The City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services. The Improving Outcomes for Children Initiative. Community Umbrella Agency Practice Guidelines

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1 Webelievethatacommunity neighborhoodapproachwithclearlydefinedrolesbetween countyandproviderstaffwillpositivelyimpactsafety,permanency,andwell being." Whatareweworkingtogethertoachieve? o Morechildrenandyouthmaintainedsafelyintheirownhomesandcommunities. o Morechildrenandyouthachievingtimelyreunificationorotherpermanence. o Areductionintheuseofcongregatecare. o Improvedchild,youth,andfamilyfunctioning. TheCityofPhiladelphia DepartmentofHumanServices TheImprovingOutcomesforChildrenInitiative CommunityUmbrellaAgency PracticeGuidelines EffectiveOctober21,2013throughJanuary31,2014* *TheseGuidelinesmayberevisedpriortoJanuary31,2014

2 CommunityUmbrellaAgencyPracticeGuidelines TableofContents: Introduction..... page5 StrengtheningFamilies TM I. Well being... page8 II. Safety... page10 GuidelinesforAllServices SpecificGuidelinesforFormalIn homechildwelfareorchildprotectionservices SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementServices Specific Guidelines for Seeing and Assessing Safety and Risk of Other Household Children andyouthandseeingcaregivers SpecificGuidelinesforSeeingandAssessingSafetyandRiskofSiblingsLivinginOther HomesthantheIdentifiedHome III. Permanency... page16 PlacementofChildrenorYouthPriortoCUAInvolvement PlacementofChildrenorYouthwhentheCUAhadbeenProvidingIn homechildwelfareor ChildProtectionServices SpecificGuidelinesforAllPlacementServices SpecificGuidelinesforEmergencyKinshipCarePlacements SpecificGuidelinesforEmergencyShelterPlacement(TBD) SpecificGuidelinesforVisitation SpecificGuidelinesforSpecializedBehavioralHealthResourceHomePlacements SpecificGuidelinesforSpecializedMedicalResourceHomePlacements SpecificGuidelinesforMaternityPlacementServices SpecificGuidelinesforMother/BabyPlacements SpecificGuidelinesforCongregateCarePlacements SpecificGuidelinesforResidentialTreatmentFacility(RTF)Placements(TBD) SpecificGuidelinesforSharedCaseResponsibility SpecificGuidelinesforOlderYouthTransition SpecificGuidelinesforBoardExtensions SpecificGuidelinestoOlderYouthRe entry SpecificGuidelinesforIn homeaftercare SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementAftercare IV. FamilyTeamDecisionMakingConferences... page43 ChildSafetyConferences FamilySupportConferences PermanencyConferences PlacementStabilityConferences V. SingleCasePlanDevelopment,Review,andRevisions... page53 SpecificGuidelinesforGoalSelection October21,2013Page2of120

3 SpecificGuidelinesRegardingReasonableEfforts,AggravatedCircumstances,Compelling Reasons VI. FamilyCourtandtheLawDepartment... page61 CourtHearings OrdersforProtectiveCustody CourtOrders Consultation PlacementMoves VII. Clearances,Assessments,andEvaluations... page65 Criminal,ChildLine,DomesticRelationsCourtHistory,andFACTSClearances TheFamilyAdvocacyandSupportTool(FAST)and ChildandAdolescentNeedsandStrengths(CANS)Assessments AgesandStagesQuestionnaire(ASQ) CaseyLifeSkillsAssessment MedicalAssessments TheEdinburghPostnatalDepressionScale ForensicPsychologicalEvaluationsandConsultation:DHSPsychologyUnit VIII. Environment... page71 SpecificGuidelinesforIn homeservices SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementServices SpecificGuidelinesforUseofSafeFamilies,Discretionary,andIn homeaftercarefunding IX. Education... page77 GuidelinesforAllServices SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementServices X. PhysicalHealth... page80 GuidelinesforAllServices SpecificGuidelinesforIn homeservices SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementServices ConsultationwiththeDHSNurses SpecificRequirementsforDHSNurseInvolvementinInitial(72hour)SafetyConference MandatoryConsultationwiththeDHSNursesduringtheProvisionofOngoingServices ConsultationwiththeDHSHealthManagementUnit(HMU) XI. BehavioralHealth... page85 GuidelinesforAllServices MandatoryConsultationwiththeDHSPsychologists OtherConsultationavailablefromtheDHSPsychologists ResidentialTreatmentFacilityPlacement(TBD) XII. RecreationandDevelopment... page89 GuidelinesforAllServices SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementServices XIII. PersonalDevelopment... page90 GuidelinesforAllServices SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementServices XIV. Confidentiality... page91 October21,2013Page3of120

4 XV. InformationSharingandDocumentation... page92 TheCUAtoDHS DHStotheCUA CUASupportTeam XVI. AdministrativeGuidelines... page93 SpecificGuidelinesforFiscalCompliance SpecificGuidelinesforCaseManagementDocumentation SpecificGuidelinesforResourceHomeFiles SpecificGuidelinesforSubcontractors SpecificGuidelinesforTechnology Specific Guidelines for Minimum Responsibilities for CUA Staff (whether the position is withinthecuaorsubcontracted) SpecificGuidelinesforMinimumStaffQualifications SpecificGuidelinesforTraining SpecificGuidelinesforSupervision UseofStudentInterns Glossary... page107 CommonAcronymsandAbbreviations.... page118 October21,2013Page4of120

5 Introduction TheDepartmentofHumanServices( DHS or thedepartment )hasembarkedona comprehensive,citywideinitiativeaimedatimprovingtheoutcomesforchildren,youth,and familiesinvolvedwiththechildwelfaresysteminphiladelphia.thisapproachisbasedonthe premisethatpositiveoutcomesareachievedthroughtheuseofchildprotectionandchildwelfare servicesthatarefamily centered,community based,culturallycompetent,integrated,timely,and accountableforresults. Inordertoachievethesepositiveresults,particularlysafety,permanency,andwell beingforour childrenandyouth,thesystemmustpromotenewpractices,serviceinnovations,andtrue collaborativepartnershipsbetweenpublicandprivateagenciesandstakeholdersinthe communitiesserved. Toaccomplishthisgoal,theImprovingOutcomesforChildren(IOC)Initiativeaimstodecentralize theprovisionofdirectcasemanagementservicesthroughanetworkofcommunityumbrella Agencies(CUAorCUAs)thatcandemonstratethecapacityandabilitytoprovidechildprotection andchildwelfareservicesthatarebasedwithinthecommunity.theimplementationphaseofthis initiativebeganwiththeselectionofthefirsttwocuasinjuly2012anditisanticipatedthat implementationofiocwilltakeapproximatelyfouryearstobeoperationalthroughoutthecity. Correspondingtothedecentralizationofdirectcasemanagementservices,theDepartmentisin theprocessofstrengtheningitshotlineandinvestigationservices,developingcapacityto integrateafamilyteamingprocesstosupportcuadirectcasemanagement,andenhancingits performancemanagementandaccountabilitystructures. TheIOCservicedeliverymodelisbuiltonthebeliefthatacommunity neighborhoodapproach withclearlydefinedrolesbetweencountyandproviderstaffwillpositivelyimpactsafety, permanency,andwell being.thismodelisdesignedtoincreasesystemperformancetoachieve positiveresultsforchildren,youth,andfamiliesincludingthesefourprimaryoutcomes: o Morechildrenandyouthmaintainedsafelyintheirownhomesandcommunities. o Morechildrenandyouthachievingtimelyreunificationorotherpermanence. o Areductionintheuseofcongregatecare. o Improvedchild,youth,andfamilyfunctioning. StructuralelementsoftheIOCInitiativeareanchoredaroundacriticalcultureshiftwithinthe entirechildwelfaresysteminphiladelphia.primaryelementsofthe IOCCaseManagementand OversightFramework are: o Shiftingfromdualcasemanagement(DHSandProviders)tosinglecasemanagementdelivered bycuas. o MaintainingDHS SafetyModelofPracticeascoretotheservicedeliverymodel. o AdoptingStrengtheningFamilies:anevidence informedapproachfocusedonchildandfamily well beingthroughthebuildingofprotectivefactors. o Increasingfocusonfamily centeredservicesanddecision making. o Buildingcommunitypartnershipsandneighborhoodnetworksofsupports(formaland informal)ingeographicareas. October21,2013Page5of120

6 o Adoptingafamilyteamdecisionmakingmodelthatincludesthefamily(andyouthwhereageappropriate)andserviceandsystempartnersconvenedatkeydecisionpointsoverthelifeof thecase. o Defininggeographicareasservingastheprimarycontactandservicecoordinatorforfamilies. o Enhancingservicesorganizedaroundthefamily,siblings,relativeandkinconnections. o Emphasizingreunificationwheneversafeandpossible. o StrengtheningperformancemanagementandqualityimprovementfunctionswithinDHS. Manypublicchildwelfaresystemsnationallyhaveshiftedcasemanagementresponsibilitiesto privateagenciesandareplacingmoreemphasisonpurchasingresultsnotservices.whilethese businesspracticesareimportanttodhs,servicesdeliveredtochildren,youth,andfamiliesmust alsobeanchoredinthecommunitieswhereconsumerslive.theiocinitiativecombinesintensive safetyandqualitypracticeeffortswiththestrengthofcommunitypartnershipsandnetworksthat createawebofsupportforfamilies. Outcomemeasuresinclude,butarenotlimitedto: o Morechildrenandyouthmaintainedsafelyintheirownhomesandcommunities. o Fewerchildrenandyouthexperiencingrepeatmaltreatmentinoneyear. o Fewerchildrenandyouthenteringoutofhomecareinappropriately. o Fewerreentrieswithinoneyearfollowingexittopermanency. Morechildrenandyouthachievingtimelypermanency: o Morechildrenandyouthachievingtimelyreunificationwithinoneyear. o MorechildrenandyouthachievingadoptionorPLCwithintwoyears. o Reductioninnon permanencyoutcomesforyouth. o Reductioninlengthofstay. Reductionintheuseofcongregatecare: o Areductionintheuseofcongregatecare. Improvedchild,youth,andfamilyfunctioning: o Increaseplacementstability. o Morechildrenandyouthplacedintheirowncommunity. o Moresiblingsplacedtogether. o Increasedchild,youth,andfamilyfunctioning(asmeasuredbyidentifiedassessment). o Increaseinparentalprotectivefactorsandchildren ssocialemotionalcompetence. StrengtheningFamilies :Anoverallapproachtopromotingsafety,permanencyandwell being bybuildingprotectivefactorsforfamilies. TheStrengtheningFamiliesProtectiveFactorsFramework,developedbytheCenterfortheStudy ofsocialpolicy,isaresearch informed,cost effectivestrategytoincreasefamilystability,enhance childdevelopmentandreducechildabuseandneglect.itbuildsfiveprotectivefactors: o Parentalresilience. o Socialconnections. o Knowledgeofparentingandchilddevelopment. October21,2013Page6of120

7 o Concretesupportintimesofneed. o Socialandemotionalcompetenceofchildren. StrengtheningFamiliesisbeingusedinstatesacrossthecountrytoenhancethecapacityofchild andfamilyservingprogramstostrengthenfamiliesbybuildingprotectivefactors.strengthening Familieseffortsare: o Activeinover40states. o Shapingservicesandsupportsforfamiliesattheprogram,community,policy,andsystemlevel. o Beingappliedinfieldsasdiverseasearlychildhood,familysupport,childabuseandneglect prevention,homevisiting,publichealth,servicesforfamilieswithspecialneeds,andchild welfaretonameafew. Philadelphia,likeagrowingnumberofchildwelfarejurisdictionsacrossthecountry,hasadopted StrengtheningFamiliesasakeyapproachwithinchildwelfareservices.Thegoalistoensurethat allfamiliesarestrongerbecauseoftheircontactwithchildwelfareservices.childwelfare jurisdictionsadoptingstrengtheningfamiliesfocusonthreestrategies: o Buildingprotectivefactorsforallparentsandothercaregivers. o Addressingtraumaforchildrenandtheirparents. o Focusingonthedevelopmentalneedsofchildrenincare. EachCUAisbeingaskedtointentionallybuildaprotectivefactorsapproachintotheservicesthey providetodhsfamiliesundertheircuacontracts;andserveasadvocatesforaprotectivefactors approachwithintheirlargerservicearrayandwithinthecommunity. ThefollowingGuidelinesrepresenttheDepartment sexpectationsregardingthepracticeand deliveryofservicebythecommunityumbrellaagency. ReturntotheTableofContents October21,2013Page7of120

8 I. Well being OverarchingPrinciples SafetyandPermanencyarenecessaryforchildandyouthwell beingbutnotsufficient. Allchildren,youth,andfamiliesleavethechildwelfaresystemstrongerthanwhenthey entered. Afocusonthesocialandemotionalaspectsofwell beingcansignificantlyimprove outcomesforchildren,youth,andfamiliesreceivingchildwelfareservices. Attentionisplacedonaddressingtraumaandsupportingthearcofthechildoryouth s development. BuildingtheStrengtheningFamilies protectivefactorswithfamiliesisessentialfor promotingtheabilityofallcaregiverstoprovidethetypeofnurturingcarethatis essentialtosupportingchildren swell being. GuidelinesforAllServices IOCOutcomesaddressed:morechildrenandyouthmaintainedsafelyintheirownhomes andcommunities;improvedchild,youth,andfamilyfunctioning. ProtectiveFactors o AllmembersoftheCUACaseTeamfullyunderstandandinfusethe StrengtheningFamilies protectivefactorsintheirworkwithclients. o Eachinteractionwithafamilywillserveasanopportunitytobuildthefamily s protectivefactors. o AllCUAstaffwillprovidestrengths based,family centered,andtraumainformedservicesaspartofthesinglecaseplan(scp). ProtectivefactorswillbeakeycomponentoftheSCPandtheAftercareplanforthe family. Customizedactivities,includingparentcafesandservicestoenhancetheprotective factorsoftheparentorcaregiverandreunificationresource,ifapplicable,willbe includedinthescp. Trauma o Childrenandyouthwillbeassessedfortraumaandattentionwillbepaidto addressingtraumafrompreviousabuseorneglectand/orthetraumarelatedto engagementwiththechildwelfaresystem,especiallyremovalfromhome. CUACaseManagersandSupervisorsmustanticipatethechallengesthatchildren andyouthwhohavebeenabusedandneglectedwillbringwiththemwhenthey enterthechildwelfaresystemandprovideservicestoaddresstheseneedsbefore theybecomesymptomatic. Mentalandbehavioralhealthserviceswillbeprovidedforchildrenwhoneedthem. SupportingDevelopment o Childrenagezerotofivewillbescreenedfordevelopmentaldisabilitiesandreferredfor earlyinterventionassessmentandservicesifrequired. o TheCUASupportTeammustcollaboratewithothercommunityagenciestoensure qualityreferralsandpartnershipinprovidingsupportforreunifyingfamilies. October21,2013Page8of120

9 o Teenparentswhoareinthechildwelfaresystemwillhavefullaccesstoparenting educationservicesandeveryeffortwillbemadetokeeptheirfamiliesintact,including accessingearlychildhoodresourcessuchasearlyheadstartandheadstartfortheir children. SeealsoSectionVIII,Environment;SectionIX,Education;SectionX,PhysicalHealth;Section XI,BehavioralHealth;SectionXII,RecreationandDevelopment;andSectionXIII,Personal Development. ReturntotheTableofContents October21,2013Page9of120

10 II. Safety OverarchingPrinciples Childrenandyouthareprotectedfromabuseandneglect. Childrenandyoutharesafeintheirownhomeswheneverpossible. Childrenandyoutharesafeintheirplacementsetting. GuidelinesforAllServices IOCOutcomesaddressed:morechildrenandyouthmaintainedsafelyintheirownhomesand communities;improvedchild,youth,andfamilyfunctioning. o CompletionofanIn home,andifapplicableout of home,safety Assessment,andifapplicableSafetyPlan,andtheRiskAssessment accordingtotheintervalpolicy. o Whenapplicable,developingandmanagingtheSafetyPlanwiththe parents,caregivers,responsibleparties,kinshipcaregiver,resource parents,andsubcontractors. o Implementationofcustomizedactivitiesandservicestoenhancethe protectivecapacitiesoftheparentorcaregiverandreunification resource,ifapplicable. o Engageinhands onparentinginstructionduringvisitswithparentor caregiverandreunificationresource,ifapplicable. o Discussion,development,andimplementationofaprocesstoselect appropriatebabysittersorrespitecaregivers. o Arrangingforchildcare,outofschooltimeactivities,HeadStart,etc. o AttendingallhearingswhenthefamilyisCourtinvolved. o CompletionofSingleCasePlanaccordingtointervalpolicy. o Managementandmonitoringoftheimplementationoftheactivities outlinedinthesinglecaseplan. o AttendingTeamDecisionMakingMeetingsasscheduled. o Ensuringparents,caregivers,reunification,andvisitingresourcesare awareofwhatconstitutesappropriatedisciplineandaretaught appropriatedisciplinemethods. o Obtaininginformedconsentoftheparenttoshareinformationaboutthe SafetyPlan,parentalcapacity,andneedsofthechildrenandyouthto treatmentproviderstoensurethattheyhaveanunderstandingof specificneedsandexpectedoutcomes. o ReportingallegedincidentsofchildabusetotheDHSHotlineand ChildLine. o Takingorobtaininganidentifyingphotoofeverychildandyouth annually. o Initiatingeffortstolocatemissingchildren,youth,andfamilies immediately,continuinganddocumentingthoseefforts.filingmissing personsreportswithin48hours.contactingthedhsliaisonunitfor computersearchesandreferringtodhspicoordinatorwhenprivate investigatorservicesareneededororderedbythecourt. IfthemissingchildoryouthiscommittedtotheDepartmentandwasin placement,contactmustbemadewiththecourtrepresentativeinthelaw October21,2013Page10of120

11 Departmentwithinonebusinessdaysothattheappropriatemotioncanbefiledto dischargethecommit. October21,2013Page11of120

12 October21,2013Page12of120 SpecificGuidelinesforFormalIn homechildwelfareorchildprotectionservices IOCOutcomesaddressed:morechildrenandyouthmaintainedsafelyintheirownhomesand communities;improvedchild,youth,andfamilyfunctioning. o IfacceptedforserviceattheChildSafetyConferencetheDHSInvestigationWorker mustcompleteareferralandhaveitapprovedwithinthreebusinessdays.thecua beginsservicesuponreceiptofthereferral. o Forfamilieswithidentifiedsafetythreats: Ataminimum,observationofandengagementwithallhouseholdchildren andyouth,whetherornottheyarethechildrenofthecaregiver,eachby themselveswiththecuacasemanager(cm)weeklytoassesstheircurrent situation,safety,needs,well being,andexperience. Minimumofoneweeklyvisitandfocuseddiscussionregardingcompliance withthesafetyplanandprogressinmeetingobjectivesinthesinglecaseplan(scp) bythecuacmwiththeprimarycaregiverinthehome. Ifchildrenandyoutharenotinthephysicalcareofaparentbasedonthe requirementsofasafetyplanandarenotinformalplacement,buttheplanisfor theparenttoresumecare,aminimumofweeklycontactandbi weeklyfacetoface contactbythecuacmandthatparentthatincludesfocuseddiscussionon addressingtheissuesthatmustberesolvedtoreturnthechildrenoryouthtothe careoftheparent. OthervisitsbyCUASupportTeammembers(ataminimum,theteam includesthecuacm,supervisor,outcomesspecialist,aftercareworker,orcase Aide)mustbemadeasrequiredbasedonthethreatsindicatedintheSafety AssessmentandPlanandtheobjectivesoutlinedintheSCP. - Specialconsiderationregardingadditionalvisitsmustbegiventochildrennot enrolledinschool,orwhoaremedicallyfragileorcognitivelyimpaired. MinimumofonevisiteverytwoweeksbytheCUACMwithotherpersonswith caregivingresponsibilities. Minimumofamonthlyvisitwithhouseholdmemberswhodonothavecaregiving responsibilityordocumentationofattemptsatsuchcontactbyacuasupportteam member. Minimumofmonthlycontactswithnon custodialparentswhoarenotinvolvedwith theirchildren,theircare,orinplanningforthemordocumentationofattemptsat suchcontactbyacuasupportteammember. o Forfamilieswithnoidentifiedsafetythreats: Ataminimum,observationofandengagementwithallhouseholdchildrenand youthwhetherornottheyarethechildrenofthecaregiver,eachbythemselves withthecuacmbi weeklytoassesstheircurrentsituation,safety,needs,wellbeing,andexperience. Minimumofonevisiteverytwoweeksandfocuseddiscussionregardingcompliance andprogressinmeetingobjectivesinthescpbythecuacmwiththeprimary caregiverinthehome. OthervisitsbyCUASupportTeammembersmustbemadeasrequiredbasedonthe objectivesoutlinedinthescp. - Specialconsiderationregardingadditionalvisitsmustbegiventochildrennot enrolledinschool,orwhoaremedicallyfragileorcognitivelyimpaired.

13 October21,2013Page13of120 Minimumofamonthlyvisitwithhouseholdmembersandotherswhohave caregivingresponsibilitiesordocumentationofattemptsatsuchcontactbyacua SupportTeammember. Minimumofmonthlycontactswithnon custodialparentsordocumentationof attemptsatsuchcontactbyacuasupportteammember. SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementServices IOCOutcomesaddressed:morechildrenandyouthmaintainedsafelyintheirownhomesand communities;improvedchild,youth,andfamilyfunctioning. o Theplacementenvironmentmustkeepchildrenandyouthsafe fromactivesafetythreats. o Theremustbeaminimumofonevisiteachmonthtotheplacement settingtoseeallchildrenandyouthbytheassignedcuacm.this meetingmustmeettherequirementsthatconstituteaqualityvisitas definedbyocyfbulletintodiscussthecurrentsituationofthechildren oryouth,theirsafety,needs,well being,experience,andconcerns regardingtheircareinthatsetting,andprogresstowardachievingtheir objectivesinthescp. Iftheyouthisinacongregatecaresetting,therealsomustbeadiscussionabout whetheranyrestrictiveproceduresasdefinedinthe3800regulationshavebeen appliedandifsowithwhatfrequency.anyfourrestraintsduringanythree consecutivemonthsrequirethatarestrictiveprocedureplanbedevelopedwiththe subcontractorandthecua.thisplanisthentobeincorporatedintothe subsequentscpreviewandrevision. AdditionalvisitsbytheCUACMormemberoftheCUASupportTeammaybe necessarybasedonthespecificsofthechildren,youth,andplacement.thesevisits mustbedetailedinthesinglecaseplanunlesstheyarebasedonanemergencyor receiptofotherinformationinwhichthecuasupervisorrequiresadditionalvisits. o InitiationofareferraltotheAchievingReunificationCenter(ARC)based onthetimeframesdetailedinthescporwithinthreebusinessdaysofa CourtOrder. SpecificGuidelinesforSeeingandAssessingSafetyandRiskofotherHouseholdChildren andyouthandseeingcaregivers o Forinhomeservicecases,allchildrenandyouthwhoareinthe careoftheidentifiedcaregiveraretoreceiveservicesandbeseen basedonthecuaguidelineswhethertheyarebiologicalchildren ornot. Ifthecaregiverisnotthebiologicalparentofanyofthehouseholdchildrenor youth,thecuasupportteammustworkwiththecaregivertoobtainlegalcustody ofthosechildrenoryouththroughdomesticrelationscourt,ordependencycourtif theydonotalreadyhaveit.thecuacanconsultwiththecourtrepresentativein thelawdepartmentifnecessarytofacilitatethis. TheCUACMorSupportTeammemberisalsoresponsibleforcontactingthe biologicalparentsofthesechildrenandyouthonamonthlybasistoensurethat familyconnectionsaremaintainedwhenappropriate.

14 October21,2013Page14of120 o Forin homeservicecaseswheretherearetwo familyunits livingtogether,therequirementsforcontactsandassessmentof safetyandriskisbasedonwhethereachofthefamiliesare openedandacceptedforservice.iftheyare,itistwoseparate cases,eachrequiringcontactsasdescribedearlier. Ifoneofthefamilyunitsisnotopenandaccepted,thereisnorequirementfor contactorformalassessmentofsafetyandrisk.but,thecuasupportteamare eachmandatedreportersandmustmakeareportaboutthosechildrenoryouthif atanypointtheywitnessorhaveconcernsaboutthechildrenandyouthintheother familyunit. o Forplacementcases,theremaybechildrenandyouthinthehomewhoarenot openoracceptedforservices,thesechildrenandyouthmustbeassessedforsafety andriskeverysixmonthsaspartofthesafetyandriskassessmentprocessto determinewhethertheplacedchildoryouthcanreturnhome. SpecificGuidelinesforSeeingandAssessingSafetyandRiskofSiblingsLivinginOther HomesthantheIdentifiedHome o ItistheresponsibilityoftheDHSInvestigationWorkertoseesiblingswhodonotlive intheidentifiedhomeaboutwhichareportwasmade.iftheotherhouseholdisnot openedandacceptedforservice,thecuasupportteamhasnolegalauthorityto seethoseotherchildrenandyouthandnoresponsibilitytoassesstheirsafetyand risk. SeealsoSectionIV,FamilyTeamDecisionMakingConferences.

15 ReturntotheTableofContents October21,2013Page15of120

16 III. Permanency OverarchingPrinciples Childrenandyouthhavearighttobeplacedwithkin. Childrenandyouthhavearighttobeplacedwiththeirsiblings. Whenchildrenandyouthcannotbeplacedwithkin,theyhavearighttobeplacedwitha resourcefamily,inafamilylikesetting. Childrenandyouthhavearighttobeplacedintheircommunity. Placementsettingwillsupporttheoverallwell beingofchildrenandyouth. Childrenandyouthhavearighttopermanencyandstabilityintheirlivingarrangements. Placementcaregiversmustdeveloppositiverelationshipswithbiologicalfamily. Placementcaregiversmustsupportvisitationandreunification. Placementcaregiversmustbewillingtoconsiderbeingapermanentresourceforchildren andyouthwhocannotbereunified. Allyouthexitingcaredeserveadultlifeconnectionsandsupports. PlacementofChildrenorYouthPriortoCUAInvolvement DHSInvestigationWorkerResponsibilities(duringregularbusinesshours): o IfPresentDangerisidentifiedandcannotbeadequatelycontrolledwithaninhomeSafetyPlan,aSafetyPlanisdevelopedindicatingthatchildrenandyouth areunsafeandthatplacementisnecessary. o TheInvestigationWorkerobtainstheOrderforProtectiveCustody(OPC)from thecourttoassumecustodyandfilesthedependentpetitionwithinthe requiredtimeframes. o TheDHSInvestigationWorkerexploresallfamilymembersandotherkinas potentialresources.ifappropriatekinareidentifiedreferto SpecificGuidelines foremergencykinshipplacements laterinthissection. o Ifnokinareidentified,theDHSInvestigationWorkercompletesareferralforplacement andsubmitsitforapprovalonthedaytheopcisobtained.theinvestigation AdministratorsubmitsittotheappropriateCUAuponapproval. TheCUAisresponsibleforidentifyingtheleastrestrictiveplacement.Itisan expectationthatkinship,andthensubsequentlyresourcecareplacements,are exhaustedpriortoplacinganychildoryouthinacongregatecaresetting. TheDHSInvestigationWorkertransportsthechildrenandyouthtotheCUAorthe placementlocationifoneisidentifiedimmediately.thedhsinvestigationteamand thecuacasemanagementteamworktogetherregardingthesetransportation arrangements. Ajointvisitintheplacementmustoccur,whateverthesetting,onthesamedayof placement. o AtthesametimethereferralismadetotheCUA,notificationisautomaticallysentto thedhsteamingdirectorandateamcoordinatorisassignedtoschedulethesafety Conference,initiatefamilyfinding,andcompleteAccurintsearchesasnecessary. o Thecustodialparentorcaregiverisnotifiedverballyofthelocationofanychild oryouthplacedatthetimeofplacementandinwritingwithinonebusinessday bythedhsinvestigationworkerunlesstherearedocumentedsafetyissuesora CourtOrderthatpreventsthisinformationfrombeingreleased. October21,2013Page16of120

17 CUAResponsibilities: o MeettheDHSInvestigationWorkeratthehomeoftheidentifiedkintoinitiatethe formalapprovalprocessafterdhshasobtainedtheappropriateclearances. o Ifnokinresourcehasbeenidentified,theCUAisresponsibleforlocatingappropriate placement. DHSInvestigationorHotlineWorkerResponsibilitieswhenplacementisneededAFTER regularbusinesshours: o IfPresentDangerisidentifiedandcannotbeadequatelycontrolledwithaninhomeSafetyPlan,aSafetyPlanisdevelopedindicatingthatchildrenandyouth areunsafeandthatplacementisnecessary. o TheInvestigationorHotlineWorkerobtainstheOrderforProtectiveCustody (OPC)viatheHotlineSupervisorandCityHallCommunicationstoassume custody. o Ifkinareidentified,see SpecificGuidelinesforEmergencyKinshipCare laterin thissection. o Ifnokincanbeidentified,theHotlineSupervisornotifiestheappropriateCUA viatheiremergencyon callphonenumberthatanemergencyplacementis needed. o TheDHSInvestigationorHotlineWorkertransportsthechildrenandyouthto DHSandsubsequentlytotheresourcehomeidentifiedbytheCUA. IftheplacementwasdonebytheHotline,uponassignmenttotheDHSInvestigation WorkeraCUAreferralforplacementiscompletedthatbusinessday. SeealsoSectionII,Safety, SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementServices, regardinginitial visits,andsectioniv,familyteamdecisionmakingconferences. PlacementofChildrenorYouthwhentheCUAhadbeenProvidingIn homechildwelfareor ChildProtectionServices CUAResponsibilities: o InsituationswhereaCUACMisprovidingin homeservices,thecuacmisresponsible forassuringtheimmediatesafetyofthechildrenandyouthbyeithercallingthepolice torequestassistancewithimmediateremovalinanemergency,orbycallingthedhs Hotlinetoinitiateaninvestigationwhen: Childrenoryouthareunsafeandcannotbemaintainedsafelyintheirownhome throughtheimplementationofasafetyplan. Anincidentofabuseorneglectoccursandthechildrenoryouthcannotbe maintainedsafelyintheirownhomethroughtheimplementationofasafetyplan. o InsituationswherethePoliceareaskedtointervene,thePolicebringthechildren andyouthto1515archstreet.thecuacmmustaccompanyorfollowthepolice. TheCUAmustnotifytheDHSHotlineoftheimpendingarrival.TheHotlinecreatesa newinvestigationforimmediateassignmentandcallsforopcwhenthepolice arrive. o Ininstanceswherethereissuspicionofabuseorneglect,theCUACMmakesa reporttothedhshotlineat andsubsequentlytoChildLine,as requiredbylaw. October21,2013Page17of120

18 TheHotlineSWSMelicitsinformationfromtheCUACMtocreateareportinFACTS 2 anddetermineiftheallegationsrisetothelevelofrequiringacpsorgps investigation.ifaninvestigationisinitiated,itisassignedtotherepeatabuse SectionofDHS. Insituationswhereaninvestigationiscreated,theHotlineassignstheappropriate ResponseTimewithinwhichDHSwillrespondbasedonDHSPolicy.TheHotline WorkernotifiestheCUACMcallinginthereportoftheanticipatedresponsetime andcreatesareportforinvestigationbythedhsrepeatabusesection.whenever immediateplacementislikely,theresponsetimeisimmediate(within2hours). TheDHSInvestigationWorkermustcoordinatethevisittothehomewiththeCUA CM. TheCUACMcannotremovechildrenoryouth.OncetheDHSInvestigationWorker agreesandobtainsanopc,theinvestigationworkerremovesthechildrenand youth. - Ifthereisadisagreementastowhetherplacementiswarranted,theDHS InvestigationWorkermustimmediatelyconsultwiththeLawDepartmentasto whethertherearegroundstopursueanopc. o IfanOPCisgrantedtheCUACMexploreskintodetermineiftheyareanappropriate placementresourceforanychildrenandyouthunlessotherwiseorderedbythe Court.Ifkinareidentified,theCUACMcontactsDHSInformation,Assessment,and ReferralServices(IARS)LiaisonUnitduringregularbusinesshoursandtheDHS Hotlineafterhourstoobtainallrequiredclearancesandconductsahomeevaluation todetermineifthehomeisappropriate. TheCUASupervisor stheTeamingDirector,Administrator,TeamingSecretary, andthecourtrepresentativesinthelawdepartmentimmediatelyifanopcis grantedandchildrenandyouthrequireplacement.ifthisoccursafterhoursoron theweekendthisnotificationismadethenextbusinessday.itshouldbefollowed upwithaphonecalltotheteamingdirector. o Inthoseinstanceswherenokinareavailable,theCUAidentifiesresourcecare placementortheleastrestrictive,mostappropriateandfamily likeplacement. o TheCUACMnotifiestheDHSTeamingDirectoroftheplacementsotheSafety ConferencecanbescheduledpriortotheDetentionHearing. o Thecustodialparentorcaregiverisnotifiedverballyofthelocationofany childoryouthplacedatthetimeofplacementandinwritingwithinone businessdaybythedhsinvestigationworkerunlessthereare documentedsafetyissuesoracourtorderthatpreventsthisinformation frombeingreleased. Note:Notallinstancesofabuseorneglectrequireplacementbutallrequirethatthe incidentbereportedtothedhshotlineandchildline. SpecificGuidelinesforAllPlacementServices IOCOutcomesaddressed:morechildrenandyouthmaintainedsafelyintheirownhomesand communities;morechildrenandyouthachievingtimelyreunificationorotherpermanence;a reductionintheuseofcongregatecare. October21,2013Page18of120

19 o TheCUAisresponsibleforensuringcompliancewithallapplicablelaws,regulations, bulletinsissuedbythedepartmentofpublicwelfare(dpw)officeofchildren, Youth,andFamilies(OCYF),andpoliciesissuedbyDHS. o Placementofchildrenandyouthoccurthesamedaythatplacementisneeded. Placementsshouldprotectprimaryattachmentsandmaintainchildrenandyouthin theircurrentschoolandcommunitywheneverpossibleandeffortstodosomustbe documented. o EffortstoidentifykinmustbemadebytheDHSTeamCoordinator,theDHS InvestigatingWorkerifanemergencyplacementduringtheinvestigationandthe CUASupportTeamifanemergencyplacementaftercasehand off.allknownkin mustbeexploredaspotentialplacementresources. o Siblingsareplacedtogetherwheneverpossible.Iftheyarenot,effortstodoso mustbedocumentedonanongoingbasis.ifthereisareasonthatsiblingscannot beplacedtogetherthatmustbedocumented.bothmustbeevaluatedatevery PermanencyConference. o TheCUASupportTeamisrequiredandhasalegalobligationtomake reasonableeffortstoensuretimelyreunificationincludingacontinuing responsibilitytoidentifyandovercomebarrierstoreunification,unless otherwiseorderedbythecourt.ifthegoalisotherthanreunification, thecuasupportteammustmakereasonableeffortstoensuretimely permanence.documentationofreasonableeffortsisafindingmadeat allcourthearings. o Atthetimeofplacement,theCUACMisresponsibleforfulldisclosureto parents,youthandthekinshiporresourceparentsabouttheimplications ofplacement.thisdisclosureincludes: Afrankdiscussionwiththechildoryouthregardingtheirpermanencyplanina mannerappropriatetotheirageandmaturity.itisalsoexpectedthatthe behavioral,mental,andphysicalhealthofthechildoryouthaswellastheirbest interestsaretakenintoaccountwhenengaginginthesediscussions. Issuestobediscussedwiththeparentsandchildrenandyouthaspartofafull disclosureprocessinclude: ThecircumstancesthatledtoDHSinvolvementandtheplacement. Thatplacementistemporary. Thatplacementhasemotionalanddevelopmentalimpactsonchildrenand youth. Thatitisimperativethatchildrenoryouthbereturnedtothefamilyassoonas possibleorthatanotherlegallypermanentfamilybefoundforthemassoonas possible. Thelegalrightsandresponsibilitiesoftheparents. Thatitisimportantfortheparentstoshareinformationabouttheneedsofthe childrenandyouthsothatthoseneedscanbemet. Thatitisimportantforchildrenandyouthtoshareinformationabouttheirown needssothatthoseneedscanbemet. Thatitisimportantforallthepartiestoidentifyrelativesorothersignificant adultswhomaybeconsideredasapermanencyresourceandparticipateinthe conferenceandcaseplanningprocess. October21,2013Page19of120

20 Thelegalrightsandresponsibilitiesofthechildrenandyouthincludingtheirright tofileaformalgrievance. Thepermanencyplanningtimeframes. Theidentificationoftheprimaryandconcurrentgoalandtheplanstoachieve bothgoals. Thesupportservicesavailabletohelpthefamily. ThechangesneededandtheexpectationsoftheDepartment,theCUA,andthe Court. Thatiftheydonotmeettheagreedupongoals,thealternativeplanmaybecome theprimarypermanencyplanandthefocusoffutureeffortstowardachieving permanency. Thelegalrequirementtosearchforrelativeswhowouldbeabletocareforthe childrenandyouth(ifanon relativeplacement). Additionalissuestobediscussedwithresourcefamiliesinclude: Theirlegalrightsandresponsibilitiesincludingtheirrighttobeawareofand participateincourthearings. Whatneedstheymayhavetoadequatelyprovideforthechildandwhatsupport servicesareavailabletohelpthem. Thechild sprimarypermanencygoal,i.e.reunification,theimportanceoftheir supportofthatgoalandthattheyareencouragedtoconsiderbecominga permanencyresourceshouldreunificationeffortsfail. ThediscussionofthisfulldisclosuremustbedocumentedintheSPNinECMS. o Theremustbebi weeklyfacetofacevisitswiththeparentorother reunificationresourcetoworkdiligentlyandurgentlytoward reunification.ataminimum,onefacetofacecontactmustbemadeby thecuacasemanagerandoneotherfacetofacecontactwithparentor otherreunificationresourcebyacuasupportteammember.ifthegoal isnotreunification,requiredfrequencyofcontactfacetofaceor otherwiseisoutlinedinthescpandbasedontheprimaryandconcurrent goalofthatplanandanyrequiredact101postadoptionplanning.during thesemeetings,itisexpectedthatthecuawill: Reviewandprioritizetheactualbarrierstheparentorreunificationresourcemust overcometoachievereunificationandaggressivelyassisttheminovercomingthese barriersbytakinganactiveroleinadvocatingandproblemsolving,whichmay includeassistingtheminconcretewayswith:theirhousingsearch;accessing appropriatementalhealthand/ordrugandalcoholtreatment;identifyingand accessingeconomicassistanceprogramsforexamplepublicbenefits,utilityand rentalassistanceprograms;andassistingwithmaterialgoods. Discussprogressmadebyparentandteaminovercomingthesebarriers,develop andconfirmongoingorfutureconcreteplanstoovercomeeachbarrier. Troubleshootanylogisticalorotherproblemsthatparentshaveencounteredin meetinggoals,includingbutnotlimitedto,transportation,childcare,priorcriminal orpoorcredithistories,delays,insurance,etc.thismayincludeprovidingfinancial ordirectservices. Askifanyadditionalsupports,ingeneralorspecifictoachievingreunificationgoals areneeded. October21,2013Page20of120

21 October21,2013Page21of120 Identifystrategiestosupportthebuildingofparentalprotectivefactorsthatwill bothsupportthereunificationgoalandbuildfamilycapacityinwaysthatwill reducethechangeofre entryintothechildwelfaresystem. Assesswhetherallevaluations,services,andtreatmentbeingprovidedtothe familyareeffectiveandappropriateincontentandqualitygiventheactualneeds oftheparticularfamilyandthereasonableeffortsrequirement. Wherefeasible,enrollparents,children,andyouthinservicesandprogramsthat cancontinueorwillbeaccessiblepostreunification,suchasstayingwiththesame mentalhealththerapist. Discusstheimplicationsofthefailureonthepartoftheparentorreunification resourcetocompleteobjectivesinatimelymannerandtherequirementsaround concurrentplanningforchildrenandyouthinplacement. o Ifatthetimeofremoval,theparentorcaregiverwasreceivingTemporary AssistanceforNeedyFamilies(TANF)benefits,amemberoftheCUA SupportTeammustworkwiththeparentorcaregiverfromwhomchildren andyouthwereremovedtoprovidethenecessarydocumentationtothe DPWwhosepolicyallowsforTANFbenefitstobecontinuedwhen reunificationisanticipatedwithinsixmonths. o TheCUACMorcongregatecareprovider,ifsubcontracted,mustexplain tochildrenandyouthinlanguagethatisunderstandableandcleargiven theirageandmentalabilitywhattheirrightsarewhileinplacementand theprocedureforfilingagrievance.resourceparentsandkinship parentsmustalsohavetheserightsexplainedtothemandbewillingto complywithensuringthattheserightsarerespected.childrenandyouth mustalsobegivenawrittencopyoftheirrightsandtheprocedureby whichtheycanfileagrievance.additionally,thismustoccuranytime childrenandyouthmovefromoneplacementtoanother.(seealso SectionVI,FamilyCourtandtheLawDepartment,regardingplacement moves.) Norightguaranteedunderstatutecanbeexcludedfromagencypolicy. Documentationofthisdiscussionanddeliveryofthegrievancepolicymustbemade. o TheCUAisresponsibleforensuringthatallchildrenandyouthreceive threenutritionalmealsandsnacksdailyandthatspecialdietaryor religiousrestrictionsmustberespected.foodisnevertobewithheldas ameansofdiscipline. o TheCUAisresponsibleforprovidingchildrenandyouthwithnew,age appropriate,andseasonalclothing. Allclothingshouldbepurchasednewwiththechildoryouth,whenappropriate, havingchoiceintheselection.allclothingpurchasedisthepropertyofthechildor youth. Purchaseofnecessaryclothingisnevertobewithheldasameansofdiscipline. o DHSTeamCoordinator(TC)providesinformationregardingcontinued FamilyFindingeffortsandtheCUACMfollowsupasnecessaryto determinetheextentofparticipation. Effortstoestablishpaternitymustbemadeforallchildrenandyouthinplacement andcontinuedeffortstoidentifyrelativesmustbemadeforallchildrenandyouthin placement.theseeffortsaredocumentedappropriatelyinecms.

22 o ResourceHomesmustbecertifiedperregulationandmeetrequirements ofanapprovedadoptiveplacement. o ResourceParentsmustbewillingtoworkwiththereunificationresource toensurethatchildrenandyouthcanreunifyinatimelyway.atthe sametime,resourceparentsmustbewillingtoconsiderbeinga permanencyresourceforchildrenandyouthplacedintheircare. o ThebenefitsofSWANServicesmustbeexploredateveryPermanency Conferenceincludingtheinitialoneandthoseafterthatareheldto reviewandrevisethesinglecaseplan.swanreferralsmustbeinitiated basedonocyfpolicy.referralsshouldbemadeassoonaspossible basedontheconcurrentgoalinthesinglecaseplan.referralsaremade throughthedhsswanliaisonunitandmustbemadeinatimelywayso thattheprofilerequestedcanbecompletedwithintherequired timeframes. IfSWANreferralshavenotbeeninitiatedbythesixthmonthofplacement, documentationmustbemadeastowhysuchservicesarenotappropriate. Childprofilesmustbecompletedwithin90daysandfamilyprofileswithin120days fromdateofswanreferral.ifprofilesarebeingcompletedbyanaffiliatethatisnot thecuaitself,effortstoensuretimelycompletionmustbedocumented. TheCUACMandSupervisormustreviewandapproveallSWANdocumentsreceived andsubmittheapprovaltothedhsswanunit. o Servicesandvisitsmustbeprovidedoneveningsandweekendsas necessarytoaccommodatecaregiversandshouldnotinterferewitha childoryouth sschoolattendancewheneverpossible. o Whenappropriate,anindividualizedAftercarePlanmustbeincorporated intothesinglecaseplanforalldischargesfromplacement.thecua mustensurethattheactivitiesandservicesdocumentedintheaftercare Planareimplemented. CUAsmustadviseparentsaboutandconnectparentstopostpermanencyresources (seespecificguidelinesforaftercarebelow). SeealsoSectionII,Safety, SpecificGuidelinesforPlacementServices regardinginitial visits,andsectioniv,familyteamdecisionmakingconferences. SpecificGuidelinesforEmergencyKinshipCarePlacements IOCOutcomesaddressed:morechildrenandyouthmaintainedsafelyintheirownhomesand communities;morechildrenandyouthachievingtimelyreunificationorotherpermanence. o TheCUAmustbepreparedtobringtofullcertificationkinshipcaregiverhomeswhen childrenandyouthhavebeenplacedonanemergencybasisafterinitialverbal clearancesareobtainedandthehomepassestheinitialvisualinspectionenablingthe placementtooccur. o TheCUAmusthavethecapacitytohaveaCUACM,CUASupportTeamMember,CUA FosterCareSpecialist,orsubcontractoravailabletomeetwiththeDHSInvestigation Workeratthehomeofapotentialkinshipcaregiverwithintwohoursofnotificationby thedhssupervisortojointlycompletetheemergencyassessmentwiththedhs InvestigationWorker. October21,2013Page22of120

23 DHSInvestigationWorkerResponsibilities: PriortotheplacementofchildrenandyouthcommittedtotheDepartment,itisthe responsibilityofdhsinvestigationworkersandsupervisorsto: o o Ensurethatthepotentialcaregiveris21yearsofageorolder. Forallhouseholdmembers14yearsofageorolder,includinganypersonwho livesinthehomeatleast30daysormorepercalendaryear,andanyidentified substitutecaregiverscomplete: ObtainwrittenconsentfromeachpersonandgetaverbalChildLineclearance. AtnotimecanchildrenoryouthcommittedtotheDepartmentbeplacedin ahomewhereanyresidentisaperpetratorofafoundedreportofchild abuse. IftheoralChildLineclearancerevealsthatanyhouseholdmemberisa perpetratorofanindicatedreport,childrenandyouthmaynotbeplaced untilwrittenclearancesarereceived. ObtainStatePoliceClearancesfromtheLiaisonUnit.Pendingchargesor convictionsforanyofthefollowingprohibittheplacementinthehome: Criminalhomicide. Causingoraidingsuicide. Drugdeliveryresultingindeath. Aggravatedassault,Aggravatedindecentassault,Indecentassault,or Indecentexposure. Stalking,Kidnapping,orUnlawfulrestraint. Rape,Sexualassault,Involuntarydeviatesexualintercourse,orIncest. Concealingthedeathofachild,Endangeringwelfareofchildren,orDealing ininfantchildren. Felonyprostitutionandrelatedoffenses. Obsceneandothersexualmaterialsandperformances. Corruptionofminors,Sexualabuseofchildren. ConvictionofafelonyoffenseundertheControlledSubstance,Drugand DevicesandCosmeticActwithinthefiveyearperiodimmediatelypreceding theclearancerequest. Theequivalentofanyoftheabovechargesfromotherstates. Theattempt,solicitation,orconspiracytocommitanyoftheoffenseslisted above. ObtainaFACTSclearancefromtheLiaisonUnit. AtnotimecanachildcommittedtotheCYDbeplacedinakinshipcare homeifthereisanactiveinvestigation,activecase,orcurrentcydorjjs placementforanyhouseholdmember.ifthereispriorhistoryofdhs involvementwithanyhouseholdmember,theplacementmayoccurwiththe approvalofthesocialworkadministratoranddirector. IfthecaregiverresidesoutsideofPhiladelphia,arequestforaclearanceof alladulthouseholdmembersmustbemadetothepennsylvaniacounty ChildrenandYouthAgencywheretheyreside. Duringregularbusinesshoursaftertheaboveclearancesrevealnoreasonwhythe assessmentcannotcontinuethedhssupervisorcallsand stheappropriatecua regardingtheemergencykinshipplacementsothatacuacmorotherappropriatecua October21,2013Page23of120

24 TeammemberorsubcontractormembercanbeassignedandmeettheDHSWorkerat thehomewithintwohours. TheDHSInvestigationWorkerandCUAstaffjointly: o Assessthecaregiversphysical,social,andemotionalcharacteristicsandtheir abilitytocareforthechildrenandyouthincludingwhether: Theyhaveanestablishedrelationshipwiththechildrenandyouthortheirparents. Theirageorhealthstatusaffectstheirabilitytoprovidetheappropriatecare. Therearefactorslikeothercommitmentsorotherpersonsdependentonthe caregiverthatmayprohibitthemfromprovidingappropriatecare. Theirownprotectivefactorsandhowtheywillimpacttheirabilitytoprovide nurturingcareforthechildrenandyouth. Theirrelationshipwiththeparentsorperpetratorswilladverselyaffectthesafety ofthechildrenandyouthinthishomeorallowthemtobefurthervictimized. o Completeapreliminaryassessmentofthehome.Thisincludesaphysical inspectionofeveryfloorofthehome.regulationsrequire: Atleastoneflushtoilet,onewashbasinandonebathorshowerwithhotandcold runningwater. Anoperableheatingsystem. Anoperabletelephone. Sleepingareasshallmeetthefollowingcriteria: - Nounsuitableareasuchasahall,stairway,unfinishedatticorbasement, garage,bathroom,eatingarea,closet,shedordetachedbuildingmaybe usedasasleepingareaforchildrenoryouth. - Childrenoftheoppositesexwhoare5yearsofageoroldermaynotshare thesamebedroom. o Identifyanyreasonableconcreteneedswhichwouldnotimpacttheimmediate safetyofanychildrenoryouthweretheytobeplacedinthehome. o Haveadetaileddiscussionwiththepotentialkinshipcaregiversregarding: Theirresponsibilitiestothechildrenandyouthaskinshipcaregivers,particularly disciplinarypractices. Theirresponsibilitiesregardingvisitationwithparentsandothersiblings, particularlyaroundanyvisitstheyarerequiredtosupervise.thisincludestheir understandingthattheymustremainalert,presentandinhearingdistancein theroomwherethevisitoccursthewholetime,andbewillingandableto intercedeifthechildrenoryoutharebeingphysically,sexually,oremotionally abused. Theirfinancialoptionsandotherfactorsimpactingformalkinshipplacementsof childrenandyouthcommittedtothedepartmentincludingongoing DepartmentalandProvideroversight,Courtjurisdiction,theneedfor permanencyplanningandinitialandongoingtrainingrequirements. Theprohibitionregardingsmokinginthehomeoracarwhilethechildrenand youtharepresentanduseofacarseatforthose8andunderorunder50 pounds. TheCUAisonlyabletorejectthepotentialkinshiphomeifanystatutoryrequirementis notfulfilled,unlessitisotherwiseorderedbythecourt.ifthecuarejectsthekinship October21,2013Page24of120

25 homebasedoninabilitytomeetastatutoryrequirement,dhscommittedchildrenand youthmustberemovedfromthehomeimmediatelyunlessthereisanexistingcourt Orderthatprecludesremoval.TheCUAisresponsibleforlocatingappropriate placementintheleastrestrictivesettingnecessarytomeettheneedsofthechildren andyouth. o Itisonlyaftertheabovetasksarecompleted,thehomeandhouseholdmembers passrequirementsandaredocumentedbythedhsworker sandkinshipcaregiver s signaturesandinitialsontheassessmentformthatchildrenandyouthcommittedto thedepartmentmaybeplacedthere. o Noticeofrejectionasanemergencykinshipplacementmustbesenttothecaregiver bydhsifthedeterminationismadeatthepreliminarylevelorbythecuaifthe denialismadesubsequently. AllassessmentactivitiesaredocumentedinECMSbytheDHSInvestigationWorker. o TheDHSWorkermustscananduploadtheEmergencyKinshipPacketdocuments intotheassessmentfolderinecmswithinonebusinessdayoftheemergency placement. o TheCUAPlacementreferralmustsubsequentlybecompletedbytheDHSWorkeror SupervisorandapprovedandsubmittedtotheCUAbytheAdministratorwithinone businessdayifthisisanewcasetothecua. Ifanemergencykinshipplacementoccurredafterhoursandwascompletedbythe Hotline,uponassignmenttotheInvestigationUnit,theDHSSupervisorcallsand s theappropriatecuaregardingtheemergencykinshipplacementsothatacuacmor otherappropriateteammembercanbeassigned.thedhsinvestigationworkerand CUATeammemberaretoarrangetomeetinthekinshiphomethedayitisassigned. AllassessmentactivitiesaredocumentedinECMSbytheDHSInvestigationWorker. o TheDHSWorkermustscananduploadtheEmergencyKinshipPacketdocuments intotheassessmentfolderinecmswithinonebusinessdayoftheemergency placement. o TheCUAPlacementreferralmustbecompletedbytheDHSWorkerorSupervisor withinonebusinessdayifthisisanewcasetothecua. CUA ContactandInformationforNotificationRegardingEmergencyPlacement WhentheDHSSupervisorcallsand stheCUAregardinganEmergencyKinship Placement,thesubjectlineofthe shouldread EmergencyKinshipAssessment Required. o The shoulddetailthenameandcontactinformationoftheDHSWorkeraswell asthenameofpotentialkinshipcaregivers,theiraddressandcontactinformation andwhetherthedhsworkerisatthehomenoworwhentheyareexpectedtobe there. TheCUAisrequiredtorespondwithintwohoursunlessanalternativetimeisagreed upon. OngoingCUAResponsibilities: October21,2013Page25of120

26 TheCUAisresponsibleforobtainingalocationcodeforthehomefromtheDHSData ServicesUnit,whichwillalsoprocesstheserviceauthorizationforthechildrenand youthplacedthere. FormalkinshipcaregiversforchildrenandyouthcommittedtoDHSmustmeetallthe statutoryandregulatoryrequirements,andcydpolicy. o Temporaryapprovalisgrantedforupto60days. o PlacementofCYDcommittedchildrenandyouthinthehomeofkinmaynotextend 60dayswithoutreceiptofwrittenChildLine,StatePoliceandFBIclearances.Child abuseclearancesfromanyotherstatewherethehouseholdmembershave residedwithinthepast5yearsmustalsobeobtained. o AwaiverofaparticularrequirementmayberequestedfromtheStateinwritingif therequestdoesnotthreatenthehealthorsafetyofthechildrenandyouth. Inallcases,eitherrequirementshavebeenmetorawaivergrantedbythe60th dayorthechildrenandyouthmustberemovedfromthehomeunlessthereis acourtorderstatingotherwise. TheCUAisresponsibleforcompletingathoroughevaluationadheringtoallregulatory requirements,obtainwrittenclearances,andobtainwhatevermaybereasonably necessaryforthehometobefullycertified. o TheCUAisresponsibleforrequestinganywaiverincludingawaiverofthe regulatorylimitofatotalofsixchildrenandyouthinanyhome. o TheapprovedResourceFamilyProfilemustbeusedtodocumenttheevaluationand certificationprocess. Ifchildrenandyouthareplacedinnon kinresourcehomesandkinareidentified,itis theresponsibilityofthecuatoexploretheidentifiedkinasaresource.understate regulation,innon emergencysituations,thekinshiphomemustbefullycertifiedbefore anychildrenoryouthcanbemovedthereunlessorderedbythecourt. SpecificGuidelinesforEmergencyShelterPlacement(TBD) SpecificGuidelinesforVisitation IOCOutcomeaddressed:morechildrenandyouthachievingtimelyreunificationorother permanence. o Thefrequencyanddurationofvisitswithreunificationresources, concurrentplanresources,andsiblingsmustbeasliberalas possiblefromthetimeofplacement.wheneverpossible, visitationshouldbeweeklybuttheopportunityforparentaland siblingvisitationcannotbelessthantwicemonthlyunless otherwiseprohibitedorspecifiedbycourt.specialattention mustbemadetoensurethatfrequentvisitationisinplacefor infantsandtoddlerstoensurethatcriticalbondingand attachmentbetweenparentandchildisfacilitated. o Thevisitationplanmustbediscussedandagreeduponduringthe PermanencyConference.Itshouldbeaccommodatingtotheschedulesof October21,2013Page26of120

27 thereunificationresource,children,andyouthandincludeweekendsor eveningsorbothwhereneeded. o CUAsortheirsubcontractors,ifapplicable,mustensureparentshave adequateresourcestohavesuccessfulvisitsandattendthemiftheyare notinthehome.thismayincludetransportation,food,diapers,etc. o Wheneverchildrenoryouthareplacedorreplaced,avisitmust occurwiththemandtheparentfromwhomtheywereremoved assoonaspossibleandnolaterthantwobusinessdays. o Anintroductorymeetingbetweentheresourceparentorthe facilitystaffandtheparentsmustalsooccurwithinfivebusiness daysoftheplacementorreplacement. o Resourceparentsshouldcommunicatewiththeparentsorother reunificationresourcesregularlyandatleastmonthlyaboutthe childrenoryouthoutsideofregularlyscheduledvisits.itis particularlyimportantforresourceparentstoregularlyupdate theparentsorotherreunificationresourceonthechildoryouth s developmentalprogressandanydevelopmentalissuesof concern. o Siblingsaretobeplacedtogetherwheneverpossible.When siblingsarenotabletobeplacedtogether,visitsaretooccur betweenthesiblingsbi weeklyataminimumunlessotherwise directedbycourtorder. o Wheneverpossiblevisitsmustbe: Inthehomeofthereunificationresourceunlessthereiscleardocumentationinthe SCPvisitationplanorinaStructuredProgressNoteastowhythiscannotoccur.If otherthanthehomeofthereunificationresource,visitsmustbeinafamily likeand family friendlyvisitationspacethatallowsfornormalparent childinteraction, ideallyinthehomeofarelativeorresourceparent.ifsuchhomeisnotavailable, visitsshouldoccuratacommunitylocationfamiliartothechild,youthorparent (suchasarecreationcenter,playground,orchurch).theoptionoflastresortisa family friendlyareainthecua.inordertomovefromthebestoptioninthe hierarchytoaloweroption,thehigheroptionmustberuledoutandthereasonsfor rulingitoutmustbeclearlydocumentedinthescp.whenvisitsarenotinthe home,aprogressionplanforvisitsinthehomemustbeconsideredatthe PermanencyConferenceandincludedinthevisitationplanoftheSCPbasedonthat discussion. Supervisedonlyifnecessarybasedonclearthreatstothesafetyofchildrenand youthorcourtorder.personssupervisingvisitsshouldensuresafetyandprovide unobtrusiveconstructivefeedbackandcoachingonparenting. Accommodatingtotheschedulesofthereunificationresource,children,andyouth. Structuredinsuchawaytoprovideopportunitiesforparentstolearnandpractice newparentingskills. SpecificGuidelinesforSpecializedBehavioralHealthResourceHomePlacements Youthrequiringspecializedbehavioralhealthresourcehomeplacementsmustbeplaced withkinshiporresourceparentswhohavebeenappropriatelytrainedtomeettheneedsof October21,2013Page27of120