Notes

Outline

DCS Case Management Practice Guide  A Tool for Navigating the Principles and Requirements of the Brian A. Settlement Agreement

INTRODUCTION The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services is in the process of moving towards a best practice model of child welfare.  In hopes of further educating the field about the core best practice case management issues, the department has compiled the following tool.  Outlined in the tool are primary mandates of the Brian A. Settlement Agreement and core case management requirements.  This tool is not intended to serve as a comprehensive practice model.  Rather, the hope is that case management staff will embrace the activities and philosophies outlined and take first steps to meeting best practice requirements.  Over the next several months, staff will receive in-service training, resource materials, and job coaching to assist in moving practice to a model that best serves children and families. Please note that the following not only contains core case activities, it also includes references to DCS policies and other resources that might provide clarification and additional information to aid in case management.  Also included is a reference to general outcomes that the department is striving to achieve.  These outcomes are actually an assimilation of outcomes from the Brian A. Settlement, the Federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR), and the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act.  Finally, the instrument includes the general principles that must be at the core of the department’s activities as it works to serve children and families.

INTRODUCTION (Continued) It is the intent that this tool be an aid in case management.  Each case manager is expected to take time to master the information, to follow and to incorporate it into his or her daily work with children and families.  As the department develops its practice model, it will be clear that these activities, principles and philosophies are at the core. It is an exciting time at the Department of Children’s Services.  Efforts are being made to ensure appropriate work with children and families to create successful outcomes.  Further, the department has been empowered to support the field as never before to achieve success in case work.  A key to support is the sharing of adequate information that supports the department’s missions. TN DCS MISSION STATEMENT DCS, in partnership with families, local communities, juvenile courts, and schools will provide timely, appropriate, and cost effective services to children in state custody or at risk of state custody, so these children can strive to reach their full potential as productive, competent, and healthy adults.

Notes on Principals, Values, & Practice While the settlement agreement presents clear guidelines for practice, often, real life and real lives are less clear.  Often in case management, staff are presented with seeming conflicts in practice principles and policies.  Conflicts may exist around certain principles; including: placement within a 75-mile radius, value of relative placement options, number of children in a home, replacement with a former foster family, and case load caps (based on immediate number).  It may not be possible, based on individual situations and needs to satisfy all policy criteria simultaneously. The Key to decisions in such cases must be the best interest of the child.  Working towards the child’s “best interest” includes preserving connections, supporting permanency goals, and certainly providing for safety. In sorting through challenging or conflicting situations, the case manager has at his/her disposal the opportunity to consult with supervisors, attorneys, central office program staff, and importantly, the child, family, and other vested parties.

ASSESSMENT (1 of 2)

ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT (2 of 2)

Education The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities.

Education Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well being.

Education

Casework/Documentation

Casework/Documentation Time Frames

Casework/Documentation Time Frames Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Casework/Documentation Time Frames The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system. Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Casework/Documentation Time Frames

Casework/Documentation Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Casework/Documentation The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system. Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Casework/Documentation

Psychotropic Medication

Psychotropic Medication Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Psychotropic Medication The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system. Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Psychotropic Medication Policies

Reporting Physical Restraint and Seclusion

Reporting Physical Restraint and Seclusion Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Reporting Physical Restraint and Seclusion The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system. Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Reporting Physical Restraint and Seclusion

Reporting Abuse/Neglect

Reporting Abuse/Neglect Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Reporting Abuse/Neglect The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Reporting Abuse/Neglect

Case Manager Visits

Case Manager Visits Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Case Manager Visits The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system. Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Case Manager Visits

Case Planning

Case Planning Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements. Decrease the length of stay of children in state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being. Reduce all disparities associated with race/ethnicity, gender, or age.

Case Planning All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Families of children in foster care should be significant participants in the planning and decision-making concerning their children. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities. The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount.

Case Planning

Initial Family Meeting

Initial Family Meeting Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Initial Family Meeting All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Families of children in foster care should be significant participants in the planning and decision-making concerning their children.

Initial Family Meeting

Initial Involvement with Children and Families

Initial Involvement with Children and Families Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Initial Involvement with Children and Families All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, either their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonably possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Families of children in foster care should be significant participants in the planning and decision-making concerning their children.

Initial Involvement with Children and Families

Permanency Plan

Permanency Plan Decrease the lengths of stay of children is state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements. Reduce all disparities associated with race/ethnicity, gender, or age. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Permanency Plan All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made.

Permanency Plan

Permanency Plan Staffing

Permanency Plan Staffing Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Permanency Plan Staffing All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Families of children in foster care should be significant participants in the planning and decision-making concerning their children.

Permanency Plan Staffing

Permanency Plan Goals

Permanency Plan Goals Decrease the lengths of stay of children is state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Permanency Plan Goals All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made.

Permanency Plan Goals

Return to Parent

Return to Parent Decrease the lengths of stay of children is state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Return to Parent All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made.

Return to Parent

Exit Custody to Live with Relative(s)

Exit Custody to Live with Relative(s) Decrease the lengths of stay of children is state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Exit Custody to Live with Relative(s) All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made.

Exit Custody to Live with Relative(s)

Adoption

Adoption Decrease the lengths of stay of children is state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Adoption All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made.

Adoption

Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA) with Relative

Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA) with Relative Decrease the lengths of stay of children is state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA) with Relative All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made.

Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA) with Relative

Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA) with Non-Relative

Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA) with Non-Relative Decrease the lengths of stay of children is state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA) with Non-Relative All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made.

Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA) with Non-Relative

Concurrent Planning

Concurrent Planning Decrease the lengths of stay of children in state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Concurrent Planning All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount.

Concurrent Planning

Permanency Plan Contents

Permanency Plan Contents Decrease the lengths of stay of children in state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements. Reduce all disparities associated with race/ethnicity, gender, or age. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Permanency Plan Contents All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made.

Permanency Plan Contents

Permanency Plan Review (1 of 4)

Permanency Plan Review Decrease the lengths of stay of children is state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care. Decrease the number and rate of children re-entering state custody.

Permanency Plan Review The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. Families of children in foster care should be significant participants in the planning and decision-making concerning their children. Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities. The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Permanency Plan Review

Permanency Plan Review (2 of 4)

Permanency Plan Review (3 of 4)

Permanency Plan Review (4 of 4)

Independent Living Services

Independent Living Services Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Independent Living Services The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities.

Independent Living Services

Voluntary Independent Living Services

Voluntary Independent Living Services Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Voluntary Independent Living Services The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities.

Voluntary Independent Living Services

Transitional Living Services

Transitional Living Services Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Transitional Living Services The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities.

Transitional Living Services

Freeing a Child for Adoption

Freeing a Child for Adoption Decrease the lengths of stay of children in state custody.

Freeing a Child for Adoption Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family.

Freeing a Child for Adoption

Time Frames to Adoption

Time Frame for Adoption Decrease the lengths of stay of children in state custody.

Time Frame for Adoption Children in out-of-home placements must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities. The State should make reasonable efforts to avoid foster care placement by providing services to preserve the biological family whenever that is reasonable possible.  However, child welfare decision-makers must have the professional capacity to make determinations as to when making efforts to preserve the biological family, or leaving the child with that family is neither safe for the child nor likely to lead to an appropriate result for the child. All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, wither their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family.

Time Frame for Adoption

Trial Home Visit

Trial Home Visit Decrease the number and rate of children re-entering state custody.

Trial Home Visit Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities. Families of children in foster care should be significant participants in the planning and decision-making concerning their children.

Trial Home Visit

Discharge from Custody

Discharge from Custody Decrease the number and rate of children re-entering state custody.

Discharge from Custody Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities. Families of children in foster care should be significant participants in the planning and decision-making concerning their children.

Discharge from Custody

Discharge Staffing

Discharge Staffing Decrease the number and rate of children re-entering state custody.

Discharge Staffing Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities. Families of children in foster care should be significant participants in the planning and decision-making concerning their children.

Discharge Staffing

PLACEMENTS

Placements Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Placements Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. After children enter placement, all non-destructive family ties should be maintained and nurtured.  Children should be placed with relatives who are able to provide, nurturing homes for them, and should be placed with siblings, and relationship with relatives and sibling should be facilitated and maintained by the child welfare system. Children in foster care placement should be in the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible, and the state should make all efforts to avoid the use of non-family settings for children, particularly young children. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family. The state should achieve these goals in a family environment whenever possible, separating the child form the child’s parents only when necessary for the child’s welfare or in the interest of the child’s safety keeping a child as  close to home as possible. The state has the primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system.  Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Placements

Placement Changes and ChipFins When a child enters placement in a DCS foster or pre-adoptive placement, or changes placement from such, the case manager will see that within seven (7) days this status change is updated in ChipFins.

Placement Changes and ChipFins Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Placement Changes and ChipFins Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. Children in out-of-home placement must have timely decision-making about where are with whom they will whatever decisions have been made. The state has the primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system.  Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Placement Changes and ChipFins

DCS Placement Requirements (Slide 1 of 3)

DCS Placement Requirements Decrease the lengths of stay of children in state custody. Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements. Reduce all disparities associated with race/ethnicity, gender or age. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

DCS Placement Requirements Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. After children enter placement, all non-destructive family ties should be maintained and nurtured.  Children should be placed with relatives who are able to provide, nurturing homes for them, and should be placed with siblings, and relationship with relatives and sibling should be facilitated and maintained by the child welfare system. Children in foster care placement should be in the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible, and the state should make all efforts to avoid the use of non-family settings for children, particularly young children. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family. The state should achieve these goals in a family environment whenever possible, separating the child form the child’s parents only when necessary for the child’s welfare or in the interest of the child’s safety keeping a child as  close to home as possible.

DCS Placement Requirements

DCS Placement Requirements (Slide 2 of 3)

DCS Placement Requirements (Slide 3 of 3)

Ages/Numbers of Children in Placements

Ages/Numbers of Children in Placements Reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect in Tennessee Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Ages/Numbers of Children in Placements The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system.  Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Ages/Numbers of Children in Placements

Non-Family Placements

Non-Family Placements Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Non-Family Placements The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system.  Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Children in foster care placement should be in the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible, and the state should make all efforts to avoid the use of non-family settings for children, particularly young children. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Non-Family Placements

Emergency Placements

Emergency Placements Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Emergency Placements Children in foster care placement should be in the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible, and the state should make all efforts to avoid the use of non-family settings for children, particularly young children. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Emergency Placements

Correction/Detention Placements

Correction/Detention Placements Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Correction/Detention Placements Children in foster care placement should be in the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible, and the state should make all efforts to avoid the use of non-family settings for children, particularly young children. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Correction/Detention Placements

Race/Ethnicity/Religion

Race/Ethnicity/Religion Reduce all disparities associated with race/ethnicity, gender or age.

Race/Ethnicity/Religion All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing family, either their biological family or, if that is not possible, within an adoptive family. All children in need of child welfare services should receive full and equal access to the best available services, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or disabilities.

Race/Ethnicity/Religion

Children at Risk for Violence/Sexual Assault

Children at Risk for Violence/Sexual Assault Reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect in Tennessee

Children at Risk for Violence/Sexual Assault The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Children at Risk for Violence/Sexual Assault

Children with Goal of Adoption

Children with Goal of Adoption Decrease the lengths of stay of children in state custody Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care

Children with Goal of Adoption Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount.

Children with Goal of Adoption

Adoptive Placement

Adoptive Placement Decrease the lengths of stay of children in state custody Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care

Adoptive Placement Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount. The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system.  Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Children in out-of-home placement must have timely decision-making about where and with whom they will spend their childhood, and timely implementation of whatever decisions have been made.

Adoptive Placement

Foster Parent Adoption

Foster Parent Adoption Decrease the lengths of stay of children in state custody Reduce the number of placement moves experienced by children in state care

Foster Parent Adoption Foster care must be as temporary an arrangement as possible, with its goal being to provide a permanent home for the child as quickly as possible.  In making the determination about what plans and services will best meet this goal, the child’s interests must be paramount.

Foster Parent Adoption

Adoptive Subsidy

Adoptive Subsidy Decrease the lengths of stay of children in state custody. Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Adoptive Subsidy All children should have the best possible opportunity to grow up within a safe, nurturing family, either their biological family or if that is not possible, within an adoptive family.

Adoptive Subsidy

Placement Resource Development

Placement Resource Development Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities, and family placements.

Placement Resource Development The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system.  Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Placement Resource Development

Assessment Quiz Question 1 When must DCS ensure that all children have an assessment?

INCORRECT The Department of Children’s Services must ensure that all children have an assessment (via a standard protocol) within fifteen(15) working days of their custody date.

CORRECT The Department of Children’s Services must ensure that all children have an assessment (via a standard protocol) within fifteen(15) working days of their custody date.

Assessment Quiz Question 2 DCS attorneys do not participate in assisting children to ensure that education services are available.

INCORRECT DCS education specialists and attorneys will assist children to ensure that reasonable and appropriate educational services are available.

CORRECT DCS education specialists and attorneys will assist children to ensure that reasonable and appropriate educational services are available.

Assessment Question 3 The assessment may occur prior to custody.

INCORRECT The assessment may occur prior to custody cases such as in FSS cases that become custodial.

CORRECT The assessment may occur prior to custody cases such as in FSS cases that become custodial.

Quiz Review ASSESSMENT (1 of 2)

Quiz Review ASSESSMENT (2 of 2)

Case Planning Question 1 The Guardian ad Litem is to be included in all face-to-face meetings regarding the child’s permanency plan.

INCORRECT All reviews of a child’s permanency plan shall include face-to-face meetings involving: The child’s DCS case manager The DCS Supervisor The worker from the contract agency (if applicable) The parent(s) or extended birth family (if appropriate) The foster parent(s) The child, if the child is over 12 and wishes to participate CASA or Guardian ad Litem Others involved in the child’s case

CORRECT All reviews of a child’s permanency plan shall include face-to-face meetings involving: The child’s DCS case manager The DCS Supervisor The worker from the contract agency (if applicable) The parent(s) or extended birth family (if appropriate) The foster parent(s) The child, if the child is over 12 and wishes to participate CASA or Guardian ad Litem Others involved in the child’s case

Case Planning Question 2 DCS Independent Living Services include Driver Education.

INCORRECT Drivers Education is one of the Independent Living Services provided to youth age 14 or older.

CORRECT Drivers Education is one of the Independent Living Services provided to youth age 14 or older.

Case Planning Question 3 During the first 30 days of a Trial Home Visit, how often will DCS have contact with the child and family?

INCORRECT DCS must have continued contact with the child and family at least three(3) times during the first 30 days.

CORRECT DCS must have continued contact with the child and family at least three(3) times during the first 30 days.

Quiz Review Permanency Plan Staffing

Quiz Review Independent Living Services

Quiz Review Trial Home Visit

Placement Question 1 What is the maximum number of children (birth, adoptive, and foster) allowable for DCS Foster Homes?

INCORRECT No more than Six(6) children (birth, adoptive, or foster) may be in a home to assure that the numbers of children are appropriate to allow families to meet children’s needs.

CORRECT No more than Six(6) children (birth, adoptive, or foster) may be in a home to assure that the numbers of children are appropriate to allow families to meet children’s needs.

Placement Question 2 What is the maximum number of days that DCS can place a child in an emergency placement?

INCORRECT DCS must not place a child in an emergency placement for more than 30 days – there are no exceptions.

CORRECT DCS must not place a child in an emergency placement for more than 30 days – there are no exceptions.

Placement Question 3 A child determined to be at risk for perpetrating violence may be place in a foster home with children not so determined if there are no other placements available.

INCORRECT DCS must not place children determined to be at risk for perpetrating violence or sexual assault with children not so determined. There are no exceptions to this rule.

CORRECT DCS must not place children determined to be at risk for perpetrating violence or sexual assault with children not so determined. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Quiz Review Ages/Numbers of Children in Placements

Ages/Numbers of Children in Placements Reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect in Tennessee Better match and increase needed services to support child and family well-being.

Ages/Numbers of Children in Placements The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system.  Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Ages/Numbers of Children in Placements

Quiz Review Emergency Placements

Emergency Placements Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Emergency Placements Children in foster care placement should be in the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible, and the state should make all efforts to avoid the use of non-family settings for children, particularly young children. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Emergency Placements

Quiz Review Children at Risk for Violence/Sexual Assault

Quiz Review Children at Risk for Violence/Sexual Assault Reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect in Tennessee

Quiz Review Children at Risk for Violence/Sexual Assault The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Quiz Review Children at Risk for Violence/Sexual Assault

Casework/Documentation Question 1 Documentation must be in the child’s case file within how many days?

INCORRECT Documentation must be in the child’s case file as soon as possible and always within 30 days.

CORRECT Documentation must be in the child’s case file as soon as possible and always within 30 days.

Casework/Documentation Question 2 If a child is in a contract agency placement, every three months the contract agency case manager must accompany the DCS case manager on a visit.

INCORRECT In cases where the child is in contract agency placement, every three months the contract agency case manager must accompany the DCS case manager in order to facilitate substantive discussions between DCS, agency staff/foster parents and the child, if appropriate.

CORRECT In cases where the child is in contract agency placement, every three months the contract agency case manager must accompany the DCS case manager in order to facilitate substantive discussions between DCS, agency staff/foster parents and the child, if appropriate.

Casework/Documentation Question 3 A private meeting between the case manager and an 8 year old foster child is not necessary during the case manager’s visit.

INCORRECT Visits must include a private meeting between the case manager and child unless the child is an infant.

CORRECT Visits must include a private meeting between the case manager and child unless the child is an infant.

Quiz Review DOCUMENTATION

Documentation Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Documentation The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state.

Casework/Documentation

Quiz Review Case Manager Visits

Case Manager Visits Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Case Manager Visits The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Case Manager Visits

Quiz Review Case Manager Visits

Case Manager Visits Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities and family placements.

Case Manager Visits The State has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Case Manager Visits

Placement Resource Development Question 1 Completed applications must be responded to within how many days?

INCORRECT Completed applications must be responded to within seven(7) days.

CORRECT Completed applications must be responded to within seven(7) days.

Placement Resource Development Question 2 Relative foster parents do not need the same level of support that non-relative foster parents receive

INCORRECT Relative foster parents must be given every support that non-relative foster parents receive – including all financial assistance.

CORRECT Relative foster parents must be given every support that non-relative foster parents receive – including all financial assistance.

Placement Resource Development Question 3 Each foster family must meet annual in-service training requirements.

INCORRECT Each foster family must meet annual in-service training requirements.

CORRECT Each foster family must meet annual in-service training requirements.

Quiz Review Placement Resource Development

Placement Resource Development Reduce the number and rate of children being restricted from their own families, own communities, and family placements.

Placement Resource Development The state has primary responsibility for the care and protection of children who enter the foster care system.  Insofar as it relies on private contractors to assist in meeting this responsibility, it should only do so according to standards set by and rigorously monitored by the state. Children in foster care placement should have stable placements that meet their needs and the services necessary to address both the trauma of foster care placement and the problems surrounding their removal from their family.

Placement Resource Development