This provides guidelines for Eligibility Workers in meeting Federal and State compliance standards for the Foster Care (FC) program; this procedural guide is applicable to all existing cases.
The Policy Guide has been revised in an updated format from the 12/14/2009 version and reflects current procedures to align with the implementation of the California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS).
POLICY
The approved Eligibility Worker (EW) shall be responsible for the completion of required case reviews and/or case modifications whenever the eligibility status changes (i.e. annual court reviews, voluntary placement agreement expiration, incomplete and/or unmet judicial findings, home assessment expirations, etc.) and annual re-establishment of foster care eligibility and ensure accurate financial participation. The process includes but is not limited to research for evidence of verification of citizenship, social security number and home assessment (relative homes/NREFM homes) for the child in foster care placement.
At the time of the first eligibility redetermination, following the initial determination of eligibility, the EW shall review the Emergency Assistance (EA) program presumptive eligible application to obtain the missing eligibility element and achieve the final authorization. The EW shall ensure that the EA financial participation is claimed for the entire episode and, at the 12th month from the application date, convert the financial participation to the accurate funding source.
The Emergency Caregiver (EC) funding was established as a natural continuation of state’s and counties’ ongoing commitment to support families who are caring for children/youths placed with relatives or NREFM on an emergency or compelling reason basis and have pending Resource Family Approval (RFA) applications.
Out of State placements are not eligible for EC funding
Title IV-E Participation
The review and/or reevaluation of federal eligibility is the responsibility of the Foster Care Redetermination EW to ensure all maximum federal participation in foster care. However, the federal eligibility requirements are complex. They require continued coordinated effort between the Children Social Worker (CSW) and the Foster Care Redetermination EW to exchange information, in order to correctly determine federal status, and for the child/youth case to be financially aided from federal funds.
The CSW may request a Redetermination of Federal Eligibility under Title IV for purposes of Kin-GAP when previously denied.
There are eight (8) conditions of federal eligibility and each condition must be met in order for a child/youth to be federally eligible. Briefly, the eight conditions are:
The child/youth must meet the general AFDC eligibility requirements of age, property, residence, citizenship, social security enumeration, and income.
There must be either a court order which authorizes placement. It can be either a detention order or a suitable placement order with the required language or a voluntary placement agreement.
The court order must designate responsibility for placement and care to either the Department of Children and Family Services or the Department of Probation.
During the month of the removal, the child/youth must have been receiving or eligible to receive federal public assistance as of July 16, 1996 in the home of the relative from whose custody he/she was removed.
The child/youth must be placed with a non-relative or a relative other than the relative from whose custody he/she was removed.
The child/youth must be placed in an approved relative home, non-related extended family member (NREFM) home, licensed family home, FFA or a State-licensed nonprofit group home. He/she cannot be placed in a profit-making group home.
The child/youth cannot be his/her own payee, unless the youth is a Non Minor Dependent (NMD) in a Supervised Independent Living Placement (SILP).
The child/youth can under certain conditions (SSI) receive federal funds con-currently.
Determine if the court detention or removal order has the following required findings to qualify for federal funding:
Continuance in the home is contrary to the welfare of the minor, or a finding to that effect. If this finding is not made at the first hearing, which removes the child/youth from their home, the child is ineligible for federal AFDC-FC funding for the duration of that stay in foster care. If the minor is not placed with a relative, they may be eligible for state funding once the finding is ordered.
Placement and Care is vested with either the county welfare or probation department, as appropriate or a finding to the effect. This finding may be in any court order, however state and federal AFDC-FC eligibility does not exist prior to the date of the finding.
Reasonable efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for removal have been made by the county or were not required. If this finding is not made within 60 days from the date the child is removed, the child is ineligible for federal AFDC-FC funding for the duration of that stay in foster care. If the minor is not placed with a relative, they may be eligible for state funding once the finding is ordered.
State/Non-Federal Participation
When a child/youth placed by the DCFS is not eligible to Title IV-E federal participation but meets all the AFDC-FC requirements, the child/youth’s placement costs are paid from state foster care. The child/youth’s eligibility determination is non-federal if they are:
Non-federal at the time of the initial eligibility determination.
There is no state foster care for relative caregiver cases. When the child/youth’s eligibility determination is considered to be non-federal and the child/youth is placed with a relative; relative has a few options for placement funding, such as:
The relative caregiver may be eligible for public assistance as a needy or non-needy payee under the CalWORKs program which is administered by the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
Minor may be included in the relative’s family assistance unit (AU), if the relative is also in need of CalWORKs as long as the relationship is within the 5th degree based on CalWORKs policy.
Relative can apply for the Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC) Program which gives the Child’s Welfare Department (CWD) the option 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 federal 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.
According to SB 354 and ACL 22-33 a relative may qualify for the ARC program when the Resource Family Assessment (RFA) has been denied regardless of child/youth’s case being federal or state eligible.
County Funds
When a child/youth placed by the DCFS is not eligible for AFDC-FC or for Emergency Assistance (EA), the child may be aided with General Relief Ineligible (GRI) to AFDC-FC funds, after DCFS, in its discretion, has reviewed the totality of the circumstances and a determination that GRI funding is necessary and/or applicable, in the best interest of the child placed in out-of-home care; required signatures are necessary from the department’s Director and/or the Deputy Director (DD). GRI is not available for children placed by the Probation Department or private adoption agencies. Children receiving GRI are not automatically eligible for Medi-Cal. A separate application for Medical Assistance Only (MAO) is required.
The Children’s Social Worker (CSW) will notify the Eligibility Supervisor (ES), via the FCSS DCFS 280 for any changes on the child/youth placement status, these changes may include:
The time of initial placement of a child in out-of-home care
The change in the authority for placement
The change in court order status
Replacement
Placement facility licensing status or payee changes.
Title IV-A Emergency Assistance (EA) Program
Emergency Assistance (EA) is a federally funded program under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act. The program will provide funding for assistance that can be offered to families in crisis. The EA program is designed to provide emergency assistance for the purpose of preserving the family through family-based, child-focused services.
The EA program allows for federal and state funds to match state and county funds for the cost of emergency shelter care and federally ineligible foster care. Counties should continue to use Title IV-E, federal Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Foster Care (AFDC-FC), in those situations where cases are eligible for foster care that could be funded under either source.
The following federal eligibility criteria must be met before a family (child) can be determined eligible for assistance:
An emergency must exist within the family. In the amendment to California’s Title IV-A State Plan an emergency is defined as “...a child is at risk of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation.”
The child is living with, or within the past six months has lived with a specified, by federal regulations, relative.
The family has not been authorized for assistance during the previous twelve months in California.
The total family (child) income cannot exceed 200% of California’s median family income, as certified by the applicant. This amount will be recalculated every fiscal year.
The emergency did not arise because an adult family member refused without good cause to accept employment or training.
Los Angeles County implemented this program in September 1993.
Following the Initial Determination
At the initial determination of eligibility, the annual redetermination month is established from the Intake ES approval date on the FC 2. A redetermination of all the child’s circumstances, which are subject to change, shall be completed annually.
A redetermination is based on information and documents received at any time during the child’s out-of-home care placement episode. Examples of a foster child’s circumstances that are subject to change include but are not limited:
Deprivation-for the first redetermination only
Financial need
Authority for placement
Eligible facility
Title IV-D Child Support Enforcement Program
In California there is a Child Support Enforcement program established for the purpose of identifying and locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and enforcing the child and spousal support obligation. The responsibility of parents to support their children continues even though a parent does not live with his or her child(ren). All parents, regardless of their age or their marital status, are responsible to the extent of their ability for the support and care of their child(ren) whether they are natural or adopted, including minor parents and children in foster care.
The State Department of Social Services, in consultation with the Child Support Services Department (CSSD), shall promulgate regulations by which the County’s CWD, in any case of separation or desertion of a parent or parents from a child that results in aid, shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the child to have the case referred to the local child support agency for child support services. In making the determination, the department shall consider the following factors as part of a good cause determination:
Whether the payment of support by the parent will pose a barrier to the proposed reunification, in that the payment of support will compromise the parent’s ability to meet the requirements of the parent’s reunification plan
Whether the payment of support by the parent will pose a barrier to the proposed reunification in that the payment of support will compromise the parent’s current or future ability to meet the financial need of the child
A child support referral is not required for a Non Minor Dependent (NMD) after the age of 19
When minor is Undocumented
When parental rights have been terminated (Freed Minor)
When Jurisdiction is terminated due to legal guardianship
When parents are deceased
This policy supports the Department’s efforts to reduce recidivism, for families who have or will reunify with a child(ren) who were in out-of-home care, by agreeing that money that would otherwise be spent to pay a child support debt would be better spent on meeting the child’s needs and ensuring a successful reunification with the family. A finding of good cause must yearly be re-evaluated by the CSW with follow up by the Redetermination Eligibility Worker (EW).
If the CSW determines that a child support referral should be submitted, a copy of the CW51 will be forwarded to the designated EW for filing in the Income Maintenance Folder, if the parent is referred to child support, a DCFS 5125 is to be sent to the parent by the EW.
After information concerning an AFDC-FC case has been referred to the Child Support Service Division, the following is to be stablished:
Attempt to locate the absent parent(s).
Establish paternity.
Obtain a court order for enforcement of child support.
Notice of Action (NOA)
All Notices of Action (NOA) are child specific and applicable to children who were determined to be federally or State (Non-Federal) eligible. An NOA is not applicable if the child/youth is GRI funded.
An NOA is completed by the EW taking the action when aid is granted, increased, decreased, discontinued, deferred, terminated and/or request for a rate change is denied.
For a rate decrease, a notice of action should be sent at least ten (10) days prior to the rate decrease An NOA will also be sent when the County demands repayment of an overpayment or when the County takes action after the claimant has conditionally withdrawn a request for a State Hearing. Two (2) copies are sent to the caretaker, one (1) copy to the CSW and one (1) copy is retained in the child’s eligibility case.
The NA Back 9 will be attached to all NOA’s.
All Notification Letters are child specific, applicable to children who were determined to only be eligible for GRI to offset placement costs. The Notification Letter will be used when aid is granted or increased, denied, decreased, suspended, cancelled, discontinued or terminated.
The NA Back 9 will not be attached to Notification Letters.
Contact the case carrying CSW to request the necessary documentation, if there is no response.
Inform the Eligibility Supervisor (ES) to contact the Supervisor Children Social Worker (SCSW) to request the necessary documentation, if no response.
The ES refers the request to the Human Services Administrator I (HSA I) to inquire about the information/documentation needed from the Assistant Regional Administrator, (ARA) and/or Regional Administrator (RA).
The EW shall determine if a child support re-determination has been completed so that general requirements regarding child support are met by following the next steps:
Send the DCFS 2322 Appointment Letter, if the parent(s) do not respond, send a second Appointment Letter to the last known address.
Ensure that the “good faith” effort has been accomplished by the following; if the first attempt was returned by the U.S. Post Office with a forwarding address, send the DCFS 2322 to the correct address.
If the U.S. Post Office returned the first attempt indicating unable to deliver, contact the CSW to determine if there is a more recent address or telephone number that parent(s) may be contacted. If there is, send the DCFS 2322 Appointment Letter with a new date.
If there is no new address, proceed with the redetermination.
The DCFS 2322 is not sent out if minor is freed or parents are deceased.
If the parent(s)/legal guardian respond to the DCFS 2322 schedule an appointment. Conduct the interview and have the parent(s) complete the “The Statement of Facts Supporting Eligibility for AFDC-FC” (FC 2)” and an affidavit (DCFS 853) if there is conflicting information.
Open the CWS/CMS new/create client document notebook.
Select “Statement of Facts.” Select print preview.
If required forms are missing in the case, reapply or request the document as needed.
Print the document for the eligibility segment.
Save to the database.
If the parent or legal guardian is unavailable or uncooperative, the Intake and/or Redetermination Eligibility Worker (EW) shall complete the Statement of Facts Supporting Eligibility for AFDC-FC (FC 2).
Obtain the following computer system print outs for research and investigation:
Under Medi-Cal Eligibility Data System (MEDS)/Assistance to Children in Emergency (ACE) - registration for the Emergency Assistance (EA) Program.
An EA Application (EA 1) is to be on file from the Intake Eligibility process, if the EA 1 is not on file request a copy from the EA Unit.
Review the rate schedule level on CalSAWS and CWS/CMS to verify the child/youth current rate and compare to the print outs from MEDS Title II and XVI to determine the child/youth’s SSI/SSA status or their eligibility; compare the foster care payment rate to the SSI/SSA benefit amount to determine the child/youth’s payment based on the following:
If the foster rate is equal to or less than the SSI/SSA benefit amount, the caregiver may elect to become the SSI/SSA payee; a person or their representative who believes the applicant meets the eligibility requirements for more than one category of aid has the right to choose the type of aid they will apply for, since AFDC-FC and SSI/State Supplemental Payment (SSP) are both aid program, the county representative can choose the program that best meets the needs of the foster child EAS Section 40-109.2.
Contact the relative or non-related legal guardian and explain the procedure to become the SSI/SSA payee by requesting for a change of payee, and going in person to apply at the Social Security Office.
If the caregiver decides to become the SSI/SSA payee, complete the action to deny Foster Care and mail a NOA of denial; one (1) copy is to go to the CSW for their record, and one (1) copy is to remain in the eligibility physical file.
If the foster care rate is greater than the SSI/SSA benefit amount, continue with the redetermination process. Do not deny eligibility to foster care and submit the necessary forms to the SSI/SSA Unit in Special Operations.
Send an e-mail Referral to the SSI Unit in San Dimas at SSIRED@dcfs.lacounty.gov to initiate the change of payee.
Annotate the initiation of an SSI referral in the CWS/CMS Case Notes and in the CalSAWs Journal.
If the agency is to be the payee, upon approval, the case is then referred to the SSI/SSA Unit in the San Dimas office.
A Court Minute Order indicating DCFS has jurisdiction of the child/youth. MEDS - individual/primary inquiry for the child, whole case inquiry, Title XVI and Title II are to be present in the child/youth’s physical case.
Income Evidence Verification System (IEVS) for parent(s) from whom child was removed and child (6 months after the date of removal) for first redetermination. On subsequent redeterminations, IEVS is explored for the child/youth only.
FC 3 and FC 3A on federal and non-federal cases.
Justice Partner Portal (JPP).
Review the physical case to determine if the following documents are on file:
FC 4 – Program Choice Indicator, if minor is placed with a relative caregiver.
A copy of Birth Certificate or birth verification.
SOC 155B - Mutual Agreement for 18 year olds (if applicable).
If the child is undocumented:
Confirm that the Permanent Resident Under the Color of Law (PRUCOL) request was filed on behalf of the child.
If no PRUCOL filing has been completed, contact the child/youth’s CSW to initiate the PRUCOL packet for completion.
If the child/youth’s case has gone to Permanent Placement, confirm from the CSW whether Permanent Residency has been filed on behalf of the child.
If the child is placed with a Non-Related Legal Guardian (NRLG), a copy of Guardianship granted documentation or a minute order granting guardianship is required to be in the case.
Take appropriate follow up action if any of the above is not in the case. Set a follow up control via the DCFS 26-1.
Access the child/youth’s CWS/CMS case to review and/or update the following information:
Under the Client Management Section, open existing client to record new or correct child information.
Under the Education and Education Provider notebooks, review the child/youth’s school information that will populate the FC 2.
Under the Medi-Cal Application, review and update any known SSI/SSA activity that will populate the FC 2.
Under the SAWS 1 Application, review the date to ensure completeness at first redetermination only. If minor is replaced in the home of a relative that is being referred to CalWORKs, a new SAWS 1 must be completed and the date must coincide with the date of denial for foster care.
Under the Case Management Section, open the child/youth’s Existing Case and access the Special Project Page to review and/or determine if the child participates in an Independent Living Program (ILP).
Under the Placement Management Section, open the Existing Document-Placement and select the current placement’s Foster Child’s Data Record, SOC 158 A.
A current hard copy is to be signed by the CSW, and must be filed in the child’s Income Maintenance Folder.
Use the DCFS 1730 Redetermination Check List to fill out the information in all applicable areas as you are completing the redetermination for ongoing eligibility.
A centralized DCFS LOC/SCI rate determination/re-determination Unit (LOC Unit) will complete rate determinations and re-determinations. An LOC CSW will collaborate with the assigned CSW in order to complete LOC and SCI protocols to determine the LOC level the child/youth needs, once determined:
The CSW submits the LOC/SCI referral to the TA/EW Unit.
If the rate is LOC 1, the TA/EW initiate the budget and generates an NOA to be sent to the OHC provider.
If the rate is LOC 2-4, the referral is forwarded to the Payment Resolution Unit (PRU) to process the rate change at PRU@dcfs.lacounty.gov.
When the LOC Unit determines the level of care, all paper work should have the appropriate signatures.
The EW is to print the rate page validating the rate amount and the licensing status. This will be placed in the Income Maintenance Folder of the child’s case.
The EW is to confirm that the code set up by the case carrying CSW on the Special Projects Page is for the correct placement type and rate (i.e. minor parent rates).
Host County/State Rate.
Out-of-State Rate verification is mandatory when setting up a budget for a child placed out-of-state.
The EW is to request from the CSW the State Rate Letter and the State License Home Approval Certificate and to include the following:
The placement rate
Clothing allowance
Any other special allowances authorized in the placement state.
This information is to be placed in the child’s eligibility case for audit purposes. The EW will annotate in CWS/CMS case notes the documentation that validates the budgeted amounts.
When placed in the home of a relative or NREFM, make sure to receive the completed DCFS 5420, Resource Family Application, RFA 01A and/or Resource Family Approval Certificate, RFA 05A form with the appropriate signatures.
If there is no RFA 01A or RFA 05A attached to the DCFS 280, the Intake EW is to do the following:
Check the Binti system to determine if a completed RFA05A has been scanned into the system, verify that all information and signatures are on the form and keep a copy in the child’s physical case.
If there is no RFA 05A on Binti, the EW must request the home assessment documentation via e-mail to the CSW, SCSW and the Kinship CSW and SCSW. Set a five (5) day control for the return receipt of the RFA05A.
Due to Resource Family Home (RFH) approval regulations, the same standards for approval for licensing that is required for all foster family homes are now required for relative and NREFM homes. Certified license-pending status is now eliminated from state law.
Check assignment page and verify that the library file is correct and that it corresponds to the redetermination month.
Review the Court Management Section case record/notebooks or CWS/CMS reports (i.e., Court Order Summary, Legal Status History) under the Open Existing Documents-Court on CWS/CMS.
Review to ensure there are no inconsistencies in the information with the court report and eligibility documentation (i.e. parents living together etc.)
If there are inconsistencies in the information, contact the CSW for clarification and complete action(s) to ensure accurate information in both Services and Eligibility file.
Obtain the current court minute order to determine if the required findings have been made from the Justice Partner Portal (JPP) system.
If it is the Permanency Hearings WIC 366.21(f), verify that the court has made a Permanent Plan (PP) finding in the court order that the agency has complied and made “reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan” or “reasonable efforts to reunify child and family”. Verify that this is in effect within 12 months of the “date the child entered foster care.”
If this finding is not made timely, the child ceases to be eligible for federal AFDC-FC at the end of the 12th month after they entered the foster care program. The child remains ineligible until the finding is made. Appropriate aid code change to State (40) or GRI (45) must be completed; a Medi-Cal referral is to be submitted to the centralized Medi-Cal unit for aid code change at MEDS_Referral@dcfs.lacounty.gov.
Set up a DCFS 26.1 as a reminder of the necessity of continued PP language 12 months from the date of the prior PP court language.
If it is an ongoing Review of the PP WIC 366.3, verify that the court continues to make a finding in the court order that the agency has complied and made “reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan” or “reasonable efforts to reunify child and family” every 12 months from the date of the last permanency planning hearing.
If this finding is not made timely, the child ceases to be eligible for federal AFDC-FC at the end of the 12th month after the last hearing and remains ineligible until the finding is made.
When the PP language cannot be documented, the appropriate aid code must be changed to 45 for relatives and 40 for all others. Notify the centralized Medi-Cal unit of the need for an aid code change at MEDS_Referral@dcfs.lacounty.gov.
Advise the CSW of the need to do a walk on requesting establishment of the PP status. Begin the escalation process.
Complete a new FC3 when there is an aid code change.
If any of the court findings do not specify the following required language, obtain the petition filed date and the court # (i.e., J, BK, CK, or LK).
Contact the CSW via email specifying which required finding were not made and request the CSW to obtain the court transcripts, provide a copy to the EW to file in the child/youth physical case.
Nunc Pro Tunc is no longer acceptable to establish eligibility for aid in the Title IV-E Program. The only acceptable documentation is a court transcript that verifies the findings were made by the court
If the Substantial Danger finding is not made at the first hearing which removes the child/youth from their home; the child/youth is ineligible for federal AFDC-FC funding for the duration of their stay in foster care, however, State AFDC-FC funding is available for placements other than relative placements once the finding is made.
The responsibility for placement and care be vested in one of the agencies designated by law.
Substantial danger in the home of that parent or relative would be contrary to the child’s welfare.
The child is placed into foster care, reasonable efforts have been made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from their home and to make it possible for the child/youth to return to their home.
This finding must have been made within 60 days from the date of the child/youth’s removal from home or the child is ineligible for federal AFDC-FC funding for the entire foster care episode.
If child/youth is placed with a relative and the child/youth’s case is determined to be a non-federal/state case, or if the RFA home assessment has been denied (under SB 354), the relative may be eligible for the Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC) program by submitting the following forms:
ARC 1, Statement of Facts Supporting Eligibility for the Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC) Funding Option Program.
Minute Order (court ordering placement with relative when RFA is denied).
RFA 09, Notice of Action Regarding Resource Family Approval (when RFA is denied)
For the first redetermination period, review the IEVS abstract and determine if the income information reflects the same information obtain during the initial eligibility assessment.
If the information does coincide, proceed with the redetermination.
If the information does not coincide, the EW will take appropriate action, which may include a complete reassessment of the original initial eligibility determination.
Review the MEDS/ACE registration. Determine the status of the ACE Emergency Assistance (EA) authorization. Refer to the redetermination EA procedure. If the status is Presumptive Eligible (PE), obtain the child’s Social Security Number.
If the number is not obtained, proceed with the redetermination.
If the number is obtained, send a copy of the social security card the designated Emergency Assistance unit EW to remove the PE status. Open the CWS/CMS existing case-ID NUM page. Change case to the appropriate aid code; 5K, 4K (Probation) for the entire EA episode. If the EA episode has expired, complete the conversion to foster care.
If the case is a Probate case, complete and send the School Verification DCFS 1725.1 along with the School Verification Instructions DCFS 1725-5 to the caregiver when the child/youth is seventeen (17) years and six (6) months of age. Set a 10 working day control via DCFS 26.1 for return of the DCFS 1725.1.
If not returned within 10 working days, contact the caregiver to determine if they received, completed and forwarded the DCFS 1725.1 to the minor’s school.
If they have not received the DCFS 1725.1 and DCFS 1725-5, confirm the address and send a second set. Set a new 10 working day control by completing a DCFS 26-1.
If they again indicate that they have not received the DCFS 1725.1 and DCFS 1725-5, contact the CSW or SCSW (if CSW is unavailable) and request that they assist by taking these documents to the caregiver for completion and forwarding to the school.
Established if the child/youth has already graduated or if the child/youth is not expected to graduate by age 19.
If child/youth has already graduated, the budget stops the day of the graduation.
If the child/youth is not expected to graduate by the age of 19, the budget is stopped on the day of the child/youth’s 18th birthday.
If CSW submit a child support referral take the following actions:
Annotate in the documentation section of the FC 2 form that the CW 51 was initiated and processed. Retain a copy of the CW 51 form in the eligibility case, filing according to model case format requirements.
If the CSW has not created a CW 51 on CWS/CMS with the completed child support good cause determination, remind the case carrying CSW via email of the need for the completed documentation to be able to carry on with the eligibility determination process. If the CW 51 is not created within 24 – 48 hours from time of the email begin the escalation process.
If the case has been referred to the CSSD for child support enforcement, and the CW 51 is created on CWS/CMS, the EW sends a Notice of Action DCFS 5125 to the parent(s) to inform them a child support referral has been submitted, the DCFS 5125 includes the Request for a Grievance Review.
The notice to parents will be mailed to the current or last known address.
If the parent(s) whereabouts are unknown, forward the DCFS 5125 notice to the case-carrying CSW who will deliver the form to the parent(s) at the next scheduled meeting.
A child support referral is not necessary when one (1) of the following occur:
Parents of the child/youth have relinquished the minor for adoption. Case record shall have the California Department of Adoption document indicating a relinquishment.
Parent(s) is/are deceased. Acceptable evidence of the death of parent is.
A copy of the death certificate.
An award letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) based on the death of the parent.
A newspaper account of the parent’s death.
Other reliable documentation.
Child/youth is undocumented.
Child is placed with a Non-Related Legal Guardian and no ongoing jurisdiction and probate cases.
When the youth is a Non Minor Dependent (NMD) age 19 and up 20. Record all activity on the Case Notes and Save to the database.
Set all controls (DCFS 26-1) for future actions that must be monitored to ensure timely actions are taken (i.e. home assessment for relatives and NREFM, return of birth certificates or social security cards, voluntary placement time frames, NTE date for EA, Specialized Rates, PP Language, Age of Majority, 1725.1, etc.)
EW will review the DCFS 26.1 on a weekly basis and take necessary action.
Ensure all areas of the DCFS 1730 Redetermination Check List are complete, sign and date the form indicating that all information is correct.
Submit the eligibility case segment to the Eligibility Supervisor (ES).
Receives the redetermined eligibility case segment or notification that a redetermination is complete.
Access CWS/CMS and open the existing case. Review the appropriate notebooks and eligibility segment for accuracy and completeness. Confirm the accuracy of the foster care payment and that there are no unresolved payment problems.
Record the redetermination of eligibility in the client notebook, AFDC-FC page. This includes all cases where the child is in paid placement including County Pay (GRI), aid code 45. Effective March 1, 2005 and continuing in subsequent months, cases scheduled for redetermination will be given a one-year redetermination date. Sign the appropriate forms/documents authorizing the redetermination.
Verify that the Library file number indicates the same redetermination month as is set up on the AFDC-FC page.
Review the DCFS 1730 Redetermination Check List, sign and date the form indicating that all information is complete and correct.
Return the redetermination eligibility segment back to the case-carrying eligibility worker.
All County Letter (ACL) 94-82, Treatment Of Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) Benefits In The Aid To Families With dependent Children-Foster Care (AFDC-FC) Program
ACL 09-38, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Equivalency Letter for Relative/Non Relative Extended Family Member (NREFM) Out-of-State Placements.
United States Code, Title 42, “The Public Health and Welfare,” Chapter 7, “Social Security,” Subchapter IV, “Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child Welfare Services”:
Part A, “Aid to Families with Dependent children” (Title IV-A of the Social Security Act), Sections 602 and 606(a) as of July 16, 1996.
Part B, “Child and Family Services” (Title IV-B of the Social Security Act), Section 620.
Part E, “Federal Payment for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance” (Title IV-E of the Social Security Act), Sections 670 through 679A, specifically 671(a)(15), 672(a)(2), 672 (a)(4), 672(b), 672(c), 673(a)(2)(C), and 673.
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.