This policy reviews the process for evaluating the home of a prospective relative or non-relative caregiver. It states the factors that should and should not be considered when assessing a potential caregiver’s ability to meet a child’s needs.
This policy guide was updated from the 07/29/15 version to clarify that WIC 309 requires a CSW to use diligent effort in locating the names and locations of the child's relatives.
POLICY
Potential Caregivers
A potential caregiver may be any of the following:
Relatives, including adult siblings
Nonrelative Extended Family Member
Caregivers of other siblings
Non-related caregivers
The abilities and appropriateness of the potential caregiver and his/her family must be assessed to ensure that a child’s individual needs are met in at a placement.
DCFS and licensed adoption agencies may not deem a child ineligible for foster care or for adoption, nor are they permitted to delay a child’s placement, based on the perspective caregiver’s race (including culture or language), color, or national origin. In cases of Indian children or under exceptional, non-routine, child specific circumstances, however, consideration of these factors may be warranted.
DCFS is not permitted to honor a parent’s preference for placing a child in a particular home based on race, color, or national origin, or to delay the placement of a child for adoption when an approved family is available solely because the home is located outside of the county or state. In a designated relinquishment or independent adoption, however, a parent may identify a specific family to adopt a child.
Relative Placement - CSW's Duty to Identify, Locate and Inform Relatives
At the time a child is removed, the CSW must immediately, but no later than 30 days from the date of remove, conduct an investigation in order to identify and located all of the child's adults relatives and nonrelative extended family members (NREFMs), regardless of their immigration status.
A relative includes the following:
Grandparents;
Adult siblings;
And other legally specified adult relative of the child, including:
Any adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, step siblings, 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;
Any other adult relatives suggested by the parents or children. A nonrelative extended family member is defined as an adult caregiver who has an established familial relationship a relative of the child or a familial or mentoring relationship with the child.
The CSW must use diligent effort in investigating the names and locations of the relatives, including but not limited to:
Asking the child in an age-appropriate manner about relatives important to the child, consistent with the child's best interests;
Asking the parents and anyone with familial knowledge as to the names, addresses, and any identifying information of adult relatives of the child.
CSWs must contact all known and appropriate relatives and NREFMs who are willing and able to care for a child, even after a different relative has been identified and after that relative's home has been approved for the child's placement. Locating relatives as a placement resource is a process that does not cease until a permanent plan is made for the child.
For each relative identified, for whom there is not contact information, the CSW must conduct a search to locate the relatives that included:
Internet search using Google and other search engines, websites, and social media;
Review child's case file for any information regarding relatives;
Review of phone directory;
Telephone or mail contact, if telephone or mailing address is known;
Email contact, if email address is known;
Search of jails/prisons.
The CSW must provide each relative who is located with written notification using the Relative Notification Letter unless the relative's history of family or domestic violence makes notification inappropriate.
Relatives are the preferred placement resource and must be considered first for all children who are in need of out-of-home care services. The CSW must take all of the following into consideration when determining where to place the child:
Placement preference must be given to the home of a non-custodial parent or first degree relative(s) of the child.
A child can be placed in the home of an appropriate relative or a nonrelative extended family member (NREFM) pending the consideration of other relative who have requested preferential consideration.
Non-custodial parents are not required to have their homes approved.
A nonrelative extended family member (NREFM) is considered only when there is no relative who is willing and appropriate to care for the child.
The immigration status of a relative or NREFM must not disqualify them from receiving custody of the child(ren).
A child can be temporarily placed in the home of a relative or NREFM under the following circumstances:
Until the completion of the disposition hearing.
On an emergency basis when the sudden unavailability of a foster caregiver requires that the child be removed from the caregiver’s home.
A child may be temporarily placed in the home even when it has been determined that an individual has resided in another state in the past five (5) years, pending the receipt of the information from the other state.
An assessment must be initiated for any other able and willing relative(s) that requests placement.
CWS/CMS searches, CLETS and CACI clearance must be done immediately, or absent extraordinary circumstances, during the first 23 hours following the removal of the child on all relatives and NREFMs requesting placement.
The placement cannot occur unless the results of the CLETS are obtained and they reveal no convictions (other than a minor traffic violation) and the information obtained from searches of CWS/CMS and CACI have been determined not to pose a risk to the child.
Locating relatives as a placement resource is a process that does not cease until a permanent plan is made for the child.
The case-carrying CSW may deny the placement request if the prospective caregiver has a non-exemptible criminal conviction or whose name appears on the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) with a substantiated abuse or neglect incident that indicates a child would not be safe if placed, without performing a preliminary assessment of the home and without making a referral to the ASFA Division.
Unless there is an approved Supervised Independent Living Placement (SILP), a nonminor dependent may not be placed or maintained under a placement order in the home of a relative/NREFM if the home is not ASFA approved.
Factors in Determining a Good Child-Caregiver Match
When a potential placement is identified, members of the team must consider the required factors and questions outlined in Factors for a Good Child-Caregiver Match when selecting a caregiver. A caregiver should not be eliminated on the basis of one (1) factor alone.
Relative Home Approval Process
Relative homes are approved by the same standards used to license foster family homes. DCFS supervised children can only be placed with relatives/NREFM whose homes have met the regulatory requirements set forth in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 9.5, Article 3, License/Approval Standards. In addition, Los Angeles County requires child safety gates in multi-level homes in which children six (6) through twenty-four (24) months are placed. Only child safety gates that carry the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) certification seal and meet ASTM safety standards are acceptable. The relative/NREFM is eligible for financial assistance on a one time only basis in meeting home approval standards and for waivers of certain licensing regulations that are not critical to child safety.
It is the sole responsibility of the ASFA Division to determine if a home can or cannot be ultimately approved. The ASFA Division will work with regional staff to make every effort to approve the home of the relative or NREFM. However, ASFA Division staff does not make or determine child placements.
The approval of the home of a relative or NREFM by the ASFA Division does not automatically entitle that caregiver to placement of the child in his or her home. A prospective caregiver’s home can meet the Title 22 standards and be approved, but placing the child in the home may still not be in the best interest of the child. Therefore, before the placement, the prospective caregiver must be assessed to determine his/her suitability to care for the child. The determination to place the child in the approved home is made by the regional CSW. If the home of the prospective caregiver is not used and the decision is based due to criminal history, place the CLETS, Live-Scan results, FBI clearance, and/or subsequent arrest notification in a sealed envelope labels "For Hearing Officer Only" when notifying the court of this decision. The DCFS 724, Placement Assessment, is completed by the CSW and is used to determine if the home of a relative or NREFM can meet the child’s needs and placement requirements.
The approval of the home of a relative or NREFM must remain in full force and effect, even if the annual assessment visit is pending. Payment to the relative or NREFM provider may not be delayed or terminated solely due to the pending completion of the annual reassessment.
A home assessment is not required if the prospective relative/NREFM is a certified foster parent through a Foster Family Agency (FFA) and the child is being placed through the FFA or the prospective relative/NREFM is a State licensed foster parent with a current license.
A child may be temporarily placed in the relative’s/NREFM’s home even when it has been determined an individual has resided in another state in the past five year, pending the receipt of the information from the other state(s). A home cannot be approved until all of the following components are met:
The assessment of criminal history on all adults, eighteen (18) years of age and older, in the home or with significant contact with the children;
The assessment of the caregiver’s qualifications;
The assessment of the home and grounds;
The assessment that the environment in the home and on the outdoor grounds of the home when the child is present, as well as in any motor vehicle that is regularly used to transport the child, is smoke-free;
A review of children’s personal rights with the caregiver, and
Caregiver orientation.
Situations Requiring a New Home Assessment
A new home assessment is required:
Whenever a caregiver has changed residence.
When another adult or child not under DCFS supervision moves into the caregiver’s home.
When a new child is going to be placed in the home of an already approved relative or NREFM’s home.
The assessment is done to ensure that the new residence or the previously approved home and physical environment meet the required standards for the health and safety of the child being considered for placement, and that the caregiver has been assessed for his/her capability to meet the needs of all the children in the home, and that the developed Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and Documented Alternative Plans (DAPs) have been transacted as planned.
State Hearing
A state hearing must be available to those relatives or NREFMs, or those claiming to be a relative, under the authority of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, section 89318 through 89388, if the following has been determined:
The relative or NREFM did not meet the qualifications to be a caregiver;
The relative, NREFM resident adult(s), or adult(s) with significant contact to child(ren) was not approved under Community Care Licensing laws, and
The relative’s or NREFM’s home does not meet health and safety requirements; or
The relative or NREFM did not complete required orientation and/or training.
Refer to the Factors for a Good Child Caregiver Match to determine the potential caregiver’s ability to meet the needs of a child.
Continually monitor and assess these qualify of life factors as long as the child remains in out-of-home care.
Determining Circumstances Warranting Consideration for Race, Color, or National Origin
CSW Responsibilities
Consider the race, color, or national origin when placing an Indian child in out-of-home care.
On the CWS/CMS Out-of-Home Care Information form or the Out-of-Home Care Information Update, document the reason(s) for considering the caregiver’s or child’s race, color, or national origin in the placement decision.
Describe the exceptional, non-routine, child-specific circumstances that warrant the consideration of race, color, or national origin.
Describe the child’s special or distinctive needs based on race, color, or national origin and why it is in the child’s best interest to take these factors into account.
Explain whether these factors can be accounted for without delaying the placement of the child and without putting the child at risk.
If only a same race and/or ethnic placement is appropriate, explain whether a delay is justified to search for such a placement.
Determine what characteristics the caregiver must possess to meet the exceptional, non-routine needs of the child.
Submit the DCFS 709 Foster Child Needs and Case Plan Summary, the DCFS 280 Technical Assistance Action Request, and a hard copy of the CWS/CMS Out-of-Home Care Information form or the Out-of-Home Care Information Update form to the SCSW for review and approval.
SCSW Responsibilities
Review the DCFS 709, the DCFS 280, the Out-of-Home Care Information form, and the Out-of-Home Care Information Update form upon receipt.
If not in agreement with the recommendation to consider the family or child’s race, color, or national origin in the placement decision, discuss the contested issue with the CSW.
Advise the CSW on how to proceed.
If there is agreement on the recommendation, sign and return the DCFS 280, the DCFS 709, the Out-of-Home Care Information for, and the Out-of-Home Care Information Update form to the CSW within one (1) business day.
Identifying, Locating, Informing and Considering a Relative/NREFM as a Potential Placement
CSW Responsibilities
The CSW responsible for placing the child must adhere to the following procedure:
When a child is taken into temporary custody, ask the child (in an age-appropriate manner), the child's parents, the caregiver(s) from whom the child is being removed, and anyone with familial knowledge for the names, addresses, and any known identifying information of adult relatives of the child and NREFMs.
If one of these individuals is able to provide a name, obtain as much information as possible about the identified relative or NREFM including, but not limited to, his/her:
Full name;
Address;
Telephone number(s);
Relationship to the child.
Document all responses and information obtained from the contacted individual in the Related Clients page of the Client and Collateral Notebooks.
For each relative identified for whom there is not contact information, conduct a search to locate that relative, which includes:
Internet search including Google and other search engines, websites, and social media;
Review child's case file for any information regarding relatives;
Review phone directory;
Telephone or mail contact, if telephone or mailing address is known;
Email contact, if email address is known;
Search of jails/prisons.
Contact all identified and appropriate relatives and NREFMs by phone or in person for whom an address and/or telephone number is available.
Ask if they would be willing and able to care for the child.
Send them the Relative Notification Letter within thirty (30) days of the child's detention.
Document the date the notification letter was given, each relative and NREFM's response and all CSW attempts made to contact relatives and NREFMs in the Contact Notebook.
If a relative/NREFM is interested in having the child placed in his/her home:
Conduct a CWS/CMS and CLETS search and request the following information from the prospective caregiver(s), any other adults living in the home, and all persons having significant contact with the child.
Have them to complete and sign the LIC 508D, Out-Of-State Disclosure & Criminal Record Statement Foster Family Homes.
Direct them to Live-Scan within ten (10) calendar days.
Obtain a Juvenile Automated Index (JAI) clearance for all children in the home over the age of fourteen (14) if there is reason to believe the youth has a criminal record.
Obtain the CACI by completing the BCIA 4084 and submit it to the Department of Justice (DOJ) at (916) 456-0351 or (916) 227-3253 during regular work hours or at (916) 456-0351 during after hours, holidays and weekends.
Make a placement decision based on the safety and welfare of the child upon the return receipt of the BCIA 4084 from DOJ.
Give a copy of the BCIA 4084 to the Live-Scan technician in your office for data entry into CCTS database.
If the CLETS results show no convictions other than a minor traffic violation and the CWS/CMS and CACI results have been determined not to pose a risk to the child, the child may be temporarily placed in the home of the prospective caregiver up until the completion of the disposition hearing or until an appropriate foster home has been located, once the following steps are taken:
Complete the initial in-home inspection using the SOC 817/817NMD and SOC 818/818NMD.
Assess the prospective caregiver’s ability to care for the child’s needs.
Consult with and obtain approval from the SCSW.
If Live-Scan results show a conviction other than a minor traffic violation for which an exemption can be granted, fax the following to the ASFA Division at (562) 941-7219:
Live-Scan results
DCFS 5602
If Live-Scan results show a conviction for which an exemption cannot be granted:
Give a copy of the criminal clearance to the person to whom the information relates within five (5) business days of being notified the home was denied.
When providing a copy of the criminal clearance by mail, the criminal clearance must be mailed in an envelope addressed to the person to whom the information relates, to the address location at which they receive mail. The criminal clearance information and results from a significant contact is not to be shared with the relative or NREFM.
Document the date, method, and name of the individual that was provided with a copy of the criminal clearance.
Immediately submit the following to the ASFA Division SCSW located in the CSW’s office, or to the office in which the responsible ASFA Division SCSW is housed, regardless of whether the child is placed or not:
For ERCP, MART, Adoption and ICPC sites, staff will immediately fax these items to (626) 397-9150.
If the child is placed temporarily:
Submit a DCFS 280 to the Eligibility Worker (EW) no later than one (1) business day from the date of placement. The DCFS 280 must indicate this as a non-paid placement.
Provide the prospective relative caregiver with two (2) copies of the “Notice of Relative Caregiver Re: Funding Options for Relative Caregiver” to review.
Obtain the relative’s signature on both copies of the letter.
Provide a copy of the signed letter to the caregiver and file the original signed letter in the Placement Folder.
If a prospective caregiver does not want to continue to care for the child or if it has been determined that it would not be appropriate to use the prospective caregiver, notify the ASFA Division that an assessment is no longer needed.
Conducting and Responding to a Relative Home Assessment
ASFA Division SCSW Responsibilities
Home assessments are to be completed and approved within a thirty (30) day period, based on Title 22 regulations. Discuss any exceptions with your ARA/RA.
Determine if the ASFA Assessment Request has been completed:
If the Request is appropriate and complete:
Scan the assessment request and attachments into the Kinship Assessment Tracking System (KATS).
Assign the request to an ASFA-CSW for assessment and evaluation of CWS/CMS and CACI histories.
Enter data in CWS/CMS and KATS database.
If the request form is incomplete, inappropriate or lacking the required clearances:
Send an email to the placing CSW, SCSW and ARA with a 24 hour alert.
Document the alert was sent in Case Notes.
If an Initial ASFA Assessment Request has not been submitted:
Review the COGNOS No Assessment Information list and/or KATS daily to identify placements.
Send an e-mail notification to the placing CSW, the SCSW and ARA requesting that an Initial Assessment Request with clearances be submitted within five (5) business days.
If not received, send a second e-mail notification to the placing CSW, SCSW, ARA, RA, Service Bureau DD and the Service Bureau DD’s CSA III notifying that clearances have not yet been received. Provide timeframes within which to send the required documents.
If not received after the second e-mail notification, send a third e-mail notification within fifteen (15) days to the placing CSW, SCSW, ARA, RA, Service Bureau DD and the Service Bureau DD’s CSA III stating the date the home will be denied.
The potential caregiver declined considerations for placement;
The CSW informs the ASFA Division that the children have been placed elsewhere; or
The caregiver reports that the child no longer resides in their home.
After the home assessment has been completed by the ASFA CSW, review all necessary approval documents and determine whether the home evaluation took place in a timely manner.
Check the information entered in the Relative/NREFM Assessment Page, SOC 815, SOC 817/817NMD and SOC 818/818NMD for accuracy and completion.
Document whether the home assessment is or is not approved in CWS/CMS and in KATS. Enter the date into KATS.
Scan all documents into KATS and maintain copies of the file for ASFA records.
An automatic email will be generated and sent to the ASFA CSW, regional CSW, SCSW, and EW with a link to the signed assessment documents.
If the home is not approved, provide the prospective caregiver, placing CSW, SCSW, ARA, RA and Deputy Directory with a copy of the DCFS 728 indicating the home has been denied.
ASFA Division CSW Responsibilities
Complete the home assessment as follows:
Situation
Timeline
If the child is already in the home
Initiate assessment within five (5) business days and complete assessment within thirty (30) calendar days.
If the child is not in the home
Initiate assessment within seven (7) business days and complete assessment within thirty (30) calendar days.
If the child is not in the home and there is a court order to complete the home assessment
Initiate and complete assessment within the time frame specified by the court order.
Review CWS/CMS for prior child welfare history.
Search Meagan’s Law website.
Review all clearances and any other documents submitted by the placing CSW.
Prior to making the in-home inspection of the prospective caregiver’s home, assemble a working file with copies of the following forms:
LIC 508D, Out-of-Home State Disclosure & Criminal Record Statement Foster Family Homes
Title 22 standards
If information from another state’s registry indicates a history of child abuse or neglect, review the facts of the case. If the facts are not provided upon the initial request, contact the state agency with the case record for information about the circumstances of the abuse or neglect.
During the home assessment:
Make sure the DCFS 5420, Verification of Relative Status and Declaration of Relative Status has been signed. If the caregiver is a NREFM, cross out “Relative” and write “NREFM” and the basis of the relationship.
Inform the prospective caregiver that the placement is temporary until the home is approved and that foster care funds will not be issued until the home is approved and eligibility is determined.
Advise the relative caregiver that funding is available. Discuss the financial disparities between AFDC-FC and CalWORKs. For NREFM, if the child is found to be federally eligible, they are eligible for federal foster care. If the NREFM is not federally eligible, but has an approved home, the NREFM is then eligible for state foster care.
If the relative or NREFM is being assessed for a simultaneous placement of a minor and NMD, complete a SOC 815, SOC 817 and SOC 818 for the minor dependent(s) and a separate SOC 815, SOC 817NMD, and SOC 818NMD for the nonminor dependent(s).
Use the SOC 817/817NMD as a checklist and the Title 22 standards during the inspection to ensure the home is in compliance with health and safety standards.
Review the completed SOC 817/817NMD with the prospective caregiver.
If the home meets the standards or meets the standards with a Documented Alternative Plan (DAP), sign page two (2) of the SOC 817/817NMD. Document the alternative plan and the reason for the DAP on the DCFS 726.
If immediate impact deficiencies or potential impact deficiencies are observed in the home and a Correction Action Plan (CAP) would be appropriate, develop a CAP in consultation with the ASFA SCSW. Notify regional staff of the CAP.
Use the DCFS 725 to complete all of the following:
Clearly state the deficiencies.
Cite the Title 22 section that is violated.
Document each deficiency was discussed with the prospective caregiver.
State how each of the deficiencies will be remedied, including what the prospective caregiver will do to bring the home into compliance.
State the date by which each deficiency will be corrected.
If the prospective caregiver needs assistance making the needed corrections, provide the caregiver with that assistance whenever possible.
Obtain the prospective caregiver’s signature on the DCFS 725 and mail a copy once the ASFA Division ARA has approved it.
If the expected date of completion for the corrective action plan exceeds thirty (30) days, consult with the ASFA Division ARA regarding the reasons for the CAP not being completed within the thirty (30) calendar day timeframe.
Review and discuss the SOC 818/818NMD with the relative/nonrelative extended family member.
Discuss the Relative or NREFM Caregiver Declaration and Agreement with the prospective caregiver.
Have him/her read, initial where indicated, sign and date the form.
Sign and date the “Assessment Summary” of the SOC 818.
Give the prospective caregiver a copy of the signed form.
In order to complete page three (3), item eleven (11) of the SOC 818/818NMD, review, discuss and provide copies of the items listed below with the prospective caregiver: The prospective caregiver must agree to implement and uphold these rights.
After the in-home inspection, complete the Relative/NREFM Assessment Page in the Placement Notebook in CWS/CMS.
If the home meets Title 22 Standards, enter all data in CWS/CMS and KATS and compile the complete assessment packet for submission to SCSW for review and approval.
If submitting a DAP (DCFS 726) or CAP (DCFS 725) or Criminal Waiver (DCFS 5602), ARA or RA approval is required.
Submit all approval documents to the ASFA-SCSW for approval.
The approval process is not complete until the Relative/NREFM Assessment Page, SOC 815, SOC 817/817NMD and SOC 818/818NMD are approved by the ASFA-SCSW and attached to the child’s CWS/CMS case file.
If the home has been approved, an automatic email is generated and sent to the regional CSW, SCSW, and EW notifying them that the assignment has been completed and that the signed assessment documents are available through the link provided in the email.
Notify the placing CSW of the outcome of the home assessment within one (1) business day of the completion and approval/denial of the assessment.
If immediate impact deficiencies or potential impact deficiencies are observed in the home and a Correction Action Plan (CAP) would be appropriate, develop a CAP in consultation with the ASFA SCSW. Notify regional staff of the CAP. Monitor the caregiver’s efforts to complete the CAP.
Use the DCFS 725 to do all of the following:
Clearly state the deficiencies;
Cite the Title 22 section that is violated;
Document each deficiency was discussed with the prospective caregiver;
State how each of the deficiencies will be remedied, including what the prospective caregiver will do to bring the home into compliance; and,
State the date by which each deficiency will be corrected.
Within one (1) business day of the caregiver successfully completing the CAP, notify the CSW.
The completion of the CAP must be verified by an in-person visit to the home. The home will not be approved until the CAP is completed.
If the caregiver fails to complete the CAP within the thirty (30) calendar day timeframe, discuss the appropriateness of extending the CAP.
If it is determined the CAP may be extended, obtain ASFA Division ARA or Division Chief approval.
If it is determined the CAP will not be extended, consult with the ASFA Division ARA prior to informing the case-carrying CSW or SCSW that the CAP was not completed and the home will be denied.
In the event it has been ten (10) calendar days since the home assessment and all other requirements have been completed and the Live-Scan results have not been received from DOJ, notify the Live-Scan technician to contact DOJ to inquire about the delay.
Complete the DCFS 724, Placement Assessment, to determine if the home of the relative or NREFM meets the child’s needs and the placement requirements of WIC Sections 309, 319, 361.3, 361.4 and 362.7. Discuss it with the prospective caregiver and have them sign the DCFS 724.
Forward the DCFS 724 to the SCSW for approval and signature. Provide a copy of the DCFS 724 to the prospective caregiver. File the original in the Placement Folder.
If the decision is made to use the home, request the placement packet from the Eligibility Worker (EW) by attaching a photocopy of the SOC 815 to the DCFS 280.
If the CSW does not believe the relative or NREFM can meet the child’s needs and the requirement of WIC Sections 309, 319, 361.3, 361.4, 362.7, and Title 22, do not place the child in the home and inform the prospective caregiver of that determination. In addition:
Inform the caregiver of the Fair Hearing process.
Provide the prospective caregiver with the NA 1217 detailing the reason(s) for home denial.
Inform the prospective caregiver that the NA 1217 must be challenged within 90 days of receipt.
If the court allows a parent to reside in the home of a relative/NREFM, the case-carrying CSW must notify the Revenue Enhancement Eligibility Worker (EW) staff by submitting DCFS 280, Technical Assistant Action Request.
If the home of the prospective caregiver is not used:
Document all of the following in the applicable court report (Detention, PRI, Status Review, etc.):
Detailed information justifying the decision not to place in the home of a willing relative or NREFM.
If the decision is based on the home not being approved due to criminal history, place the CLETS, Live-Scan results, FBI clearance, and/or subsequent arrest notification in a sealed envelope labeled "For Hearing Officer Only".
If the decision is based on past history of child abuse and/or neglect, place the CACI or, when applicable, documentation from another state’s child abuse registry in a sealed envelope labeled "For Hearing Officer Only".
If the decision is based due to another deficiency:
Provide the court with the Title 22 regulation number(s) and standards that are not met.
Explain in detail why and how the home does not meet each standard cited.
Describe what efforts are being made to correct the deficiencies. Include specifically what DCFS is doing to assist the relative/NREFM.
If the deficiencies are so extreme that no efforts can be made to correct them, explain why this is so.
If the deficiency could not be remedied with a DAP, explain why an alternative plan would not be acceptable. If no alternative plan is feasible, explain why this is so.
If the home has been approved, but the caregiver cannot meet the child’s needs, explain in detail why this is so. Explain what needs the child has or what must be done to meet those needs and how the caregiver is unable or unwilling to provide for those needs.
If the willing relative is not a placement option for the child, explain what efforts were made and are being made to locate another relative or NREFM for placement of the child.
CSWs are not required to keep hard copies of the approval documents. If there is an occasion where the case carrying CSW cannot log into KATS, obtain a scanned copy of the required document(s) via e-mail, as needed, from the ASFA unit responsible for the office.
Completing the Annual Reassessment of a Relative/Nonrelative Extended Family Member’s Home
The Bureau of Information Service Division will provide the ASFA Division a listing of all reassessments due on a monthly basis by way of COGNOS.
ASFA Division CSW Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the ASFA Division to complete all annual reassessments, including ICPC cases.
It is not necessary to complete a new SOC 815, SOC 817NMD and SOC 818NMD when a nonminor dependent is already placed with a relative/NREFM when they enter Extended Foster Care.
However, the SOC 815, SOC 817NMD, and SOC 818NMD must be completed at the next scheduled reassessment.
When the relative caregiver/NREFM is in the process of adopting a child:
The annual reassessment is no longer required when the adoptive placement papers have been signed and the caregiver has the necessary documents to initiate Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) payments.
The annual reassessment must be completed by the ASFA Division staff if the adoptive placement papers have not been signed or AAP has not been initiated.
Submit the ASFA Home Assessment Request to the ASFA Division located in your office within one (1) business day of being notified of any of the following:
The caregiver has changed residence.
Another adult or child not under DCFS supervision has moved into the home.
There are plans to place a new child under DCFS supervision with this caregiver.
For ERCP, MART, Adoption, and ICPC sites, staff will immediately fax the ASFA Home Assessment Request to (626) 397-9150.
Upon being notified that another adult has moved into the caregiver’s home, immediately complete the CLETS, CWS/CMS and CACI clearances, and request the individual submit to a Live-Scan Clearance within one (1) business day.
Within one (1) business day of being notified of a child, who is not under DCFS supervision, moving into the home, and who is over the age of fourteen (14), complete a Juvenile Automated Index (JAI), there is reason to believe that the youth has a criminal record.
Upon receipt of the CLETS results, if the results indicate no conviction other than a minor traffic violation adhere to the following procedures if:
The information obtained from searches of CWS/CMS and CACI have been determined not to pose a risk to the child, the child may remain in the home, pending Live-Scan results.
The information obtained from searches of CWS/CMS and CACI have been determined to pose a risk to the child, immediately advise the caregiver that the individual must leave the home immediately.
Provide the person to whom the information relates to with a copy of the criminal clearance within five (5) business days of the CSW being notified the home was denied.
The copy of the criminal clearance must be provided in person or by mail in an envelope addressed to the person the information relates to and to the location at which they receive mail.
Enter the date, method and name of the person who was provided with the copy of the criminal clearance in the Contact Notebook in CWS/CMS.
If the caregiver refuses to have the individual leave the home, immediately remove the child from the home.
If the child is not immediately removed from the home, notify the Eligibility Worker (EW) that the home is no longer in an “eligible facility.”
This means that the child’s aid code will to be changed to “GRI – non-eligible facility” until the individual leaves the home, the home is approved, or the child is replaced to another placement setting.
If the results of the Live-Scan clearance indicate:
No conviction for a crime, no further action is necessary.
A conviction where an exemption cannot be granted, advise the caregiver the individual must leave the home immediately.
If the caregiver refuses to have the individual leave the home, immediately remove the child from the home if exigent circumstances exist.
Provide the person to whom the information relates to with a copy of the criminal clearance within five (5) business days of the CSW being notified the home was denied. The copy of the criminal clearance must be provided in person or by mail in an envelope addressed to the person the information relates to and to the location at which they receive mail.
Enter the date, method and name of the person who was provided with the copy of the criminal clearance in the Contact Notebook in CWS/CMS.
If the child is not immediately removed from the home, notify the EW the home is no longer in an “eligible facility.” This means that the child’s aid code will be changed to “GRI – non-eligible facility” until the individual leaves the home, the home is approved, or the child is replaced to another placement setting.
Contact the County Counsel assigned to the case or the County Counsel designated to that SPA/Area Office for consultation prior to filing a detained or non-detained WIC 387 petition and/or removal of a child from a relative/NREFM’s home.
A Subsequent Arrest Notification of a Relative/NREFM is Received
Case-Carrying CSW Responsibilities
Within one (1) business day of the receipt of a subsequent arrest notification from the Department of Justice regarding a relative, NREFM, or an individual having significant contact with the child, including any person who has a familial or intimate relationship with any person living in the home:
Investigate and assess the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Determine if the child is at immediate risk.
If necessary, remove the child from the home.
If the subsequent arrest notification indicates a conviction of a crime where an exemption can be granted and the plan is to allow the child to remain in the caregiver’s home, immediately follow the steps outlined in Exemptions for Relatives, Nonrelative Extended Family Members, and Prospective Guardians with Criminal History Records.
If the subsequent arrest notification indicates a conviction of a crime where an exemption cannot be granted, advise the caregiver that the individual must leave the home immediately.
If the caregiver refuses to have the individual leave the home, immediately remove the child from the home.
Provide the person to whom the information relates to with a copy of the criminal clearance within five (5) business days of the CSW being notified the home was denied.
The copy of the criminal clearance must be provided in person or by mail in an envelope addressed to the person the information relates to and to the location at which they receive mail.
Enter the date, method and name of the person who was provided with the copy of the criminal clearance in the Contact Notebook in CWS/CMS.
If the child is not immediately removed from the home, notify the EW the home is no longer in an “eligibility facility.”
This means that the child’s aid code will be changed to “GRI – non-eligible facility” until the individual leaves the home, the home is approved, or the child is replaced to another placement setting.
Contact the County Counsel assigned to the case or the County Counsel designated to that SPA/Area Office for consultation prior to filing a detained or non-detained WIC 387 petition and/or removal of a child from a relative/NREFM’s home.
Within one (1) business day of the receipt of a subsequent arrest notification, notify the ASFA Division of what actions regarding the subsequent arrest will be taken.
Responding to a Denied Home Assessment/Approval for a Relative/NREFM
ASFA Division CSW Responsibilities
Discuss the reason(s) for denial with the prospective caregiver.
Complete the assessment in CWS/CMS.
Indicate on the Relative/NREFM Assessment page and the SOC 815 that the home does not meet the standards.
Notify the caregiver via the DCFS 728 signed by the ASFA Division ARA that the home was denied approval.
State the regulatory standards for the denial. The letter must also include:
Information regarding the grievance review process and the NA 1271, Notice of Action-Denial of Home Assessment/Approval.
Review and provide the relative or NREFM with the completed DCFS 728, Inspection of Prospective Family Caregiver Home, the NA 1271, Notice of Action-Denial of Home Assessment/Approval, and any other appropriate supporting documentation such as the DCFS 725, DCFS 726, SOC 817, and SOC 818.
Inform the relative/NREFM of his/her right to a State Hearing provided he/she submits a completed NA 1271 within ninety (90) days of receipt of the DCFS 728.
If the home approval is denied and the basis for the denial of the home approval is due to criminal history, provide the person to whom the information relates with a copy of the criminal clearance within five (5) business days of the CSW being notified the home was denied.
A copy of the criminal clearance must be provided in person or by mail in an envelope addressed to the person the information relates to and to the location at which they receive mail.
Enter the date, method and name of the person who was provided with the copy of the criminal clearance in the Contact Notebook in CWS/CMS.
If the home was not approved and the child is already in the home, discuss the results of the assessment with the ASFA Division ARA.
Notify the CSW, SCSW, ARA, RA, Service Bureau DD, and Service Bureau DD’s CSA III that the home was not approved by e-mail.
Notify the prospective caregiver by telephone that their home will be not approved.
Send the completed DCFS 728, specifying the reason(s) the home was denied to the prospective caregiver by first class mail.
If the relative/NREFM sends the request for a Harris hearing to DCFS, the CSW must forward the request to the State Hearings Division (SHD).
If the relative/NREFM has requested a Harris hearing and the basis for denial is a non-exemptible offense, the CSW may request that the assigned Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) resolve it solely on the basis of the written record and without a hearing. To initiate such a request, the CSW must:
Make a written request to the SHD;
Provide the SHD with all documents relevant to a resolution on the record; and,
Provide a copy of the written request and all documents to the relative/NREFM and relative’s/NREFM’s Authorized Representative (AR).
If the relative/NREFM agrees to proceed solely on the basis of a written record and without a hearing, the relative/NREFM has ten calendar days from the date of his/her response to provide any additional documentation to the SHD he/she believes to be relevant to the ALJ’s determination.
If a Harris hearing is scheduled, the CSW must submit evidence to establish that an adult in the relative’s/NREFM’s home or an adult with significant contact with the minor(s) has a criminal or child abuse background that resulted in the Department’s decision not to approve the home under California CCL laws, and/or resulted in the county’s decision that the relative’s/NREFM’s home does not meet the appropriate health and safety standards.
If that matter in dispute addresses any of the following, submit the following documents to the ASFA Division Harris Hearings Representative:
For criminal or child abuse allegations:
SOC 815, Approval of Family Caregiver Home
DCFS 5602, Criminal Exemption Request, Denial and/or Grant
LIC 508D, Out of state Disclosure & Criminal Record Statement and, if applicable, Out of State Child Abuse/Neglect Report Request
LIC 198B, Out-of-State Child Abuse/Neglect Report Request Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, if applicable
Contact entries from other CSWs/staff processing the exemption(s)
Character reference letters provided by the relative/NREFM in support of a criminal exemption
CWS/CMS incident reports and investigative narratives
Evidence establishing criminal activity, such as certified Superior Court records of the criminal case, Arrest Disposition Form(s) provided by DOJ, party testimony, party admissions or stipulations in fact
DOJ and Federal Bureau of Investigations reports provided through the Live Scan process are both not admissible and cannot be relied upon for establishing an individual’s criminal status at the hearing.
Relevant juvenile records such as Detention reports, Status Review reports, etc.
When the relative’s/NREFM’s home failed to meet health and/or safety standards:
SOC 815, Approval of Family Caregiver Home
SOC 817, Checklist of Health and Safety Standards for Approval of Family Caregiver Home or SOC 817NMD, Checklist of Health and Safety Standards for Approval of Family Caregiver Home Nonminor Dependent
Contact entries from other CSWs and/or staff processing the home approval
Notice of Deficiency(ies) and Corrective Action Plan(s)
Documented Alternative Plan Approval or Denial
When the relative/NREFM failed to meet caregiver qualifications:
SOC 815, Approval of Family Caregiver Home
SOC 818, Relative or Nonrelative Extended Family Member Caregiver Assessment or SOC 818NMD, Relative or Nonrelative Extended Family Member Caregiver Assessment –Nonminor Dependent
Contact entries from other CSWs and/or staff processing the home approval
If the claimant failed to meet orientation and training requirements:
SOC 815, Approval of Family Caregiver Home
Contact entries from other CSWs and/or staff processing home approval
Prepare a statement of position that summarizes the facts of the case and the justification for the Department’s action.
Attach copies of documentary evidence provided by the ASFA CSW and a list of witnesses.
A Prospective Caregiver/Another Adult Residing in the Home has Resided in Another State in the Past Five Years
CSW Responsibilities
The CSW responsible for placing the child must adhere to the following procedure:
If the prospective caregiver and/or an adult living in the home have lived in another state in the past five (5) years, document that information on the Case ID page in the Case Alerts Box.
Identify the following and document all found information on page three (3) of SOC 815 and in Case Notes:
If any member of the household has lived out of state within the past 5 five years, indicate Other State Yes (OSY) in this box.
If OSY is appropriate, indicate “No History”, “No Registry” or “Match”.
If there are no members of the household that have lived out of state within the past five years, indicate Other State No (OSN).
If OSN is appropriate, no further action is needed.
Document in the Backgrounds Checks page of the Collateral Notebook the state(s) in which the prospective caregiver(s) and/or another adult now residing in the home has lived. If the individual lived out of the United States, the selection of ‘Out of Country’ will be available at the end of the State drop down selection list.
Contact the state(s) where the individual resided to determine if that individual is listed on the state’s child abuse registry.
A List of Contacts for Other State’s Child Abuse and Neglect Registries is maintained by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and contains updated information regarding contacts, procedures and forms required for each state. Required forms from this list can belong with the LIC 198B, Out-Of-State Child Abuse/Neglect Report Request Adam Walsh Child Protection, and Safety Act Of 2006 form for requesting information from another state.
If the state does not maintain a registry, document that fact in Case Notes and no further action is necessary.
If the state does maintain a registry, document the contact with the state’s child abuse registry and/or with the Agency holding the underlying records in the Background Checks page of the Collateral Notebook.
Document the date a response was received, whether the response indicated the individual was ‘Cleared’ or ‘Not Cleared’, as well as the status date. This information will populate onto the SOC 815/815NMD, if the form was completed in CWS/CMS.
The timeline to obtain clearances from other state registries may vary by state. A child may be placed in the prospective relative’s/NREFM’s home as a temporary/emergency placement.
The relative/NREFM home is not Title IV-E eligible until all out of state information is received and evaluated and the home is assessed as meeting all approval standards.
Follow the procedures set forth by the state to obtain the case record information regarding the individual(s).
As soon as the case record information is received, forward the information to the ASFA Division staff located in your office.
If after contacting the state(s) where the individual resided it is determined that in order to process the request for information a fee must be paid, adhere to the following procedure:
In the field provided enter the following statement: “I am requesting payment for a fee in the amount of (enter the fee amount) required by the State of (enter the name of the state) for the purpose of processing our Department’s request to determine if an individual is listed on that state’s child abuse registry. This request is part of the relative approval process pursuant to Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006”.
Indicate what agency the check is to be made out to.
Complete Section H.
Forward the DCFS 230 to SCSW for approval. Attach the original request from the State to the DCFS 230.
Submit the DCFS 230 to Fiscal Operations Division – Accounting Services Section for processing upon SCSW’s approval.
Keep a copy in the file and document the date the DCFS 230 was submitted in CWS/CMS Document Tracking Page.
Upon receipt of the check, immediately forward it to the state in question and proceed as noted above.
Requesting Notary Services
CSW Responsible for Placing the Child Responsibilities
Notify the ARA that Notary services are required to process a request to obtain information from another state’s child abuse registry.
Present all applicable documents to be notarized to the Notary, including a valid California ID, such as a driver’s license.
Regional ARA Responsibilities
Make a request for Notary services by calling one of the following Notaries:
Tom Ross, (310) 225-6789
Daniel Borquez, (626) 840-4333
Review and approve billing from the Notary.
Make two (2) copies of the Notary’s billing.
Complete the DCFS 250. Be sure to include the Fund ORG Code.
Both signatures on the DCFS 250 must be ARA level or above.
Mail the completed DCFS 250 along with the original and copy of the Notary’s billing to:
Procurement Services/Forms Management Section 501 Shatto Place, Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90020
0100-502.52, Seven Day Prior Written Notice to Foster Parents of Intent to Remove a Child and Grievance Review Regarding Placement/Removal of a Child from a Foster Home
ACL No. 13-27 − State hearing procedures for cases where county child welfare agency denied a relative or nonrelative extended family member approval to provide care to a juvenile court dependent.
CDSS MPP Division 31-445.1 − States in pertinent part that prior to the issuance of an approval document, the agency must ensure that the caregiver and home meet all the standards in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 9.5, Article 3, Caregiver.
CDSS MPP Division 31-445.2 − States in part that at the time of placement, verification shall be obtained that the caregiver was provided with an orientation on the child welfare system and the caregiver’s role and responsibilities as a foster parent.
Family Code (FAM) Section 7950(a) − Sets forth placement consideration when a child enters foster care such as the proximity of the natural parents to the placement, placement in the home of a relative unless the placement would not be in the best interest of the child.
FAM Section 8708 – States, in part, that neither DCFS nor a licensed adoption agency may deny a person the opportunity to become an adoptive parent, or delay the placement of a child for adoption, based on race, color, or national origin of the person or the child involved.
FAM Section 8709 – States, in part, that DCFS or a licensed agency may consider a child’s religious background in determining an appropriate placement. This, however, shall not be construed to affect the placement of Indian children.
Health and Safety Code (HSC) Section 1505.2 − Establishes the conditions by which a licensing agency to authorize a foster family home to provide 24-hour care for up to eight foster children, for the purpose of placing siblings or half siblings together in foster care.
HSC Section 1521.6 – States, in part, that prospective foster parents must meet specified health and safety requirements. It also states that licensed foster parents must be ready, willing, and able to meet the varying needs of children, including hard-to-place children.
HSC Section 1522 − Provides information on fingerprinting and criminal records, exemptions, and criminal record clearances.
HSC Section 1522.1(b) – Provides the Child Abuse Central Index check prior to licensing or approving a person to care for or reside with children.
Penal Code (PEN) Section 11105(t) − Provides state criminal history information and persons to which information may be furnished; provides details on copy of criminal history information to the subject person.
PEN Section 11105.2 − Subsequent arrest or disposition notification to authorized entities.
PEN Section 11170 − States in pertinent part that the Child Abuse Central Index is a database maintained by the Department of Justice that contains records of child abuse investigations that resulted in either substantiated or inconclusive dispositions in California.
United States Code Title, 42, Section 671(a)(18) – States, in part, that in order for a state to be eligible for federal funding, it must have an approved plan that does not deny any person the opportunity to become an adoptive or foster parent or delay or deny the placement of a child for adoption or into foster, based on race, color, or the national origin of the person or child involved.
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 281.5 and 361.3 − States in part that CSW should give primary consideration to place a child with a relative of the child, if such placement is in the best interests of the child and will be conducive to reunification of the family.
WIC Section 309(d)(1) − Describes steps to be taken when considering temporary placement with a relative or nonrelative extended family member.
WIC Section 309(d)(2) − States in part that immediately following the placement of a child in the home of a relative or a nonrelative extended family member, the home shall be evaluate and approve or deny for purposes of AFDC-FC eligibility pursuant to Section 11402.
WIC Section 309(e)(1) − States in part that the social worker is to initiate efforts in locating relatives within 30 days of the child’s removal from the home and to give written and oral notification of the proceedings if appropriate. Suchnotification must include all of the following:
That the child has been removed from the custody of his or her parent(s)/guardians;
An explanation of the various options to participate in the care and placement of the child and support of the child's family including:
Any options that may be lost by failing to respond;
Information about providing care for the child while the child received reunification services with the goal of returning the child to the parent/guardian;
How to become an approved foster family home or approved relative or nonrelative extended family member, and additional services and support that are available in out-of-home placements;
Information regarding Kin-GAP, CalWORKS, adoption assistance, as well as other options for contact with the child, including, but not limited to, visitation.
WIC Section 309(e)(1)(3) – States, in part, that the social worker must use "due diligence" in investigatin the names and locations of relatives, including, but not limited to, asking the child in an age-appropriate manner about relatives important to the child's best interst, and obtaining information regarding the location of the child's adult relatives.
WIC Section 319(f)(1) − States in pertinent part that when the child is not released from custody, the court may order that the child shall be placed in the approved home of a relative, in an emergency shelter or other suitable licensed place, in a place exempt from licensure designated by the juvenile court, or in the approved home of a nonrelative extended family member for a period not to exceed 15 judicial days.
WIC Section 361.3 - Describes steps and preferential consideration to be taken when a child is removed from the physical custody of their parent and a placement is needed.
WIC Section 361.4 − States in pertinent part that prior to placing a child in the home of a relative, or the home of any prospective guardian or other person who is not a licensed or certified foster parent, the county social worker shall visit the home to ascertain the appropriateness of the placement.
WIC Section 361.45 − States in part that, when the sudden unavailability of a foster caregiver requires a change in placement on an emergency basis for a child who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 300, if an able and willing relative, or an able and willing nonrelative extended family member, is available and requests temporary placement of the child pending resolution of the emergency situation, the county welfare department shall initiate an assessment of the relative's or nonrelative extended family member's suitability. Upon completion of this assessment, the child may be placed in the assessed home.
WIC Section 362.7 − States that when the home of a nonrelative extended family member is being considered for placement of a child, the home shall be evaluated, and approval of that home shall be granted or denied, pursuant to the same standards set forth in Title 22 regulations. A "nonrelative extended family member" is defined as an adult caregiver who has an established familial relationship with a relative of the child, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 361.3, or a familial or mentoring relationship with the child.
WIC Section 11402.4 − Sets guidelines regarding annual reassessment of approve home of a relative or nonrelative extended family member and frequency of monthly visits to the home required of the social worker.
WIC Section 16001.9 – Lists, in part, the rights of children placed in out-of-home care.
WIC Section 16002(b) – States, in part, that the responsible local agency shall make a diligent effort in all out-of-home placements of dependent children, including those with relatives, to develop and maintain sibling relationships.
WIC Section 16504.5 − Authorizes a child welfare agency to initiate a criminal background check through California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems when evaluating the home of a relative or nonrelative extended family member.
WIC Section 17739 – States when determining the placement of a foster child who is medically fragile, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1760.2 of the Health and Safety Code, priority consideration is given to placement with a foster parent who is an individual nurse provider, as defined in subdivision (m) of Section 14043.26 of the WIC, who provides health services under the federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment program (Section 1396d(a)(4)(B) of Title 42 of the United States Code. The priority consideration shall be subordinate to the preference granted to a relative of the child.
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.