This policy provides instructions and guidelines for the Overpayment Unit including the revision of all sections regarding state regulations applicable to Aid to Families of Dependent Children – Foster Care (AFDC-FC) identification and collection of overpayments from the Foster Care (FC), Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP), Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC) and Adoption Assistance (AAP) programs. This policy is applicable to all new as well as existing referrals and cases in which AFDC-FC overpayments were or have been discovered on or after 07/01/2021 regarding foster care providers.
This policy guide was updated from the 10/24/2012 version to align with the implementation of the California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) replacing the Integrated Financial System (IFS), and the Automated Provider Payment System (APPS) to complete the functions of the Overpayment Collection Unit Eligibility Workers (EW).
POLICY
Policy/Background Statement
The Department continues to focus on minimizing the occurrences of uncollectable overpayments while ensuring that collectible overpayments are assessed and collected in a manner consistent with state law, regulations and state instructional guidance.
Overpayment
An overpayment is any amount of aid paid to an Out-of-Home Care (OHC) provider, which was received on behalf of a child to which the provider was not entitled. The provider is not entitled to aid where the provider did not care for the child in their home for the period of time for which they were paid.
Overpayment Collections
Overpayments may be collected from OHC providers, as follows:
Agency OHC Provider Collections
The Welfare and Institution Code (WIC) Section 11466.24 instructs counties to collect an overpayment discovered on or after January 1st, 1999 made to an OHC provider. Collection activities for agencies are to align with contract language in the agency agreement, and allow the option to place an agency on “Do not Refer” status for noncompliance. Collection for overpayments shall be requested from the following agency OHC providers:
Foster Family Agency (FFA) Resource Family Homes (RFH)
This does not include non-agency (non-FFA) RFH
Group homes
Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)
Intensive Treatment Foster Care/Intensive Services Foster Care (ITFC/ISFC) Community Treatment Facilities (CTF)
Transitional Housing Program-Plus Foster Care (THPP+FC)
Transitional housing placement providers operating the THP-FC are not included.
For overpayments, the agency shall submit payment after exhaustion of due process in favor of the county, and which results in identification of the overpayment. The agency shall submit re-payment in conformity with the priority of repayment, including lump sum repayment, voluntary repayment terms or involuntary repayment terms, including referenced directions on methods of voluntary repayment agreement and involuntary collection. Further, the county may employ and implement contract actions. If the agency’s contract expires and overpayment collection attempts have not resulted in re-payments by the agency, the County shall refer the agency to the Treasury and Tax Collector (TTC).
Exclusions for Agency overpayment requests
The child was temporarily removed from the home and payment was owed to the provider to maintain the child’s placement, or the child was temporarily absent from the provider’s home, or on runaway (i.e., AWOL) status and subsequently returned, and payment was made to the provider to meet the child’s needs.
If an AFDC FC eligible child is temporarily absent from an eligible facility, a bed hold may be made by the Children’s Social Worker (CSW) for no more than seven (7) days for school, work or training related occurrences, and no more than thirty (30) days for hospitalizations, visiting, vacationing, or any emergency circumstance. The County may make payments to the eligible facility in order to continue to meet the child’s needs for the extent of the bed hold.
Discrepancies on placement stop dates; the agency is to provide supportive documentation to corroborate that the child/youth was still in placement, and to be able to exclude the overpayment.
Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) residing in a SILP setting.
Overpayment collections from a non-agency OHC providers shall only be made in instances of fraudulent activity. The determination of fraud, including supporting evidence, as well as the overpayment collection method shall be documented. Overpayments from non-agency providers that exceed six (6) months of collection attempts are to be referred to the TTC.
Exclusions for Non-agency overpayment requests
The county shall not demand collection of overpayments made to any type of non-agency OHC providers, where any of the following conditions exist:
The overpayment was the result of a county administrative error.
Overpayment may arise for non-agency OHC providers under the following OHC programs:
Foster Care (FC)
Adoption Assistance Program (AAP)
Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program (Kin-GAP)
Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC)
Except for ARC Funding Only cases with associated Aid Codes of 2P and 2R, ARC overpayment cases are to be administered by DPSS, consistent with the procedures set forth in ACL 15-96. For ARC cases with 2P and 2R Aid Codes, the Department shall follow the procedures herein this policy.
Neither the county nor the provider was aware of the information that would establish the child’s ineligibility for foster care benefits in that provider’s home.
The provider did not have knowledge of, and did not contribute to the cause of the overpayment.
Even though the county cannot collect the above listed overpayments, the county must send the non-agency OHC provider the Overpayment Notification Letter, which informs the provider that they have no legal or other obligation to return the overpayment, and that failure to return the overpayment will not result in any adverse action against the provider and any child living in the home. If the non-agency OHC provider contacts the county seeking to make full or partial repayment of the overpayment, the script protocol is to be recited by Department staff for further instructions and clarification to the non-agency OHC provider. If the non-agency OHC provider still requests to voluntarily repay all or a part of the overpayment after being advised of their legal rights not to do so per the script protocol, the Repayment Confirmation Agreement Letter is to be sent to the OHC provider and arrangements may then be made to receive whatever amount of the overpayment that the non-agency OHC provider wishes to return to the county.
The department must not take any further action against the non-agency OHC provider if they do not respond to the Overpayment Notification Letter.
The county shall not pursue collection of overpayments made to a non-agency OHC provider where the cost of the collection exceeds the amount of the overpayment.
The cost which the county shall consider when determining the cost effectiveness to collect are total administrative and personnel cost, legal filing fees, investigative costs, and any other costs which are applicable.
The county shall have a written debt write-off approved by the County Welfare Director (Director's Write Off) covering situations including, but not limited to:
Where the debtor cannot be located.
Where the debtor is unable to pay.
Where the costs of further overpayment recovery actions will exceed estimated recovery amounts.
The written policy may include a provision permitting write off of an amount not to exceed $100.00.
Director’s Write Off of Non-Title IV-E
The elimination of the entire balance of the asset to offset the overpayment approved by the County Welfare Director as listed on the Title IV Management Directive 11-03.
The director’s write off for Non-Title IV-E overpayments includes the following situations:
The county shall not pursue collection of collectible overpayments made to an overpaid foster care provider where the cost of the collection exceeds the amount of the overpayment. The cost which the county shall consider when determining the cost effectiveness to collect is total administrative costs, and any other costs which are applicable.
This option should be considered after the overpayment has been identified as collectible and the following activities have occurred.
A Notice of Action has been issued to the provider to allow for a formal and/or formal state fair hearing and the foster care provider either failed to make a request for the two available hearings, exhausting, due process or determinations in hearings were in favor of DCFS.
If under $100.00 DCFS can request a Director’s Write-Off attaching all necessary documentation such as:
CalSAWS Overpayment Report
Description or reason of write-off
If over $100.00 the overpayment shall be sent to the Treasurer Tax Collector (TTC) for collection processing.
The process of collection shall be followed by DCFS with updates from TTC on progress or inability to collect.
Depending on the information received from TTC regarding attempts to collect, the handling overpayment staff shall review and determine if the inability to collect will meet the criteria for a Director’s Write-Off.
The cost of further recovery actions exceeds the estimated recovery amount of the overpayment.
The debtor involved with this overpayment cannot be located.
The debtor is unable to pay.
Notice of Action (NOA)/Appeals
When it is determined that a collectable overpayment has occurred and is collectible, an invoice and a NA are sent to OHC providers. NA forms are placement type-specific, as follows:
NA 791: AAP Notice of Action and Identification of Overpayment.
For fraudulent activity collections only.
NA 1277: ARC Notice of Action for ARC Overpayment
For fraudulent activity collections only.
Except for ARC Funding Only cases with associated Aid Codes of 2P and 2R, ARC overpayment cases are to be administered by DPSS, consistent with the procedures set forth in ACL 15-96. For ARC cases with 2P and 2R Aid Codes, the Department shall follow the procedures herein this policy.
Receive and review the newly detected potential overpayment assignment from CalSAWS.
Research CalSAWS, CWS/CMS and any other applicable systems such as, eCAPS, manual budget issuance, etc.
As needed, contact the CSW, Redetermination EW, Intake EW, EW/TA, agency and/or caregiver to obtain additional information and supporting documentation to determine the collectability of the overpayment.
When an Overpayment is Determined to be Collectible
The following actions are to be taken when an overpayment is determined to be collectible.
Agency OHC Provider Collections
Based on the Statue of Limitations for agency OHC providers Master Contract for Agency; the County is able to collect up to five (5) years after the agency OHC provider has lost their license. There is no time limitation if the OHC provider is still licensed.
Non-Agency OHC Provider Collections
The County shall not initiate overpayment recovery after one (1) year from the date the County discovers the overpayment. When the overpayment recovery was initiated within one year of the date the County discovered the overpayment, the County shall continue to recover the overpayment until fully recovered or written off pursuant under the County’s write off policy.
Generate an invoice and two (2) NOAs. Send the invoice along with one (1) copy of the NOA to the OHC provider requesting repayment. File one (1) copy of the NOA.
NOAs for Non Agency OHC are to be sent only for fraudulent overpayment cases.
The OHC provider has thirty (30) calendar days to respond by providing payment to the County. If the OHC provider wishes to dispute the overpayment, the OHC provider has thirty (30) calendar days to request an informal hearing held by the County, or by following the appeals process indicated on the NOA within ninety (90) calendar days, or by undertaking both the informal hearing and appeals processes within their respective timelines.
Payments submitted to the County are mailed by the OHC provider directly to the Overpayment Department and a copy will be provided to the Overpayment Collection EW.
If an overpayment is paid in full, a copy of the payment and invoice shall be filed for auditing purposes.
If an overpayment is not paid in full, follow up with the OHC provider as the County does not accept partial payments.
The OHC provider shall be advised via telephone and or email that full payment is due. Also, a copy of the invoice shall be re-submitted to the OHC provider.
The OHC provider shall be given and additional thirty (30) calendar days to provide payment and, instances whereby full payment is not made, at the end of the additional thirty (30) calendar days, place a “Do Not Refer’ in CWS/CMS.
Log in the information from the invoiced overpayment regarding the NA 1261 into the SB 84 control log in the shared drive.
If unable to contact and/or collect from the agency OHC provider, consult with the Overpayment Collection Eligibility Supervisor (ES).
If the OHC provider disputes the collectability of the overpayment and contacts the Overpayment Collection EW for review, review FCSS for start and stop dates of the placement in FCSS and in the CWS/CMS.
If the start and stop dates are the same, document the findings in the CALSAWS case notes and provide a copy of the invoice to the Overpayment Collection ES to verify the findings and void the invoice.
If the start and stop dates are not the same, advise the OHC provider of the results and determine if the OHC provider wants to dispute the collectability of the overpayment through an informal County hearing or through the State Fair Hearing process indicated on the NOA.
Refer to the Administrative Services Manager (ASM) to initiate the informal hearing process, when applicable.
Discuss any concerns regarding communication and collection from the agency OHC provider with EW.
Contact the agency OHC provider after sixty (60) calendar days if no response has been received from agency after collection process has been initiated.
If, after one (1) business week, contact with OHC provider has not been established, contact the Contracts section for assistance.
The Contracts Compliance section may be able to provide additional contact information for the OHC provider or establish direct contact to address the overpayment collection.
Assign and re-assign agencies and RFH (that will only receive overpayment notice letter) to the overpayment collection EWs.
When an Overpayment is Determined to be Uncollectable
The following actions are to be taken when an overpayment is determined to be uncollectable as stated in the Management Directive 11-03.
Overpayment Collection EW Responsibilities
If the overpayment is uncollectable, take corrective budget actions to completely eliminate the recovery account by:
Updating comments in CalSAWS.
Submit supporting documentation to the Overpayment Collection ES for review to verify that the overpayment is uncollectable and to void the recovery account, if the uncollectable overpayment determination is confirmed.
If the overpayment is uncollectable due to a County administrative error, or due to exclusions for non-agency overpayment request numerals 2 or 3 described above, send the Department Approved Overpayment Notification Letter to the non-agency OHC provider which informs the provider that they have no legal or other obligation to return the overpayment, and that failure to return the overpayment will not result in any adverse action against the provider and any child living in the home. If the non-agency OHC provider contacts the county seeking to make full or partial repayment of the overpayment, the Script Protocol is to be recited by Department staff for further instructions and clarification to the non-agency OHC provider. If the non-agency OHC provider still requests to voluntarily repay all or a part of the overpayment after being advised of their legal rights not to do so per the script protocol, the Repayment Confirmation Agreement Letter is to be sent to the OHC provider and arrangements may then be made to receive whatever amount of the overpayment that the non-agency OHC provider wishes to return to the county.
This does not apply to agency OHC providers.
The department must not take any further action against the non-agency OHC provider if they do not respond to the Overpayment Notification Letter.
Overpayment Collection ES Responsibilities
Upon receipt of an uncollectable overpayment determination, complete the following:
Review the supporting documentation.
Change the recovery account status code from 'New' to 'Void'.
Return the voided recovery account documentation to the Overpayment Collection EW for filing.
Determining If the Overpayment Is Uncollectible from a Non-Agency OHC Provider
Overpayment Collection EW Responsibilities
If the overpayment has been determined to be uncollectible the Notice of Action (NOA) form is not to be sent to the caregiver.
The EW will ensure that the documentation required is reviewed and prepared to be able to void the recovery account in CALSAWS (HL to Management Directive to 11-03).
OHC Provider Responds to an Overpayment Notice with Cash, Check or Money Order
Overpayment Collection Clerk Responsibilities
DCFS has collections accounts that provide timely deposits of collected revenue and eliminates the risk of loss of funds. This is an interdepartmental collaboration with the TTC and DCFS. The accounts are known as the Sweep Accounts for Overpayment Collections.
Payments are received in the following manner:
Cash
If cash is received, ensure that a non-vested designee witnesses the amount and receipt.
All cash transactions will be witnessed and verified by staff with non-vested interest (It is illegal to photocopy cash).
The cash and a copy of the receipt are sent to the Deposit Unit to continue with deposit process.
If paid by check or money order, confirm the following:
The amount indicated is the same in the written section and the dollar amount section.
Confirm that it is signed.
Checks/money orders should be made payable to DCFS and/or County of Los Angeles.
If check/money order are delivered in person by the OHC provider, a receipt with the paid amount is to be issued.
Verify the amount of the check/money order matches the amount of the recovery account in CALSAWS.
If the amount doesn’t match or a case number for the overpayment is unknown, consult with the EW assigned to the agency to provide the correct information.
Initial the check or money order when the information is verified.
Complete the payment check log by annotating the following:
Date received
Payee
Recovery Account
Check date
Amount submitted.
Endorse, by stamping all checks and money orders ‘for deposit only” immediately.
Photocopy and print two (2) copies of the check or money order and stamp them with the date received, attach any documentation received from the OHC provider.
Deliver the two (2) photocopies to the Collection Posting Clerk for further process.
Submit the endorsed checks to the Administrative Assistant to prepare for deposit.
Set a reminder to track the receipt of all agreed upon monthly payments.
There are no State Appeals Hearing rights regarding overpayments made to foster care providers, including GHs, STRTPs and FFAs where the claimant entered into a voluntary repayment agreement.
OHC Provider Responds to a Collectable Overpayment Notice with a Written Request for an Informal Hearing and or State Fair Hearing
Informal Hearing Process
Administrative Assistant Responsibilities
When an Informal Hearing Request is received:
Access the Hearing Control Log entering the status and comments.
Forward the Informal Hearing request and any attached supporting documentation to the ES for review.
Contact the provider to agree with schedule date, time and location of informal hearing.
Mail a written notice to the OHC provider not less than ten (10) days prior to the hearing date, the following information shall be provided:
Upon receipt of an informal hearing request from the OHC provider:
Request any supportive documentation from the Overpayment Collection EW that indicates the collectability of the overpayment.
Review the overpayment documentation.
Contact the OHC provider via telephone to conduct the informal hearing.
Determine the collectability of the overpayment based on the informal hearing discussion and the documentation provided by the OHC provider.
If it is determined that the overpayment is uncollectable, refer the overpayment account to the Collection ES to void the overpayment.
If it is determined that the overpayment is collectable, continue with the collection process.
The OHC provider has the option to file an appeal through a state hearing within ninety (90) days.
Collection ES Responsibilities
Upon receipt of an overpayment informal hearing resolution in favor of the OHC provider from the ASM:
Void the overpayment recovery account in CALSAWS.
Document actions taken in CALSAWS.
Notify and return recovery account case and supporting documentation to collection EW for filing.
Informal Hearing
Designee Responsibilities
The Informal Hearing designee will be a person designated by the County, knowledgeable in the subject area and will not be the person who made the initial overpayment decision or the person who supervised the person who made the initial overpayment decision.
At the time of the Informal Hearing the Informal Hearing designee will discuss with the provider and will be limited to considering the following:
The informal hearing will be limited to consideration of the correctness of the initial overpayment determination for any foster provider. If the foster provider is a Foster Family Home, Relative Home, NERFM or non-related Legal Guardians, the Informal Hearing designee will determine whether any of the following conditions in CDSS EAS 45-304.123 exist: in Section 45-304.123:
The overpayment was the result of a County Administrative error.
Neither the County nor the provider was aware of the information that would establish that the child was not eligible for foster care benefits in the provider’s home.
The provider did not have knowledge of, and did not contribute to the cause of the overpayments.
If asked by the provider or questions arise regarding voluntary repayments, the County may discuss methods of voluntary overpayment recovery, as appropriate.
After the hearing, the County employee who conducted the informal hearing will prepare a letter, which contains the decision on each issue considered at the informal hearing and set forth all regulations, which support the written decision. The decision will be mailed to the provider. The written decision will also inform the provider that they can appeal the informal hearing decision at a formal state fair hearing. A copy of the written decision will be retained in the overpayment case.
When an informal hearing is requested, it suspends the 90 days period the provider has to request a State Fair Hearing. Therefore, when the written decision regarding the informal hearing is mailed, it restarts the time period for a request for a State Fair Hearing. The provider will have 90 days to request a State Fair Hearing from the date of mailing of the decision. Therefore, DCFS needs to assure that the date of mailing is accurately recorded either by proof of service or verification that the decision was placed in the U.S. mail on a specified date.
If a provider requests an informal hearing and withdraws or fails to appear at the informal hearing, the provider will have 90 days from the date of withdrawal or failure to appear, whichever occurs first, to request a State Fair Hearing (CDSS EAS 45-306.3).
If the Informal Hearing designee receives a telephone call or a letter withdrawing the request for informal hearing, the Informal Hearing designee will send a confirming letter regarding the telephone call or receipt of the letter. The letter will also include a statement that the provider will have 90 days from the date of withdrawal to request a State Fair Hearing.
If the Informal Hearing designee sets a hearing and the person fails to appear at the set time, date and location, the Informal Hearing designee will attempt to contact the provider by telephone after waiting 45 minutes for their appearance. If the party is reached, the Informal Hearing designee can determine good cause and re-schedule the hearing. If the party is not reached, the Informal Hearing designee will issue a letter. The letter will indicate that an informal hearing was scheduled on the set time, date and location and will attach the notice issued. The letter will further state that the failure to appear concluded the informal process and that the provider will have 90 days from the date of failure to appear to request a State Fair Hearing.
Formal State Fair Hearing Requirements
The foster care provider can request either or both the informal hearing and State Fair Hearing. The staff tracking the administrative rights of the foster care provider will consider the following, prior to determining the regulatory hearing processes have concluded.
No Request Received for Either Informal or State Fair Hearing: If the foster care provider never requested review of the County determination on an overpayment, either by informal hearing within 30 days of mailing the NA 1261 or a State Fair Hearing within 90 days of mailing the NA 1261, upon the 92nd day, the overpayment is identified and the providers time frame to request review has lapsed and the overpayment is collectible.
Request for Informal Hearing: If the foster care provider requests an informal hearing. See Informal Hearing designee above in steps 5 and 6. If no State Hearing is requested within 90 days of the issuance of the Informal Hearing Decision, 90 days after withdrawal or 90 days after failure to appear at the informal hearing, the overpayment will be identified for collection on the 92nd day, the date the overpaid provider exhausted administrative processes.
Request for State Fair Hearing after Receipt of Decision in Informal Hearing or absent a request for Informal Hearing: If an informal hearing is requested and conducted, the 90 days period to request a State Fair Hearing is suspended until DCFS issues an informal decision after hearing. The person requesting the informal hearing will have 90 days from the date the decision is mailed to request the State Fair Hearing. (See steps 5 and 6 above.)
DCFS can verify with the DCFS Appeals State Hearing Unit if they have received a request for State Fair Hearing and if so, what date occurred.
If a State Fair Hearing has been requested, the amount is not collectible until the administrative process is exhausted. DCFS must await the decision of the Administrative Law Judge and proceed, as ordered.
If no request for a State Fair Hearing has occurred, the administrative process will be considered exhausted on the 92nd day, and the overpayment will be identified and collectible.
No Response to a Collectable Overpayment is Received from a OHC Provider
Overpayment Collection EW Responsibilities
At the control date (30 days), (see step 4 on page 8), if the provider does not return the overpayment, enter into a mutually agreed-upon repayment plan, or has not requested an Informal Hearing. (If the provider requested an Informal Hearing, see Informal Hearing Designee Responsibilities, Informal Hearing Request above.) Call the agency and continue to make additional attempts to voluntarily resolve payment issue(s), during the 90-day period. Do not discuss with the agency State Fair hearing rights. If questions are asked, refer them to the NOA 1261 and any other documents, issued regarding their rights to dispute the overpayment.
If the provider has requested a 30 day Informal Hearing, contact the person designated to hear the matter regarding the date set. Thereafter, request the date the hearing decision was mailed to the foster care provider. Set a 90-day control date, from the date of mailing to determine if the provider requests a State Fair hearing.
If no Informal Hearing was requested, await the control date of 90 days, to determine if the provider returns the overpayment, enters into a mutually agreed upon repayment plan or requests a State Fair Hearing. If by the 92nd day, there is no request for review of the County overpayment, the amount(s) will be deemed collectible and identified. (If the provider did request a State Fair Hearing, see Formal State Fair Hearing Requirements on page 14. Do not process collection until exhaustion of the administrative hearing process or the foster provider determines to enter a voluntary agreement.)
If payment issue is not resolved and administrative due process has lapsed or been exhausted, 92 days from the date of mailing the NA 1261 or two (2) days after the exhaustion of administrative due process, the overpayment is now identified and an aid claim adjustment for the federal share is required. The overpayment is now collectible and no further options to dispute the County determination of overpayment are required. The County can collect under the involuntary processes set forth in CDSS EAS 45-305.3, if the provider continues to refuse to enter into a voluntary repayment plan.
Upon the 92nd day, two days after the date the overpaid provider’s time frame to request administrative review has elapsed, the overpayment is considered identified. The County will remit the federal share to CDSS no later than 20 calendar days after the end of the month in which the overpayment was identified by making an aid claim adjustment in the amount equal to the federal share.
For voluntary repayment by any type of foster care provider, see repayment plan.
For involuntary repayment for foster family homes, relative homes, NERFMs and non-related legal guardianships. These actions will only be used when voluntary agreements to repay have failed or there has been a failure of repayment under the provisions of a voluntary agreement. Below is the priority of involuntary collection.
Grant adjustment. The overpayment is due to aid paid when the child was not in the home of the provider agency (CDSS EAS 45-304.122). The subject child remains in the home or agency of the foster care provider. Grant offset is not available when the provider is caring for different children other than the child for whom the overpayment was assessed. DCFS can deduct no more than 10% of the total monthly grant, each month (CDSS EAS 45-305.321).
Collection of interest. Interest will be calculated based on principal and interest of 5 percent of the annual income prorated on a monthly basis, with simple interest on the overpayment amount based on the Surplus Money Investment Fund. Interest cannot be collected if it will cause financial hardship for the provider to provide adequate care. Interest cannot be collected if 1) the payment was made to meet the child’s needs while the child was absent from the home; 2) the overpayment was the fault of the County; or 3) the provider did not contribute to the overpayment. (See CDSS EAS 45-305.331-332.)
Civil Judgment. If the provider fails to comply with a voluntary agreement, a demand for repayment and a grant offset is not available as the provider is no longer providing services to the child for whom the overpayment was assessed, the County will, unless the costs exceed the amount of the overpayment by instigating civil action, obtaining a judgment, recording abstract of civil judgment, executing a civil judgment or providing the information that the cost of the above described actions will exceed the amount of the overpayment to allow for a Director’s Write-Off of the amount. (See MD #11-03, dated 11/10/11).
For involuntary repayment for Group Homes and Foster Family Agencies. These actions will only be used when voluntary agreements to repay have failed or there has been a failure of repayment under the provisions of a voluntary agreement. The County is to follow the priority of involuntary collection procedures set forth in Administrative Standards for Eligibility and Assistance Programs AFDC-Foster Care Rates (EAS), Section 11-402.66. Per MPP 45-305.34, the term “County” in MPP 11-402.66 (and sub-sections), is to be substituted for the word “Department” wherever it appears in MPP 11-402.66. The priority of collection processes for Group Homes and Foster Family Agencies is as follows:
Lump sum payment. The GH/FFA can choose one payment or the GH/FFA re-payments over a 12-month period. No interest to be assessed if an amount under $100,000 is paid in 6 months. No interest to be assessed if an amount over $100,000 is paid in 12 months. From the date of the executed agreement, interest shall not be assessed. If this is a self-reported overpayment by the FFA or Group Home and 30 days have not elapsed, the FFA or GH has the right of reconciliation. If they fail to reconcile the self-reported overpayment within the 30 days period pursuant to 11-402.632(a), speak to county counsel regarding additional activities required by the FFA or GH. Have the county counsel review the regulations and the attempted at reconciliation, prior to determining the GH/FFA was provided the opportunity to reconcile the “overpayment” amount in the audit and failed. A group home provider who fails to reconcile in accordance with Section 11-402.632(a)(1) shall be subject to Sections 11-402.3, 11-402.5, and 11-402.6. This is satisfied by the pre-exit and final exit conference provided by the Auditor Controller’s Office. Further, the County can use a balancing process whenever an amount is owed to a provider by crediting the amount owed towards repayment of a sustained overpayment. (CDSS EAS .11-402.662).
Demand for repayment agreement. 30 days after overpayment is identified or 30 days from the postmark date of letter notifying the GH/FFA of the demand for overpayment agreement, after the informal hearing and State Fair Hearing processes have completed, either by actual hearing in favor of DCFS or failure of the GH/FFA to request either hearing, the GH/FFA can enter into a repayment agreement. This agreement is required to contain specific language set forth in CDSS EAS 11-402.663 (a) thru (g). The repayment agreement will set forth a repayment schedule to repay amounts, which include interest, not to exceed a 9-year period. Interest begins to accrue on the date of issuance of the audit report containing the overpayment amount. The minimum monthly amount, including interest, will be 3% of the program’s monthly income. Interest will be based on simple interest calculations (see calculations set forth in CDSS EAS 11-402.663(c)1-3). This agreement may be re-negotiated if it results in severe harm to children in placement and specified conditions exist (conditions set forth at 11-402.663(g) 1 & 2). (CDSS EAS 11-402.663).
Mandatory repayment agreement. When the GH/FFA provider fails to enter into the repayment agreement in the above bullet or there are three (3) outstanding payments on a repayment agreement before the overpayment is repaid, the County can set forth a mandatory repayment agreement in accordance with WIC 11466.22(d)(4). The requirements and the amount can be raised to an amount which will assure it is repaid in seven (7) years. Otherwise, the repayment period is not to exceed seven (7) years, minimum monthly amount will be 5% of the monthly income, including interest, and can be collected by offsetting against the current group home provider reimbursement rates (CDSS EAS 11-402.664).
Administrative offsets MPP 45-304.33, the County will employ an offset to the administrative portion of subsequent payments by the method noted MPP 45-305. (See Section J. step 4.c. above).
Additional Action/Supplements to Rate. In addition to the collection process in the 2nd bullet under d. on page 17, when a GH/FFA is subject to mandatory repayment the following requirements apply; a) In addition to the repayment reduction of 11-402.664, 50% of any California Necessities Index (CNI) increases and any adjustments to the Standardized Schedule of Rates in the AFDC-FC program will be withheld and applied and b) The GH/FFA program will be ineligible to receive program change that results in an increased rate classification level (RCL) until the amount is recovered or a waiver is granted by CDSS. (If waiver granted and an increased RCL occurs, it will be subject to 11-402.664 recovery amounts. (See CDSS EAS 1-402.665 and contact county counsel for assistance.)
Additional Action/Certificate against real or personal property of group home. In addition to collection processes, the County may also file a certificate against the real or personal property of a group home provider, in accordance with WIC 11466.33. The code section contains multiple requirements to review, prior to making the determination to file a certificate. If all requirements are met to file the certificate, it is to be filed with the County Clerk. The County Clerk may then file a lien against the property. The County may bring action within a 10-year period and seek judgment, allowing for the filing of an abstract of judgment. (See CDSS EAS 11-402.666.)
Additional Action/County action impacting RCL Rate. This section (in conjunction with .668) indicates contact can be made with CDSS regarding the GH/FFA’s failure to repay an overpayment and request termination of the RCL. If DCFS determines to take this action, DCFS should only do so after the provider’s due process has completed in favor of the County by State Fair Hearing or civil judgment. The Initial Statement of Reasons, issued with the emergency regulations, limit the action of the County to “collection”. Contact with County Counsel should occur to determine if this action could occur and assure that the requirements of CDSS EAS 11-402.667 have been met.
Additional Action/County request for RCL rate termination. The County, DCFS, does not have the right to act in the capacity of CDSS for the purpose of terminating a Group Home or Foster Family Agencies’ rate as indicated in CDSS EAS 11-402.3.393 and 394. As indicated in the bullet above, the County could request CDSS to consider terminating an RCL rate in conjunction with its collection actions. The Initial Statement of Reasons issued with the emergency regulations limit the action of the County to “collection.” Contact with County Counsel should occur to determine if this action could occur and assure that the requirements of CDSS EAS 11-402.668 have been met.
CONTRACTUAL REMEDIES, in the event CONTRACTOR does not return payment, or enter into an agreement for payment on a mutually agreed upon timeframe:
Prepare a recommendation to place the home on “Hold”/”Do Not Refer: (DNS/”Do Not Use” (DNU) and submit to the manager for approval process to the Director of DCFS. (See Foster Family Agency or Group Home Contracts regarding the process for “Do Not Refer.”)
In the event CONTRACTOR does not return an Overpayment, either under the terms of a voluntary agreement or under the terms of an involuntary repayment agreement after exhaustion of due process in favor the COUNTY, COUNTY may place a Hold Status, DNR Status, DNU Status, Corrective Action Plan.
COUNTY will provide written notice of its intention to place CONTRACTOR on a Hold/DNR/DNU Status at least 15 days in advance.
COUNTY will notify CONTRACTOR in writing within 72 hours of DCFS’ decision to place CONTRACTOR ON Hold/DNR/DNU.
Verbal notification of such actions will be provided prior to or at the time of CONTRACTOR’S placement on Hold/DNR/DNU Status to the extent possible.
When Hold/DNR/DNU status is recommended, the written notification letter will include the reason(s) for placing Contractor on Hold/DNR/DNU. It will also invite Contractor to participate in a Review Conference to discuss the COUNTY’s decision and include a deadline by which the CONTRACTOR must indicate its intent to participate in the Review Conference. Fax the notification to the GH/FFA, keeping a copy of the confirmation of receipt of FAX.
Director’s Write Off of Non-Title IV-E
If it is determined after review with the TTC and obtaining documentation supporting the lack of collection that a Director’s Write-Off would be appropriate, staff shall:
Complete and submit the DCFS 807 (Attachment C), for those accounts received from TTC. and attach all supporting documentation.
The DCFS 807 and supporting documents are submitted to the Fiscal Operation Division (FOD), Fiscal Monitoring & Special Payments Manager for review and approval and then transfer to the Departmental Finance Manager III.
The FOD, Departmental Finance Manager III will then seek approval through the chain of command, including the Director for final approval of the Non-Title IV-E overpayment write-off.
The Departmental Finance Manager III will review/approve and sign the documents.
The documents will then be forwarded to the Administrative Deputy, Chief Deputy Director and then to the Director to review and approve by signing all documentation.
The signed/approved documents will be returned to the FOD, Fiscal Monitoring & Special Payments manager for filing.
The DCFS 807, once approved, shall be given to the FOD, Claiming & Revenue Section to include the uncollectible amount in the monthly report to CDSS.
Make sure a copy of the DCFS 807 and documentation is retained for five (5) years in storage for future reference.
NA 1261 – Overpayment Notice of Action for Group Homes and Foster Family Agencies
NA 1261A – Overpayment Notice of Action for Approved Relatives, Non-Relatives Extended Family Members (NREFM), Foster Family Homes, Non-Related Legal Guardians (NRLG), Non-Minor Dependents (NMD) Residing in a Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP)
NA 1261B – Overpayment for Kinship-Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP) Guardians
NA 791 – Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) Notice of Action
NA 1277 – Overpayment Notice of Action for Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC)
All County Letter (ACL) 14-86 - Provides counties with information and instructions regarding the Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC) Funding Option Program (hereinafter referred to as the ARC Program) enacted by SB 855. The SB 855 is the budget trailer bill signed into law by Governor Brown on June 20, 2014; the ARC Program provisions are contained in W&IC section 11461.3. The purpose of this program is to make the amount paid to an approved relative caregiver for the care and supervision of a child who is under the jurisdiction of the California juvenile court—and who is ineligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children-Foster Care (AFDC-FC)—equal to the basic amount paid on behalf of such a child who is eligible for AFDC-FC.
ACL 15-07 - purpose of this ACL is to direct counties and providers on the proper use of the new and revised overpayment Notice of Action (NA) forms. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has updated the NA 1261 form addressing overpayments paid to Group Homes (GHs) and Foster Family Agencies (FFAs) and has developed the new NA 1261A form for overpayments paid to licensed, approved family homes and Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) residing in a Supervised Independent Living Setting (SILS). The newly developed NA 1261B form is to be used for addressing overpayments paid to Kinship-Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP) guardians. These approved Foster Family Homes (FFHs) are defined for the purpose of overpayment collection as including an approved relative home, an approved home of a Non-Relative Extended Family Member (NREFM) and an approved home of a Non-Relative Legal Guardian (NRLG). The new and revised forms and their instructions are enclosed.
ACL 15-96 - The purpose of this ACL is to transmit, and to provide counties with information and instructions on, the newly developed Notice-of-Action (NA) forms for the Approved Relative Caregiver Funding Option Program (ARC Program). The ARC NA forms are to be used in conjunction with the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) NA messages M40-171D, M82-832E and M82-832F, which are described in ACL No. 15-54. These CalWORKs NA messages were revised due to the implementation of the ARC Program.
ACL 16-29 - The purpose of this ACL is to direct counties on the proper use of the revised Notice of Action [(NOA) NA 791]. This ACL also provides policy and procedures regarding the identification of an overpayment.
EAS 45-304.1.11 - Outlines the AFDC-FC Overpayments for Foster Care Providers.
EAS 45-304.125 - Outlines the AFDC-FC Overpayments for Foster Care Providers in General.
EAS 45 - 305.3 (321) (331-332) – Outlines the collectible AFDC-FC Overpayments for Foster Care Providers; Methods of Overpayment Recovery.
EAS 45 – 306.3 - Outlines the Informal and Formal Hearing Procedures.
Senate Bill (SB) 84 - Discusses the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review. Human Services existing Federal Law provides for allocation of federal funds through the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
Management Directive (MD) 11-03 - Outlines the identification of uncollectible Title IV-E overpayments and the write-off policy on Title IV-E overpayments.
Welfare Institutions Code (WIC) Section 11004 - The provisions of this code relative to public social services for which state grants-in-aid are made to the counties shall be administered fairly to the end that all persons who are eligible and apply for those public social services shall receive the assistance to which they are entitled promptly, with due consideration for the needs of applicants and the safeguarding of public funds.
WIC Section 11404 - A child is not eligible for AFDC-FC unless responsibility for placement and care of the child is with the county welfare department or Indian tribe that entered into an agreement pursuant to Section 10553.1, the county probation department which has an agreement with the county welfare department, or a licensed public adoption agency, licensed private adoption agency, or the department.
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.
Renamed to Centralized Placement Program (CPP)
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 has served all 58 California counties since 2023. The implementation of CalSAWS merged California’s most recent three (3) county-level consortia welfare systems and supports 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 replaced the LEADER Replacement System (LRS), which had 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 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.
Previously known as the Accelerated Placement Team (APT).
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.