Information Professional + Educator

Kinship/Relative Placement — The home of a relative or family friend where a child is placed to live when parents are unable to provide for the child’s safety. If no one can be found, the court can give temporary legal custody to CPS, who then places the children in foster care (learn more). Giving a Child a Permanent Home – Choices for Relatives (PUB 344) – this pamphlet will explain some of the major differences among adoption, guardianship, and foster care and the choices a relative has when the relative child cannot return to live safely with his or her parent. Ask the assigned social worker, social worker’s supervisor, or child’s attorney to communicate this information to you as soon as possible after the court date. As part of the team supporting the foster child in your care, the county placing agency should make every effort to give you advance notice of meetings and conferences scheduled regarding the foster child in your care.

Services

Basic foster care rates and Payments are set by the State and are intended solely for reimbursement of the direct costs you incur in caring for the child. If you need assistance to verify the accuracy of the eligibility findings, read this helpful guide Relative Caregiver’s Guide to Benefits – Steps to understanding, applying for and receiving the appropriate benefits for foster children – The Alliance for Children’ Rights. The county placing agency cannot use State and federal funds for children who are placed in homes that have not yet been licensed, approved or certified.

The attachment and familiarity the child might have with you and your family is an important factor and will be given consideration. If a licensed, approved, or certified foster home is then sought for placement, your home will be considered. Other considerations include the needs of the child, relationships to siblings and other relatives to which a child has formed an attachment. A primary consideration is to keep siblings together and to keep children in homes where they have formed an attachment. Family members should request immediate visitation with the children and request to be invited to Team Decision Making (TDM) meetings or Family Group Conferencing (FGC) where they will have an opportunity to express their interests, hopes and concerns regarding the children. The county will not disclose the address of a foster parent unless ordered by the Juvenile Court.

• Family members should request immediate visitation with the children and request to be invited to Team Decision Making (TDM) meetings or Family Group Conferencing (FGC) where they will have an opportunity to express their interests, hopes and concerns regarding the children.
• You can hire an attorney at your own expense or the court must appoint an attorney for you if you cannot afford one.
• Call the social worker and ask for the name and contact number for the assigned foster care eligibility worker or the foster care eligibility supervisor.
• You may contest CPS in court if you disagree with the permanency goal recommended for your child unless the court terminates your parental rights to that child.
• DCFS maintains an online listing with pictures and descriptions of children in need of a loving family.

Foster Care

The court makes the final decision about a child’s custody within 12 months, unless the judge non gamstop casino grants a one-time extension of up to six-extra months. CPS’ goal is always to find safe, permanent homes for children as soon as possible. It is very important for children to have safe, permanent homes. However, you are still legally responsible for your child’s needs and the court may order you to pay child support.

When reunification simply is not possible, as determined by the courts, many foster families choose to adopt the children they have cared for. The purpose is to improve the overall well-being of children in foster care and to keep them closer to home and connected with their communities and siblings. Community-Based Care is a way of providing foster care and case management services that calls on a community-based approach to meeting the individual and unique needs of children, youth, and families.

Menu Child Protective Services

You have the legal right to be represented by an attorney if your child is removed again. In that case, CPS can legally remove your child again without a court hearing. Your child has been in someone else’s care for some time and it takes time for both of you to adjust. It is not unusual for parents to have some problems after their child returns to them. You may contest CPS in court if you disagree with the permanency goal recommended for your child unless the court terminates your parental rights to that child.

It’s important that you let your child’s social worker know, at time of placement, that you need child care. It is best to speak to your foster child’s social worker and your foster child’s primary care doctor first to request that your foster child have a health assessment. It is best to speak to your foster child’s social worker and your foster child’s primary care doctor first to request that your foster child have a health assessment – see Health Passport .

It’s important to have a medical evaluation first to rule out other causes of your foster child’s signs and symptoms. Basic foster care rates are set by the State and the county does not have authority to adjust them. The relative caregiver should immediately apply for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) at the county CalWORKs office where the caregiver lives. The caregiver should contact the agency which issued the license, approval, or certification. Your foster care license can be suspended or revoked; however, a foster care license cannot be “on hold”.