Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 016 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Division 15 - Children and Family Services
Rule 016.15.13-011 - POLICIES III-B - NOTIFICATION OF RELATIVES AND FICTIVE KIN WHEN A CHILD IS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY; VI-A - OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT CRITERIA; VI-B - CONSIDERATION OF RELATIVES AND FICTIVE KIN FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE; VII-A - FOSTER HOME PURPOSE AND ROLES; VII-C - FOSTER HOME ASSESSMENT PROCESS; VIII-G - FOSTER PARENT, PROVISIONAL FOSTER PARENT, AND RELATIVE ADOPTION; VIII-DEVELOPMENT OF ADOPTIVE HOMES; PROCEDURES III-F1, VIII-I1; APPENDIX 8; PUB-22 - Standards of Approval for Foster and Adoptive Homes; PUB-30 - Foster Parent Handbook; Forms CFS-323-B, CFS-341, CFS-475-A, CFS-475- C
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
I POLICY lll-B: NOTIFICATION OF RELATIVES AND FICTIVE KIN WHEN A CHILD IS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY BY THE DIVISION
According to state and Federal law, (Act 1311 of 2009 and section 471(a)(31) of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008), the Division shall exercise due diligence to identify and provide notice to all adult grandparents and other adults who are related to the child transferred to the custody of the Division within the third degree of kinship by virtue of blood, adoption, or marriage. Additionally, the Division will provide notice to any other adult relatives suggested by the parents of the child. Per A.C.A. § 9-28-107, the Division may provide notice of a child transferred to the custody of the Division to fictive kin which are persons who have a strong, positive emotional tie to the child and have a positive role in the child's life but are not related by blood, adoption, or marriage. The Division will, on a continuing basis, seek out for the purpose of identifying potential opportunities for permanency, persons with whom the child has meaningful relationships. The Division will document its attempts to provide notice in court reports.
PROCEDURE lll-Bl: Notice to Relatives and Fictive Kin
Notices
A. The Family Service Worker will provide notice using CFS-323-A: Notice to Adult Relatives by Blood, Adoption, or Marriage that a Child Has Been Taken into DCFS Custody to all adult relatives by blood, adoption, or marriage within the third degree of kinship, as well as any other adult relatives suggested by the parents of the child.
B The notice shall be provided within 30 days after the child is transferred to the custody of the Division. Notices shall be sent to additional persons of interest who are identified at any point in time during the child's stay in foster care until permanency is achieved.
It is not mandatory that this notice be sent. However, if it is determined that the relative may have a meaningful relationship with the child and the charge, conviction or true finding is such that the relative is not considered to pose a threat to the child, the notice may be sent.
C. In the Document Tracking Screen in CHRIS, select the CFS -323-A or CFS-323-B, as appropriate, and enter the following information:
D. The Family Service Worker shall contact by phone any individual to whom CFS-323-A or CFS-323-B was sent within 5 working days of sending the notification. During the phone conversation, the Family Service Worker should more fully explain the options that the specific individual may have in terms of providing a temporary home for or otherwise staying in contact with the child who was taken into DHS custody.
E. Document the date and time of all phone contact attempts (whether successful or unsuccessful in speaking with the individual) and the result of each attempt in the CHRIS contacts screen.
F. If, after three attempts of trying to reach an individual to whom CFS-323-A or CFS-323-B was sent, the Family Service Worker is unable to reach him or her, the Family Service Worker may cease trying to contact the individual.
G. If the individual indicates interest in providing support to the child, enter, as appropriate, the following information on the Relative Interest Tab (selecting the child and the relative) or Fictive Kin Interest Tab, as applicable, within the Court Report Screen in CHRIS:
Court Reports
The FSW will:
A. Include the following information in the CFS-6011: Court Report:
&[GREATER THAN]a) Whether fictive kin is interested in becoming a provisional foster parent or foster parent of the child, '
EXCERPTS: POLICY Vl-A AND RELATED PROCEDURES POLICY Vl-A: OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT CRITERIA
| 089/2013i
The state shall check all appropriate child abuse and neglect registries for information on any prospective foster | or adoptive parent and any household member age J.44Q and up living in the home before the prospective parent may be finally approved for placement of that child. This will be done regardless of whether foster care maintenance payments or adoption assistance payments are to be made on behalf of the child. The state shall also request any other state in which a prospective parent or any household member age ,104 and up has resided in the preceding fivefe years to check any child abuse and neglect registry it maintains for such information. The state will comply with any request received from another state to check its own child abuse and neglect registry.
In addition, a child in the custody of the Department shall not be placed in an approved home of any foster or | adoptive parent unless all household members 18) and one-half years of age and older, excluding children in foster care, have had an Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check.
A child in the custody of the Department shall also not be placed in an approved home of any foster or adoptive parent unless all household members 18) and one-half years of age and older, excluding children in foster care, have a fingerprint-based FBI Criminal background Ccheck l BI.
In all custodial placements by DCFS, preferential consideration will be given to an adult relative over a nonrelated caregiver if the relative caregiver meets all relevant child protection standards and it is in the best interest of the child to be placed with the relative caregiver. All potential out-of-state relative placements will be given the same opportunity as in-state relative placements to choose to become foster homes.
In order to assist in placing the child with an appropriate relative, the court will order the parent(s) to provide the necessary information to the Department to locate appropriate relatives:
A. The names, addresses, and phone numbers of any relatives who may be placement resources for the child;
B. The names, addresses, and phone numbers and other identifying information on any putative father(s) of the child;
C. Any information regarding possible membership or descent from an Indian tribe;
D. Information necessary to determine financial eligibility for services or foster care.
If the relative meets all relevant child protection standards and it is in the child's best interest to be placed with | the relative caregiver, the FSW shall discuss with the relative the following two options for placement of the child in the relative's home:
A. The relative becoming a DCFS provisional foster home prior to becoming a regular DCFS foster home (if the relative opts to have his or her home opened as a provisional foster home, the relative shall not be paid a board payment until the relative is opened as a regular foster home); or
B. The relative obtaining legal custody of the child.
EXCERPTS: POLICY Vl-A AND RELATED PROCEDURES
For more information on these placement options, refer to Policy Vl-B: Consideration of Relatives for Children in Foster Care.
Fictive kin to the child may be an appropriate placement option for a child provided the individual meets all relevant child protection standards and it is in the child's best interest to be placed with fictive kin. Fictive kin are defined as persons not related by blood or marriage but who have a strong, positive emotional tie to the child, and have a positive role in the child's life such as, godparents, neighbors, or family friends. If an appropriate ffictive kin lewtis identified as a placement option for a child, Ue-er sl ll l the FSW shall discuss with the fictive kin the following two options for placement of the child in the fictive kin's home:
A. The fictive kin becoming a DCFS provisional foster home prior to becoming a regular DCFS foster home (if the fictive kin opts to have his or her home opened as a provisional foster home, the fictive kin shall not be paid a board payment until the fictive kin is opened as a regular foster home): or
B. The fictive kin, obtaining legal custody of the child.________________________________________________
The child shall remain in a licensed or approved foster home, shelter, or facility, or an exempt child welfare agency as defined at A.C.A. § 9-28-402(12), until:
Placement or custody of a child in the home of a relative or other person shall not relieve the Department of its responsibility to actively implement the goal of the case.
The court may order a child to remain in a placement if the court finds the placement is in the best interest of the child (with the exception that the court shall not order a child to remain in a placement in a foster home that has been closed or suspended by a child placement agency) after hearing evidence from all parties. The court shall not specify a particular provider for placement or family services, when DHS is the payer or provider; however, the court may order a child to be placed into a licensed approved placement (.i.e., no child shall be placed in a foster home that have been closed or suspended by a child placement agency) after a hearing where the court makes a finding that it is in the best interest of the child based on bona fide consideration of evidence and recommendations from all the parties.
If the court orders a child to be placed into a licensed approved placement as outlined above, a IV-E eligible child may still remain IV-E claimable. However, if the court orders a child into a specific placement and it is determined that the court did not make a finding based on bona fide consideration of evidence and recommendations from all parties a IV-E eligible child's IV-E claimability may be affected.
If the health or welfare of a child is in immediate danger while in a court-ordered placement the Division may immediately remove the child from the court-ordered placement. If the Division must move a child from a court-ordered placement due to the health or welfare of a child being in immediate danger, the Division shall notify all parties within 24 hours of the change in placement. Regarding this type of placement change, a hearing may be requested by a party to the case, and the hearing shall be held within five business days of receiving the request.
EXCERPTS: POLICY Vl-A AND RELATED PROCEDURES
PROCEDURE Vl-Al: Initial Out-of-Home Placement Determination
098/2013i
The Family Service Worker (FSW) will:
A. Contact the OCC Attorney immediately if there is any indication that the child is a member of an Indian tribe.
B. Consider placement with appropriate relatives ,and/or fictive kin-t li.
The child is in the custody of the Division, therefore, the child shall remain in an approved foster home or licensed shelter or facility until a relative ,or fictive kin's' home is opened as a provisional home. If potential relative .and/.or fictive kin placements for foster care are identified, complete CFS-450: Provisional Foster Home Referral, submit to the appropriate Resource Worker, and refer to Policy Vl-B: Consideration of Relatives ,and Fictive Kin for Children in Foster Care and related procedures for more information.
-----Consider appropriate relatives .and/or fictive kin who are interested in obtaining legal custody of the«-
juvenile if identified relatives,and/or fictive kin are not interested in becoming a provisional foster home. Refer to Policy Vl-B: Consideration of Relatives .and Fictive Kin for Children in Foster Care and related procedures for more information.
C.
-If a potential placement with an appropriate relative tor fictive kin, is identified (as either a potential provisional foster home/approved foster home or as a relative who is interested in obtaining legal custody of the juvenile), refer to Policy Vl-B: Consideration of Relatives,and Fictive Kin, for Children in Foster Care and related procedures.
E. lf identified relatives and/or fictive kin are not interested in becoming provisional foster parents or obtaining legal custody of the child, talk with them about otherwise maintaining contact with the chilcP (e.g., visits, transporting). 6;F. If there are no viable placements with appropriate relatives .or fictive kin at the time placement is needed, select an available foster home or other out-of-home placement that will serve the child's best interest (see Policy III: Services Case Opening and related procedures for information regarding opening an out-of-home services placement case). | feG. Continue to discuss with and/or support appropriate relatives' and/or appropriate fictive kin's interest in maintaining connections with the child and/or becoming a DCFS foster home throughout the life of the case if such actions are in the child's best interests.
PROCEDURE VI-A3: Placement of Infants Born to Incarcerated Mothers
| 089/2013i
The Division of Children and Family Services will accept referrals from the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) social worker seeking to find appropriate placements for infants born to incarcerated mothers. If the infant has a legal father, DCFS will not take any action unless the legal father refuses to assume responsibility for the child. The ADC social worker will refer the case to DCFS if the female inmate is unable to identify anyone who meets specific ADC guidelines for the assumption of care for the infant.
| After referral by the ADC social worker, the DCFS Family Service Worker (FSW) will:
EXCERPTS: POLICY Vl-A AND RELATED PROCEDURES
A. Visit with the mother and discuss possible placements for the child. Options include placement with a family member, a non-family member, or custody placed with DHS.
B. Inform the mother of applicable Minimum Licensing Requirements and DCFS £policy if a provisional or regular foster placement with a family or a regular foster placement with a non-family member with custody placed with DHS is being considered. Any foster or adoptive placement with a family or non-family member, wherein DHS is the custodian, must meet the same child welfare licensing requirements as a regular foster home prior to the child being placed in the home as defined at A.C.A. § 9-28-402.
C. Inform the mother that a home study must be completed on any family or non-family member who is being considered to take full custody of the infant.
D. When applicable, begin the process for opening any identified family member as a provisional foster home or any identified non-family member as a regular DCFS foster home (see Policy Vl-B: Consideration of Relatives for Children in Foster Care and Policy VII: Development of Foster Homes for more information).
E. When applicable, conduct a home study on the requested placements where consideration for custody is with a family or non-family member, but not with DHS.
F. Petition the court for custody to be given to DHS for placement when the child is born. The court will assess each case individually and will have a range of options for disposition:
I POLICY Vl-B: CONSIDERATION OF RELATIVES AND FICTIVE KIN FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
089/2013
"Relative" means a person within the fifth degree of kinship to the child by virtue of blood or adoption. In all custodial placements by the Department of Human Services in foster care or adoption, preferential consideration shall be given to an adult relative over a nonrelated caregiver if the relative caregiver meets all relevant child protection standards and it is in the best interest of the child to be placed with the relative caregiver. If these provisions are met, the Department shall discuss with the relative the following two options for placement of the juvenile in the relative's home:
Per A.C.A. § 9-27-354, placement or custody of a juvenile in the home of a relative shall not relieve the Department of its responsibility to actively implement the goal of the case.
."Fictive kin" means a person not related to a child by blood or marriage, but who has a strong, positive, emotional tie to a child and has, a positive role in a child's life. If there are no available and/or appropriate relatives within the fifth degree of kinship to the child, then DCFS shall attempt to identify appropriate fictive kin, to include people beyond the fifth degree of kinship by virtue of blood or adoption, as a placement option for the child. If the fictive kin meets all relevant child protection standards and it is in the best interest of the child to be placed with the fictive kin, the Department shall discuss with the fictive kin the following two options for placement of the juvenile in the relative's home:
The juvenile shall remain in a licensed or approved foster home, shelter, or facility, or an exempt child welfare agency until the relative ,or fictive kin's' home is opened as a regular foster home or the court grants custody of the juvenile to the relative .or fictive kin after a written approved home study is presented to the court.__________
If the relative pr fictive kin chooses to obtain legal custody of the juvenile, a protective services case must be opened on the child and a case plan developed to establish permanency for the child. The Division must provide services similar to the services that would have been provided if the child was placed in foster care, and the case plan must address these services. For example, the child's health, education, and/or counseling needs should be addressed in the case plan. Relatives and fictive kin have the option of obtaining permanent custody or guardianship if all efforts toward reunification are exhausted and/or to achieve case plan goals for permanency. If the court grants permanent custody, or guardianship is granted, the protective services case will be closed.
If Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) is an option for the case, the relative pr fictive kin -is eligible to adopt the child and can receive services identified in Policy Vlll-I: Adoption Subsidy and related procedures, if the child is eligible.
PROCEDURE Vl-Bl: Provisional Foster Home Placement for Children in Foster Care
098/2013
The Family Service Worker will:
A. Ask the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) from whom custody was removed to provide information on | appropriate relatives .and fictive kin to include, as available (if not already provided):____________________
Complete CFS-450: Provisional Foster Home Referral and provide to the local Resource Worker immediately,
C. Keep the Resource Worker informed of any changes to the child's need for a provisional placement and any other relevant information.
D. Ensure that the Resource Worker conducts a review of the prospective provisional home to include:
F. .Based on the results of the background checks listed above, begin the process for requesting any)necessary Alternative Compliances or DCFS Policy Waivers, if applicable.
G. If the provisional foster home placement appears viable, interview the child, if age appropriate, to assess j how the child may feel about placement with the relative and make individualized placements on a case-by-case basis in the best interest of the child.
H Collaborate with the Resource Worker to evaluate:
I. If, after the Resource Worker has completed all necessary steps to open the family as a«j
provisional home (see below for more information), it is determined that placement with the family is in the best interest of the child:
.Child Welfare System.
____________________________________________________________________*
J. Complete the CFS-6024: Permanency Planning Hearing Court Report and submit to the FSW Supervisor for review and approval.
K. If approved by the FSW Supervisor, submit CFS-6024: Permanency Planning Hearing Court Report to the OCC attorney, CASA, and all other required parties within 14 days prior to any Permanency Planning Hearing scheduled forthe case.
L. Hold staffings, as needed, in accordance with Procedure IV-Bl]_-(Case Staffings) and update the CFS-6009:
FamilyStrengths, Needs, and Risk Assessment (FSNRA) and CFS-6010: Case Plan.
M. Invite the Adoption Specialist to the staffing when appropriate.
N. Conduct a staffing to discuss closure when appropriate.
The Resource Worker will:
A. Process any received CFS-450: Provisional Foster Home Referral by (see Procedure Vll-Cl: Background Check Processing for more information):
DCFS Central Office, and the results, including qualification or disqualification, will be forwarded to the Resource Worker for inclusion in the applicarrttieft file; see Procedure Vll-Cl for forms which must be completed); and
B. Explain to the relativefe/fictive kin that, if opened as a provisional foster home, they will not receive a board payment until they are opened as a fully approved DCFS Foster Home which must occur within six6 months of being opened as a provisional foster home.
C. Explain to thefaffHJy-.relative/fictive kin other processes related to becoming a provisional and, ultimately,
a regular DCFS foster home (see Policy VII: Development of Foster Homes and related procedures).
D. Keep the child's FSW informed of progress and/or any challenges to opening the relative as a provisional foster home.
E. Collaborate with the child's FSW to evaluate:
F. If the relative/fictive kin and relative/fictive kin's home are appropriate to open as a provisional foster home, complete CFS-452: Provisional Foster Home Verification and CFS-474: Provisional Foster Home Checklist with the family and file in the provider record.
G. Return a copy of the completed CFS-450 to the child's FSW regardless of whether or not the relative/fictive kin's home is opened as a provisional foster home.__________________________________________
H Enter the relative into CHRIS as a Provider opening two placement services: Provisional (Relative) Placement (No Board) Service, and Foster Family Home Service. The Provisional (Relative) Placement (No Board) Service must be quickly approved (once the necessary requirements are received), while the Foster Family Home Service has Applicant Status awaiting compliance (all required checks, certifications and training) for approval. In CHRIS, the relative will have only one Provider Number showing two services provided by the family.
I. .Enterfictive kin into as a Provider opening two placement services: Provisional (Fictive Kin,) Placement (No Board) Service, and Foster Family Home Service. The Provisional (Fictive Kin.) Placement (No Board) Service must be quickly approved (once the necessary requirements are received), while the Foster Family Home Service has Applicant Status awaiting compliance (all required checks, certifications and training) for approval. In CHRIS, the fictive, will have only one Provider Number showing two services provided by the family.
J. Request any necessary policy waivers and/or alternative compliances to waive non-safety standards for the relative/fictive kins prior to referring tbem-to training.______
K. Refer to Policy VII: Development of Foster Homes, to continue with the process of opening the provisional foster home as a regular DCFS foster home.
L. Support the relative/fictive kin throughout the process of becoming a provisional and regular DCFS foster home.
M. Assess the situation with the FSW and Supervisor(s) if the relative does not come into compliance within sixC months of the placement of the child in the home.
The FSW Supervisor will:
A. Conference with and support the FSW on the case as necessary.
B. Review and approve CFS-6024: Permanency Planning Hearing Court Report.
The Resource Worker Supervisor will:
A. Conference with and support the Resource Worker as necessary regarding opening the provisional foster home.
PROCEDURE VI-B2: Relative and Fictive Kin Custody for Children in Foster Care
089/2013
The Family Service Worker will:
A. Ask the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) from whom custody was removed to provide information on appropriate relatives to include, as available (if not already provided):
B. If appropriate relatives cannot be identified or are otherwise not able to serve as a placement resource,
ask the parentis) or legal guardian(s) from whom custody was removed to provide information on
appropriate fictive kin to include, as available (if not already provided):
C. Interview the child, if age appropriate, to assess how the child may feel about placement with a specific relative,or fictive kin.___________
D. __Complete the home study, to include Central Registry Checks, State Police Criminal Background Checks,
and Vehicle Safety (DMV) Program Checks,-on all applicable household members, on the relative,or fictive kin and submit to the FSW Supervisorfor review and approval.
E. .Based on the results of the background checks listed above, request any necessary DCFS Policy W,aivers.
F. If FSW Supervisor approval is attained, submit the home study to the court with the recommendation to place the child with the relative .or fictive kin so that the relative .or fictive kin may obtain legal temporarycustody.
G. Open a protective services case on the child if the court grants temporary custody to the .relative or fictive kin.
H. Schedule a staffing within 30 days of opening the protective services case.Invite the child's parents, relatives, the child (if age appropriate) and community providers as appropriate.
During the staffing these individuals will determine the permanency goal for the child: reunification, permanent custody with the relative, guardianship, or adoption.
J. Complete or update the CFS-6009: Family Strengths, Needs, and Risk Assessment (FSNRA) within 30 days of opening the protective services case and submit to the FSW Supervisorfor review and approval.
K. Develop or update the CFS-6010: Case Plan within 30 days of opening the protective services case and submit to the FSW Supervisor for review and approval. |
L. Complete the CFS-6024: Permanency Planning Hearing Court Report and submit to the FSW Supervisorfor review and approval.
M After receiving approval from the FSW Supervisor for the CFS-6024: Permanency Planning Hearing Court Report, submit to the OCC attorney within 14 days prior to any Permanency Planning Hearing scheduled forthe case.
N. Submit the CFS-6024: Permanency Planning Hearing Court Report to OCC, CASA and all parties no later than 14 days before the scheduled Permanency Planning Hearing.
O. ____Hold staffings, as needed, in accordance with Procedure IV-Bl:Case Staffings and update the CFS-6009: Family Strengths, Needs, and Risk Assessment (FSNRA) and CFS-6010: Case Plan.
P Invite the Adoption Specialist to the staffing when appropriate.
Q. __Conduct a staffing to discuss closure when appropriate.
The FSW Supervisor will:
A. Review and approve the home study.
B. Review and approve the CFS-6009: Family Strengths, Needs, and Risk Assessment (FSNRA) within 30 days of the FSW opening the protective services case.
C. Review and approve the CFS-6010: Case Plan within the 30 days of the FSW opening the protective services case.
D. Review and approve the CFS-6024: Permanency Planning Hearing Court Report prior to the FSWs submission of this report to the OCC attorney.
E. Conference with and support the FSW on the case as necessary.
The Adoption Specialist will:
I EXCERPT: POLICY Vll-A
VII. DEVELOPMENT OF FOSTER HOMES
POLICY Vll-A: FOSTER HOME PURPOSE AND ROLES
048/2013i
The development of quality foster homes is a process essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of children | in care while concurrently supporting children's permanency goals.- The foster family is part of a team also comprised of DCFS, the child in foster care, the custodial/non-custodial parents and other appropriate community members. When these team members cooperate and understand their own and each other's- roles, the quality of the experience for everyone is increased and the well-being of the child and his or her family is positively affected.
There are two types of DCFS foster homes: Provisional Foster Homes and Regular Foster Homes.
Provisional foster homes are identified and recruited by the Family Service Worker, who, in an effort to preserve | family connections and expedite placement, may seek to place a child in foster care with a relative or fictive kin. "Relative" means a person within the fifth degree of kinship by virtue of blood or adoption (see POLICY Vl-A) if one has been identified and is appropriate. "Fictive kin" means a person not related by blood or marriage, but who has a strong, positive, emotional tie to a child and has a positive role in the child's life if one has been identified and is appropriate.
The purpose of opening a provisional foster home is to enable DCFS to make an expedited placement for a child | with a relative .or fictive kin with whom a bond already exists. -Therefore, a provisional home may be opened before the results of the FBI Background Check are received, before the provisional foster parents have completed the pre-service training, and before a full home study is finished (however a visual inspection of the home is required before placement in a provisional home). These are the only differences in initial approval | requirements, including JVIfwinimum .licensing Standards, between provisional foster homes and regular foster homes in Arkansas.
Once opened as a provisional home, DCFS staff works with the foster parents in that home to bring them into full compliance within a six month period. -Provisional foster homes that are not in full compliance at the end of six months must be closed and the child(ren) removed, unless the relative has acquired custody.
During the period of time that the home is on provisional status, a foster care board payment is not provided. However, provisional foster parents may apply for and receive benefits for which the relative is entitled due to the placement of the child in the home (e.g., SNAP). Provisional foster homes may also receive child support or any federal benefits (e.g., SSA) paid on behalf of the child,, as applicable.____________________________________
-If the home is opened as a regular foster home, a foster care .board payment will then be provided to help support the needs of the child placed in the home. However, if the home received any child support and/or any federal benefits pain on behalf of the child while the home was on provisional status, those child support payments and/or federal benefits must then be transferred to the Division to reimburse the state for foster care board payments and other expenses as appropriate-Once opened as a fully approved foster home, the foster parents may then request to care for children who are not related or not fictive kin l children in foster care with the understanding that additional
EXCERPT: POLICY Vll-A
evaluation of their home would be required to ensure that it would be an appropriate placement for children who are not related or not fictive kin to the foster parentis), ll.
DCFS is licensed to approve foster homes. Regular Foster Homes are approved foster homes that may provide care for both related and non-related children. In addition, a Regular Foster Home may also serve, if desired, as
an informal respite home. -An informal respite home is an approved DCFS foster home that can provide temporary care (no more than seven continuous days at one time) for children in out-of-home placements when the children's full-time foster family is unable to do so and a member of the foster family's support system cannot assist, (Ssee POLICY Vll-G: ALTERNATE CARE,).-
DCFS staff are only permitted to be agency-approved foster homes for informal respite care purposes but may not serve as an informal respite home for children/youth on their own caseload. -The Afea-DCFS .Director or designee must give prior approval to any employee seeking to become an agency-approved informal respite home provider.- -Each DCFS employee's request to serve as an informal respite care home will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Staff from a different county or a contract provider must assess and approve the home. Employees shall not use their employment status as a means to obtain information about the child's case, gain services, or receive preferential treatment.
However, in situations where Division staff are relatives of children placed in DHS custody, and it is in the best interest of the child to be placed with the relative, the DCFS Director may grant approval for the relative/employee to serve as a full-time foster home on a case-by-case basis.
For additional information, see PUB-11: What Happens When Your Child and Family Are Involved with DCFS?, PUB-22: Standards of Approval for Foster and Adoptive Homes and PUB-30: Foster Parent Handbook.
I EXCERPTS: POLICY Vll-C AND RELATED PROCEDURES POLICY Vll-C: FOSTER HOME ASSESSMENT PROCESS
| 08/2013*
Relationship Stability -
A. In a two-parent home, both parents shall be joint applicants and both applicants shall actively participate in the approval process. The couple shall demonstrate a stable relationship. In assessing relationship stability, considerations may include major life changes such as:
* Death or serious illness among family members
* Marriage, separation, divorce, or other significant changes in the couple's relationship
* Addition of household members (e.g., birth, adoption, aging relative moving in)
* Loss of or change in employment
BACKGROUND CHECKS
In addition to ensuring that homes meet the basic criteria, the Division shall only place children in approved foster homes where the foster parents and appropriate members of the household have been cleared through a series of background checks: the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry, the Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Central Registry, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check and an FBI Criminal Background Check (with the exception that placements may be made in Provisional Foster Homes before FBI results are
received). Any household member who resides in the home for more than threes cumulative months in a calendar year (e.g. an adult biological child of the foster parents who is home for the summer and holiday breaks or a relative who visits for 6six weeks twice a year) must clear all background checks.
Child Maltreatment Central Registry - Foster parents and all other members of the household age ,140 years and older, excluding children in foster care, must be cleared through the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry. The Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check will be repeated every two years on all appropriate household members. If applicable, a Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check shall also be conducted on each household member age ,140 years or older in any state of residence in which they have lived for the past fivesi* years, and in their state of employment, if different, for reports of child maltreatment.________
Adult Maltreatment Central Registry - Foster parents and all other members of the household age 18 and one-half years and older, excluding children in foster care, must be cleared through the Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Central Registry. As soon as possible after a household member, excluding children in foster care, reaches his or her 18- birthday, the paperwork to request the Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Central Registry Check must be initiated to ensure results are received by the time that household member reaches 18 and one-half years of age. The Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Registry check will be repeated every two years on all appropriate household members.
State Police Criminal Record Check - Foster parents and all other members of the household age 18,and one half years and older, excluding children in foster care, must be cleared through a State Police Criminal Record Check. As soon as possible after a household member, excluding children in foster care, reaches his or her 18" birthday, the paperwork to request the State Police Criminal Record Check must be initiated to ensure results are received by the time that household member reaches 18 and one half years of age. The State Police Criminal Record Check shall be repeated every two years on all appropriate household members.
FBI Criminal Background Check - Foster parents and all members of the foster home who are 18 .and one-half years of age and older, excluding children in foster care, must also clear a fingerprint-baseda FBI based-Criminal Background Check. As soon as possible after a household member, excluding children in foster care, reaches his or her 18- birthday, the paperwork to request the FBI Criminal Background Check must be
EXCERPTS: POLICY Vll-C AND RELATED PROCEDURES
initiated to ensure results are received by the time that household member reaches 18 and one-half years of age. The FBI Criminal Background Check does not need to be repeated.
PROCEDURE Vll-Cl: Background Check Processing
08/2013i
If the prospective foster family did not attend an Information Meeting, the Resource Worker must provide the family with a Background Check Packet which includes:
The Resource Worker will:
EXCERPTS: POLICY Vll-C AND RELATED PROCEDURES
notarized.-The State Police Criminal Record Check must be completed priorto requesting the FBI Criminal Background Check. The State Police Criminal Record Check shall be repeated every two years.
There are two options for completing the FBI check:
I EXCERPTS: POLICY Vlll-G AND RELATED PROCEDURES
POLICY Vlll-G: FOSTER PARENT, PROVISIONAL FOSTER PARENT, AND RELATIVE ADOPTION
089/2013
Relationship Stability
A. In a two-parent home, both parents shall be joint applicants and both applicants shall actively participate in the approval process. The couple shall demonstrate a stable relationship. In assessing relationship stability, considerations may include major life changes such as:
* Death or serious illness among family members
* Marriage, separation, divorce, or other significant changes in the couple's relationship
* Addition of household members (e.g., birth, adoption, aging relative moving in)
* Loss of or change in employment
B. In a single parent home, the major life changes listed above shall also be considered when assessing the person's ability to be an effective adoptive parent.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Please note that a household member is defined as any person who stays in a foster home for more than three
cumulative months in a calendar year (e.g., an adult biological child of the foster parents who is home for the
summer and holiday breaks or a relative who visits for six weeks twice a year.
Central Registry Checks | A. Each member of the household J40 years of age and older, excluding children in foster care, must agree
to a Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check in his or her state of residence and any state of | residence in which the person has lived for the past fivest* years, and in the person's state of
employment, if different. These checks must be made prior to approval and shall be repeated llverv two years thereafter until the adoption decree has been issued at which point repeat checks will no longer be required. However, if the home wishes to continue to keep its adoption service open in order to potentially adopt additional children, the Central Registry checks on all household members 14 years of age and older will continue to be run every two years. The person must have no history of true abuse and/or neglect. Each member of the household age 18 and one-half years and older, excluding children in foster care, who resides in Arkansas must be cleared through the Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Central Registry. The Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Central Registry check shall be repeated every two vearsllthereafter until the adoption decree is issued .-at which point repeat checks will no longer be required. However, if the home wishes to continue to keep its adoption service open in order to potentially adopt additional children, the Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Central Registry Checks on all household members 18 and one-half years of age and older will continue to be run every two years.
Criminal Background Checks
A. Each member of the household 18 .and one-half years of age and older, excluding children in foster care, must agree to an Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check. As soon as possible after a household member, excluding children in foster care, reaches his or her 18th birthday, the paperwork to request the Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check must be initiated to ensure results are received by the time that household member reaches 18 and one-half years of age. These checks must be made prior to approval and shall be repeated ll every two years thereafter until the adoption decree has been issued at which point repeat checks will no longer be required. However, if the home wishes to continue to keep its adoption service open in order to potentially adopt additional children, the
I EXCERPTS: POLICY Vlll-G AND RELATED PROCEDURES
Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Checks on all household members 18 and one-half years of age and older will continue to be run every two years.
B. Out-of-state adoptive families do not need to do an Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check if they have never resided in Arkansas. Adoptive parents and each member of the household 18 and one-half years of age and older, excluding children in foster care, residing out of the state shall provide state police criminal record checks from their state of residence. As soon as possible after a household member, excluding children in foster care, reaches his or her 18- birthday, the paperwork to request the state police criminal record check from their state of residence must be initiated to ensure results are received by the time that household member reaches 18 and one half years of age. These checks must be made prior to approval and shall be repeated ll -every two years thereafter until the adoption decree has been issued at which point repeat checks will no longer be required. However, if the out-of-state adoptive home wishes to continue to keep its adoption service open in order to potentially adopt additional children from Arkansas, the state police criminal record checks from their state of residence will continue to be run every two years on all household members 18 and one-half years of age and older.
C__Each member of the household 18,and one-half years of age and older, excluding children in foster care,
must agree to a fingerprint-based FBI Ceriminal Background Ceheck. As soon as possible after a household member, excluding children in foster care, reaches his or her 18- birthday, the paperwork to request the FBI Criminal Background Check from their state of residence must be initiated to ensure results are received by the time that household member reaches 18 and one half years of age. These checks must be made prior to approval and need not be repeated. If a legible set of fingerprints cannot be obtained after a minimum of two attempts, a name-based FBI check will be used instead.___________
CrD.See Appendix 8 for information regarding prohibited offenses for prospective foster and adoptive parents and those offenses requiring Alternative Compliances from the Child Welfare Agency Review Board-
EXCERPTS: POLICY Vlll-G AND RELATED PROCEDURES
PROCEDURE VIII-G2: Assessment and Preparation
082-/20134-------
The Family Service Worker will:
A. Ensure, prior to the permanency planning staffing, that the child's out-of-home placement record is up to date and that all attachments which are required for an adoption packet (see Appendix 2-B) are in the child's record, and are copied and forwarded to the Adoption Specialist within three working days of the permanency planning hearing.
B. Send additional attachments to the Adoption Specialist once the initial adoption packet is completed in order to maintain current information until a decision is made.
C. Document in the child's out-of-home placement record, and in CHRIS, the efforts to secure needed attachments and the reason for an attachment not being available.
D. Provide information requested by the Adoption Specialist in the preparation of the child's adoption summary.
E. Prepare the child for adoption and assist in preparing the foster parent, provisional foster parent, or relative for adoption.
F. Assure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, if applicable, by notifying and working with the OCC attorney.
The Adoption Specialist will:
A. Prepare the child's adoption packet (adoption summary and attachments-see Appendix 2) within 30 days from the permanency planning hearing.
B. Send a copy of the adoption summary to the Family Service Worker.
C. Provide the following forms as needed to the foster parent, provisional foster parent, or relative, prfictive kin immediately after the staffing that is conducted within ten working days from the hearing that terminates parental rights (if the staffing supports the adoption):
444),CFS-341: Certification of Absence of Criminal Record (household members ages 14-17)._____________«-
each member of the household 18 and one-half years of age and older, excluding children in foster care.
D. Document the review and assessment of the home on the CFS-446: In-Home Consultation Visit Report.
EXCERPTS: POLICY Vlll-G AND RELATED PROCEDURES
E. Complete the assessment and preparation process with the foster parent, provisional foster parent, or relative.
F. Send the adoption home study, recommendations, completed forms, reference letters, child's adoption packet and CFS-414: Change of Status to the Adoption Supervisor within four months of the court hearing that terminates parental rights.
G. Make at least two visits in person with the prospective adoptive family with at least one visit being in the home. Have a separate, face-to-face interview with each prospective adoptive parent. Interview each household member in person who is 10 years of age or older.
H. Refer a relative,or fictive kin who has not been approved as a foster parent or provisional foster parent to pre-service training.- Complete the assessment and preparation process with thets relative .or fictive kin and send the adoption home study, recommendation, completed forms, reference letters, child's adoption packet, and CFS-414 to the Adoption Supervisor within four to six months of the court hearing that terminates parental rightSr (T-there may be extenuating circumstance which could lengthen the time frame, such as availability of pre-service training]
I. In CHRIS, complete the Affidavit of Disclosure screen on the child in the child's protective service case. If
Foster Parent Adoption, be sure to check the Foster Parents Adoption checkbox.
J. Prepare and present to the foster parent, provisional foster parent, ©f relative, .or fictive kin, one non-
identifying copy of the child's adoption packet and a complete CFS-471: Disclosure for Adoption during the assessment and preparation process.
K. Review and discuss the adoption packet with the foster parent, provisional foster parent, or -relative ,or
fictive kin.
L. Secure signatures on the CFS-471: Disclosure for Adoption and ensure a copy is provided.
M. Assist in preparing the child for adoption and prepare the foster parent, provisional foster parent, or relative for adoption.
N. Notify the foster parent, provisional foster parent, relative, ,or fictive kin in writing if the adoption home
study cannot be completed within 60 days of the final home visit and explain the reason. O. Send a copy of this notification to the Adoption Supervisor and Family Service Worker. P. Discuss any delays in completing the assessment and preparation process with the Adoption Supervisor and document reasons. Q. Complete the packet to determine eligibility for adoption subsidy, if applicable, during the adoption assessment and preparation process and forward to the Adoption Subsidy Coordinator, Adoption Services Unit.
PROCEDURE VIII-G3: Foster Parent, Provisional Foster Parent,-of Relative, or Fictive Kin Adoption Decision
08/2013
The Adoption Supervisor will:
A. Make a decision to approve or deny the foster parent, provisional foster parent,-ef -relative, or, fictive kin's application to adopt within ten4G working days of receiving the completed adoption home study and send a written notification to the foster parent, provisional foster parent, or relative.
B. Send a copy of the approval or denial notification to the Adoption Manager, Adoption Specialist, Area Director, Family Service Worker, County Supervisor, and OCC Attorney.
C. Explain in the written notification the reason(s) for denial and the internal review procedures.
D. Send a written notification to the foster parent, provisional foster parent,-ef relative, or fictive kin if a decision to approve or deny the application cannot be made within 60 days of the final home visit and explain the reason(s).
E. Send a copy of this written notification to the Adoption Specialist and Family Service Worker.
The Family Service Worker will:
I EXCERPTS: POLICY Vlll-G AND RELATED PROCEDURES
A. Update and transfer the out-of-home placement case record (paper record and CHRIS) to the Adoption Specialist within five working days of receiving the written notification of the approval for foster parent, provisional foster parent, or relative adoption.
B. In CHRIS:
The Adoption Specialist will:
A. Forward a CFS-414: Change of Status to the Adoption Coordinator, Adoption Services Unit, within five working days of receiving notification of approval to report approval of the placement.
B. Assume primary case management once written notification of approval has been received.
PROCEDURE VIII-G4: When a Foster Parent, Provisional Foster Parent,-et= Relative, or Fictive Kin Files a Petition to Adopt Without Prior Knowledge or Consent of DCFS
082-/201*3
The Family Service Worker or Adoption Specialist, when learning about the petition, will:
A. Notify immediately the Area Director, Adoption Supervisor, OCC Attorney and Adoption Manager and follow up with written notification.
The child's caseworker will:
| foster parent,-ef relative, ,or fictive kin would not be a suitable adoptive parents for the child._____________
PROCEDURE VIII-G6: Disruption of Foster Parent, Provisional Foster Parent,-et= Relative, or Fictive Kin Adoption
028/2013i
If disruption (priorto finalization) of an adoptive placement is imminent, thefamily's Adoption Specialist will:
I EXCERPTS: POLICY Vlll-G AND RELATED PROCEDURES
EXCERPTS: POLICY VIII-H.AND RELATED PROCEDURES POLICY Vlll-H: DEVELOPMENT OF ADOPTIVE HOMES
098/2013i
The Division provides adoption services to recruit, assess, prepare, and retain adoptive families to ensure that adoption, when that is the best permanency option, is timely, well-supported, and lifelong. The services focus on finding families for children rather than finding children for families. Assessment and preparation of prospective adoptive families are completed according to the need for homes for children. The child's health, safety, and well-being shall be of paramount concern in the development of the adoptive placement.
When appropriate, the child's relatives may be pursued as possible adoptive placements even after TPR. Siblings shall be placed together in the same adoptive home. Siblings may be placed separately upon written documentation by a Mental Health Professional that placement of the siblings together would be detrimental to their best interests or is otherwise not possible at the time of placement.
DCFS employees who are related to children in foster care may be approved to adopt their relatives, if they are an appropriate placement. Other DCFS employees may apply to be adoptive parents. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In order to ensure quality adoptive homes, DCFS will complete a thorough home assessment for each prospective adoptive family. The home assessment is a mutual selection process that involves several components including, but not limited to, background checks, compliance checks, an in-home consultation visit, pre-service training, a home study, and ongoing consultation between the prospective adoptive parents and Adoption Specialist. Prospective adoptive families are strongly encouraged to attend a local information meeting before the in-home consultation visit but are not required to do so. The purpose of the assessment process is to educate prospective adoptive parents on the characteristics of children waiting for adoptive homes and evaluate the applicants' ability to meet those needs as well as evaluate their compliance with Minimum Licensing Standards and DCFS policy requirements for adoptive homes.
If at any point throughout the home assessment process a prospective adoptive home is found to be out of compliance with a licensing standard or a DCFS policy, this non-compliance issue must be addressed. However, if the Adoption Specialist, or the individual conducting the home study, determines that the non-compliance issue would not endanger the safety or well-being of children placed in the home, an Alternative Compliance or DCFS Policy Waiver may be requested as appropriate. (An alternative compliance is a request for approval from the Child Welfare Agency Review Board to deviate from a minimum licensing standard, while a policy waiver is a request to deviate from a DCFS policy or procedure.) For more information on requesting an Alternative Compliance or DCFS Policy Waiver, see Appendix 9.
If there is a pending child maltreatment report on the family, the Adoption Specialist will stop proceedings until a determination is made. The investigation is to be reviewed and discussed with the Adoption Supervisor.
Relationship Stability
EXCERPTS: POLICY VIII-H.AND RELATED PROCEDURES
* Death or serious illness among family members
* Marriage, separation, divorce, or other significant changes in the couple's relationship
* Addition of household members (e.g., birth, adoption, aging relative moving in)
* Loss of or change in employment
BACKGROUND CHECKS
In addition to ensuring that homes meet the basic criteria, the Division shall only place children in approved adoptive homes where the adoptive parents and appropriate members of the household have been cleared | through a series of background checks: the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry,- the Arkansas Adult
Maltreatment Central Registry, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check and an FBI Criminal Background | Check. Any household member who resides in the home for more than 3-three cumulative months in a calendar year (e.g. an adult biological child of the adoptive parents who is home for the summer and holiday breaks or a | relative who visits for sixS weeks twice a year) must clear all background checks.
Child Maltreatment Central Registry - Adoptive parents and all other members of the household age ,140 years and older, excluding children in foster care, must be cleared through the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry. The Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check shall be repeated ll every two years thereafter until the adoption decree is issued at which point repeat checks will no longer be required.. However, if the home wishes to continue to keep its adoption service open in order to potentially adopt additional children, the Central Registry checks on all household members 14 years of age and older will continue to be run every two years.
If applicable, a Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check shall also be conducted on each household member | age ,140 years or older in any state of residence in which they have lived for the past six-five years, and in their state of employment, if different, for reports of child maltreatment.
fidult Maltreatment Central Registry - Adoptive parents and all other members of the household age 18 tand one-half, years and older, excluding children in foster care, must be cleared through the Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Central Registry. As soon as possible after a household member, excluding children in foster care, reaches his or her 18- birthday, the paperwork to request the Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Central Registry Check must be initiated to ensure results are received by the time that household member reaches 18 and one-half years of age.,-The Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Central Registry check shall be repeated ll-every two yearsthereafter until the adoption decree is issued at which point repeat checks will no longer be required. However, if the home wishes to continue to keep its adoption service open in order to potentially adopt additional children, the Adult Maltreatment Central Registry Check on all household members 18 and one-half years of age and older will continue to be run every two vears1____________________________________________
State Police Criminal Record Check - Adoptive parents and all other members of the household age 18 and one-half years and older, excluding children in foster care, must be cleared through a State Police Criminal Record Check. As soon as possible after a household member, excluding children in foster care, reaches his or her 18-birthdav, the paperwork to request the Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check must be initiated to ensure results are received by the time that household member reaches 18 and one-half years of age.
The State Police Criminal Record Check shall be repeated llevery two years thereafter until the adoption decree is issued at which point repeat checks will no longer be required. However, if the home wishes to continue to keep its adoption service open in order to potentially adopt additional children, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Record checks on all household members 18 and one-half years of age and older will continue to be run every two years.
| FBI Criminal Background Check - Adoptive parents and all members of the foster home who are 18 ,and one-half years of age and older, excluding children in foster care, must also clear a fingerprint-based FBI Criminal
I EXCERPTS: POLICY VIII-H.AND RELATED PROCEDURES
Background Check. As soon as possible after a household member, excluding children in foster care, reaches his or her 18- birthday, the paperwork to request the FBI Criminal Background Check must be initiated to ensure results are received by the time that household member reaches 18 and one-half years of age. The FBI Criminal Background Check does not need to be repeated,,________________________________________________________
PROCEDURE VIII-H5: Background Check Processing
08/2013
If the prospective adoptive family did not attend an Informational Meeting, the Adoption Specialist must provide the family with a Background Check Packet which includes:
The Adoption Specialist will:
| 4) File a copy of the results in the adoptive family file.-The county office must receive the results of the
Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check before the family can be approved fortraining.
I EXCERPTS: POLICY VIII-H.AND RELATED PROCEDURES
| repeated .every two yearll thereafter until the adoption decree has been issued.________________
excluding children in foster care, residing out-of-state shall provide state police criminal record checks from their state of residence. These checks must be made prior to approval and shall be repeated every two years thereafter until the adoption decree has been issued.________________________
There are two options for completing the FBI check:
PROCEDURE lll-Fl: Coordination of Services, Care and Case Opening for Infants Born to Juveniles in the Physical Custody of the Division of Youth Services
098/201308
DCFS Responsibilities and Duties
To ensure the well-being of an infant, born to a juvenile in the physical custody of DYS, the DCFS Assistant Director of Community Services ,or designee shall work collaboratively with DYS and function as the liaison between DYS and DCFS.
Upon receipt of information from DYS that a juvenile in their custody is pregnant, the DCFS Assistant Director of | Community Services .or designee will be responsible for contacting and coordinating services with the appropriate DCFS county staff and DYS staff.
In order to ensure the health and safety of any infant born to a juvenile in the physical custody of DYS, the DCFS | Assistant Director of Community Services ,or designee shall perform the following duties:________________________
In order to ensure the health and safety of any infant born to a juvenile in the physical custody of DYS, the DCFS county office shall perform the following duties:
.__Once a favorable home study is completed on a prospective caregiver, explain to the prospective caregiver that DCFS will petition the court for them to obtain emergency custody of the child. The home study needs to be completed and approved, if possible, prior to the infant's birth. frG.Jf the home study is completed and approved within the first or second trimester of the pregnancy, then after the child is born but before placement, complete a walk-through of the prospective caregiver's home to ensure the home remains appropriate (a new home study is not required, only a walk-through).
GrJHXontact OCC on each case so that there is appropriate court involvement. HrMdentify cases as FINS Non-DCFS Involvement as appropriate.
If an appropriate caregiver is willing to take custody of the child, DCFS will not take custody but will file a petition for dependency due to the parent being incarcerated. The petition will ask for emergency custody to be given to | the caregiver once the baby is born. -Placement with the approved caregiver will be the requested placement and not placement with DHS.
If there is no appropriate caregiver or if the identified caregiver is not willing to take custody of the child but expresses that they would like to become a foster parent for the child, DCFS will petition the court for custody of the infant and open the caregivers home as a provisional foster home if the approved caregiver is a relative or fictive kin. If the approved caregiver is not a relative ,or fictive kin and wants to become a foster parent for the infant, the infant will have to be placed in an approved foster home until the caregiver becomes an approved licensed foster home.
Release of Infant
county office of the juvenile's entry into the hospital for delivery or immediately after the juvenile delivers the infant.
EXCERPT: PROCEDURE Vlll-ll
PROCEDURE Vlll-ll: Initial Application for Adoption Subsidy
| 08/2013*
The Adoption Specialist will:
I
APPENDIX 8: ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE AND POLICY WAIVER PROTOCOL
| 038/2013i
"Alternative Compliance" is defined as a request for approval from the Child Welfare Agency Review Board to allow a licensee to deviate from the letter of a regulation. The licensee must demonstrate substantial compliance with the intent of the regulation. This includes, but is not limited to, regulations governing background checks and convictions for prohibited offenses.
"Policy Waiver" is defined as a request to deviate from the letter of the DCFS Policy, and procedures or standards. The DCFS Director approves all policy waiver requests.
Traffic violations, other than DUI or DWI, do not require a policy waiver or alternative compliance as they are dealt with through the vehicle safety program..DUI and DWI violations, require a Policy W.aiver._______________________
The procedures for requesting a Policy Waiver or an Alternative Compliance are the same, up until the point when the request is given to the Assistant Director of Community Services.
The procedures are as follows:
A. The FSW will determine if a Policy Waiver or Alternative Compliance should be requested based on their professional judgment. -Issues to take into consideration on criminal convictions would include the time frame and circumstances of the offense. -When an Alternative Compliance is requested for an excluded criminal offense, the police report and any other reports regarding any criminal charges or convictions must be attached as documentation.
B. If approval is recommended, the FSW will request a Policy Waiver or an Alternative Compliance using the CFS-509B and will attach all appropriate supporting documentation, as applicable:
C. Within 10 business days of receipt of the request, the Supervisor will determine if the requested Policy | Waiver or Alternative Compliance is appropriate for approval.- Issues to take into consideration would include the time frame and circumstances of the offense.
D. Within 10 business days of receipt of the request, the Area Director will determine if the requested Policy Waiver or Alternative Compliance is appropriate for approval. Issues to take into consideration would include the time frame and circumstances of the offense.
At this point, the procedures for requesting a policy waiver differ from the procedures for requesting an | alternative compliance. -The Assistant Directorfor Community Services .or designee will determine if the requested Policy Waiver or Alternative Compliance should be approved or denied.
Policy Waivers
| When a Policy Waiver has been requested, the Assistant Director of Community Services .or designee will, within 10 business days of receipt of the request:
A. Deny any inappropriate request for a Policy Waiver and return it to the Area Director; or
B. Approve an appropriate request for a Policy Waiver and send to the DCFS Director for final approval or denial.
I
The Director's final decision will be conveyed to the FSW for appropriate action. The following require a Policy Waiver:
Alternative Compliance
When an Alternative Compliance has been requested, the Assistant Director of Community Services ,or designee will:
A. Deny any inappropriate request for an Alternative Compliance and return it to the Area Director; or
B. Approve an appropriate request for an Alternative Compliance and send it to the DCFS Director.
The DCFS Director will:
The Placement and Residential Licensing Unit (PRLU) Manager will:
A:--If all required documentation is included in the AC packet,__________________________________________
BrC place the AC requests on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the Child
Welfare Agency Review Board (CWARB).
The Foster or Adoptive Parent and FSW who made the original request for an Alternative Compliance will appear before the CWARB to answer questions.
The CWARB will give final approval or denial of the request for the Alternative Compliance.
The following crimes require an Alternative Compliance from the CWARB:
(0(0(0 Terroristic act
An alternative compliance may not be requested by any individual who has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty of any of the following offenses as he or she is permanently disqualified from being a foster or adoptive parent per A..CA.. §- 9-28-409(e)(l) :
A prospective foster or adoptive parent may request an alternative compliance for a felony conviction for physical assault, battery, or a drug-related offense if the offense was not committed within the past five years.
If an applicant produces evidence that a conviction has been expunged or sealed, this information must be forwarded to OCC for review.
| A CWAl-PRLU Licensing Specialist will monitor DCFS for continued compliance with CWAL standards and issue a corrective action notice if any deficiencies are found. The notice will state the agreement regarding the corrective action and a reasonable time frame for the violation to be corrected.
EXCERPTS: PUB-22: STANDARDS OF APPROVAL
STAN DARDS
OF
APPROVAL
FOR
FOSTER
AND
ADOPTIVE HOMES
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Our mission is to keep children safe and help families.
DCFS will respectfully engage families and youth and use community-based services and supports to assist parents in successfully caring for their children.
We will focus on the safety, permanency,
and well-being for all children and youth.
Care * Commit * Connect
PUB-22
Revised August 201
STANDARDS OF APPROVAL FOR FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE HOMES
TYPES OF FOSTER HOMES
Provisional Foster Homes
In an effort to preserve family connections and expedite placement of children, the Division may place a child in foster care with a relative or fictive kin if one has been identified and is appropriate. Relative means a person within the fifth degree of kinship to the child by virtue of blood or adoption. Fictive kin means a person not related to the child by blood or marriage, but who has a strong, positive, emotional tie to the child and has a positive role in the child's life, such as a godparent, neighbor, or family friend. This type of placement is classified as a Provisional Foster Home. The purpose of opening a provisional foster home is to enable DCFS to make a quick placement for a child with a relative or fictive kin with whom a bond already exists. Provisional foster homes must meet certain requirements, which include an expedited Child Maltreatment Central Registry check, an expedited State Police Criminal Record check, a vehicle safety check, and a visual | inspection of the home to verify that the relative/fictive kin and the home meet standards.
Once opened as a provisional foster home, DCFS staff works with the provisional foster parents in that home to bring them into full compliance within six6 months. Provisional foster homes that are not in full compliance at the end of feix months must be closed and the children removed or the relative/fictive kin must have been granted permanent custody by the court. Provisional foster homes will not be paid a board payment until the relative meets all of the licensing requirements and DCFS standards, and is reclassified as a regular foster home.
Children in foster care are in DHS custody and, therefore, must remain in licensed or approved foster homes, shelters, or | facilities until a relative's/fictive kin's home is opened as a provisional home, regular foster home, or the court grants custody to the relative or other person after a written, approved home study is presented to the court.
Background Checks: Applicants and all household members 140 years of age and older, excluding children in foster care, must consent to a Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check in all the states in which they have lived in the past fivefe years, and in their state of employment, if different. Household members must have no history of true abuse and/or neglect.
Applicants and all household members 18 years of age and older, excluding children in foster care, must consent to an Adult Maltreatment Central Registry Check. The Division will repeat the Child Maltreatment and the Adult Maltreatment Central Registry Checks every two years on all persons required to have the check.
Applicants and all household members age 18 and one-half years or older, excluding children in foster care, must consent to an Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check. The Division will repeat an Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check every two years on any person required to have the check. Household members with criminal convictions may, under some circumstances, request an Alternative Compliance. (See section on Alternative Compliance & Policy Waiver Requests.) Foster
parent applicants will complete CFS-341 to certify in writing that household members age 104 through 17 do not have criminal records.
An FBI fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check will be conducted on applicants and all household members 18 and one-half-years of age or older, excluding children in foster care. This check need not be repeated.
Vehicle Safety Check: DCFS will check the driving record (violation points) for each applicant and other applicable members of the household. The Arkansas State Vehicle Safety Program sets the maximum number of traffic violation points a foster parent may be allowed.
STANDARDS OF APPROVAL FOR FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE HOMES
ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE & POLICY WAIVER REQUESTS
DCFS bases its standards of care and character on the Child Welfare Agency Licensing Act (CWALA). If it is believed that an applicant possesses special abilities or circumstances which would make them good foster parents in spite of their inability to meet a standard, the county office may request an approval for an alternative compliance or a policy waiver.
An alternative compliance is a request for approval from the Child Welfare Agency Review Board (CWARB) to allow a licensee to deviate from the letter of a regulation, provided that the licensee has demonstrated how an alternate plan of compliance will meet or exceed the intent of the regulation. What is proposed as an alternative to compliance with policy or standards will comply with the intent, if not the actual requirement.
Child Welfare Licensing requirements state that any person who is required to have a criminal check under the law and who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of any of the offenses listed in the licensing standards unless the conviction is vacated or reversed, shall be presumed to be disqualified to be an owner, operator, volunteer, foster parent, adoptive parent, member of an agency's board of directors, student intern, or employee in a child welfare agency after the completion of his or her term of confinement, probation, or parole supervision. This presumption may be rebutted in the following manner:
In making this determination, the board will consider the following factors:
The following crimes require an Alternative Compliance:
Foster
Parent
Handbook
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Our mission is to keep children safe and help families.
DCFS "will respectfully engage families and youth and use community-based services and supports to assist parents in successfully caring for their children.
We "will focus on the safety, permanency,
and "well-being for all children and youth.
Care * Commit * Connect
PUB-30
Revised Aprihigust 2013
I
Provisional Foster Homes
In an effort to preserve family connections and expedite placement of children, the Division may place a child in foster care with a relative or fictive kin if one has been identified and is appropriate. Relative- means a person within the fifth degree of kinship to the child by virtue of blood or adoption). fictive kin means a person not related to the child by blood or marriage but who has a strong, positive, emotional tie to the child and plays a positive role in the child's life, such as a godparent, neighbor, or family friendi iii iie. This type of placement is classified as a "Provisional Foster Home". The purpose of opening a provisional foster home is to enable DCFS to make a quick placement for the child with a relative or fictive kin with whom a bond already exists. Therefore, a provisional home may be opened before the results of the FBI Background Check are received, before the provisional foster parents have completed the pre-service training, and before a full home study is finished (however a walkthrough of the home is required before placement in a provisional home). These are the only differences in approval requirements, including minimum licensing requirements, between provisional foster homes and regular foster homes in Arkansas.
Once opened as a provisional home, DCFS staff works with the foster parents in that home to bring them into full compliance within a six month period. Provisional foster homes that are not in full compliance at the end of six months must be closed and the child(ren) removed or the relative must have been granted permanent custody by the court. If the home is opened as a regular foster home, the foster parents may then request to care for non-relative/non-fictive kin children in foster care with the understanding that additional evaluation of their home would be required to ensure that it would be an appropriate placement for non-relative-/ non-fictive kin children. Provisional foster homes shall not be paid a board payment until the relative meets all of the licensing requirements and DCFS standards, and is reclassified as a regular foster home.
The child is in the custody of the Department, therefore, the child shall remain in a licensed or approved foster | home, shelter, or facility until the relative or fictive kin's home is opened as a provisional foster home, regular foster home, or the court grants custody to the relative or other person after a written, approved home study is presented to the court.
Relationship Stability: In a two-parent home, eeboth people shall be joint applicants and eesbaH-actively participate in the approval process. The couple shall demonstrate a stable relationship. In assessing relationship stability, considerations may include major life changes such as:
* Death or serious illness among family members
* Marriage, separation, divorce, or other significant changes in the couple's relationship
* Addition of household members (e.g., birth, adoption, aging relative moving in)
* Loss of or change in employment
Marriages and divorces shall be verified. Prospective foster parents must provide a copy of their marriage license to verify marriage and a copy of their most recent divorce decree to verify divorce.
Single parent households are welcome particularly for those children whose need for a two-parent household is not a crucial aspect of the care required. In a single parent home, the major life changes listed above shall also be considered when assessing the person's ability to be an effective foster parent.
All foster parents should have a strong support system in order to assist them in their role as foster parents and, in turn, better serve children in foster care. Applicants with professional training, such as nurses, may be desirable for children with special needs. Other adults (grandparents, aunts, etc.) and children who are a part of the household shall be assessed regarding how they may be affected by the presence of a child in foster care and also the effect they themselves may have on the child in care.
Central Registry - A Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check must be conducted prior to approval on foster | parent applicants and each member of the household age 140 years or older, excluding children in foster care, including any state where either the applicant or household member work if different from their state of residence. A registry check will also be conducted in any other state where the applicant has worked or resided during the preceding fivesix- years. An Adult Maltreatment Central Registry Check must be conducted prior to approval on foster parent applicants and each member of the household age 18 and one-half years and older. -The Division will repeat the Child Maltreatment and the Adult Maltreatment Central Registry Checks every two years. Successful completion is necessary before referral to pre-service training. Expedited checks will be done on provisional foster homes.
FBI Criminal Background Check - A finger-print based FBI criminal background check must be conducted | prior to approval on foster parents and any other members of the household 18 and one-half years of age or older, excluding children in foster care. This check need not be repeated. Conducting a finger-print based criminal record check is not necessary to open a provisional foster home.
Criminal Record Check - An Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check must be conducted prior to | approval on the foster parents and all members of the household age 18 and one-half years and older, excluding children in foster care. The Division shall repeat the Criminal Record Check every two years. Successful completion or approval of alternative compliance is necessary before referral to pre-service training.
Smoking - DCFS policy is that second-hand smoke is detrimental to a child's health and the presumption will be that it is not in a child's best interest to be placed in a foster home that permits smoking in the presence of a child in foster care.
Foster parents will indicate if smokers in the home or who visit the home will be permitted to smoke while in the presence of a child in foster care.
If a foster parent indicates that smoking will occur in the presence of a child in foster care, the foster home will be"- designated a "smoking" foster home and no child may be placed or remain in the foster home unless it is in the child's best interest to be placed in or remain in the foster home.- The worker must clearly identify why it is in the child's best interest to be exposed to second-hand smoke if a request to place a child in a smoking home is made.
No child in foster care shall be placed in a smoking foster home without a waiver from the Assistant Director of Community Services.
State law prohibits smoking in a vehicle if a child in the car is under the age of ii l 14. Thus, no foster parent or DCFS employee may smoke in the vehicle when transporting a child in foster care who is under the age of iei le 14. fer DCFS policy, foster parents are-lare / prohibitied from i-smoking in a vehicle when a child 14 and older who is in foster care is present.
In accordance with A.C.A. 20-27-1804, smoking is prohibited in all vehicles and enclosed areas owned, leased, or operated by the State of Arkansas, its agencies, and authorities. -Therefore, DCFS staff may not smoke in a state i vehicle OR in their private vehicle when a child in foster care ieeor receiving other services from the Division is present.
Volunteer Foster Parent s Liaison I
The Volunteer Foster Parent Omb JJaison is an experienced foster parent who serves pn a voluntary basis j as a statewide advocate for other foster parents
iiswhen they have specific needs or questions about resources. Some of the Volunteer / Foster Parent Liaison duties include: i
* serving as a statewide contact to identify resources needed by foster parents and children in care;________I
* developing a list of resources for foster parents;__________________________________________________/
* assisting foster parents in navigating the child welfare system;_______________________________________/
* advocating for children's educational needs;______________________________________________________
; Jracking trends /issues/concerns and sharing those with the DCFS Foster Care Manager:
* maintaining the foster parent website;___________________________________________________________
*_assisting with recruitment and retention activities;_________________________________________________
The Volunteer Foster Parent Ombaison may be contacted if the foster parent has a complaint; however, the olunteer Foster Parent Liaison is not part of the official giee Internal Review of Adverse Action procedure; (sSee the section on il Foster Parents ifelnternal Review of Adverse Action for further clarification;). Jn addition, this is not a position that will respond to or mediate specific case issues or personnel issues. Those issues will continue to be handled through the Division chain of command
To obtain the current Volunteer Foster Parent Liaison name and contact information, please ask your Resource Worker.
Visits to the Foster Home
The Family Service Worker overseeing the care of individual children in the foster home will make at least weekly visits in the home during the first month of placement. -After the first month, the FSW must make weekly contact with the child at school, or during sibling or parental visits, but must continue to visit the home at least monthly. More frequent visitation may be made to the home to help solve any problems that arise._______________________
The visits will be used to relay necessary information to the child and to allow the foster parents to voice their feelings about the placement and subsequent adjustment jointly, as well as, privately, and to ascertain if the needs of that particular child are being met. Each visit will include a private conversation with the child away from the foster parent. Visits may be scheduled or unannounced.
The Resource Worker will visit the home at least quarterly Jo monitor continued compliance with licensing standards and Jo check in with you to make sure you are receiving the support you need as a foster parenj.________
You may also have a visit from a Licensing Specialist from the Placement and Residential Licensing Unit (PRLU) of the DHS Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. The role of the Licensing Specialist is to ensure that DCFS is meeting its requirements as a child welfare placement agency rather than evaluating you as an individual foster home.
Child Care for Children in Foster Care
Child care may be authorized and routinely provided for a child in foster care if both parents work outside of the home or if it is il i determined to be appropriate as part of the case plan or if court-ordered. -Appropriate reasons include:
Child care providers must be on the voucher system and licensed by The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education (DCCECE) or on the Voluntary Child Care Registry, jf the child was enrolled in child care prior to coming into care, the child should remain in that particular child care facility (provided it is licensed by DCCECE or on the Voluntary Child Care Registry) if at all possible. This in an effort to provide the child with consistency in his/her daily caregivers and reduce the amount of trauma a child experiences when coming into foster care.
If a child was not enrolled in child care prior to coming into care or if a new child care facility must be used, the Division and foster parents shall make every effort to place the child in a high quality child care center. For more information on high quality child care centers, visit the Better Beginnings website at JittpV/www.arbetterbeginnings.com/j____________________________________________________________________
Enrollment in overnight daycares is not allowed. Likewise, late night pick ups (i.e.. after 8:00 p.m.) from child care centers that have extended hours are also unacceptable-with-lile eeielieiie ieee e i.
Child care il may also be provided as a part of an out-of-home placement case to provide assistance to foster parents for non-routine circumstances that relate to the retention and/or support of the foster home such as foster parent training. Child care provided for such purposes may be reimbursed by the Division when funding is available.
ALTERNATE CARE
Alternate care for children in out-of-home placement may be used to provide assistance to foster parents when circumstances requiring supervision by an appropriate adult other than the foster parents exist, e.g., if both foster parents work during foster parent training, transporting a child in foster care for medical purposes, need for short-term, temporary care to provide relief to the foster parent from the on-going responsibility of care, etc. Alternate care is as follows:
Normal Age-Appropriate Activities - Children in foster homes should be encouraged to participate in normal age-appropriate activities such as overnight visits with friends, extra-curricular activities, church activities, and short-term summer camps. Foster parents shall exercise careful consideration when determining whether a child may participate in any normal age-appropriate activity. Foster parents shall notify the FSW if the child will spend more than 24 continuous hours outside the foster home when participating in said activities.
Babysitting - Babysitters may be used to provide occasional care for children in the foster home for no more than six continuous hours at one time. Foster parents shall exercise careful consideration when evaluating the character and competence of any individual asked to babysit. Foster parents may reimburse the baby-sitter if they | choose to do so. The Division will not reimburse for baby-sitting services. Babysitters shall not transport children. Background checks are not required.
Foster Family Support System - The Foster Family Support System (FFSS) may be comprised of up to three other households identified by the foster family. FFSS members may provide care for children when the foster parent is unable to do so on the occasion of anticipated or unanticipated events.
Foster parents shall exercise careful consideration when evaluating the character and competence of any household asked to serve as an FFSS member. J-FSS members must be at least 21 years of age. There is not a standard maximum age limit for FFSS members, but FFSS members must be physically, mentally, and emotionally
I capable of caring for children for up to 72 hours. Foster parents may reimburse an FFSS member if they choose to do so. The Division will not reimburse FFSS members.
Members of a Foster Family Support System may transport children and care for children in the foster home or in the home of the FFSS member. However, an FFSS member shall not provide care for more than 72 continuous hours at one time regardless of the location in which care is provided and/or regardless of which FFSS member is providing care. No extensions may be granted for FFSS care of a child. The FSW shall be notified when an FFSS member will provide care for more than 24 continuous hours. J-FSS members taking children out-of-state for_______
overnight trips are prohibited.
The Foster Family Support System shall not be used in place of respite care or as an out-of-home placement. The number of children placed in an FFSS member household must meet all Minimum Licensing and DCFS Policy requirements.
All prospective FFSS members must be cleared through the Child Maltreatment Central Registry and a State Police Criminal Record Check. The Division will request any other state where the prospective FFSS member has resided | in the precedingfivesix- years to check its child abuse and neglect registry. The Division will provide documentation in the case record that the Child Maltreatment Central Registry and State Criminal Record Checks were conducted on the prospective FFSS member.
Documentation of at least one visual inspection of the home for evaluation purposes is required of all prospective FFSS members.
The Division will check the driving record (violation points) for each potential FFSS member. The Arkansas State Vehicle Safety Program sets the maximum number of traffic violation points an FFSS member foster parent may be allowed.
Foster Care Payment and Eligibility for Assistance s
Board payments, made by DCFS for the care of children in homes of public assistance recipients, are not considered as a resource in determining eligibility for assistance or the amount of the grant. This payment is designated for certain purposes and is not available to the foster parents. For any foster parent applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP: formerl food stamps), a re-evaluation of stable income will take place. This may impact the approval status of the foster home.
Comprehensive Health Assessment
A comprehensive health assessment should be completed within 60 days of placement. The comprehensive health assessment includes assessments of cognition/achievement, speech/language development, hearing, vision, medical, emotional and behavioral development. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Project for Adolescent and Child Evaluation (UAMS PACE) Program is responsible for conducting the comprehensive health assessments. Medications should be provided as necessary.
Within the first 60 days, a dental examination should be completed for signs of infection, gross abnormalities, malocclusion, painful areas, inflammation of the gums, plaque deposits, decayed or missing teeth, and an assessment of the continuing dental hygiene practices for the child. -All follow-up dental work that is recommended by the provider shall be completed in 30 days.
Birth/legal parents or relevant members of the extended family should be encouraged, when appropriate, to participate in the Comprehensive Health Assessment.
After the Comprehensive Health Assessment, there will be a written summary of the medical, mental health, educational, dental and social status and needs of the child. -The ll lee e Child's Health Services Plan should be completed at the Comprehensive Assessment. -The Family Service Worker or Health Service Unit shall provide copies of the health plan and updates to the child's birth/legal parents, foster parents, and the child, if age 10 or older within seven days.
The immunization schedules shown above should serve as a guideline only; acceptable alternate schedules do exist, and consultation may be required in some cases.
Extended Foster Care
Youth may choose to remain in foster care past the age of 18 i' i as determined appropriate by the youth and his/her Transitional Teamand if:_________________
* The child is completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential: or.
* The child is enrolled in an institution which provides post-secondary or vocational education: or.
* The child is participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to. employment: or.
* The child is employed for at least 80 hours per month: or.
* The child is incapable of doing any of the above described activities due to a medical condition.
Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family Services
Notice to Fictive Kin that a Child Has Been Taken into DCFS Custody
To:______________________________________
Address:______________________________________
From:______________________________________Phone:_____________________
Email:______________________________________Date:______________________
Dear FICTIVE KIN NAME,
You have been identified as an individual having a strong, positive, emotional tie to CHILD'S NAME and
a positive role in .CHILD'S NAME.'s life. Pursuant to A.C.A. § 9-28-107, this is your notice that thiiP
child is now in the custody of the Arkansas Department of Human Services' Division of Children and
Family Services (DCFS). DCFS has removed or is removing the above-named child from the home of
NAME OF PERSON FROM WHOM CHILD WAS REMOVED. We believe that relatives and other
'-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------'-------------------------------------------------\
individuals with whom a child shares a positive, meaningful relationship play an important role in a child's life, especially a child who must be temporarily cared for by someone other than a parent.
Children do better when they can temporarily live with or stay connected in other ways to people who know and care about them.
We are contacting you as someone who could offer services needed by CHILD'S NAME, and/or his or her family such as offering a temporary home for or otherwise supporting .CHILD'S FIRST NAMEA by staying in contact while he or she is in custody. In the next few days, I or someone from my agency will call you to review your options for helping to care for .CHILD'S FIRST NAME,._______________________
If you would like to bring the child into your home, you may ask to become a Provisional Foster Parent. DCFS may approve your home as a Provisional Foster Home after conducting (1) a health and safety check, which includes background checks, and (2) a visual inspection of your home. A Provisional Foster Home may remain as such for six months, after which time one of the following must take place:
Requesting to be considered as a possible Provsional Foster Home, does not guarantee that you will be asked or approved to ulimtately serve as a Provisional Foster Home for CHILD'S FIRST NAME.However, if your home is opened as a Provisional Foster Home, you will receive benefits for which you may become entitled after placement of the child in your home, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-formerly known as food stamps). If your home is approved as a Regular Foster Home within six months of becoming a Provisional Foster Home, DCFS will provide all services and supports available to every child in foster care, such as monthly board payments for each child and Medicaid.
If you are not able to provide a temporary home forACHILD'S FIRST NAME,, there are other ways for you to stay involved in his or her life and maintain important connections.
We will call you in the next few days to explore your options, but feel free to contact me sooner. My phone number and email address are listed above. We need to communicate with you at your earliest convenience by phone, mail, email, or in person, to determine if you are interested in (1) Participating in the care and placement of the child, (2) Becoming a foster parent, and/or (3) Visiting the child. Contacting me will help ensure that you do not lose the opportunity to connect with CHILD'S FIRST NAME now or in the future.___________________________________________________________________
Signature
Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family Services
CERTIFICATION OF ABSENCE OF CRIMINAL RECORD
(For Youth Age 4014-17)
Parent/Guardian Name:______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:______________________________________________________________
Child's Name:________________________________________DOB:____________________
Child's Name:________________________________________DOB:____________________
Child's Name:________________________________________DOB:____________________
Child's Name:________________________________________DOB:____________________
Child's Name:________________________________________DOB:____________________
Child's Name:________________________________________DOB:____________________
/ hereby verify that my child(ren) age 140-17 listed above do(es) not possess a criminal record.
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
County of_______________________ State of Arkansas
Acknowledged before me, this____________ day of_____________,____________
Notary Public My commission expires: __________
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Division of Children & Family Services
Initial Checklist for Foster/Adoptive Home Assessment
Resource Worker/Adoption Specialist: County: Initiated Date of Review:
Applicants' Names: Provider Number: Completed Date:
|
Have you completed the following steps and/or filed appropriate documentation in the foster/adoptive home record? |
Yes |
No |
|
1. Verification of marriage or divorce, if applicable? |
[] |
[] |
|
2. Results of the CFS-316: Request for Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check for each household member age 40-14 years and older, all information received and, in the case of a report of violation, a summary of the face-to-face discussion, determination, and reasons for determination? |
[] |
[] |
|
3. Results of the APS-0001: Authorization for Adult Maltreatment Central Registry for each household member age 18 and one-half years and older, all information received and, in the case of a report of violation, a summary of the face-to-face discussion, determination, and reasons for determination? |
[] |
[] |
|
4. CFS-341: Certification of Absence of Criminal Record, if applicable? |
[] |
[] |
|
5. Results of the CFS-342: State Police Criminal Record Check for each household member age 18 and one-half years and older, all information received and, in the case of a report of violations, a summary of the face-to-face discussion, determination, and reasons for determination? |
[] |
[] |
|
6. Results of the ASVSP check for each applicant and each applicable teenage driver? |
[] |
[] |
|
7. Results of the FBI Criminal Background Check for each household member age 18 and one-half years and older? |
[] |
[] |
|
8. Have you received CFS-419: Foster Family Support System Information and submitted the appropriate background checks for each FFSS member? |
[] |
[] |
|
9. CFS-446: In-Home Consultation Visit Report? |
[] |
[] |
|
10. CFS-363: Foster/Adoptive Applicant Smoking Certification? |
[] |
[] |
|
11. CFS-404: General Medical Report for each household member? |
[] |
[] |
|
12. CFS-409: Foster/Adoptive Family Preference Checklist? |
[] |
[] |
|
13. CFS-455: Request/Consent for Health Department Services, if applicable? |
[] |
[] |
|
14. CFS-480: Alternate Compliance of Water Supply Agreement, if applicable? |
[] |
[] |
|
15. CFS-484: Landlord Notification of Potential Tenant Foster Care Services, if applicable? |
[] |
[] |
|
16. Did you provide the family with SAFE Questionnaire 1? |
[] |
[] |
|
17. Did you click on the "In-Home Consultation/Approval for Training Purpose" in CHRIS so |
[] |
[] |
|
MidSOUTH will be notified of approval status? |
||
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18. Applicants have participated in a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training & orientation? |
[] |
[] |
|
19. Applicants have received certification in CPR and Standard First Aid? |
[] |
[] |
|
20. Three completed, positive SAFE reference letters? |
[] |
[] |
|
21. Assessment included at least two separate visits, one of which was a home visit? a. A separate interview was conducted with each age-appropriate household member? b. An interview was conducted with all household members present? |
[] |
[] |
|
22. SAFE Home Study Final Report and supporting documents (e.g. SAFE Questionnaires l&ll, Psychosocial Inventory)? |
[] |
[] |
|
23. CFS-462: Initial Foster Home Agreement, if applicable? |
[] |
[] |
|
24. Approval/Denial Letter? a. Was the approval/denial letter sent within 60 days from completion of pre-service training or, where applicable, was the applicant notified in writing of the reasons for the delay? b. In the case of denial, does the letter indicate the reasons for denial? c. In the case of denial, does the record indicate there was a face-to-face conference with the applicants to discuss the reasons for denial? |
[] [] [] |
[] |
|
25. Family and their physical surroundings meet all standards of approval as outlined in PUB-22 (and documented on CFS-446)? |
[] |
[] |
|
26. Alternative compliance or policy waiver approval, if applicable? |
[] |
[] |
|
27. Did you provide and review the approval/orientation packet with the family? |
[] |
[] |
|
28. Did you provide a copy of the final SAFE Home Study Report to the family, regardless of approval or denial? |
[] |
[] |
|
For Provisional Foster Homes only: |
||
|
29. CFS-474: Provisional Foster Home Orientation Checklist? |
[] |
[] |
|
30. CFS-452: Provisional Foster Home Verification? |
[] |
[] |
Comments:
Resource Worker/Adoption Specialist Signature:_________________________________ Date:_______________
Name of Supervisor/Designee:_________________________________ Date:_______________
Supervisor/Designee Signature:_____________________________________
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Division of Children & Family Services
Reevaluation Checklist for Foster/Pre-Adoptive Home
While this form is to be used for both foster and pre-adoptive homes, for the sake of brevity, references are only made to foster home, foster parent, etc. rather than foster or adoptive home, foster or adoptive parent, etc.
Resource Worker/Adoption Specialist: County: Date of Review:
Foster Parents'Names: Provider #: Date Home Opened:
Type of Reevaluation: Q Annual Q Death/Serious illness Q Marriage Q Separation Q Divorce Q Loss of/ change in employment Q Change in residence Q Suspected child maltreatment Q Addition of household members
STANDARDS OF APPROVAL_____________________________________________________________________________
|
Does the foster family continue to meet the following standards of approval? |
Yes |
No |
|
Age: |
||
|
1. Has a policy waiver been approved if either foster parent has turned 65? Policy waiver for age requirement must be resubmitted annually. |
[] |
[] |
|
Health: |
||
|
2. Have foster parents kept the agency informed concerning any changes in their physical or mental health? |
[] |
[] |
|
3. If applicable, has a physical disability in a foster parent or household member been evaluated by a physician, along with how it affects his/her personality and whether it may have significance to a specific child in the home? |
[] |
[] |
|
4. Have foster parents cooperated with the Division in medical and dental care planning for the children in their care and do they make medical and dental appointments as needed? |
[] |
[] |
|
5. Have foster parents accompanied children in their care to medical appointments? |
[] |
[] |
|
Relationship Stability: |
||
|
6. Have approved foster parents demonstrated a continued stable relationship? |
[] |
[] |
|
7. If applicable, was a reevaluation conducted when an approved single foster parent married? |
[] |
[] |
|
8. If applicable, was a reevaluation conducted when approved foster parents divorced? |
[] |
[] |
|
9. Has the family maintained a stable support system (e.g., extended family, neighbors, friends, church, community)? |
[] |
[] |
|
Family Composition: |
||
|
10. Are there no more than 8 children in the home, including the foster parents' own children? There may be no more than 5 unrelated children in care. Up to 8 children from the same sibling group may be placed in the same home. If a sibling group of more than 5 children is placed together, that foster home shall not have more than 8 children including the foster parents' own children. |
[] |
[] |
|
11. Are there no more than 2 children under age 2 in the home and no more than 3 children under age 6 in the home? This count includes children who normally reside in the home of the foster family and children in foster care. |
[] |
[] |
|
12. If applicable, have other children and adults (grandparents, aunts, nieces, cousins, etc.) who are part of the household been taken into consideration as to how they are affected by or have an effect on children in foster care? |
[] |
[] |
|
13. Do foster parents have legal custody or guardianship of any children in the home (other than children in foster care) that are not birth/legal children or relatives? |
[] |
[] |
|
14. Are foster parents keeping children for more than one child-placing agency? |
[] |
[] |
|
15. Are foster parents providing day care services on a regular basis in their home? |
[] |
[] |
|
Religion/Ethnic Heritage: |
||
|
16. Do foster parents recognize, encourage, and support the religious beliefs, ethnic heritage, and language of children in their care? |
[] |
[] |
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17. Do foster parents arrange transportation to religious services or ethnic events including those that may be different from their own, if the child desires to attend such events? |
[] |
[]] |
|
18. Do foster parents coerce children into participation in religious activities or ethnic events against their will? |
[] |
[] |
|
Education: |
||
|
19. Do foster parents take part in the selection and arrangement for educational programs appropriate for the child's age, abilities, and case plan? |
[] |
[] |
|
20. Do foster parents attend school conferences concerning children in their care and plan with school personnel when there are school problems? |
[] |
[] |
|
21. Do foster parents report serious situations to the Division (e.g. any situation that may affect the case plan or puts the child in jeopardy of suspension or expulsion)? |
[] |
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22. Do foster parents have a positive attitude toward both academic and vocational education and are they willing to meet the individual needs of the children in their care? |
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Employment/Financial Stability: |
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23. If both foster parents are employed, do they have suitable plans for care and supervision of children in their care before and after school, during holidays and vacations, and when children are ill and absent from school? |
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24. If employment is seasonal, does the family have compensatory income or savings for the off season? |
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25. Is the family's current financial stability verified (current pay stubs, income tax returns)? |
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26. Have any changes to the family's financial status been filed in the foster home record? |
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Home Requirements-Interior: |
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27. Is the interior of the home clean and free of physical and health hazards? |
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28. Does the home have adequate light, heat, ventilation, and plumbing for safe and comfortable living? |
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29. Is there adequate space for privacy, play, and study for all family members? |
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30. Is there sufficient seating for the family to eat together? |
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31. Does each child in foster care have adequate space for storing clothing and personal belongings, in or near his/her bedroom? |
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32. Are heating devices such as radiators, fireplaces, wood stoves, gas or electric heaters, and steam and hot water pipes within reach of children screened or otherwise protected? |
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33. Have fire hazards, such as dangerous or defective heating equipment, flammable materials, defective electrical appliances or electric cords, excessive use of extension cords, etc., been eliminated or corrected? |
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34. Are interior halls and doors free from clutter and not blocked, ensuring easy passage/exit? |
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35. Is all garbage and other waste kept in a suitable covered receptacle and disposed of in such a way as not to constitute a health or safety hazard? |
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36. Does the home have at least one flush toilet, one sink with running water, and one bath or shower with hot and cold running water? |
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37. Are cleaning supplies, insecticides, gasoline, hazardous tools, knives, or similar dangerous objects stored out of reach of children or kept in locked closets or drawers? |
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38. Are liquor and other alcoholic beverages kept out of reach of children? |
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39. Are all firearms unloaded; maintained in a secure, locked location; and stored separately from ammunition? |
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40. Are operational smoke detectors located within 10 feet of the kitchen and each bedroom? |
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41. Is there an operational chemical fire extinguisher in the cooking area? |
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42. Does the home have an operational telephone or working cellular phone that is accessible to all children? |
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43. Are emergency phone numbers (911, fire, ambulance, and responsible adult to contact in case of emergency) posted near each telephone? |
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Sleeping Arrangements: |
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44. Do children sleep in a bedroom, not in a living room, dining room, or other room where others must pass through? |
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45. Does each bedroom have at least 50 square feet of floor space per occupant? |
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46. Do bedrooms have windows which provide natural light and ventilation? |
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47. Does each bedroom used for a child in foster care have a window to the outside which is capable of serving as an emergency escape? |
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48. Can bars, grilles, grates, or other items that block access to the window be removed from the inside without the use of a key, tool, or force greater than that required for normal operation of the window? a. In this event, does each such bedroom contain a working smoke detector? |
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49. Do no more than 4 children share a bedroom? |
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50. Is each child in foster care provided with a comfortable bed, in good condition? |
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51. Do children of the opposite sex share the same bedroom, if either child is 4 years old or older, except for a mother in foster care with her child? |
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52. Do children share a bed if either child is 4 years old or older? a. Are any applicable children sharing a bed the same sex? |
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53. Does any child under age 6 occupy a top bunk? |
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54. Are children in foster care, except infants under the age of 2, sharing a sleeping room with adults? In the case of a grandparent to a child, the age would increase to 4. |
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55. Is each child's bedding clean, in good condition, and laundered at least weekly, or as needed? |
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Home Requirements-Exterior: |
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56. Is the home accessible to community resources needed by the children in foster care? |
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57. Are the premises of the house, including the yard, garage or carport, any storage areas, and the basement and attic (if applicable and accessible), free from physical hazards which would endanger the safety of children? |
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58. Is the yard free of dangerous debris, trash, uncovered cisterns, etc.? |
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59. Is the yard large enough to provide ample play space for children? |
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60. Is there a fence or barrier to prevent a child's access to a busy street or highway, body of water, or dangerous area? |
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61. If applicable, is the manufactured home properly installed and stabilized? a. If the manufactured home is located in a mobile home park, is there sufficient fenced play space outside? |
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62. Is outdoor play equipment safe, hazard-free, and properly anchored? |
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63. Does the home have at least 2 exterior doors situated to provide safe exit, or does the home have a written statement from the Fire Department that an alternative escape route is approved? |
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Home Requirements-Other: |
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64. Does the home have a continuous supply of sanitary drinking water? |
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65. If water source is not a municipal water system, has the water been tested and approved annually by the Health Department? |
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66. If a water supply is not approved, has an alternate compliance of water supply agreement (CFS-480) been established with the foster family and approved? |
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67. Does the home have a safe sewage disposal system? |
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68. Does the family have a plan for evacuating the house in the event of fire and a plan for seeking shelter during a storm or tornado? a. Is the escape plan posted within the home? |
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69. Do foster parents practice and document emergency evacuation drills with each new child entering the home, and at least quarterly thereafter (date/time/persons involved/length of time needed to clear the home)? |
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70. Does the family have adequate toys that are safe and developmentally appropriate for children in foster care placed in the home? |
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71. Is the number of children placed in the foster home limited by the number of persons who can satisfactorily live within the physical limits of the home? |
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72. Is there a safety plan in place? a. If yes, please identify which type: |
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Transportation: |
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73. Do foster parents have their own mode of transportation available for children in their care to participate in necessary school, recreation, and medical activities? |
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74. Do all vehicles owned by the foster parents have liability insurance? |
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75. Is any vehicle used to transport children in foster care insured and maintained in compliance with motor vehicle laws? |
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76. Do foster parents, and anyone else transporting children in foster care, have a valid driver's license? |
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77. Are children transported according to Arkansas law, including but not limited to, use of safety belts, child safety seats, and smoking restrictions? Children who are 5 and younger and children who weigh less than 60 pounds require a child safety seat. All other children must be restrained by safety belts. Smoking is prohibited in any motor vehicle in which a child who is less than 14 years of age is a passenger. |
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Medications: |
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78. Are all over-the-counter medications stored in an area not readily accessible to children, and are all prescription medications locked? |
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79. Are foster parents aware of possible side effects of all medications and administer medications only in accordance with directions on the label? |
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80. Are all medications logged by the foster parent at the time they are administered and do the logs include child's name; time and date; medication and dosage; and initials of the person administering the medication? |
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81. Are age-appropriate children provided a daily supply of medication (over-the-counter or prescription) for use when the child is away from the home during times the dose is needed? Examples include pain relievers, fever reducers, and anti-inflammatory and other related medications, or prescribed antibiotics or inhalers. These medications must be logged at the time they are given to the child. |
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DOCUMENTATION:
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Is the following, or its equivalent, filed in the foster home record? |
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1. SAFE update report? |
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2. Updated CFS-409: Foster/Adoptive Family Preference Checklist, if foster parents chose to make changes? |
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3. Updated CFS-419: Foster Family Support System Information, if foster parents chose to make changes? |
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4. Updated FFSS background checks for each FFSS household member, as appropriate? |
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5. CFS-451: Foster Parent Reevaluation? |
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6. CFS-455: Request/Consent for Health Department Services, if applicable? |
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7. CFS-480: Alternate Compliance of Water Supply Agreement, if applicable? |
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8. CFS-484: Landlord Notification of Potential Tenant Foster Care Services, if applicable? |
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9. Any alternative compliance or policy waiver approvals, if applicable? |
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10. CFS-462A: Foster Home Agreement Addendum on each child currently placed in the foster home? |
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Background Checks: |
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11. Current results of the CFS-342: State Police Criminal Record Check for each household member age 18 and one-half vears and older (which must be repeated everv 2 vears)? |
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12. Current results of the CFS-316: Request for Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check for each household member age 46-14 and older (which must be repeated every 2 years)? |
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13. Current CFS-341: Certification of Absence of Criminal Record (which must be completed when any child turns 4614), if applicable? |
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14. Current results of the APS-0001: Authorization for Adult Maltreatment Central Registry check for each household member age 18 and one-half years and older (which must be |
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repeated everv two vears)? |
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15. Current results of an FBI Criminal Background Check for each household member age 18 and one-half vears and older? Onlv original results are repuired as FBI check need not be repeated. |
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Training: |
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16. Documentation of a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education (Division or non-Division) that each foster parent has received in the last year, including the names of the courses and the dates of attendance? |
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17. Documentation that the foster parents maintain current certification in both CPR and Standard First Aid? |
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18. Documentation of an individualized training plan developed for the foster parents taking into consideration the age and characteristics of children for whom the foster parents have expressed preferences? |
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19. Documentation of the provision or identification of training opportunities for the foster parents to increase their skills and abilities as foster parents? |
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Health: |
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20. Updated CFS-404: General Medical Report for each household member? |
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21. Current record of health immunizations for each child in the home? |
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Safety: |
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22. Documentation of current auto insurance? |
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23. Documentation of current homeowner's or renter's insurance & general liability insurance? |
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24. If foster parents do not own the home, written approval from the owner that he/she has no objections to the foster parents caring for children in foster care in the home? |
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25. Documentation of current rabies vaccinations for all household pets, if applicable? |
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26. Current floor plan of the home with room dimensions? |
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27. Agency-approved safety plan for any noted hazards, if applicable? |
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28. Agency-approved safety plan for tornado safety? |
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29. Fire Department-approved alternate fire escape route, if applicable? |
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Recommendations: |
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30. Does the closing summary include recommendations regarding age, sex, number, sibling group, special characteristics of children who should be placed in the home, and problems which can and cannot be handled? |
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31. Letter of continued approval or letter of notification of closure (in the case of closure, the reasons for closure stated and the foster family's right to appeal the decision)? |
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Foster Parent Signature:___________________________________ Date:________________
Foster Parent Signature:___________________________________ Date:________________
Resource Worker/Adoption Specialist Signature:___________________________________________
Supervisor/Designee Name:________________________________ Date:________________
Supervisor/Designee Signature:______________________________
