out-of-home care, particular attention should be given to the individual child’s needs, the ability of the facility to meet those needs, the needs of other children in the facility, the licensing requirements of the facility as determined by the licensing agency, and the impact of the placement on the family reunification plan.
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 17710 – Defines a child with special health care needs and an individualized health care plan team. It includes a list of medical conditions covered, and a description of in-home health care to be provided to that child by the foster family/caregiver(s).
WIC Section 17730-17738 – Summarizes the plan county welfare departments must establish for specialized foster care homes for children with special health care needs.
A non-specific file number generated by the Emergency Response Command Post (ERCP) identifying a placement case that is transferred from ERCP directly to a regional Family Maintenance and Reunification (FM&R) or generic (G) file.
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health's (DMH) 24 hour, 7 (seven) day a week hotline: Emergency psychiatric services are coordinated through ACCESS. ACCESS offers information regarding all types of mental health services available in Los Angeles County. CSWs may request a joint response with FRO by contacting ACCESS at (800) 854-7771.
The term includes physical injury or death inflicted upon a child by another person by other than accidental means, sexual abuse as defined in Section 11165.1, neglect as defined in Section 11165.2, unlawful corporal punishment or injury as defined in Section 11165.4, or the willful harming or injuring of a child or the endangering of the person or health of a child, as defined in Section 11165.3, where the person responsible for the child's welfare is a licensee, administrator, or employee of any facility licensed to care for children, or an administrator or employee of a public or private school or other institution or agency. 'Abuse or neglect in out-of-home care' does not include an injury caused by reasonable and necessary force used by a peace officer acting within the course and scope of his or her employment as a peace officer.
The team is made up of former RUM (Resource Utilization Management) staff who have experience in finding placement for high risk/needs children. APT Specialist CSWs can assist Regional CSWs expedite the process in finding placement/replacement after hours and/or when all other efforts have been unsuccessful.
Active investigation means the activities of an agency in response to a report of known or suspected child abuse. For purposes of reporting information to the Child Abuse Central Index, the activities shall include, at a minimum: assessing the nature and seriousness of the known or suspected abuse; conducting interviews of the victim(s) and any known suspect(s) and witness(es) when appropriate and/or available; gathering and preserving evidence; determining whether the incident is substantiated, inconclusive, or unfounded; and preparing a report that will be retained in the files of the investigating agency.
A mandatory statewide program that provides financial support to families in order to facilitate the adoption of children who would otherwise be in long-term foster care. The intent of this program is to remove limited financial resources as a barrier to adoption.
State licensed adoption practitioners who are authorized to help the adopting family in obtaining consents from birth parents in non-relative independent adoption.
An order/decision which is contrary to a DCFS recommendation and which DCFS believes, if carried out, will jeopardize the safety of a child; and an order/decision which adversely affects the administrative and/or operational functioning of DCFS. This includes, but is not limited to, orders, which are contrary to DCFS policy and/or state or federal regulations; and/or, penalizes DCFS for the actions or inaction of a CSW and/or DCFS.
CSW is requesting a ruling on the warrant on a weekend, holiday, or during non-court hours. (Same as expedited but the matter cannot wait until the next court day for a ruling.)
The adoption of a child in which DCFS is a party to or joins in the petition for adoption. DCFS has custody of the child and approved the applicant assessment (adoption home study).
Foster care financial assistance paid on behalf of children in out-of-home placement who meet the eligibility requirements specified in applicable state and federal regulations and laws. The program is administered by DCFS.
An identified or unidentified man who: could be or claims to be the father of the child; or is claimed by the birth mother to be the child’s father; or is identified on the child’s birth certificate prior to January 1, 1997 and does not meet the definition of a presumed father.
Benefits equal to the rate that a Regional Center vendorized home receives for a child that requires the same level of care. These rates are established by the California Department of Development Services and only available for the foster care and Adoption Assistance Benefits (AAP) set prior to the establishment of the dual agency rate.
A hearing in which the court has ordered all affiliated parties to appear to address a matter before the court.
Appellate review refers to the power of a higher court to examine the decision or order of a lower court for errors. Appellate procedure consists of the rules and practices by which appellate courts review trial court judgments. Appellate review performs several functions, including: the correction of errors committed by the trial court, development of the law and precedent to be followed and anticipated in future disputes, and the pursuit of justice.
This is the term used for an agency adoption to determine AAP eligibility.
An assessment usually conducted by a child welfare of adoption agency of the suitability of a prospective adopting family prior to an adoptive placement.
A motion for rehearing or reconsideration seeking to alter or amend a judgment or order.
A family participating in DPSS CalWORKs
When a report has been made about a child alleging abuse and/or neglect and the child's sibling(s) are also at risk of abuse and/or neglect.
A foster parent, relative or nonrelative extended family member (NREFM) who has applied to adopt the child residing in his or her care. S/he is considered to be "attached" to the child because of an existing relationship.
Disease-carrying microorganisms that may be present in human blood. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Depending on the disease, they may be transmitted by direct skin contact to blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. Feces, urine, vomit, sputum, and nasal secretions may be infectious only if they also contain blood.
A redeemable certificate used as a substitute for currency. Transit companies other than the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) issue bus passes.
A permit or authorization to ride at will, without charge. Passes are valid for the current month. Transit companies other than the MTA issue bus passes.
A piece of metal used as a substitute for currency.
California's food stamp program
California Statewide Automated Welfare System. The California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) Project and Consortium is the automated welfare business process in California which will serve all 58 California counties by 2023. The implementation of CalSAWS will merge California’s most recent three (3) county-level consortia welfare systems and will support six (6) core programs: California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) known as CalFresh in California, Medi-Cal, Foster Care, Refugee Assistance, and County Medical Services. It encompasses the following functions: eligibility determination, benefit computation, benefit delivery, case management and information management. CalSAWS is replacing the LEADER Replacement System (LRS), which replaced LEADER (Los Angeles Eligibility, Automated Determination, Evaluation, and Reporting) and sixteen (16) other legacy systems in 2016.
A system to determine if the subject of an inquiry by DCFS, law enforcement, the District Attorney or any other appropriate inquiring agency possesses a criminal record. DCFS may only request a CLETS clearance when related to child protective services issues.
California Regional Centers are nonprofit private corporations that contract with the State Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
CalWORKs is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county welfare departments. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help. Families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food and other necessary expenses.
The child's parent has been incarcerated, hospitalized or institutionalized and cannot arrange for the care of the child; parent's whereabouts are unknown or the custodian with whom the child has been left is unable or unwilling to provide care and support for the child.
Parent or guardian's mental illness, developmental disability or substance abuse. The child's parent or guardian is unable to provide adequate care for the child due to the.
The non-accidental commission of injuries against a person. In the case of a child, the term refers specifically to the non-accidental commission of injuries against the child by or allowed by a parent(s)/guardian(s) or other person(s). The term also includes emotional, physical, severe physical, and sexual abuse as defined in CDSS MPP Section 31-002(c)(9)(D).
The CACI is a system that allows Children's Social Workers to access in written form to any child abuse records of individuals through the Department of Justice (DOJ) listing names and other identifying information compiled from child abuse reports submitted to DOJ by mandated child abuse reporting agencies which maintain information regarding allegations of abuse and/or neglect. This is primarily utilized to evaluate relative and nonrelative extended family members as prospective caregivers.
California’s version of the federal health care program called Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT). It provides comprehensive medical, mental health and dental diagnostic and treatment services for all Medi-Cal eligible persons aged newborn to 21 years who request them. States are required to inform the families of eligible children about CHDP; assist with referral and transportation to providers; and, follow-up to ensure that necessary diagnostic and treatment services are provided.
Includes the intentional touching of the genitals or intimate parts or the clothing covering them, of a child, or of the perpetrator by a child, for purposes of sexual arousal or gratification. This does not include acts which are reasonably construed to be normal caretaker responsibilities, demonstrations of affection for the child, or acts performed for a valid medical purpose.
A general term for a device that can be installed in a vehicle and is designed to restrain, seat, or position children who weigh 50 pounds or less.
A group of individuals, as identified by the family, and convened by DCFS, who are engaged through a variety of team-based processes to identify the strengths and needs of the child or youth and his or her family, and to help achieve positive outcomes for safety, permanency, and well-being.
CFT Meetings are structured, guided discussions with the family, their natural supports and other team members. The meetings are designed to specifically address the family's strengths, worries that the family, agency or team members have regarding the child's safety, permanence and well-being. The family and team members develop a plan that builds on strengths, meets needs and considers the long-term views.
The term "child’s attorney" refers to the Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles (CLC) attorneys as well as the Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers (LADL) attorney appointed to represent the child in dependency proceedings. In addition, the term also refers to a paralegal, social worker or any other person working for that attorney. This also includes a youth’s delinquency attorney.
A non-profit corporation whose attorneys represent children in dependency court matters.
Support staff responsible for providing required notification to the child’s attorney, as detailed in a blanket minute order issued by the Presiding Judge of the Dependency court.
Collateral contacts are individuals or agencies with information that can assist the CSW in understanding the nature and extent of the alleged child abuse/neglect and in assessing the risk to and safety of the children. Collateral Contacts include professionals working with the child or parent and have regular contact with the family. Examples include: teachers, parole officers, physicians, DPSS, DMH, therapists, hospitals, and probation.
Sexual activity involving a minor under the age of eighteen (18) in exchange for something of value (i.e., food, shelter, money). [See PEN sections 11165.1(d)(2) and PEN 236.1(c)]. Exploitation includes instances when a minor exchanges sexual acts with a “John/date” even when there is no known trafficker/pimp; Examples of CSEC: Internet-based exploitation, pornography, stripping, erotic/nude massage, escort services, private parties, interfamilial pimping, child being exploited on the streets. CSE is a form of child abuse that mandated reporters must call in to the Child Protection Hotline for each new incident/episode. This includes reporting new AND repeated incidents of CSE on open cases.
The division within the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) responsible for licensing foster care facilities, i.e., foster family homes, foster family agencies, group homes and small family homes. Additional responsibilities include investigating any reported incident of child abuse, neglect or exploitation in such facilities and/or violations of licensing standards.
Offers counseling, nutrition classes, drug education and counseling, parenting classes, pre-natal care, continuing education, pre-employment training, family planning, group outings, and aerobic and weight training classes
Questions that may confuse a young child because they reference more than one response option. For example, 'Is it right or wrong to lie?'; 'Is your shirt green or yellow?'; 'Would your mom give you candy or punish you if you told a lie?'
Lowered resistance to infection.
Concurrent Planning aims to support timely permanence for children. Safe reunification is DCFS' first priority, but in the event that this is not possible, Concurrent Planning ensures that the identification of an alternative placement plan for children who cannot safely return home is in place from the beginning. Working with a labor/management group, the department implemented changes to Concurrent Planning which support the safety and permanence for children and families from the first day they enter out-of-home care. These system changes include focusing on identifying relatives and siblings and developing 'resource families' who are committed to working toward reunification and providing legal permanence if safe reunification is not successful. Concurrent Planning also engages families and draws on their strengths and uses ongoing assessments and case planning.
An assessment document as prescribed in Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 366.21(I), 366.22(b) and 361.5(g). The CPA is initiated by the case carrying Children's Social Worker and completed by the APRD CSW when adoption home study for attached children or matching/recruitment activities for unattached children are initiated.
Adoption petition was filed by the court and stamped with the filing and the action number.
Placement of a child six years and younger in a group home prior to the Disposition Hearing due to a special need for an in-depth evaluation that can only be completed in a "congregate care" facility. The placement cannot be more than 60 days unless and extension of the placement is included in the case plan and approved by the ARA. The child’s total time spent in the placement shall not exceed more than 120 calendar days.
When a party to a lawsuit needs to postpone a matter that has been calendared for a hearing or trial, the proper procedure is to apply to the court for a continuance (postponement to a later date).
CPM is a shared model of practice developed to better integrate services and supports for children, youth and families. The model emphasizes child-centered, family-based practice to identify strengths/needs, collaborative case planning and decision making that considers the long-term view for the family, and development of a support network (team) that will continue to be available to the family even after termination of formal services. The five key practice domains include Engaging, Teaming, Assessing, Planning & Intervening and Tracking.
An officer of the court who advocates the individual needs and best interests of a child, and provides the court with written recommendations. Persons serving as CASAs are generally community volunteers who participate in a training program, after which they are appointed as an officer of the court to advocate on behalf of a child(ren). CASAs are also referred to as Child Advocates or Guardians Ad Litem (GAL).
Refers to the parent with whom the child(ren) reside(s) (i.e., the parent with physical custody or primary physical custody).
Licensed clinician who provides assistance to CSW in identifying and assessing the needs of children with special needs by ensuring that the caregiver's home meets the child's needs and that all children having special needs have those needs met in accordance with the provisions of the Katie A. settlement agreement.
A deficiency is considered any failure to comply with any provision of the Community Care Facilities Act and/or regulations adopted by DCFS or the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division.
Developmental delay refers to infants and toddlers having a significant difference between the expected level of development for their age and their current level of functioning. (DCFS Glossary)
A disability that originates before an individual attains age 18 years, continues or can be expected to continue, indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial disability for that individual. The term includes mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. It also includes disabling conditions found to be either closely related to mental retardation or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with mental retardation, but shall not include other handicapping conditions that are solely physical in nature.
Services provided by the Regional Centers, which include diagnostic evaluation, coordination or resources such as education, health, welfare, rehabilitation and recreation for persons with developmental disabilities. Additional services include program planning, admission to and discharge from state hospitals, court-ordered evaluations and consultation to other agencies.
Involves a child who came to the United States for the purpose of adoption through the intercountry adoption process but entered foster care prior to finalization of the adoption regardless of the reason for the foster care placement. The disruption occurs after a child enters the United States under guardianship of the prospective adoptive parents or an adoption agency with a visa for the purposes of completing the adoption process domestically. The disruption must be reported even if the child's plan is reunification with the prospective adoptive parents and the stay in foster care is brief.
Family Code Section 297 defines domestic partners as two adults who have chosen to share one another’s lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring.
Welfare and Institutions Code Section 18291 (a) states that 'Domestic violence' means abuse committed against an adult or minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship. Penal Code Section 13700 (b) states that "Domestic violence" means abuse committed against an adult or a minor who is a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship. For purposes of this subdivision, "cohabitant" means two unrelated adult persons living together for a substantial period of time, resulting in some permanency of relationship. Factors that may determine whether persons are cohabiting include, but are not limited to, (1) sexual relations between the parties while sharing the same living quarters, (2) sharing of income or expenses, (3) joint use or ownership of property, (4) whether the parties hold themselves out as husband and wife, (5) the continuity of the relationship, and (6) the length of the relationship.
A child who is receiving AFDC- FC, Kin-GAP or AAP benefits and is concurrently a consumer of Regional Center services.
A web-based system used by the DHS Medical Hubs that tracks the health status of children in the child welfare system and facilitates provision of quality medical care. As part of a joint effort between DHS and DCFS, the E-mHub System accepts the electronic transmission of the DCFS Medical Hub Referral Form and returns appointment status alerts and completed examination forms, to DCFS via an e-mail notification. DCFS and DPH PHNs and PHN Supervisors have access rights to EmHub screens pertaining to the health care of children served at the Hubs. Completed examination forms may be accessed through the link in the email notification by using the SITE User ID (employee number) and Password (current password used by employee).
The EX Pass TAP Card/Sticker is a monthly pass good for MTA and local travel on twenty-four (24) different public transit carriers throughout the Greater Los Angeles region. No transfers are necessary between the EZ Pass TAP Card transit carriers.
Are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior. Eating disorders are divided into three categories: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating.
Often seen in families where children are forced or allowed to work under certain illegal conditions outside and inside the home. This form of exploitation prohibits children from attending school and may place them in work environments that are a threat to their general health, safety and security. Although poverty may be a prime motivation for this type of exploitation, other situations may exist.
A stipend available to supplement (not replace) ILP. To qualify for this stipend, a youth must be eligible for ILP, be 18 years of age or older, and whose financial need has been verified by YDS. Current and former foster youth, as well as, Nonminor Dependents may qualify. The stipend may provide for, but not be limited to the following independent living needs: bus passes/transportation, housing rental and utility deposits and fees, education and work-related equipment and supplies, training-related equipment and supplies, auto insurance and driver’s education.
Emancipation allows a youth to be freed from the custody and control of their parents and to have many of the rights and responsibilities of an adult. There are three ways a minor may become emancipated: Get married with parental consent and permission from the court; Join the military; Go to court and have the judge declare you emancipated.
An ex-prate temporary restraining order issued by the Superior Court following a determination by law enforcement that a child is in immediate danger of abuse by a member of a child’s family or household. An EPO may exclude any parent, guardian or member of a child’s household from the dwelling of the person having the care, custody, and control of the child. EPO allow children to remain in their home while allegations of child abuse by the restrained parties are investigated and allow the non-offending parent time to seek assistance from Family Law Court. EPO expire at the close of the second day of judicial business following the day of issuance. EPO may only be extended by application to the appropriate court. See "Ex-Prate Order," "Judicial Business Hours" and "Restraining Order."
The term 'assessment' goes beyond the concept to evaluate a child's safety and risk, and to determine whether and what services are needed to ameliorate or prevent child abuse and neglect. In order to complete a thorough family assessment, any and all safety threats (as listed on the SDM Safety Assessment) that may compromise a child's safety and well-being must be thoroughly assessed, even if those safety threats were not identified on the referral as an allegation.
The term 'investigation' encompasses the efforts of DCFS to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred, if allegations can be substantiated.
"Emotional abuse" refers to nonphysical mistreatment, the results of which may be characterized by disturbed behavior on the part of the child such as severe withdrawal, regression, bizarre behavior, hyperactivity, or dangerous acting-out behavior.
CSW has good cause to request a ruling the same day the request is submitted, and intends to serve the warrant or at least make an attempt the same day it is granted.
Forcing or coercing a child into performing functions which are beyond his/her capabilities or capacities, or into illegal or degrading acts. The term also includes sexual exploitation, economic exploitation, exploitation involving illegal activities and exploitation in the home.
When assessing families that are involved in the gang culture investigate to see if children are encouraged from a young age to value gang membership (parents may be active or retired gang members), or if someone is teaching children gang signs, dress codes and affiliations and advocating membership, if adults are supporting violent behavior and criminal activities of the children.
Exploitation exists within the family household as well. A child may be selected to perform all or the majority of such parental tasks as cleaning, cooking and caring for younger siblings, including bathing, dressing, feeding and babysitting. Frequently, the child who is singled out in this manner is substituting for a parent who is absent or unable to fulfill parental responsibilities due to the parents' substance abuse and/or physical/mental disabilities.
The Extended Foster Care program allows a foster youth to remain in foster care and continue to receive foster care payment benefits (AFDC-FC payments) and services beyond age 18, as long as the foster youth is meeting participation requirements, living in an approved or licensed facility, and meeting other eligibility requirements.
A method of bringing family members together to come up with a recommendation to the court for a safe and permanent plan for a child. If differs from the traditional child welfare case conferencing in that although the caseworker participates in an information-sharing capacity, the family and not the child welfare worker is "in charge" of the meeting and responsible to create the recommended plan. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
In January 1991 as a result of Senate Bill AB546, we established comprehensive community-based networks and services to protect children while they remain within their homes. The primary goal of the Family Preservation approach is the safety of children in their own homes and safe return of children being reunified after periods of placement into foster care. DCFS currently works with 38 Family Preservation agencies and covers most of Los Angeles County. On average, 5,000 families are served annually. The maximum length of time services can be provided is 12 months. The average stay in Family Preservation is 9 months.
Activities designed to provide time-limited foster care services to prevent or remedy neglect, abuse, or exploitation. The child remains in temporary foster care while services are provided to reunite the family.
An on-line Structured Decision Making (SDM) tool used for identifying family strengths and needs and to assist with case planning.
The term 'first degree relative' refers to grandparents, uncles, aunts, and adult siblings.
The Foster Care Search Engine (FCSE) is a web-based system providing an interactive search mechanism using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The system is a tool used to identify vacant placement homes within Los Angeles County based on the children needs and well-being. Mapping capability allows for staff to view location of vacancies in proximity to schools, community boundaries and placement of siblings. The system interfaces with CSW/CMS Datamart database to maintain data integrity and provides a web-based data entry screen for Foster Family Agencies to provide specific data not available on CWS/CMS. The system is used by Children’s Social Workers (CSW) and by Technical Assistants (TA) who assists the workers in foster care placements.
A non-profit organization licensed by the State of California to recruit, certify, train, and provide professional support to foster parents.
Greater Avenues for Independence - CalWORKs services may include GAIN services (Welfare-to-Work Program). GAIN is mandatory for parents aided on CalWORKs, unless there is an exemption (e.g., parent has a child under a year old, temporary incapacity, participant is over age 65).
A portion of the cash aid being received by a CalWORKs participant is reduced when (s)he is not adhering to GAIN Program requirements.
Penal Code Section 11165.2(b) defines general neglect as the negligent failure of a person having the care or custody of a child to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision where no physical injury to the child has occurred.
The unavailability of a preferred placement, after a diligent search has been conducted; or the desires of the Indian parent, child, or tribe; or the child’s special needs for a placement, which offers either proximity to a parent or a therapeutic program when no available preferred placement can meet these needs.
For the purpose of the adoption home study, procedures initiated on behalf of the applicant, at the applicant's request, to appeal the Department's decision when the adoption home study has been denied by DCFS. The Grievance Review Process pamphlet outlines the specific action taken by the Department when the applicant requests a grievance review hearing. In addition, grievance procedures are in place for foster parents who want to challenge the Department's decision in regards to their care and supervision of a child(ren). Foster parents who want to challenge decisions regarding their license must follow grievance procedures from the State Department of Social Services.
Refers to behaviors or factors that may increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS such as: sexual activities involving exposure to the blood or semen of an infected person, sharing needles used for intravenous (IV) injections, tattooing and body-piercing with infected persons, maternal transmission (i.e., from an infected mother to her fetus during pregnancy, birth or breast feeding) when the infant’s parent has a history of behavior that places the parent at an increased risk of exposure to HIV, blood or blood products, transfusions or organ transplants during the period from 1978 to June of 1985, and child is a victim of sexual abuse that places them at risk of exposure to HIV.
Harassment is unlawful violence, a credible threat of violence, or a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses the person, and that serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the petitioner. (California Code of Civil Procedure Section 527.6 (a)(3))
An individual designated to make medical decisions on behalf of an adult if (s)he is incapable of making her/his own health care decisions. If no health care agent is appointed, when an adult has a medical emergency in which (s)he is not capable of communicating with hospital staff, the parent(s) or other relative would be asked to make decisions about medical treatment for the individual.
Passed in 2003, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is designed to give patients more control over their health information, set boundaries on the use and disclosure of health information, institute safeguards to protect privacy of health information, create accountability, civil and criminal penalties, and establish a balance between individual privacy and the public good. In cases where the law of California is more restrictive than HIPAA, the State law must be followed. Conversely, if HIPAA is more restrictive than State law, then HIPAA must be followed unless there is a legal exception.
A document that is generated on CWS/CMS that contains a summary of a child's health and education information. The caregiver keeps a current copy of the Passport, along with the health and education forms in a binder provided by DCFS. This binder shall follow the child to all placements. The Passport shall accompany the child to all medical, dental and educational appointments. The Passport binder in its entirety is given to the child upon emancipation.
A plan developed by a medical provider that assists the child/youth in developing life long practices that encourages healthy behaviors, healthy food choices and regular engagement in cardio-vascular activities.
In the context of CHDP, a child with one or more of the following conditions: A past significant medical problem or chronic illness; possible contagious disease; medication; and/or social problems (e.g., language barrier) which could conceal an unmet medical need.
The county that provides courtesy supervision for a child residing with a relative or in foster care placement whose legal jurisdiction is in another California County.
An approach to successfully connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability to housing services without preconditions and barriers to entry such as service participation requirements.
The DCFS ICPC Unit will contact the potential host state, per existing procedures and obtain information regarding provision of services to a NMD placed in a SILP.
Shortcomings that if not corrected would have direct and immediate risk to health, safety, or personal rights of the child.
There is reasonable cause to believe that the child will experience serious bodily injury in the time it would take for the CSW to return to the office, prepare, obtain from a judge, and serve the removal order.
A report determined by the investigator conducting the investigation not to be unfounded, but the findings are inconclusive and there is insufficient evidence to determine whether child abuse or neglect, as defined in Section 11165.6, has occurred.
The adoption of a child in which neither CDSS nor an agency licensed by CDSS, such as DCFS, is a party to, or joins in, the petition for adoption.
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act requires that a person who receives services from a regional center have an Individual Program Plan (IPP). Person-centered individual program planning assists persons with developmental disabilities and their families to build their capacities and capabilities. The planning team decides what needs to be done, by whom, when, and how, if the individual is to begin (or continue) working toward the preferred future. The document known as the Individual Program Plan (IPP) is a record of the decisions made by the planning team.
Those individuals who develop a health care plan for a child with special health care needs in a specialized foster care home or group home which shall include the child's primary care physician or other health care professional designated by the physician, any involved medical team, and the CSW and any health care professional designated to monitor the child's individualized health care plan, including, if the child is in a certified home, the registered nurse employed by or under contract with the certifying agency to supervise and monitor the child. The child's individualized health care plan team may also include, but shall not be limited to, a public health nurse, representatives from the California Children's Services Program or the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program, regional centers, the county mental health department, and where reunification is the goal, the parent or parents, if available. In addition, if the child is in a specialized foster care home, the individualized health care plan team may include the prospective specialized foster parents, who shall not participate in any team decision.
A person is considered institutionalized when (s)he has been residing in a hospital, jail, prison, homeless shelter, residential school, rehabilitation center, halfway house, out-of-home care facility, etc., for more than 90 calendar days. This does not include battered women's shelters.
ISWs are the key component when detention is being considered or when a detention has occurred. ISWs provide immediate linkage to services for families where a court detention was necessary. ISWs participate in child safety conferences shortly after detention to review for possible return of children and or to connect children and families to services immediately following detention.
The Intensive Treatment Foster Care Program (ITFC) was developed to meet the treatment needs of emotionally disturbed children who need out-of-home placement. An Intensive Treatment Foster Care agency refers to an organization licensed by the California Department of Social Services for children who have a history of emotional/behavioral disturbance, have experienced multiple placement histories; are at risk of hospitalization, and/or qualify for Rate Classification Level (RCL) 12 or higher group home placement.
One agency has custody of the child and another agency approved the applicant assessment.
A hearing that is not mandated by the Welfare and Institutions Code, but is set by the court to address specific information and/or receive a progress report on the case at hand.
The computer system tracking all dependency court schedules and proceedings. Additionally, this software system allows DCFS to print minute orders.
The intent of the Kin-GAP program is to establish a program of financial assistance for relative caregivers who have legal guardianship of a child while Dependency Court jurisdiction and the DCFS case are terminated. The rate for the Kin-GAP program will be applied uniformly statewide.
The Kinship Support Division promotes, increases, and sustains legal permanency for children, adolescents and young adults in relative and legal guardianship placement through providing education, supportive services, advocacy, mentoring, and aftercare that is accessible and meets the needs of the child, family, and community.
Physical custody of a minor 72 hours old or younger accepted by a person from a parent of the minor, who the person believes in good faith is the parent of the minor, with the specific intent and promise of effecting the safe surrender of the child.
Questions that suggest a desired answer; often these are questions that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no.' For example: "The sky is blue, isn't it?"
Legal relief (legal remedy): the means to achieve justice in any matter in which legal rights are involved. Remedies may be ordered by the court, granted by judgment after trial or hearing, by agreement (settlement) between the person claiming harm and the person he/she believes has caused it, and by the automatic operation of law. Some remedies require that certain acts be performed or prohibited (originally called "equity"), others involve payment of money to cover loss due to injury or breach of contract, and still others require a court's declaration of the rights of the parties and an order to honor them.
Involves a child who was previously adopted from overseas (whether the full and final adoption occurred in the foreign country or domestically) but entered foster care as a result of a court terminating the parents' rights or the parents' relinquishing their rights to the child.
A child whose birth parents have had his or her parental rights terminated or whose birth parents have voluntarily given up parental rights through relinquishment.
Includes the intentional masturbation of the perpetrator's genitals in the presence of a child.
Foster family homes, small family homes, group homes, foster family agency certified homes, child care facilities.
Any medical procedure or intervention that will serve only to prolong a state of unconsciousness where there is a reasonable degree of medical authority that such state of unconsciousness is permanent, or prolong a terminal condition."
A criminal history check based upon the submission of the subjects' fingerprints to the DOJ. The inquiry may also include an inquiry of the Child Abuse Central Index and an inquiry of the FBI database, if there is an indication that the subject may have been arrested outside of California, or that the subject has been a resident of California for less than two years. The clearance will confirm the identity of the subject of the inquiry and give the subject's history of arrests and convictions.
Degree to which there are stated, shared and understood safety, well-being, and permanency outcomes and functional life goals for the child and family. The outcomes and goals should outline required protective capacities, desired behavior changes, sustainable supports, and other accomplishments necessary for the child and family to achieve and sustain adequate daily functioning and greater self-sufficiency.
California's federal Medicaid program.
As defined by Civil Code (CIV) Section 56.05(g), is any individually identifiable information, in electronic or physical form, in possession of or derived from a provider of health care, health care service plan, pharmaceutical company, or contractor regarding a patient’s medical history, mental or physical condition, or treatment. This does not include psychotherapy notes (notes made by the therapist about a private therapy session that are kept separate from the rest of the patient’s medical record). These notes are subject to additional privacy protections and cannot be disclosed by therapists even in situations where other PHI may be disclosed.
One or more of the following exist: Previous significant medical problem or chronic illness; possible contagious disease; on medication; and/or, social problem or language barrier which could conceal an unmet medical need.
Children with special health care needs as defined by Assembly Bill 2268. These children have medical conditions and symptoms that require special procedures, may be temporarily or permanently dependent upon medical equipment and/or devices, therapies and may require ongoing medical care and assessment as determined by the child’s physician. The caregiver must have been trained to provide the specialized in-home health care to these children.
A motion for rehearing or reconsideration: seeking to alter or amend a judgment or order.
For youth whose behavior places them at risk of entry into the juvenile justice system, particularly those who are subject of a 241.1 assessment. The goal of the therapy is to improve caregiver discipline practices, enhance family relations, decrease youth association with deviant peers, increase pro-social peers, improve youth school or vocational performance, engage youth in pro-social recreational outlets, and develop a support network of extended family, neighbors, and friends to help achieve and maintain such changes. (Only available in Regional Offices in SPA 6 and 7)
A program which provides a comprehensive, multi-level intervention to children and youth in the child welfare system. MTFC is an evidence-based practice (EBP). MTFC Program provides each youth with short-term treatment (average 6-12 months) in specialized foster home environment where child/youth is the only foster child and has the following: own bedroom, an individual therapist, a skills trainer, attend public school, foster parents trained in the MTFC model, permanent caregivers receive behavior training and family therapy before and after the youth is returned to their home, a program supervisor that coordinates all care and is available 24/7.
The cornerstone of and entry point to the Protective Services Child Health (PSCH) system and the focal point for a community-based Provider Network. The KDMC Hub will provide timely, comprehensive medical, developmental and psychological assessments, as well as on-site preventive health services to children in out-of-home care. In addition, the Hub will assist in the development of a comprehensive child health plan for each child, provide referrals for follow-up care and conduct provider outreach. (DCFS Glossary, from "Hub Services: King/Drew Medical Center (KDMC)")
Any team of three or more people trained in the prevention, identification, management or treatment of child abuse or neglect cases and qualified to provide a broad range of services related to child abuse or neglect. The team may include a CalWORKs case manager, whose primary responsibility is to provide cross program case planning and coordination of CalWORKs child welfare services of those mutual cases or families that may be eligible for CalWORKs services and that, with the informed written consent of the family, receive cross program case planning and coordination.
A near fatality is a severe injury or condition caused by abuse or neglect that results in the child receiving critical care for at least 24 hours following admission to a critical care unit.
The failure to provide a person with necessary care and protection. In the case of a child, the term refers to the failure of a parent(s)/guardian(s) or caretaker(s) to provide the care and protection necessary for the child's healthy growth and development. Neglect occurs when children are physically or psychologically endangered. The term includes both severe and general neglect as defined by Penal Code Section 11165.2 and medically neglected infants as described in 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1340.15(b).
A network (also known as a support network, support system, or social support system) refers to an extended group of family, friends, neighbors, professionals, and/or cultural, religious, or other communities that provide support for -- and meet a wide range of needs for -- a parent/caregiver and/or the child/ren (including tribal ICWA programs, Indian organizations, and/or family members, which can include non-related tribal members). The network may consist of individuals or organizations (e.g., religious organizations, community organizations, professional providers) who care about the child/ren or family and who provide or share concrete support (e.g., financial help, transportation, babysitting) or emotional support (e.g., listening, advice).
Children who first, or initially, enter the child welfare system and are placed in out-of-home care under a WIC 300 petition. (This definition includes children in an open case under a Court FM or VFM case plan who are subsequently removed from their biological parents and placed in out-of-home care).
A hearing in which the affiliated parties are not required to appear in order for the court to proceed with the matter at hand.
Non-Child Welfare Department module within CWS/CMS used to enter non-court cases such as Kin-GAP. It contains placement and payment information, the Legal Guardian’s information and case notes. The Probation Department also enters information in the Non-CWD module for cases supervised by their department.
A relative other than the child's birth or adoptive parents.
A person appointed by the Superior Court pursuant to the provisions of the Probate Code or appointed by the Dependency Court pursuant to the provisions of the Welfare and Institutions Code, who does not meet the definition of a 'Related Legal Guardian.'
A hospital, jail, prison, homeless shelter, residential school, rehabilitation center, halfway house, out-of-home care facility, etc. where the individual has lived for more than 90 calendar days. This does not include battered women's shelters.
A current dependent child or ward of the juvenile court, or a nonminor under the transition jurisdiction of the juvenile court, who: has attained 18 years of age while under an order of foster care placement by the juvenile court; is in foster care under the placement and care responsibility of the county welfare department, county probation department, Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization; is participating in a transitional independent living case. Defined by WIC 11400(v).
A nonrelative extended family member is defined as an adult caregiver who has an established familial relationship with a relative of the child or a familial or mentoring relationship with the child. The county welfare department must verify the existence of a relationship through interviews with the parent and child or with one or more third parties.
Includes any sexual contact between the genitals or anal opening of one person and the mouth or tongue of another person.
also known as intravenous feeding, is a method of getting nutrition into the body through the veins. While it is most commonly referred to as total parenteral nutrition (TPN), some patients need to get only certain types of nutrients intravenously.
DPSS term for person receiving services.
This is a six-week, 33-hour program that prepares resource families (foster and adoptive) for the new roles and parenting skills they will need if they adopt. A program of mutual preparation and selection which uses the teamwork approach between foster and adoptive parents and the agency to prepare foster and adoptive parents for theexperience of parenting children with special needs, such as those supervised by DCFS. The program incorporates self-assessment, mutual decision-making and experiential preparation for foster and adoptive planning to help parents decide if their expectations and abilities match the realities of foster and adoptive parenthood.
An economic loss or expense resulting from an injury or death to a victim of crime that has not been and will not be reimbursed from any other source. This is related to compensation from being a Victim of Crime.
Includes any intrusion by one person into the genitals or anal opening of another person, including the use of any object, except for acts performed for a valid medical purpose.
Includes any of the following options: the child returns home, the court approves adoption, legal guardianship, permanent plan living arrangement with a relative/non-relative extended family member, or the child's case is closed.
The services provided to achieve legal permanence for a child when efforts to reunify have failed until the court terminates FR. These services include identifying permanency alternatives, e.g., adoption, legal guardianship, tribal customary adoption and planned permanent living arrangement. Depending on the identified plan, the following activities may be provided: inform parents about adoptive planning and relinquishment, locate potential relative caregivers and provide them with information about permanent plans (e.g., adoption, legal guardianship) and refer the caregiver to the Adoption Division for an adoptive home study, etc.
Permanency Planning Conferences (PPCs) are modeled after TDM meetings to ensure that a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, family members and caregivers meet regularly to focus on the urgent permanency needs of youth. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
In the context of adoption, substantially correct information regarding a prospective adoptive parent. This shall include, but is not limited to, the following: full legal name; age; religion; race or ethnicity; length of current marriage and number of previous marriages; employment; whether other children or adults reside in the home; whether there are other children who do not reside in the home and the child support obligation for these children and any failure to meet these obligations; any health conditions curtailing normal daily activities or reducing normal life expectancies; any convictions for crimes other than minor traffic violations; any removal of children due to child abuse or neglect; and, general area of residence, or upon request, address.
Pertinent collateral contacts are individuals or agencies with information that can assist the CSW in understanding the nature and extent of the alleged child abuse/neglect and in assessing the risk to and safety of the children. Collateral Contacts include professionals working with the child or parent and have regular contact with the family. Examples include: teachers, parole officers, physicians, DPSS, DMH, therapists, hospitals, and probation.
Non-accidental bodily injury that has been or is being willfully inflicted on a child. It includes willful harming or injuring of a child or endangering of the person or health of a child defined as a situation where any person willfully causes or permits any child to suffer, or inflicts thereon, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation such that his or her person or health is endangered.
Shortcomings that without correction would become a risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of the child. The child can be placed in the home pending completion of the CAP. TANF/CalWORKs is the funding source possibly available to the caregiver until the CAP is completed and eligibility for federal Foster Care funding is determined.
A meeting of attorneys and parties held for the purpose of reaching a negotiated settlement involving joint solutions.
A PPT is held for any pregnant or parenting teen under the Department’s supervision (as well as potential and recent fathers) as a youth-centered approach in order to identify and discuss issues related to pregnancy and early stages of child-rearing as well as breaking intergenerational cycles. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
Provides for 12 months in a residential program and a 12-month outpatient transitional services program.
i.e., more likely than not
A man is presumed to be the biological father of a child if: He has signed a voluntary declaration of paternity (VDP) or, after January 1, 1997 is identified on the child’s birth certificate; He and the mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated; Before the child’s birth, he and the child’s birth mother have attempted to marry each other and the child was born during the attempted marriage or within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation; After the child’s birth, he and the child’s birth mother have married or attempted to marry and either with his consent he is named on the child’s birth certificate or he is obligated to pay child support; He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his birth child; Anyone whom a court has found to be a presumed or legal father (this includes family court, dependency court, and judgments for child support services);Other men who tried to marry the mother or thought they had married the mother (even if it turns out that they did not), and even if after the birth may qualify as a presumed father. Consult County Counsel.
As it pertains to the allegations in a child welfare case, the petition must include enough facts that if later proven, will cause a child to be declared a dependent of the court.
Reasonable cause or a reasonable ground for belief in certain alleged facts (more than a hunch, but less than absolute certainty).
As defined by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is health (including mental health) information created or maintained by a health care provider that identifies or can be used to identify a specific individual. PHI relates to an individual’s health, health care or payment for care – in the past, present or future.
Medications used as tools for producing certain chemical and physiological effects in the central nervous system. They are usually classified according to the types of disorders they are primarily used to treat.
A pro bono law office serving low-income children, adults, and families. Through its Children's Rights Project, Public Counsel assists children in civil legal matters such as guardianship, adoption, special education, government benefits, emancipation, teen parenting issues, immigration, mental health services, access to education and transitional services upon emancipation from foster care.
Referral Address Verification System
Includes any penetration however slight, of the vagina or anal opening of one person by the penis of another person, whether or not there is the emission of semen.
An intervention, informed by a Housing First approach, that connects families and individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability to assistance that may include the use of time-limited financial assistance and targeted supportive services.
The law requires child welfare agencies to make reasonable efforts to provide services that will help families remedy the conditions that brought the child and family into the child welfare system. It is based upon a standard of reasonableness, which is a subjective test of what a reasonable person would do in the individual circumstance, taking all factors into account. This includes conducting a Due Diligence search to locate parents whose whereabouts are unknown.
When it is objectively reasonable for a person to entertain a suspicion, based upon facts that could cause a reasonable person in a like position, drawing when appropriate, on his or her training, to suspect child abuse or neglect.
The standard characterized by careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain the child's health, safety, and best interest.
The DCFS office that is responsible for providing services to the child, youth, dependent, or nonminor dependent. Usually, the office where the child's CSW is located.
Court will rule on the request by 5:00 p.m. the day after the request is filed with the court.
An adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words, 'great,' 'great-great' or 'grand' or the spouse of any of these persons even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution. A former stepparent is considered a relative only if the child is federally eligible.
For the purpose of placement and foster care payments: An adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, stepsiblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words, "great," "great-great" or "grand" or the spouse of any of these persons even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution.
The action of a parent in which he or she surrenders custody, control and any responsibility for the care and support of the child. Currently, only an Adoption social worker or the court is qualified to process a relinquishment.
The RMP is a family centered, multi-departmental, integrated approach to identifying, coordinating and linking appropriate resources/services to meet the needs of children currently in, or at risk of a RCL 6 through 14 placement. Additional information can be found at www.lacdcfs.org/katieA/RMP/. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
Families that have a foster care license and an approved family assessment that meets the State’s adoption standards. They are dually prepared to provide foster care and support family reunification; but, should reunification not occur, they are approved to provide an adoptive home for a child.
An order issued by the court, which enjoins a person from engaging in a specified behavior or activity, limits the distance a person may approach a specific location and/or person, or excludes a person from a specific dwelling or place of business. See "Emergency Protective Order."
For children aged three or older at the time of initial removal, services are to be provided from the dispositional hearing until the 366.21(f) hearing, unless the child is returned home. For children under the age of three, services are to be provided until the 366.21(e) hearing, unless the child is returned home.
The Review Agent conducts the Grievance Review Hearing. In accordance with CDSS Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) 31-020.511-.513, the Review Agent is a staff or other person not involved in the complaint; neither a co-worker nor a person directly in the chain of supervision of any of the persons involved in the complaint unless the Agent is the Director or Chief Deputy of the county; knowledgeable of the field and capable of objectively reviewing the complaint. The Review Agent for Los Angeles County, DCFS is the Manager, Appeals Section.
Supplemental Security Income. This program pays monthly benefits to blind or disabled children/youth who have limited income and resources. It is administered by Social Security.
Specialized Supportive Services - CalWORKs participants eligible to receive GAIN services may be eligible to receive Specialized Supportive Services (e.g., mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence assessment and treatment services) and transportation, child care and other ancillary expenses.
The D-Rate is the rate paid on behalf of hard-to-place children with severe and persistent emotional and/or behavioral problems. This rate can be paid for eligible children placed in the following types of out-of-home care facilities if they have been certified for the D-Rate: foster family homes, non-related legal guardian homes, nonrelative extended family member homes, foster care-eligible relative (Youakim) homes, and small family homes which are not vendorized by Regional Center but are licensed for mentally disordered/emotionally disturbed children.
The school that the foster child attended when permanently housed (prior to detention) or the school in which the foster child was last enrolled. If the school the child attended when permanently housed is different than from the school the child was last enrolled, or if there is some other school that the foster child attended with which he/she is connected (and attended within the immediately preceding 15 months) the local educational agency foster child education liaison, in consultation and agreement with the foster child and their Educational Rights Holder, can determine which school should be the child's school-of-origin.
Is defined as being able to meet one’s basic needs for food, shelter, income, and overall functioning. It is complementary to the goal of permanency, as individuals typically function better when they are surrounded by loving and caring adults. However, if one’s safety net were to be removed, self-sufficient adults would still be able to survive. In order for youth to become thriving, self-sufficient adults, they need to acquire solid assets and skills, early on, in key areas and outcome areas, such as, permanency/housing; education; social and emotional well-being; career/workforce readiness; health and medication. These four outcome areas lay the foundation for a successful transition into adulthood. To develop properly, they must be addressed and nurtured early on, at the first point of contact. Having continuous high expectations for success in these four areas is critical if youth are to have the support they need to achieve self sufficiency.
Reasonable cause to believe that the child has a need for medical care for a serious medical condition; or is in danger of physical or sexual abuse; or the physical environment poses a threat to the child's health or safety.
Penal Code Section 11165.2(a) defines severe neglect as the negligent failure of a person having the care or custody of a child to protect the child from severe malnutrition or medically diagnosed nonorganic failure to thrive. "Severe neglect" also means those situations of neglect where any person having the care or custody of a child willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation such that his or her person or health is endangered, as proscribed by Penal Code 11165.3, including the intentional failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Child abandonment would come under this section.
Includes any single act of abuse which causes physical trauma of sufficient severity that, if left untreated, would cause permanent physical disfigurement, permanent physical disability, or death; any single act of sexual abuse which causes significant bleeding, deep bruising, or significant external or internal swelling; or repeated acts of physical abuse, each of which causes bleeding, deep bruising, significant external or internal swelling, bone fracture, or unconsciousness.
The victimization of a child by sexual activities, including, but not limited to, those activities defined in Penal Code Section 11165.1(a)(b)(c). See "sexual assault" and "sexual exploitation."
Conduct in violation of laws pertaining to: Section 261 (rape), 264.1 (rape in concert), 285 (incest), 286 (sodomy), subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 288 (lewd or lascivious acts upon a child under 14 years of age), 288a (oral copulation), 289 (penetration of a genital or anal opening by a foreign object), or 647a (child molestation). If there are no indicators of abuse, “sexual assault” does not include voluntary sodomy, voluntary oral copulation, or voluntary sexual penetration unless the conduct is between a person 21 years of age or older and a minor under 16 years of age.
Conduct involving matter depicting a minor engaged in obscene acts in violation of Section 311.2 (preparing, selling, or distributing obscene matter) or subdivision (a) of Section 311.4 (employment of minor to perform obscene acts). Any person who knowingly promotes, aids or assists, employs, uses, persuades, induces or coerces a child, or any person responsible for a child's welfare who knowingly permits or encourages a child to engage in, or assist others to engage in, prostitution or a live performance involving obscene sexual conduct or to either pose or model alone or with others for the purpose of preparing a film, photograph, negative, slide, drawing, painting or other pictorial depiction involving obscene sexual conduct. 'Person responsible for a child's welfare' means a parent, guardian, foster parent, or a licensed administrator, or employee of a public or private residential home, residential school, or other residential institution. Any person who depicts a child in, or who knowingly develops, duplicates, prints, or exchanges, any film, photograph, video tape, negative, or slide in which a child is engaged in an act of obscene, sexual conduct, except for those activities by law enforcement and prosecution agencies and other persons described in subdivisions (c) and (e) of Section 311.3.'
Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV and AIDS, are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact as well as though direct person-to-person contact with blood or body fluids that contain the infection.
A sibling is defined as a child related to another person by blood, adoption, or affinity through a common legal or biological parent.
The determination of what is considered 'significant contact' by an individual with a child will be determined by the ASFA Division in consultation with County Counsel and regional staff.
Any residential facility in the licensee's family residence, which provides 24-hour care for six or fewer foster children who have mental disorders or developmental or physical disabilities and who require special care and supervision as a result of their disabilities. WIC 11400(e)
Assembly Bill 2268, defines children with special health care needs as those children who are either temporarily or permanently dependent upon medical equipment or in need of other specific kinds of specialized in-home health care, as determined by the child’s physician. See "medically fragile."
Definition for Adoption Assistance Program (AAP), a child whose adoption, without financial assistance, would be unlikely due to one or more of the following factors: age (three years or older),ethnic background, race, color or language, mental, physical, emotional or medical handicap, adverse parental background, membership in a sibling group which should remain intact. In the context of protective services childcare, a child who is mentally or physically incapable of caring for him/herself, as verified by a physician or a licensed or certified psychologist, and requires separate accommodations to be provided with basic childcare. In the context of dependency court, a special needs child is one who has had three or more placements during a 12-month period and has a diagnosis or history of one or more of the following: conduct disorder with aggressive tendencies or antisocial behavior; attention deficit disorder treated by psychotropic drugs; self-destructive or suicidal behavior; use of psychotropic drugs; developmental disability; fire setting; manifestation of psychotic symptoms; somatizing or chronic depression or social isolation; severe sexual acting-out behavior and/or; substance abuse.
A rate paid in addition to the basic care rate for the care of children/youth with special needs.
Any of the following foster homes where the foster parents reside in the home and have been trained to provide specialized in-home health care to foster children: 1) Licensed foster family homes; 2) small family homes or; 3) certified family homes that have accepted placement of a child with special health care needs who is under the supervision and monitoring of a registered nurse employed by, or on contract with, the certifying agency, and who is either of the following: a) a dependent of the court under WIC 300 or; b) developmentally disabled and receiving services and case management from a regional center.
Includes, but is not limited to, those services identified by the child's primary physician as appropriately administered in the home of any of the following: 1) A foster parent trained by health care professionals where the child is being placed in, or is currently in, a specialized foster care home; 2) Group home staff trained by health care professionals pursuant to the discharge plan of the facility releasing the child where the child was placed in the home as of Nov. 1, 1993, and who is currently in the home; 3) a health care professional, where the child is placed in a group home after November 1, 1993. WIC 17710(h)
The act of temporarily stopping a judicial proceeding through the order of a court.
Assesses the child's present danger and the interventions currently needed to protect the child. Assesses whether any children are likely to be in immediate danger of serious harm/maltreatment and determines what interventions should be initiated or maintained to provide appropriate protection.
A thirty (30) day pass good for MTA travel only. Students must have an appropriate MTA ID Card to obtain the pass. Student Cardholders are provided with a Student TAP Card each month. There is no charge for the Card itself. Students can pick-up a photo-less Metro Student Dare ID Card (K-8 or 9-12) at participating schools or one of the four Metro Customer Centers.
Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Services are available to determine whether parents or caregivers’ abilities are impaired by the use of alcohol and drugs; if parents/caregivers need to be referred for alcohol/substance abuse treatment, and to monitor progress in treatment. Test results are used as part of the evaluation process to determine if children can remain safely in the home of their parents and caregivers, or if children can be safely returned to the care of their parents and caregivers.
A report determined by the investigator conducting the investigation to constitute child abuse or neglect, as defined in Section 11165.6, based upon evidence that makes it more likely than not that child abuse or neglect, as defined, occurred.
SILP is a supervised and approved placement that is part of the Extended Foster Care program. SILP is a flexible and the least restrictive placement setting. It can include: an apartment (alone or with roommates); shared living situations; room and board arrangements; room rented from a landlord, friend or relative, or former caregiver; or college dorms.
CWS/CMS services component for nonminor dependents (NMD) under which the required Extended Foster Care (EFC) participation criteria must be indicated.
SOC refers to a continuum of care for children and their families, which meets their mental, emotional, and behavioral needs. The program focuses on treatment for children and youth who are at risk of placement in either a group home or a more restrictive setting. An Inter- Agency Screening Committee comprised of representatives from DCFS, Department of Mental Health, the Probation Department, Special Education Local Planning Area, and local school districts, screens these type of cases. Services may include intensive in-home treatment, in-home support services, daily living skills, mental health services, crisis intervention, respite care, parent training, school intervention and therapeutic foster homes.
Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
The Transit Access Pass (TAP) Card is a monthly pass good for MTA travel only.
A process utilizing a multidisciplinary assessment and team approach in working with children and their families. Includes community-based social workers and other child and family service providers that assist the family in identifying local supports that could help reduce stresses and improve family life. Parents play a key role in identifying their needs and the supports that would be most helpful in addressing them. Refer to the memo dated 1/12/15 from the DCFS Chief Deputy Director, "Teaming with Families - Operational Guidelines for Moving From Team Decision Making Meetings to Child and Family Teams" located in the Director’s Page under Memos from the Chief Deputy Director and the CPM website.
The removal of a child from the home of a parent or legal guardian and placement or facilitation of placement of the child in the home of a non-offending parent, relative, foster caregiver; group home or institutional setting.Temporary custody also includes: placing hospital holds on children; situations in which the CSW interrupts an established Family Law Court custody or visitation orders when the CSW believes that if the order is carried out, the child would be placed in immediate risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation and the child is allowed to remain in the home of the non-offending parent; situations in which DCFS requests that law enforcement remove a child from the home of his or her parent/legal guardian and the CSW places the child with a relative or unrelated caregiver; and situations in which the child is living with a relative or an unrelated caregiver and all of the following conditions exist: child’s parent is asking for the child to be returned home, CSW believes that the return of the child to his or her parent would place the child at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation, CSW does not allow the child to be returned to his or her parent; and, the child remains in the home of the relative or is placed in out-of-home care.
When a child is declared free from the care custody and control of his or her birth parents by court action.
A free legal services organization focused solely on protecting the rights of impoverished, abused and neglected children in Los Angeles County – children in foster care, children with educational disabilities, children who need healthcare or public benefits, and children in need of legal guardianship or adoption.
For the purposes of assigning Dependency Investigation tasks, a traditional residence is a house, an apartment, room(s) in a shared house or apartment, or another residence not included under the definition of non-traditional residence.
Hearing held by the receiving county court to determine if the case transfer request will be accepted.
Hearing held by the sending county court to determine the appropriateness of the transfer request. The court may order a case transferred to a different county during the Transfer-Out Hearing.
A home that has been licensed or approved by an Indian child’s tribe or a tribal organization designated by the Indian child’s tribe, for foster or adoptive placements of an Indian child using standards established by the tribe.
In the context of adoption, a person who has applied to adopt a child but has not been matched with an available child, and is therefore considered "unattached" to a particular child. An applicant for adoption who is not already linked with a specific child to adopt.
In the context of adoption, a child for whom adoption is the identified permanent plan but for whom no prospective adoptive parent has been identified.
A report determined by the investigator conducting the investigation to be false, inherently improbably, to involve an accidental injury, or not constituting child abuse or neglect as defined in Section 11165.6.
An aggressive, standardized approach to infection control which treats all human blood and certain body fluids as if they were known to contain blood-borne pathogens.The extension of blood and body fluid precautions to all patients. Under universal precautions, blood and certain body fluids of all patients are considered potentially infectious for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and other bloodborne pathogens. (CDC)
Authorities, e.g. CSWs, law enforcement, etc, have reasonable evidence that a parent is abusive, cannot provide love and support to the child, or will in some significant way interfere with the examination.
The provision of non-court, time-limited protective services to families whose children are in potential danger of abuse, neglect, or exploitation when the children can safely remain in the home with DCFS services. In order to receive VFM services, the family must be willing to accept them and participate in corrective efforts to ensure that the child's protective needs are met. There is a six-month time limit for this service.
The foster care placement of a child by or with the participation of DCFS acting on behalf of CDSS, after the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the child have requested the assistance of DCFS and signed a voluntary placement agreement form.
A legal document filed by DCFS in juvenile dependency court alleging that a child is described under Welfare and Institution Code (WIC) 300.
A hearing will be held no later than 120 days from the date of the Permanency Review Hearing. The purpose of a WIC Section 366.26 hearing is to identify and implement a permanent plan for a dependent child of the court. The court will then make findings and orders in the following order of preference: permanently terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that the child be placed for adoption; or, without permanently terminating parental rights, identify adoption as the goal and order that efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the child within a period not to exceed 180 days; or, appoint a legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship; or, order that the child be placed in long-term foster care, subject to the periodic review of the court under WIC 366.3.
A request to submit a report to the court when a hearing is not calendared, but the matter requires immediate court attention. Walk-on hearings may be appearance or non-appearance matters.
The Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) section that describes abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other endangerment situations and conditions whereby a child may be removed from the care and custody of parents or legal guardians and declared a dependent of the court under DCFS supervision.
W-Homes provide foster care to dependent teen parents and their non-dependent children, while assisting the teen parent’s to develop the skills they will need to provide a safe, stable and permanent home for their children. This is not a new licensing category. A W-Home can be a family home, approved relative caregiver or non-relative extended family member’s (NREFM) home, or the home of a non-related legal guardian whose guardianship was established pursuant to WIC Section 366.26 or 360.
A situation where any person willfully causes or permits any child to suffer, or inflicts thereon, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering or having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation such that his or her person or health is endangered.
These include concerns the family, team members or DCFS have related to the safety of the children/youth. The worries help the team identify what is important to ensure a safe and secure future for the children/youth.
Wraparound is a multi-agency initiative. The Wraparound approach is a family-centered, strengths-based, needs-driven planning and service delivery process. It advocates for family-professional partnership to ensure family voice, choice and ownership. Wraparound children and family teams benefits children by working with the family to ensure Permanency. Wraparound is funded through Title IV-E funds. The average length of involvement with the program is 8 months. The primary focus of the program is to keep children out of residential placements and maintain them safely in their family and community.
The practice of using flipchart pads and markers to write all brainstormed team responses to the agenda items during the CFT meeting. Examples of what is charted include: Family goal, non-negotiables, strengths, worries, needs and the plan for "what could go wrong".
Refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for boys and men or girls and women. These influence the ways that people act, interact, and feel about themselves. Gender is different from Sex in that Sex is assigned at birth.
an internal understanding of one’s own gender (e.g. a person’s internal sense of being male, female or something else). Therefore, a transgender person’s gender identity does not match the sex assigned to him or her at birth.
Ideas on what possible needs may be driving a person's behavior.
Matters related to the safety and well-being of the child(ren)/youth that cannot be changed at the present time (e.g. children cannot be supervised by anyone under the influence). Non-negotiables are focused on the "now" and should give the team ideas about the limits to planning and clarity on what cannot be compromised.
A continuous learning process in which you think about your practice, and consciously analyze your decision-making. It is an important tool in developing insight based on professional experiences, drawing on theory and relating it to practice.
A continuous process by which the "right people" for the child, youth and family have formed a CFT that meets, talks and plans together. The CFT has the skills, family knowledge and abilities, necessary to define the strengths and needs of the child and family, in order to organize effective services specific to their needs.
A need is what drives a behavior and what makes a behavior functional for the person. The child and/or youth's needs should be the focus of the teaming process to ensure their safety and well-being. Recognizing the individual and family needs is central to the family-engagement and planning process.
Degree to which the focus child(ren), parents (including the non-custodial parent), family members, and caregivers are active ongoing participants (e.g. having a significant role, voice, choice and influence) in shaping decisions made about child and family strengths and needs, goals, supports and services.