CHILD WELFARE MANUAL

13.1 Subsequent Placements Within Children’s Division

The Children’s Service Worker shall attempt to retain the current placement, if possible. If that is not possible, the worker will find a new placement resource.

Related Subject: Section 4 Chapter 4 Subsection2: Guidelines for Initial Placement Resource Selection

The Children’s Service Worker will give written notice to the resource family two (2) weeks in advance of any planned move, including a statement of the reasons for removal. Where there is no advance notice because of an emergency situation involving the foster child’s health or well-being, or upon court order, a written statement of the reasons justifying removal shall be provided to the resource family within five (5) days following the removal.

  • If a child is placed with an emergency resource family or a regular resource family where the placement is intended to be for less than two (2) weeks, the Children’s Service Worker will complete the CS-44.

When a move is requested by the resource family, the Children’s Service Worker shall receive written notice from the resource family two (2) weeks in advance of the requested removal of a child, unless there is an emergency. This notice must include an explanation of the reason why removal is requested.

The birth parents need to receive written notice two (2) weeks in advance of any planned move. Where there is no advance notice because of an emergency situation involving the foster child’s health or well-being, a written statement of the reasons justifying the removal shall be provided to the birth parents within five (5) days following replacement.

Related Subject: Section 4 Chapter 5 Placement/Subsequent Placement of the Child

If the new placement plan involves residential treatment, obtain an FST/PPR meeting.

Related Subject: Section 4 Chapter 9.2 Administrative Review Process

The Children’s Service Worker will secure a psychological or psychiatric evaluation if the decision is made to place the child in a residential treatment center, or if the assessment of child’s condition indicates the need for additional or new treatment services.

Related Subject: Section4 Chapter 18 Residential Rehabilitative Treatment Services

Educational stability should be a priority when assessing the child’s placement needs and making placement decisions. The Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act (2011) require state child welfare agencies to coordinate with schools to improve education stability for children in foster care at each placement change. This means prior to any placement decision staff should consider what impact the decision will have on the child’s educational stability.

The Children’s Service Worker must record any placement changes into FACES within 24 hours of the change. All other Family-Centered Out-of-Home activities should be recorded every 30 days.

Chapter Memoranda History: (prior to 1/31/07)

Memoranda History: