Psychotropic Medication: Authorization, Review, and Monitoring for DCFS Supervised Children
0600-514.10 | Revision Date: 11/3/2023
Overview
This policy reviews the administration of psychotropic medications when prescribed by the child’s physician or psychiatrist, as well as the authorization, review, and monitoring processes required.
This policy guide was updated from its 7/05/22 version to address Senate Bill (SB) 528 (2021-2022) and ACL 23-22, which require DCFS to provide a copy of the JV-223, JV-220, and the last two (2) pages of the JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B) forms, and all attached medication information sheets to the child’s caregiver within two (2) business days of receipt of the JV-223 order; to clarify the Public Health Nurse (PHN)’s role as it relates to psychotropic medication; and to update Juvenile Court protocols.
POLICY
Summary of Psychotropic Medication Authorization (PMA) Forms
California law and the Los Angeles Superior Court have provided specific guidelines and limitations regarding a physician’s provision of psychotropic medication to a child who is a dependent of the Los Angeles Juvenile Court and under the supervision of DCFS. These guidelines were updated and the Rules of Court amended as a result of SB 238 (2015), SB 319 (2015), SB 377 (2019) and SB 528 (2022).
Order Delegating Judicial Authority Over Psychotropic Medication
Hearing Officer
This optional form allows the court to delegate its authority to approve or deny the administration of psychotropic medication for a child in foster care to a parent or guardian upon making findings on the record that the parent poses no danger to the child and has the capacity to authorize psychotropic medications
These individuals may use this optional¹ form to tell the court how they feel about the JV-220, and the effectiveness and side effects of the medicine; also available in Spanish (JV-219 S).
This form gives the court basic information about the child and their living situation, provides CSW/DPO contact information, and serves as the formal PMA request to court.
This form is used to ask for a new PMA order (i.e., JV-223); it provides a record of the child’s medical history, diagnosis, previous treatments, the child’s previous experience with psychotropic medications, and the doctor's reasons for recommending the psychotropic medication. It is also available in Spanish [JV-220 (A) S].
Physician's Request to Continue Medication - Attachment
Prescribing physician²
A shorter version of the JV-220 (A), this form may only be used by the same doctor who filled out the most recent JV-220 (A) form if they are prescribing the same medication with the same maximum dosage.
This form shows the court that all parties with a right to receive notice were served a copy of the JV-220 and attachments; also available in Spanish (JV-221 S).
Parent, Legal Guardian, attorney of record for parent/guardian, the child, the child’s attorney, the child’s CAPTA guardian ad litem, tribal representative
This optional form may be used when one or more parties do not agree that the child should take the recommended psychotropic medication, or one or more of the parties wishes to provide the court with additional information; also available in Spanish (JV-222 S).
This lists the court’s findings and orders about the child’s psychotropic medication. A copy must be provided to the caregiver; it is also available in Spanish (JV-223 S).
Position on Release of Information to Medical Board of California (MBC)
Child or their attorney
Authorizes or declines consent to release the child’s contact information and/or limited psychotropic medication medical records to the MBC, should the MBC determine further review is warranted regarding any potential violation of the law or excessive prescribing of psychotropic medications inconsistent with the standard of care
Background on Authorization for Release of Information to Medical Board of California
N/A
Provides the child and their attorney with background information regarding the MBC investigation and authorization process, including confidentiality parameters; it describes the process to withdraw their authorization for the release of their information to the MBC
Refer to Proceduresfor the role of Public Health Nurses (PHNs) and DCFS
This is a 1-page checklist designed to ensure that youth ages 14 to 17 are engaged in their treatment plan, are prepared to make decisions about their ongoing medical care, and are capable of monitoring their medication regimen should they choose to continue it. It should be attached to the back of the JV-224 form.
¹ Although the JV-218 and JV-219 forms are optional, voluntary forms, some hearing officers may order one or both forms be submitted to the court along with the JV-224 form. In such instances, CSWs should follow up with the caregiver and/or child to inquire about the status of those forms and consult with County Counsel.
² In accordance with the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Central District, Juvenile Division’s Blanket Order dated July 27, 2016, any prescribing physician that submits an application for psychotropic medication authorization [JV-220(A), JV-220(B)] for a foster child/youth in residential placement, seeking an order pursuant to WIC 369.5, shall be credentialed by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
³ Formerly known as "D-Rate Evaluator" (DRE) CSW
Psychotropic Medication Review and Monitoring Process
Each JV-223 form, Order On Application for Psychotropic Medication for new or renewed medication(s), is routed to the Juvenile Court Services Psychotropic Desk Clerk, who then forwards it to the PMA Unit. The PMA unit uploads the JV-223 form into CWS/CMS and notifies the CSW and SCSW that the JV-223 has been uploaded. The PHNs assess and document the medication information in CWS/CMS in accordance with the Department of Public Health's Children's Medical Services (CMS) Child Welfare Public Health Nursing Program (CWPHNP) Policy and Procedure: Psychotropic Medication -- Role of the Public Health Nurse (PHN).
The RCL CSW (formerly known as the D-Rate Evaluator Children's Social Worker) is responsible for completing and submitting the JV-224, County Report on Psychotropic Medication for those children placed in group homes/Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs). RCL CSWs must also complete JV-224s for children residing in group homes/STRTPs who move placements into a non-group home/STRTP setting with less than forty-five (45) days before the next court hearing that will address their psychotropic medication.
The assigned Case-Carrying CSW is responsible for completing and submitting the JV-224 form for those children residing in any type of placement other than group homes/STRTPs. The Case-Carrying CSW must also complete the JV-224 form for children residing in a non-group home/STRTP placement who move placements into a group home/STRTP with less than forty-five (45) days before the next court hearing that will address the child's psychotropic medication.
Psychotropic Medication Authorization Process
Physician/Psychiatrist
The physician completes the JV-220(A) or JV -220(B) form, making sure to write in their correct return fax number in the "phone numbers" field (#4c on the JV-220A and #3c on the JV-220B),and faxes the form to the DCFS PMA Unit at (562) 941-7205 or emails it to PMA@dcfs.lacounty.gov.
Illegible or incomplete JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) forms submitted by physicians to the PMA Unit will be returned to the physician the same day or no later than the next business day for resubmission. Forms received for children with a Family Maintenance (FM) service component / Home of Parent (HOP) court order, for nonminor dependents (NMDs) or for dependent children from county jurisdictions other than Los Angeles, will also be returned.
If the PMA desk rejects a PMA application, they will notify the CSW and SCSW via email and include a scanned copy of the rejected JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B) along with any lab results or other documentation that was sent with the application, and a copy of the fax confirmation rejection document.
DCFS PMA Unit – Upon receipt of the completed JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) form:
For children placed in group homes/STRTPs: sends the JV-220, Application for Psychotropic Medication form to the RCL CSW for completion.
Mailed to the child: the JV-217-INFO form, Guide to Psychotropic Medication Forms, the JV-218 form, Child's Opinion About the Medicine, is mailed to the child (with a stamped return envelope addressed to the court), plus a cover memo requesting voluntary completion of the JV-218 form and its return to court within four (4) judicial days after receipt of notice.
The JV-219, Statement About Medicine Prescribed, and the JV-217-INFO form, is mailed to the parents/guardians, caregivers, CASA (if any), and tribal representative (if applicable), along with the Notice of Hearing and a cover memo requesting voluntary completion of the JV-219 form and its return to court within four (4) judicial days of notice.
The DCFS parental notification cover letter (of which there are separate versions for the Edelman’s Children’s Courts, and the Lancaster Children’s Courts) including the list of planned medications, and the JV-222, Input on Application for Psychotropic Medicationform , is sent to the child's parents/legal guardians (for all cases) and to the Tribal Chair/ICWA Coordinator (for ICWA eligible youth).
Items 1 through 5 (and item 9, if applicable) of the JV-221 form, Proof of Notice of Application is completed.
If the request will result in the child being prescribed three (3) or more psychotropic medications for a period of ninety (90) days or longer, an email is sent to the child's attorney with blank copies of the JV-228, JV-228-INFO, and JV-229 forms.
DCFS Case-Carrying/RCL CSW:
For children in group home/STRTP placements, the RCL CSW completes and submits the JV-220 form within two (2) judicial days.
For children in non-group home/STRTP placement, the Case-Carrying CSW:
Returns the completed JV-220 via email to the PMA unit (PMA@dcfs.lacounty.gov) within two (2) judicial days.
DCFS PMA Unit -- Upon receipt of the completed JV-220 form from the CSW:
Sends electronic copies of the JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B), the completed JV-220 form (pages 1-3), and page 1 of the JV-221 form to the Dependency Court Psychotropic Desk Clerk within three (3) court days of receipt of the JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) form.
Emails the assigned CSW and SCSW to notify them that a PMA has been sent to court, and attaches a scanned copy of the PMA request.
Dependency Court Psychotropic Desk Clerks – Days 1-2:
Receive e-filed forms, electronically date-stamp their receipt in the Court Case Management System, and validate case information in that system
Enter information into psychotropic medication tracking system and validate case information in Justice Partner Portal (JPP)
Complete page 2-3 (items 6-7, and item 8, if applicable) of JV-221 form
Using the table below, distribute copies of the relevant documents in the mail bin designated for each court location:
Document Distribution
JV-217 INFO
JV-218
JV-219
JV-220
JV-220(A or B)
JV-222
Parent's Cover Letter
Child's Attorney
X
X
X
X
X
X
CASA (if on weekly case list)
X
X
X
Parents’ Attorneys
X
X
X
X
Juvenile Court Mental Health Services
X*
X
*Label with name of child’s attorney and firm
Juvenile Court Mental Health Services (JCMHS) – Days 2-4: Upon receipt of the JV-220 form, JV-220 (A) or JV-220 (B) form and recommendations/comments:
Reviews the JV-220 form and JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B) form and returns to Psychotropic Desk Clerk with recommendations/comments.
Dependency Court Psychotropic Desk Clerks – Days 2-4:
Logs information into the Court Case Management System to reflect receipt
Provide the Court with the following forms:
JCMHS recommendation/comment form (including a copy to the child's attorney and DCFS PMA unit)
JV-220 form
JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) form
JV-221 form (pages 1-3)
Any JV-218, JV-219 or JV-222 forms received thus far
JV-223 form
The Dependency Court Psychotropic Desk Clerks e-file the above forms to the Lancaster, Pomona or Compton Court Clerk’s office.
Judicial Officer – Day 7:
Reviews forms/files and completes the JV-223 form (to grant, deny, grant with modifications or set a hearing).
JV-223 form must be completed by the first available:
Judicial officer
As-needed judicial officer
Buddy court judicial officer
Supervising Judge
The judicial officer must complete the JV-223 form even if the matter is set for hearing.
Following the hearing, the judicial officers must complete a new JV-223 form.
Orders a 45-Day Progress Report for new medications or increased dosages that are approved by the court.
The Court must wait until Day 7 to rule on the request in order to allow sufficient time for any JV-218, JV-219, and/or JV-222 form to be submitted.
Court Assistant/Judicial Assistant – Day 7:
After the court completes and signs the JV-223 form, enters the orders into JPP and sets the next hearing, makes one (1) copy of the completed and signed JV-223, and delivers it to the Psychotropic Desk Clerk in the Children’s Court.
Places the JV-218, JV-219, JV-220, JV-220(A) or JV-220 (B), JV-221, JV-222, JV-223 forms, and JCMHS recommendation/comment forms in the child’s confidential legal envelope in the court file.
Returns file to courtroom or file shelf.
If the Court sets the matter for a hearing, the Court Assistant/Judicial Assistant notices all parties, JCMHS, and CASA (if applicable) with the JV-223 form.
For Lancaster Court cases:
After the JV-223 form is completed in Lancaster Dependency Court, delivers the file to the Lancaster Court Clerk’s office.
The Lancaster Dependency Court Clerk’s office responsibilities:
Puts the original forms in the child’s confidential envelope in the court file.
Faxes the JV-223 form to the Psychotropic Desk Clerk at Children’s Court to (323) 260-5082.
Provides copies of the JV-223 form to all attorneys on the case and CASA (if applicable).
Dependency Court Psychotropic Desk Clerks – Days 7-8:
Electronically track the date the JV-223 form is received from the courtroom and the Lancaster Dependency Court.
For Children’s Court cases:
Provide copies of the JV-223 form to the child’s attorney, parents attorneys, County Counsel, and CASA (if applicable) and tribal representative (if applicable) via designated mail bins
For all cases:
Fax copies of the JV-223 form to the prescribing physician
Provide access to the JV-223 form to the DCFS PMA Unit via the Court Case Management System
DCFS PMA Unit – Days 7-8:
If the JV-223 form indicates that the child is being prescribed three (3) or more concurrent psychotropic medications for ninety (90) days or more, emails the child's attorney blank copies of the JV-228, JV-228-INFO, and JV-229 forms.
Imports the completed JV-223 into CWS/CMS and notifies the CSW, SCSW, and PHN Supervisor via email that the child's PMA has been imported into CWS/CMS.
Mails a copy of the JV-223, JV-220, and the last two (2) pages of the JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B), and all attached medication information sheets to the child’s caregiver within two (2) business days.
DCFS RCL CSW (regarding PMAs for children in group homes/STRTPs only) - ongoing:
Completes the JV-224 form, County Report on Psychotropic Medication, attaches the Youth Engagement Worksheet to the back of the JV-224 form, if applicable, and submits both forms to court at least ten (10) days prior to:
The initial 45-Day PMA Progress Hearing, and
The subsequent Status Review Hearings that occur while the child remains in group home/STRTP care
If the child leaves the group home/STRTP (and is replaced into a less restrictive placement) with forty-five (45) or more days remaining before the next Status Review Hearing date, the Case-Carrying CSW is responsible for the JV-224 form.
DCFS Case-Carrying CSW (upon receipt of completed PMA) - ongoing:
If the child is residing in any placement other than a group home/STRTP:
Completes the JV-224 form, County Report on Psychotropic Medication
Attaches the Psychotropic Medication Youth Engagement Worksheet to the back of the JV-224 form, if applicable
Submits both to the court at least ten (10) days prior to the initial 45-Day PMA Progress Hearing, and each Status Review Hearing
Court authorization is required to prescribe non-emergency psychotropic medication in the following circumstance:
The court has made disposition orders on a child who resides in out-of-home care.
This does not apply in cases where the court has issued specific orders delegating authority to a parent/legal guardian (after determining that the parent/legal guardian poses no danger to the child and has the capacity to authorize psychotropic medications).
The court authorization is good for six (6) months unless otherwise ordered by the Juvenile Court. A separate authorization is required if the physician believes a longer course of medication is necessary or decides to change the type of medication or increase the dosage. A physician can continue to prescribe and administer medication while a renewal request is pending before the court.
If the court does not authorize the medication, it is the CSW’s responsibility to contact the child’s caregiver and the child’s physician and advise the physician that they may not prescribe or administer the medication but has the option to respond to the JCMHS comments with a new JV-220(A) or JV-220 (B) form.
If a CSW discovers a youth has been prescribed psychotropic medication that was not authorized by the court through the required PMA process, the CSW should notify their SCSW and inform the hearing officer via the next court report.
Court Authorization Not Required
Court authorization is generally not required to prescribe psychotropic medication in the following circumstances:
Pre-disposition – The court has not yet made disposition orders on behalf of the child (in these cases the parent/legal guardian consent is required)
Home-of-parent – The court has made disposition orders and the child resides in the home of a parent or legal guardian (in these cases the parent/legal guardian consent is required).
Physician Determined Emergency – The physician has made a determination that an emergency exists, finding that due to a mental disorder, the child requires immediate psychotropic medication, and the purpose of the medication is to:
Protect the life of the child or others
Prevent serious harm to the child or others (It is not necessary for the harm to actually take place or become unavoidable)
To treat current or imminent significant suffering when it is impractical to obtain consent (i.e., waiting for the court's authorization would put the child or others at substantial risk)
When Probation is the lead, the PMA process is handled by Probation and the hearings are held in the Juvenile Justice court.
Youth who are under LPS Conservatorship have their psychotropic medication approved by their conservator.
When youth are under legal guardianship (i.e. when legal guardianship is granted by court but the case remains open – excluding youth who were removed from a legal guardian's care), the legal guardian can make decisions about their psychotropic medication.
Emergency PMA Requests
On occasion, children may be prescribed psychotropic medication on an emergency basis by a psychiatrist who is not their usual doctor. This might happen during a psychiatric hospitalization or after-hours evaluation by an Exodus psychiatrist, and the newly-prescribed medications may not align with those medication(s) contained in an existing approved PMA. Please note that only one (1) PMA is valid at any given time. Therefore, in these cases, the treating psychiatrist will complete an “emergency PMA,” authorizing use of the newly-prescribed medication during the course of the hospitalization and up to thirty (30) days thereafter (if approved by the court). The psychiatrist must also address any previously-prescribed medications that will be continued or discontinued on page 6 of the JV-220 (A) form. Court authorization must be sought as soon as practical but in no case more than two (2) court days after the emergency administration of the psychotropic medication.
With a copy of the emergency PMA, the CSW or caregiver is authorized to fill the prescription and administer the medication. As soon as possible after discharge, CSWs or caregiver should ensure the child is seen by their treating psychiatrist, who will evaluate the child’s psychotropic medication regimen and submit a regular PMA, as required by the protocol.
Juvenile Court Authorization
The Juvenile Court authorizes psychotropic medication for children in the following circumstances:
Children under either Juvenile Court or Mental Health Court (Department A) jurisdiction who are involuntarily detained under the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act but who are not under permanent LPS conservatorship
Children with suitable placement orders both with and without a voluntary hospital commitment
Children who are pre-disposition or under a home of parent order where the parent will not consent to psychotropic medication for the child
The Mental Health Court shall have exclusive power to determine issues of consent to medication in all cases in which a permanent LPS conservatorship has been established.
In situations where a child who enters the Juvenile Court system is being treated with psychotropic medication, the physician may continue the medication pending an order from the court. Court authorization must be sought by the physician as soon as practical but in no case more than two (2) court days after the emergency administration of the psychotropic medication.
For dependents of the Juvenile Court who are being administered prescribed psychotropic medication pursuant to a court order or parental consent, the court authorization or the parent/legal guardian consent for the administration of the medication must be documented in the child’s CWS/CMS case record, including the date of the court order or date of the consent by the parent/legal guardian.
Parent/Legal Guardian Consent
Parent/legal guardian consent is required in all pre-adjudication cases and post-disposition cases where the child is placed in the home of a parent/legal guardian or in out-of-home care and the court has delegated psychotropic medication decision making authority to the parent/legal guardian. The JV-220(A) form, Physician’s Statement -- Attachment, or JV-220 (B) form, Physician's Request to Continue Medication -- Attachment, is not required in these cases.
Parent/legal guardian consent is not required in cases where parent/legal guardian consent cannot be obtained prior to disposition, or when the case is post-disposition and the child is placed in out-of-home care and the court has not delegated psychotropic medication decision making authority to the parent/legal guardian. In these cases, the physician must fax the completed JV-220(A) form, Physician’s Statement -- Attachment, or JV-220 (B) form, Physician's Request to Continue Medication -- Attachment, to the DCFS PMA Unit. The DCFS PMA Unit phone numbers are (562) 903-5335, -5333, -5334, -5336 or -5326. The fax number is (562) 941-7205.
Nonminor Dependent Consent
Youth who are eighteen (18) years of age or older and are dependents of the court are defined as nonminor dependents (NMDs) and can consent to their own medical care without court authorization, unless there is a court order stating the contrary (e.g., conservatorship). If an NMD refuses medical treatment that places them in serious harm and/or at risk of death, contact the County Counsel on the case to discuss how to proceed. It may be necessary to inform the court, as the failure to consent to the medication could place the NMD at substantial risk. If the NMD refuses to consent and DCFS requests a court order, counsel for the NMD should be notified.
When an NMD has legal-decision making authority, a JV-220(A) form, Physician’s Statement -- Attachment, or JV-220 (B) form, Physician's Request to Continue Medication -- Attachment, is not required. Decision-making authority includes privacy regarding psychiatric condition(s) and consenting to receive treatment or take psychotropic medication(s).
Information about known medical problems, medication, and other relevant health information for NMDs must be documented in the Health and Education Passport (HEP). Information in the HEP is confidential, but must be provided to the caregiver of any NMD placed in a licensed and approved setting (except for SILPs).
A copy of the HEP may be included in the court report only if the NMD consents. The caregiver of an NMD is not responsible for obtaining and maintaining the NMD’s health and educational information, but may assist the NMD with any record keeping that the NMD requests of the caregiver.
NMD caregivers must keep all medical information confidential and cannot release information without the written consent of the NMD.
The CSW must advise the NMD of the CSW’s obligation to provide the HEP summary to the new caregiver and the court. The CSW must discuss with the youth the benefits and liabilities of sharing that information.
Objection/Noncompliance
A child may submit an objection to the court on the JV-218 form, Child's Opinion About the Medicine. The JV-218 form must be filed within four (4) judicial days of receipt of the notice of a PMA application, or before (or at) any Status Review Hearing or PMA Progress Hearing. A child can obtain assistance completing the JV-218 form, or in lieu of submitting a JV-218 form, also has the option to talk to the judge at the hearing, write the judge a letter, ask their attorney, CSW, DPO or CASA to tell the judge how they feel. A child’s objection to, or noncompliance with, the approved psychotropic medication, is a treatment issue to be resolved by the physician prescribing the medication. A child cannot be forced to take psychotropic medication unless they are subject to an involuntary hospitalization or have a court appointed conservator.
The parent/legal guardian, child, caregiver, CASA, or tribal representative may use the JV-219 form, Statement About Medicine Prescribed, to tell the court how they feel about the psychotropic medication application, the effectiveness of the medicine, and any side effects of the medicine.
Although the JV-218 form and JV-219 form are optional, voluntary forms, some hearing officers may order one or both to be submitted to court along with the JV-224 form. In such instances, CSWs should follow up with the caregiver and/or child to inquire about the status of those forms and consult with County Counsel .
A person who opposes the proposed medication (or who wants to give the court more information) may document their objection on the JV-222 form, Input on Application for Psychotropic Medication form, and submit it to court. The JV-222 form must be completed, signed and filed with the Juvenile Court within four (4) judicial days of service of notice of the pending PMA application.
Medication Monitoring by the Medical Board of California
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and California Department of Social Services (CDSS) are required to share with the MBC data (with personal identifiers removed) regarding children in foster care who have been prescribed three (3) or more concurrent psychotropic medications for a period of ninety (90) days or longer. The MBC must review this data for any potential violations of law or excessive prescribing of psychotropic medication to children in foster care. During its review, the MBC may identify cases where further review is warranted, and the MBC may need to request the personally identifying information and medical records for a foster child relevant to their investigation.
At the time a JV-220 form is filed with the court, the applicant (the prescribing physician, medical office staff, child welfare services staff, probation officer, or the child's caregiver) must review the JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) form to determine if the request would result in the child being prescribed three (3) or more concurrent psychotropic medications for ninety (90) days or more. If so, the applicant is responsible to provide the child's attorney with blank copies of the JV-228, JV-228-INFO, and JV-229 forms. The child's attorney may review the JV-228 form with the child and obtain the child’s opinion on their authorization to release their medical information of prescribed psychotropic medication to the MBC. The attorney has the option to file the JV-228 form with the court.
A child who is found by the court to be of sufficient age and maturity to consent may sign the JV-228 form. Sufficient age and maturity to consent is presumed if the child is twelve (12) years of age or older, unless rebutted by clear and convincing evidence. If the child does not want to sign the form, the child’s attorney may not sign it. In the event that a child wishes to stop their authorization for the CDSS and DHCS to provide their name and contact information to the MBC for the review of their medical records of prescribed psychotropic medication, the child or their attorney must complete the JV-229 form.
Physician/Psychiatrist Treatment Plan Includes Psychotropic Medication
CSW Responsibilities
Instruct the caregiver to provide the JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) form to the physician.
If the child has been adjudged a dependent of the court and has been removed from the physical custody of the parent/legal guardian, the CSW should:
Consult with the regional PHN to review the proposed treatment
Contact the physician/psychiatrist and explain that court approval is required, unless the court has issued specific orders delegating psychotropic medication decision-making authority to a parent or legal guardian, etc.
The PHN will assess and determine when additional information is needed from the physician/psychiatrist and will communicate the findings with the CSW.
Inform the physician/psychiatrist of responsibilities:
The physician/psychiatrist is responsible for explaining to the child (in age appropriate language), caregiver, and/or the parent/legal guardian the recommended course of treatment, the basis for the treatment, and the possible results of taking the medication, including possible side effects.
The physician/psychiatrist is responsible for completing the “Clinical Information” section of the JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) form.
The physician/psychiatrist is responsible for completing the “Medications” section of the JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) form, listing all prescribed medications the child currently takes and will be taking if the request is granted, whether or not these were prescribed by the requesting physician and indicating the range of dosages to be authorized (If the physician/psychiatrist does not indicate a range of dosages, a new JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) will be required for each change in the dosage schedule.
Inform the physician/psychiatrist to fax a copy of the signed and completed JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) to the DCFS PMA Unit at (562) 941-7205.
When a JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B) is received for a child placed in a group home/STRTP, the PMA unit will forward it to the RCL CSW for completion of the JV-220 within two (2) judicial days.
When a JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B) is received for a child in a non-group home/STRTP placement, the PMA unit will generate the JV-220 form, answer questions #1-4 on the JV-220 form, then forward it to the case-carrying CSW (and the regional PMA Inbox) for completion.
Upon the receipt of the emailed JV-220 form from the PMA unit, complete questions #5-13, and return the completed and signed JV-220 form via email to the PMA unit at PMA@dcfs.lacounty.gov within two (2) judicial days.
Document all communications with the child, caregiver, physician/psychiatrist, parent/legal guardian, and PHN regarding the PMA process in the child’s CWS/CMS Contact Notebook.
Upon receipt of a copy of the JV-223 form (Court’s order) from the DCFS PMA Unit, review the court’s order:
Note the next hearing date, type of hearing, and any special court orders.
For any upcoming Progress Hearing to address psychotropic medication, or any Status Review Hearing, complete the JV-224 form and:
Write in the Department number and hearing date just below the Case Number box on the JV-224 form.
Submit the JV-224 form, along with the Justice Partner Portal (JPP) barcode for the child, the Psychotropic – County Report on Psychotropic Medication – JV-224 Coversheet, and any attachments, to court no later than ten (10) calendar days before the scheduled hearing date.
Due to confidentiality requirements, the JV-224 form and Youth Engagement Worksheet must not be attached to any court reports (including the DCFS 4216, Last Minute Information for the Court).
If the court approves the psychotropic medication authorization:
Notify the caregiver and child of the approval. Verify with the caregiver that the prescription has been filled and that the medication is being administered.
Document this information in the child’s CWS/CMS Contact Notebook utilizing information provided on both the JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B) and the JV-223 form.
If the court denies the psychotropic medication authorization request:
Contact the child’s physician/psychiatrist to verify that they have determined the plan to titrate the child off the medication (in accordance with proper medical practice) or has submitted a new JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) form.
Notify the caregiver and child of the denial. Verify that they are following the plan to discontinue the medication as prescribed by the physician/psychiatrist (in accordance with proper medical practice as instructed by the child’s physician/psychiatrist).
Notify the court immediately if the order is not being followed.
Update the Case Plan incorporating the child’s treatment plan, including the use of psychotropic medication.
File copies of the completed JV-220 form, JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B) form initialed by the physician/psychiatrist, and the JV-223 (Court’s order) in the child’s Psychological/Medical/Dental folder.
If providing a copy to the child, also attach a copy to the next court report.
At each face-to-face contact with the child:
Discuss with the child and the caregiver:
The child's responses to the psychotropic medication, including behavior, mood, and cognitive functioning
The caregiver's and child's observations about the medicine's effectiveness/benefits and any side effects
The caregiver's and child's concerns about the medication, if any
Any medication management or other follow-up appointments with medical and/or mental health practitioners
Document the discussion on the JV-224 form (to be submitted to court at the next hearing addressing psychotropic medication) and in CWS/CMS.
Do not alter or "cut and paste" the CWS/CMS data entered by the PHN in order to prevent deleting that information.
If the child is having adverse side effects, instruct the caregiver to seek medical attention as soon as possible and follow up with the prescribing physician/psychiatrist.
For any identified problems or concerns, consult with the PHN for assistance with contacting the prescribing physician/psychiatrist (and requesting a reevaluation of the child, if indicated). For any challenges in contacting the physician/psychiatrist, consult the PHN.
If caregiver/child does not indicate any concerns/complaints, obtain the date and time of the follow-up appointment with the prescribing physician/psychiatrist.
If the authorization is within one month of expiring, notify the child's caregiver and prescribing physician/psychiatrist that a new PMA is needed.
If the same prescribing physician/psychiatrist believes the psychotropic medication continues to be necessary (and at the same dosage), remind the physician/psychiatrist to fax a JV-220( B) to the DCFS PMA Unit at (562) 941-7205.
If the child is no longer taking the medication but that medication remains prescribed, initiate contact with the child and caregiver and offer support for any assistance needed, including linking the caregiver with the prescribing physician/psychiatrist and consult the PHN with concerns.
If the child is no longer taking the medication because the prescription has been discontinued, review the JV-220(A) to see if the physician/psychiatrist documented this stoppage on page three (3), question 11c. Inform the PHN that the medication is no longer being taken so the PHN can follow-up as needed to confirm the medication has been discontinued and assess whether to end date the medication in CWS/CMS.
If the physician/psychiatrist submits a new JV-220(A), verify with the PMA unit to ensure that a new JV-220(A) has been received.
For review and monitoring of initial administration, increased dosage, or ongoing administration of a current psychotropic medication, work collaboratively with the PHN to:
Address identified concerns with the prescribing physician/psychiatrist.
If a child's/youth's prescribed psychotropic medication was not authorized by court, notify your SCSW and inform the court at the next hearing.
Address the child's/youth's concerns or questions about the medication(s)
Assist the PHN with making contact with the youth, as needed. If the PHN is unsuccessful after two (2) attempts, they will reach out to the CSW to attempt to reschedule a time for the PHN and youth to discuss the YEW.
At the next court hearing, inform the court on the JV-224 form about any barriers to obtaining the completed Youth Engagement Worksheet (if applicable)
Document all communications with the child, caregiver, physician/psychiatrist, parent/legal guardian and PHN regarding the psychotropic medication authorization request process in the child's CWS/CMS Contact Notebook.
Psychotropic Medication Authorization (PMA) Unit Responsibilities
Receive the approved JV-223 form, coinciding JV-220 form and JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) from the Juvenile Court.
Provide a copy of the JV-223, JV-220, and the last two (2) pages of the JV-220 (A) or JV-220(B), and all attached medication information sheets to the child’s caregiver (or to the facility administrator, for children in group homes/STRTPs) within two (2) business days of when the JV-223 order is received by the PMA Unit.
If the JV-223 form indicates that the child is being prescribed three (3) or more concurrent psychotropic medications for ninety (90) days or more, email the child's attorney blank copies of the JV-228, JV-228-INFO, and JV-229 forms.
Notify the case-carrying CSW, SCSW and PHN Supervisor of the Progress Report date, Hearing Officer, and Court Room via email.
Notify the CSW, SCSW, and PHN Supervisor via email when the child's PMA (JV-223) has been imported into CWS/CMS.
Notify the designated contact person at the FFA or group home/STRTP via email by attaching a scanned copy of the child's PMA and a copy of the "Information for Parents and Caregivers About Psychotropic Medications" pamphlet.
Residential Care Liaison (RCL) CSW Responsibilities
For children in group homes/STRTPs only:
Upon receipt of the JV-220 (A) or JV-220 (B) from the PMA desk, complete and return the JV-220 form within two (2) judicial days.
Receive the 45-Day PMA Progress Report or Status Review court date from the Dependency Court Psychotropic Desk Clerk.
Upon receipt of the court date, initiate contact with the child and caregiver and offer support for any assistance needed, including linking the caregiver with the prescribing physician/psychiatrist or consulting the PHN about any concerns.
Help the caregiver make a follow-up appointment within 30 days with the treating physician/psychiatrist to assess the effects of any new medication(s).
Two (2) weeks after the initial contact, call the caregiver and child to address any concerns. Ask the caregiver the questions from the JV-224 form, County Report on Psychotropic Medication.
If the caregiver/child indicates concerns/complaints, initiate follow up by assisting the caregiver with contacting the prescribing physician/psychiatrist for a follow-up appointment, or by contacting the prescribing physician/psychiatrist directly.
If the child is having adverse side effects, instruct the caregiver to seek medical attention as soon as possible and to follow up with the prescribing physician/psychiatrist.
Request a reevaluation of the child, if indicated.
If the caregiver/child does not indicate any concerns/complaints, obtain the date and time of the follow-up appointment with the prescribing physician/psychiatrist.
Update CWS/CMS as appropriate.
Document all the caregiver's responses from the JV-224 form in the CWS/CMS Contact Notebook.
Complete the JV-224 form, based on the caregiver's feedback in consultation with the Case-Carrying CSW, no more than 35 days after court has authorized the medication(s).
Submit the JV-224 form, along with the JPP barcode for the child, the Psychotropic – County Report on Psychotropic Medication – JV-224 Coversheet and any attachments (including the Youth Engagement Worksheet, if completed) to court no later than ten (10) calendar days before the scheduled hearing date.
Inform the court on the JV-224 form about any barriers to obtaining the completed Youth Engagement Worksheet.
Write the date the JV-224 form was sent to court on the PMA Tracking Report Log.
Provide a copy of the completed JV-224 form to the Case-Carrying CSW.
PHN Responsibilities
PHNs will follow the Department of Public Health's Children's Medical Services (CMS) Child Welfare Public Health Nursing Program (CWPHNP) Policy and Procedure: Psychotropic Medication -- Role of the Public Health Nurse (PHN).
CW-3007, Department of Public Health's Children's Medical Services (CMS) Child Welfare Public Health Nursing Program (CWPHNP) Policy and Procedure: Psychotropic Medication -- Role of the Public Health Nurse (PHN)
All County Letter (ACL) 21-59 – Discusses the JV-228, JV-228 INFO and JV-229 forms that allow a foster child or their attorney to authorize the release of the child’s medical records to the Medical Board of California for the purpose of investigating prescribing practices of psychotropic medication that are inconsistent with the standard of care.
ACL 23-22 – Provides information regarding Senate Bill (SB) 528 (Chapter 812, Statutes of 2022), which codifies the existing requirement that a child’s caregiver must be provided a copy of a court order approving a request for the administration of psychotropic medication that includes the last two (2) pages of form JV-220(A) or JV-220(B) and all attached medication sheets.
Rule of Court 5.640 - Provides instructions for Hearing Officers regarding the authorization of psychotropic medication.
Senate Bill (SB) 528 – Requires the social worker or probation officer to provide a child’s caregiver with a copy of the JV-223 court order approving the prescribed psychotropic medication, including the last two (2) pages of form JV-220(A) or the last two (2) pages of JV-220(B), and the medication information sheets that were attached to form JV-220(A) or form JV-220(B).
WIC Section 369.5 - Outlines the provisions under which a court order is required in order to provide medical treatment to a child who is adjudged a dependent of the court and has been removed from the physical custody of their parent(s).
WIC Section 5000-5550 -- Outlines the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act, which provides guidelines for handling involuntary civil commitment of individuals to mental health institutions in the State of California.
WIC Section 14028(a)(2) - Requires the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to share data with the Medical Board of California (MBC) regarding children in foster care who have been prescribed three (3) or more concurrent psychotropic medications for a period of ninety (90) days or longer.
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.
, Application for Psychotropic Medication form to the RCL CSW for completion.