Policy Violations
Corrective Action Plans
[x_text]A Child Protective Services (CPS) Intake Report must be made to the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) whenever there is concern that DFCS Safety and Quality Standards or policies in the Foster Parent Manual have been violated. A special investigator will be assigned to assess and investigate. In cases where there are no allegations of child maltreatment they are assigned to the Resource Development staff for policy violation assessment. A policy violation will result in a Corrective Action Plan when appropriate. The corrective action plan is developed and used as a rehabilitation measure for the policy violation. [/x_text]
Home Closure
[x_text]A foster or adoptive resource works in partnership with DFCS. There are times when the partnership ends voluntary or involuntary and the home is closed.
The voluntary home closure can be due to an adoption, a move, or the family has made a decision to no longer accept placements. The involuntary closures are slightly more difficult for all parties involved. A permanent closure of an approved home can happen under the following circumstances: [/x_text]
Policy Violations
Following a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect, unless a waiver is granted by the appropriate State Office department for the home to remain open in order to facilitate permanency for a specific child.
Following an unsubstantiated case of child abuse or neglect if, based on all known information, there are concerns about the appropriateness of a caregiver to provide care for children in DFCS custody.
Following any violation of Foster Care Policy that has a direct impact on the safety and well-being of a child in the home.
Following a second Discipline or Serious Foster Care policy violation, unless a waiver is granted by the appropriate State Office department for the home to remain open in order to facilitate permanency for a specific child.
Following a second policy violation for failing to obtain the required hours of Continued Parent Development.
When a family is unable or unwilling to demonstrate caregiver protective capacity and is not amenable to change, corrections, or DFCS intervention (e.g., refuses to sign a Corrective Action Plan).
When the home fails to meet the Safety and Quality Standards despite directives for corrective measures and opportunity for correction.
DFCS will assess the need to close an approved home that doesn’t present with a serious policy violation under the following conditions:
The home has consistently refused to accept placements.
The caregiver has requested closure.
The home has been determined to be inappropriate (based on re-evaluation or reassessment) to provide care and services on behalf of the target population of children and families being served.
Caregivers have relocated and have failed to notify the County DFCS of the move for a period of six months or more.
Upon the decision that an approved home is to be closed, the local DFCS will:
Conduct a face-to-face meeting to discuss the reason(s) for closure and determine if there are special supportive services needed to assist the family in bringing closure to any unresolved issues around the removal of the children or the agency’s role and responsibility.
Send a letter to the family within 10 days of the face-to-face meeting describing the reasons for closure and the official closure date. The letter will include the County Director’s/Designee’s availability to meet with them, an explanation of the grievance process, and a statement regarding whether or not the closure of the home is related to a grievable issue.
Notify caregivers that closure due to substantiated child abuse and/or neglect in their home is a non-grievable issue. If requested, the County Director/Designee may meet with caregivers to afford them the opportunity to be heard.
Reassess caregivers that have been inactive for a period of six months due to the request of the caregivers and provide notification (verbal and written) if the caregivers have been determined to be unable to meet the needs of children entering care.
Request the foster parent(s) to complete the Foster Parent Exit Survey.
b. Explain that the local DFCS is not involved in with exit survey process.[/x_text]