Resource Family Approval - PowerPoint Presentation

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Resource Family Approval ProgramFamily and Permanency BureauOctober 2014All STAFF PRESENTATION Slide2

RFAFamily and Permanency BureauNew UnitSupervisor-Ruben Moreno ext 6841RFA Social WorkersAndree Patron Jackie BergkvistSlide3

AcknowledgementsAndree PatronAngel Kelly Annette StahlneckerBecky SmithByron MyersCatherine JohnstonChristine CurtisDana Sugiyama Daniel Vo Dawn BeckDenise MarchuDonna EricksonEdwin PatrickEnedina SerranoEnrique Carbajal Giap LeGilbert Murillo Graciela EscobarHerman Morris Jacqueline Skyberg Jayne RovianekJennifer HubbsJermaine HardyJess Moreno Jonathan Weinberg Julie McKellarKathleen Miles Kuei-Ting HuangLeslie AytchLeslie Griffith Leticia GonzalezLinda FranksLinh Tran Lucrecia ThompsonMandana Mahdavi Marshell Terry-Battle  Marybeth RodgersMeheret SellassieMelissa HerreraMiday Tovar Pa Chang Patricia AvilaPatrick SolichRhoda Cheung Rose LitvinRuben Moreno

Saul Gonzalez

Susan Steele

Sylvia Roque

Thinh Huynh

Tina Iniguez

Vincent Nichols

Wendy Kinnear

Managers and Administrators Lori Medina and Jaime LopeSlide4

Legislative BackgroundWhat is the Resource Family Approval(RFA) ProgramUnified Application ProcessResponsibilities of DFCS and Resource FamilyHome Environment and Permanency AssessmentsPartnerships and ResourcesToday's overview will cover:Slide5

Mission StatementThe mission of Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services is to keep children safe and families strong. With respect and cultural humility we partner with our diverse community to ensure that children and youth who are at risk or have suffered abuse or neglect are safe, cared for and grow up in a forever family. Slide6

Legislative Background(Authorized by Welfare and Institutions Code section 16519.5)SIP ♦Strategic Planning ♦ QPIChild and Family Practice ModelWe believeResource Families are fully committed to nurturing and supporting a child.Resource Families are respected and valued team members.Resource Families support family connections.Resource Families are our neighbors who are specially trained and skilled in meeting the diverse needs of children in their care.Slide7

RFA Program’s PurposeIt is the purpose of the Resource Family Approval Program to have a unified, family friendly, and child-centered resource family approval process. This replaces the existing multiple processes for licensing foster family homes and approving relatives and non-relative extended family members as foster care providers, and approving families for legal guardianship or adoption.Slide8

This is the state program now implemented by Santa Clara County DFCS, which oversees resource families who are approved to provide care and supervision for children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As an approved Resource Family Home, you are required to comply with the written directives of the Resource Family Approval Program.What is the Resource Family Approval Program?Slide9

Any individual, couple, or a family who wants to provide care to a related or unrelated child(ren) who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, or otherwise in the care of a county child welfare agency or probation department. What is A Resource Family? Slide10

RFA ProcessOne Application (No Fee)One Background Check Combined Home Environment and Permanency AssessmentsPre-approval ( Informational Meeting and Orientation) and post-approval training for all familiesIncludes procedures for the placement of a child prior to resource family approval Maximum Capacity is Six (6) ChildrenNo Annual FeeRequired Annual Updates for Re-ApprovalSlide11

The Unified ProcessOne standardized process for ALL CAREGIVERSOne application (for Fostering and Adoption )One consolidated Live Scan for persons 18 years and older living in the homeCombined Home Environment and Permanency AssessmentsPre-approval training is required for applicantsSlide12

FYI… Allows for emergency placement with relatives or NREFMsRelatives and NREFMs are required to have First Aid and CPR trainingPost Approval Training annually 12 hoursMaximum Capacity in the home is total of six (6) childrenRequires Annual Updates for Re-ApprovalNo application feeNo annual reapproval fee California QPI Partnership Agreement Slide13

The California QPI Partnership Agreement is an action tool designed for you to use to establish a strong team relationship between resource/foster/kinship caregivers and child welfare staff in order to help children in foster care thrive. The Plan is a cooperative effort and was developed jointly by the Quality Parenting Initiative, 20 participating California counties, including Santa Clara County, the County Welfare Director’s Association and the California Department of Social Services. The purpose of the plan is to more clearly set out responsibilities and expectations for resource families/foster families and kinship caregivers, case workers, the courts and the Department of Social Services in working together for the benefit of children and families. Santa Clara County values it’s caregiver community and believes thatResource Families are fully committed to nurturing and supporting a child. Resource Families are respected and valued team members. Resource Families support family connections.Resource Families are our neighbors who become specially trained and skilled in meeting the diverse needs of children in their care. Slide14

1. Monitoring 2. Investigation 3. Oversight 4. Support Responsibility of Social Services Agency/DFCSSlide15

Monitoring & OversightCriminal Record ClearanceCurrent First Aid and CPR certificatesPhysical Exam and TB testPre-Approval Training (27 hours)Home Environment & Permanency AssessmentsSlide16

Criminal Background CheckPrior to approval, all adults (18 and older) living in the home must have a background check: Criminal Records Statement LIVE SCAN – Fingerprint (DOJ and FBI) Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) Out-of-State Registry Check (if applicant or any adult has lived in another state within the past 5 years) CWS/CMS Check (Child Welfare Services/Case Management System)

Megan’s Law Registered Sex Offender Check

DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) Check on Applicants

(and any adults who may frequently transport a child or non-

minor dependent)Slide17

Physical ExaminationPhysical Examination and TB Test is required for all Applicants with the Doctor’s original signature and an official stampSlide18

Monitoring SSA/DFCS shall monitor Resource Families through the following:Conducting annual updates- Re-approval every 12 monthsConducting periodic evaluations and home environment assessmentsInvestigating complaints against a Resource FamilyDeveloping corrective action plans to correct identified deficienciesRequire a Resource Family to comply with corrective action plansSlide19

OversightOnce the home is approved, the Caregiver(s) must comply with the RFA Program’s Written Directives.Once the home is approved, SSA/DFCS is required to inspect the home to ensure that the Caregiver(s) is operating within the RFA Program’s Written Directives.Slide20

Types of Visits by RFA Social Worker

ANNOUNCED VISITS

Pre-Approval

Annual/Required

Follow up

Case Management

UNANNOUNCED VISITS

Complaint InvestigationsSlide21

Investigations and OversightWhen a Caregiver(s) fails to protect the health and safety of the children in care or serious deficiencies exist, the following actions may be taken:Complaint/allegation-investigation is conductedDeficiencies are discussed Deficiencies are correctedOffice ConferenceDenial of the applicationRescind ApprovalOther Administrative ActionAppeal RightsSlide22

Reporting RequirementsA Resource Family must report for a child or a non-minor dependent: Death Any suspected child abuse or neglectAny injury to or illness that requires emergency medical attention or hospitalizationAny incident that involves and threatens the physical or emotional safety of child, non-minor dependent, or any individual in the home.

Any unusual absence of a child or, for a non-minor dependent, any

prolonged absence that lasts more than 72 hours.

A Resource Family must report the above events by telephone, email or fax within 24 hours after event occurs or within next business day to the

RFA Social Worker

AND

the child’s Social Worker

and submit a written report within seven (7) days.

Refer to the RFA Program’s Written Directives, Section 10-06

Reporting

Requirements

for a more detailed list.Slide23

Reporting RequirementAfter Hours/Weekends/HolidaysDeath of a child or other incident serious in nature that requires hospitalization should be called into the: Child Abuse & Neglect (CAN) Center (Hotline) immediately at (408) 299-2071Slide24

Resource Families do NOT get PAID. Resource Families DO get REIMBURSED.

Reimbursement money is to be used for the child’s food, clothing, toys, educational supplies, and personal hygiene items. Slide25

CURRENT AND AGE APPROPRIATE FIRST AID & CPR TRAINING (This will be required for Relatives & NREFMs)ENSURE SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN’S SCHEDULES and ACTIVITIESMONITOR FOOD INTAKE OR SPECIAL DIETSMAINTENANCE and SUPERVISION OF CHILDRENS CASH RESOURCES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY OTHER SERVICES AS SPECIFIED ON THE PLACEMENT AGREEMENT OR BY THE SOCIAL WORKER

Responsibilities for Providing Care and supervisionSlide26

ASSIST IN DRESSING, GROOMING, BATHING (AGE APPROPRIATE), & OTHER PERSONAL HYGIENE MATTERSASSIST IN TAKING, DISPENSING, & DOCUMENTING MEDICATIONCENTRAL STORAGE OF MEDICATIONSARRANGING/ ASSISTING WITH MEDICAL, DENTAL, & COUNSELING APPOINTMENTSPROVIDE TRANSPORTATION MAINTAIN HOUSE RULES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE CHILDREN

Care

&

SupervisionSlide27

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT(spanking, hitting, slapping, hair pulling, pinching, kicking, etc.)IS PROHIBITEDRESOURCE FAMILIES ARE MANDATED REPORTERS OF CHILD ABUSE Slide28

Smoking is prohibitedA person who is approved to provide care in an approved resource family home shall notsmoke or permit any otherperson to smoke inside of thehome, and, when the child is present, on the outdoor grounds of the facility. Thisalso includes vehicles.Health and Safety Code – HSC  1530.7. (b)Slide29

REASONABLE AND PRUDENT PARENT STANDARD (RPPS)This means the careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain a child’s health, safety, and best interests, as defined in Welfare and Institutions Code section 362.04.Slide30

Things to consider ……When applying the reasonable and prudent parent standard, a Resource Family shall consider the following: Age, the maturity, and development level of a child.The nature and inherent risks of harm of the activity.The best interests of a child based on information known by the Resource Family.Slide31

OCCASIONAL SHORT-TERM BABYSITTERIf the caregiver anticipates being absent from the home for no more than 24 hours at a time, on an occasional basis, the caregiver is permitted to arrange for an occasional, short-term babysitter to provide care and supervision. Short-term meaning no more than 24 consecutive hoursSlide32

Includes, but not limited to:Kitchen area (food, knives, cleaning supplies)Living area (fireplace/heater, carpets, and furniture clean and in good repair)Bedrooms (linens, lighting, age appropriate furniture, closet/drawer space)Bathrooms (safe, clean, & operating)Yard (free from hazards & debris)Pool/bodies of water (made inaccessible

)

Home Environment AssessmentSlide33

Pre-Approval Training for CaregiversPsychosocial EvaluationPermanency Assessment Questionnaire Face to Face Interviews between RFA Worker and ApplicantsA minimum of one separate face-to-face interview with all other persons living in the home of an applicantAdditional interviews or requirements deemed necessary by DFCSWritten AssessmentA summary and evaluation of applicant’s personal historyA summary & determination of an applicant’s capacity to foster, adopt, or provide legal guardianship of a childPermanency AssessmentSlide34

No more than two children or two non-minor dependents may share a bedroom.Children of opposite sex shall not share a bedroom unless each child is under five years of age.Poisons, firearms, and other dangerous items must be locked.Emergency numbers in a prominent location in the home.Maintain health and educational records and keep confidential.Personal Rights of each child and non-minor dependentNo more than two infants (0-23 months) may reside in the home without additional help.Resource Families must complete 12 hours of training, annually.

Telephone service must be accessible to a child at all times.

Requirements for Resource FamiliesSlide35

Be prepared: Childproof Your Home and Install Safety Devices to prevent access to dangerous items!First Aid KitsIt is a requirement that a caregiver have a complete First Aid Kit and a First Aid Manual. PET Recommendations

Vaccinations

License

Dog RunsSlide36

All homes that accept children under 10 years of age or developmentally, mentally, or physically disabled shall ensure that swimming pools and other bodies of water are inaccessible.

36Slide37

EXAMPLES OF POOL COVERSSlide38

The following are examples of homes that were not ready for the Home Environment AssessmentSlide39

Is this ok?Slide40

Read the labelSlide41

Is this okay?A plastic covered foam mattress?Slide42

Yikes !Slide43

What do we have here? Is this ok?Slide44

Is this outdoor area safe ?Slide45

Is this outdoor area safe ?Slide46

Another unsafe outdoor areaSlide47

Is this room clean and safe? Slide48

So what do you think…?Slide49

The Foster Family Home Insurance Fund provides liability insurance coverage to foster parents for incidents relating to the provision of foster care services.The Fund will pay up to $300,000 on behalf of covered FFHs the claims of foster children, their parents or guardians for damages arising from the foster care relationship and the provisions of foster care services, or reimburse covered homes for those damages.Does not cover liability due to fraud, abuse, car accident, lack of homeowner’s insurance, etc. (see handout for complete list).Foster Family Home Insurance FundSlide50

A Resource Family is considered to be approved for providing foster care, becoming a legal guardian or adopting a child.If you plan to move, contact your RFA Social Worker 30 days prior to the move. An Invitation to Welcoming CeremonyCertificate of ApprovalSlide51

Previously Used TermNew TermFoster FamilyCounty Licensed Foster Family HomesRelative/NREFM FamiliesAdoptive Family

FFH

Resource Family (RF)

Relative/ NREFM Home Approval

WIC 16504.5

Resource Family Approval Process

WIC 16519.5

Relative/NREFM Home Approval

Application 309(d)

RF Application- Packet

Criminal Record Statement- LIC 508 D

RF Criminal Record Statement

Form RFA-01(B)

Adoption Home Study

Permanency Assessment

Relative /NREFM Re-Assessment

RF Annual Update- Form RFA-06

Licensing Orientation

RFA Orientation

PRIDE

Pre-Approval Training

KINSHIP PRIDE

PRE-SERVICE

TITLE 22 Division 6

CCL Regulations

CDSS

Written Directives

Resource

Family Approval (RFA) Glossary of TermsSlide52

Support Kinship and Adoptive Foster Parent Association Resource Family Support TeamRelative and NREFMs Support TeamFoster Care Kinship Education ProgramWest Valley College and Evergreen Valley CollegeSlide53

Support Kinship and Adoptive Foster Parent Association Resource Family Support TeamRelative and NREFMs Support TeamFoster Care Kinship Education ProgramWest Valley College and Evergreen Valley CollegeSlide54

Kinship and Adoptive Foster Parent Association (KAFPA)How do you partner with us to support Caregivers?Slide55

Resource Family Support TeamContracted through Unity CareHow do you partner with us to support Caregivers?Slide56

Relative and NREFMs Support TeamContracted through Catholic CharitiesHow do you partner with us to support Caregivers?Slide57

Foster Kinship Care Education Donna Erickson Contracted through: West Valley Community College How do you partner with us to support Caregivers?Slide58

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