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Guiding Principals for SURVIVAL March 15, 2011. Purpose. The purpose of this training is to educate newly licensed Foster Parents and to remind current Foster Parents of various processes and policies at PSF. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”. Acronyms.
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Purpose The purpose of this training is to educate newly licensed Foster Parents and to remind current Foster Parents of various processes and policies at PSF. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Acronyms • See handout “Common Acronyms for Child Welfare Professionals”. • Keep this tool handy for this training. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Circuit 3 & 8 Organization Flowchart “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
PSF Placement Goals • To place our children within their county of origin • To keep siblings groups in the same placement or within the same county as their siblings • To identify and provide our children with a stable placement during their stay within the foster care system • To provide our children with a home that understands and is able to support their specific needs “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Placement Process • Abuse or neglect is reported to the Abuse Hotline • If child is believed to be in imminent danger the child is removed and placed with a family member or family friend. If no placements are found then the child is put into Foster Care. • Placement Coordinators will receive a call from a PI or FCC indicating the need of a placement. • Our Placement Coordinators will first look through the list of all the foster homes that have the capacity within the child’s county of origin and begin making phone calls. • If no home is willing or able to take care of the child, the Placement Coordinators begin to look for the closest foster home within Circuits 3 & 8. • Sometimes children will be placed out of our coverage area or even separated from their siblings. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Top Questions for Placement Coordinators • Child’s Identifying Info (Full legal name, age, DOB, SS #, Medicaid #) • Reasons for child coming into Foster Care • Why does this child need a new placement? • Any known issues? (Aggressive, sexualized, depression) • How long the child has been in foster care? • Does the child have any siblings in care? Do they have visits? • Does this child get along with other kids? • How many previous placements has the child had? • Do you have the child’s Blue Folder? (Placement letter, records) • What is the permanency goal for the child? (Reunification, adoption) • Is the child on any medications? Know allergies to meds or food? • Is the child currently involved in any counseling, therapy? • What school/day care does the child attend? • Who is the child’s Family Care Counselor? “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Golden Rule Regarding Placements • If you do not feel comfortable or unable to provide this child with all of their physical, emotional, and behavioral issues please say “No”!!! • Nothing will be held against you if you choose not to take a child into your care. There are plenty of children that need homes. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Respite Care • Respite care is defined as a minimum of a 24 hour break in providing care. • Each foster family is entitled to 12 respite days per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30 of each year). • Licensing standards require that all respite providers must be screened. • If Respite care is provided outside of the foster home the respite provider must be a licensed foster parent. • All respite providers must be given the following information: -Family Care Counselor’s name & telephone number -Emergency telephone numbers -Child’s physician’s name and phone number -Child’s School Information -Child’s Medicaid Information “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Placement Contacts “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Blue Folders • A Blue Folder is a standardized record developed and maintained for every child entering out-of-home care. This folder at a minimum should include: • Placement Letter (Letter granting temporary legal custody) • Authorization for Consent to treat (Medical) • Initial Placement Information (Name, SS#, DOB, Background) • Shelter Order (Petition filed with the courts asking child be removed from home) • Child Profile & Family Safety Contract (For case involving sexual abuse) • If you did not receive a blue folder, please ask the worker who transported the child to your home to contact the responsible Family Care Counselor (FCC) or the Child Protective Investigator (CPI). • Both you and the FCC should continuously be adding items to the blue folder as the case progresses. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Numbers to Know • See Attached Handout
What is Normalcy? • Normalcy for adolescents and teenagers in the custody of the Department 65C-30 (10). Adolescents and teenagers who are in the custody of the department shall, as appropriate based on age and maturity level, be allowed and encouraged by the licensed out-of-home caregiver, to engage in appropriate social and extracurricular activities to promote the child’s social development and maturity. • The Services Worker and the licensed out-of-home caregiver shall work together to ensure the following: • Support of school attendance, participation, and educational Planning (i.e. College, vocational, or technical) • Assist in Life Skills development ( i.e. money management, personal hygiene, consumer awareness, housekeeping, job seeking, etc.) • Provision of training and information (i.e. drug and alcohol use/abuse, teen sexuality issues, runaway prevention, etc.) • Affording the child every opportunity for social development (i.e. approved/planned overnight outings deemed safe by caregiver, etc.) • Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities (i.e. sports, clubs, hobbies, etc.) “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Normalcy Teen Plan • The Normalcy Teen Plan (F.S. 65C-30 (10)) is a written plan that outlines age appropriate activities and responsibilities developed for each youth ages 13-17 in licensed care. • In accordance with Florida Statue, the Teen Plan must be developed in collaboration with the teen, foster parent (caregiver), Family Care Counselor, and Independent Living Case Manager, if available. • Each Teen Plan is specific to the individual teen and must be reviewed and updated every ninety days, or more often as needed. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Normalcy Activities for Children • Children in licensed care are eligible for Educational and Normalcy Funds. These funds were created with the intention of allowing children of all ages to participate in community and educational activities. • Educational Funds= Each foster child is eligible for $100.00 of educational funding each fiscal year. Funding can be spent on school supplies, summer camp, tutoring, school activities (clubs, sports, band), school pictures, dances (prom, etc.), yearbooks and anything related to education. • Normalcy Funds= Normalcy funding is available for activities such as theme park tickets, school activities, summer camps and anything related to normal child activities. • When in doubt, please contact your Recruitment and Retention Specialist. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Normalcy Funding Guidelines • $300 per child/per year limit. • All activities must be pre-approved. • All receipts or other information must be submitted with the request. • Request must be made to your Recruitment & Retention Specialist. • All requests will be submitted for final approval to Partnership CEO or to the Senior Vice-President. • Upon approval, a check will be cut and mailed to address provided on form. • Please allow two weeks for approval. • Request for gas, hotel, food, spending money or taxes will not be approved. • All requests are subject to denial due to lack of funding or not meeting the qualifications. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Monthly Board Rate Breakdown ***Allowances can not be withheld as a form of discipline as per 65c-30.011(7) Page 23*** ***Overpayments must be immediately returned back to the PSF Finance Department*** “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Initial Clothing Vouchers • Initial Emergency Shelter - This would be considered an emergency shelter or when a child is first removed from their home. The initial clothing voucher is filled out by the Protective Investigator or Family Care Counselor and issued at the initial placement to the foster parent. • Initial clothing vouchers are as follows: • Children aged 0 through 12 years: $50.00 • Children aged 13 years and above: $70.00 • Foster Parents can take vouchers to the following stores to redeem them: • JC Penney in Lake City • Kmart in Gainesville • All Beall’s Outlet Store within our 13 Counties. • If the foster parent does not wish to use the voucher at the stores listed above, they can spend the voucher amount’s listed above at any store they want to purchase clothing and shoes. In cases like these, foster parents will be reimbursed through Finance. Make a copy of the receipts for your records first, then submit receipts to: Attention: Lisa Vickery, 515 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601. Lisa Vickery can also be reached at 352-244-1560 “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Annual Clothing Vouchers • Annual clothing allowances are funds that must be utilized for the purchase of clothing and shoes for children that are in licensed care. • Children 0-4 receive $ 200 • Children 5-17 receive $ 300 • It is mandatory for all foster parents to submit receipts to Lisa Vickery in the Finance Department at 5950 NW 1st Place, Suite A Gainesville, FL 32607 within 30 days of receiving the allowance. Only receipts within the 30 day timeframe will be accepted. • If receipts are not received, or do not total the amount of the clothing allowance, the money will be recouped your next board rate check. • If a child moves from your home and you have been given the clothing allowance, contact Lisa Vickery immediately at (352) 244-1560. • The money must be returned back immediately to the address above. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Child Trust Funds • Funding for children eligible for SSA/SSI or other benefits from their birth parents. • A portion is used to off-set the cost of their care, remaining funds are available for use by the child. • Children use this fund via their FCC. • Funding can be used for almost anything the child wants, such as computers, clothes, media, etc. • After $1,500, the money stop’s accruing. • Contact the child’s FCC or Dawn McDowelle (352-244-1545) if you have a child with a trust fund or believe your child should have a trust fund. • Any items purchased for the child belong to the child and MUST be moved with the child. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Travel Reimbursement • You may be reimbursed for the following types of travel expenses incurred as a Foster Parent: • To transport the child to medical & mental health appointments • To transport the child to “special” educational & vocational training • To transport the child to visits with parents, siblings, or relatives • You may also be reimbursed for transportation to approved in-service training sessions. • If you are not a Medicaid provider, you may submit your travel reimbursement requests to Lisa Sullivan, Licensing Administrative Assistant. They may be reached at 352-244-1548. • These requests should be submitted on a monthly basis and PSF will reimbursed at a rate of $0.38/mile. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Travel Reimbursements Must • Travel must be submitted by the 20th of each month • Travel can be reimbursed for up to three previous months • All travel must be submitted by month on separate forms • Travel reimbursement form should include: your name and signature, the child’s name, the FCC’s name, travel date, travel to/from, purpose of travel, number of miles, and start/arrival times • Sign the form before it is submitted on the line that says ‘Employee Signature’ • All travel forms must have original signatures. No fax or emails allowed • ALL TRAVEL REQUIRES DOCUMENTATION OR PROOF; SUCH AS A NOTE FROM THE FCC FOR VISITATION, NOTE FROM DOCTOR, A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OR THE TRAINING AGENDA. ***IF IN DOUBT PLEASE ASK*** “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Damage Claim Process • When can I file a damage claim? • If a foster/shelter child in your home causes you property damage or direct medical expenses. • A claim must be filed with the “Restitution Claim Form”. • What will I need? • The date of the incident • The claimants contact information • A brief statement of the incident • Pictures if applicable • Signature from a worker who has verified the damage occurred (#9) • Receipts for repair or medical expenses. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Damage Claim Process • Things to remember: • Claims can ONLY be filed by the claimant within 120 days of the incident • Pictures and supporting documentation help • Form must be filled out completely • Make copies of everything • Send form as Certified Mail • For #5 on the form, make sure you have: Lisa Vickery 5950 NW 1st Place, Suite A Gainesville, Fl 32607 “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Why areabuse reports called? • More Professionals see the children regularly • Children know how to work the system • Some biological parents might make reports “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
What happens when an abuse report is called in? • A Child Protective Investigator (CPI or PI) will get in touch with you or come to your home • You are allowed to know the allegations • You cannot know the reporter (only the PI has this information) • Answer the PI’s questions and work with them. • If you need reassurance contact FAST “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
What will the PI do? • The PI will interview all the children involved (including possibly your biological and adopted children) • The PI will interview you and any other people related to the case “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
What will Licensing do? • DCF will place a No Placement Hold on your home • This will remain in affect until the case is officially closed • PSF Licensing Analyst will be in touch with the PI • PSF cannot speak with you about the case until we receive clearance from the PI “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Important Information: • The PI has 60 days from the start of the case to close it in the FSFN system • Any reports are maintained in FAHIS • These reports are not found through most job related background searches “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Abuse Report Outcomes: • There are three outcomes from an abuse report • No Indicators • Some Indicators • Verified • The PI should send you a letter stating their findings soon after closing the case • If you have not received this information, please contact DCF or the PI directly. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
How do Outcomes Affect my License? • No Indicators • Usually has no affect on the license • The report will be discussed in your annual re-licensing home visit • Some Indicators/Verified • Case is staffed at Foster Care Review Committee (A meeting between DCF, PFSF Licensing, PFSF QA, CPI, and CMA) “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Outcomes of Some Indicator/Verified • From the FCRC, recommendations are created • Possible follow-up • Support Plan: a six month plan to add support to a foster home to improve the quality of care. • Corrective Action Plan: usually 6 months of follow-up with Licensing Analyst including tasks to reduce risks in the foster home • Suspension: A temporary break in the license • Revocation: Removal of license by DCF “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
F.A.S.T. • Foster Allegation Support Team- self run by the Florida State Foster Adoptive Parent Association. • Contact Person- Eddie Easter • 1-800-FAST-1191-800-327-8119 1-813-389-7485 • Email: fast4help@yahoo.com “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
The Purpose of F.A.S.T. • To provide support to the Foster Parent when an allegation has been or might be brought against him or her. • To provide an immediate response to the Foster Parent. • Keep Foster Parents informed of procedures and the process if an allegation is made. • To provide an environment without judgment to assist Foster Parents and their families. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Pointers for Dealing with an Allegation • Keep a complete written journal of all dates, times, events and communications. • Insist on giving full input into the investigation. • Call the FAST hotline for support. • Request assistance from the agency in explaining to the children what is happening and why. • Maintain your sense of professionalism as foster parents. • Cooperate with the investigation. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Changes during the Licensed Year (F.S. 65C-13.027) • Report within 48 hours of incident: • Law Enforcement involvement with any household member • A change in marital status • A change in household composition • A change in physical address • Changes in financial situation • Serious health issues • If situations not reported and child safety is threatened, a license could be suspended, revoked or denied “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Changes during the Licensed Year (F.S. 65C-13.027) • Report immediately: • Change in marital status • A change of home telephone number • Change of mailing address • Change of employment/significant change in work schedule • Change in household composition • If your not sure, contact your Licensing Specialist! “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Change of Address • If your physical address is going to change during the year let your Licensing Specialist know as early before hand as possible • Within 30 days of your moving into the new residence we must have: • New application for Licensure • New floor plan & emergency evacuation route • New County Health Inspection • New Radon test • Pictures of every room in the home • Licensing Specialist must do a home visit to do addendum to the home study • If this is not sent to DCF within 30 days your license will be revoked and any foster children in your home will have to be removed “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
Psychotropic Medications • We need parental permission or a court-order for ANY AND ALL psychotropic medications. • This includes any changes in dosage or type of medication. • Only a Psychiatrist can prescribe these medications. “ Without Every Leaf, the Tree is Incomplete”
