Foster Care

Huron-Perth Children's Aid Society

Policy and Procedure Manual

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 - 000 Foster Care

7.0 - 002 General Policy

7.0 - 002.005 Glossary of Terms

7.1 - 02 Foster Care Recruitment

7.2 - 02 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 - 02 Training

7.4 - 02 Placement

7.5 - 02 Retention and Recognition

7.6 - 02 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 - 02 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 - 02 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 - 02 Usage of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 - 02 Assessment and Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 - 02 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 - 02 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.0 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/071FOS.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/071FOS.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 - 002 General Policy

7.0 - 002.005 Glossary of Terms

7.1 Foster Care Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training

7.4 Placement

7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Usage of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment and Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.0 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/7.0 - Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.0 General Policy/7.0 - Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/7.0 - Cover Page.DOC

Table of Contents

1.0 Adoption

2.0 Governance

3.0 Community

4.0 Child Care

5.0 Family Services

6.0 Finance

7.0 Foster Care

8.0 Human Resources

9.0 Volunteers

10.0 Information Systems & Technology

11.0 Administration

12.0 Health & Safety

13.0 Quality Assurance

source for 7.0 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/Foster Care - Title Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/Foster Care - Title Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.0 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
General Policy

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that all foster care services provided by the Society shall endeavour to ensure that such services reflect the principles defined in Section 1 of the Child and Family Services Act:
1. To promote the best interests, protection and well being of children.
2. To recognize that while parents often need help in caring for their children, that help should give support to the autonomy and integrity of the family unit and, wherever possible, be provided on the basis of mutual consent.
3. To recognize that the least restrictive or disruptive course of action that is available and is appropriate in helping a child or family should be followed.
4. To recognize that children’s services should be provided in a manner that respects children’s needs for continuity of care and for stable family relationships, and takes into account physical and mental developmental differences among children.
5. To recognize that whenever possible, services to children and their families should be provided in a manner that respects cultural, religious, and regional differences.
6. To recognize that services to Indian and native people should be provided in a manner that recognizes their culture, heritage, traditions and the concept of extended family.
7. To ensure, where appropriate, that children and their parents have an opportunity to be heard and represented when decisions affecting their interests are made and to be heard whenever they have concerns about the services they are receiving.
8. To ensure that decisions affecting the interests and rights of children and their parents are made according to clear, consistent criteria and are subject to procedural safeguards.
It is also the policy of the Society that all foster care services provided by the Society shall endeavour to ensure that such services reflect the principles defined in the Society’s mission statement.

source for 7.0 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.0 General Policy/7.0-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.0 - 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Glossary of Terms

Licensed Children’s Residence:
1. a parent-model residence where five or more children, not of common parentage, live and receive residential care (“parent model” residence is defined as part of all of a building or group of buildings where not more than two adults live and provide care for a child on a continual basis); or
2. a staff-model residence where three or more children, not of common parentage, live and receive residential care by adults employed on the basis of scheduled shifts (“staff model” residence is defined as part or all of a building where adults are employed to care for children on the basis of scheduled shifts).
Provisional Home:
1. a home the child may have selected or the home of a relative or friend of the child who agrees to provide care for this child but does not wish to foster other children; and
2. such a home is usually “opened” for this specific child; and
3. a provisional home is approved following an inspection within twenty-four hours after the child is located or placed in the home.
Foster Home:
1. place where parent-model care is provided for four or fewer children under the supervision of an operator through a foster care service agreement.

source for 7.0 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.0 General Policy/7.0-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/002005.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy

7.1 Foster Parent Recruitment

7.1 - 002 Foster Parent Recruitment
7.1 - 002.005 Foster Parent Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.1 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/7.1 Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.1 Recruitment/7.1 Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/7.1 Cover Page.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.1 - 002 Foster Home Recruitment
7.1 - 002.005 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.1 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/710REC.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/710RECRUITMENT.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/710REC.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/710RECRUITMENT.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.1 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent Recruitment

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society:
1. that an adequate number and type of foster homes shall be available in order to meet the placement needs of children likely to be in care;
2. that the foster care recruitment function shall be assigned to a specific person;
3. that the Society shall have an approved annual recruitment plan.
The Society shall enact procedures ensuring that:
1. the foster care function is assigned to a specific person;
2. each year, the Society develops and approves a foster care recruitment plan;
3. input and involvement in the development and implementation of the recruitment plan is obtained from current foster parents and other stakeholders.

source for 7.1 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.1 Recruitment/7.1-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.1 - 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent Recruitment

Procedure:

In order to ensure that the Society has an adequate number and type of foster homes to meet the placement needs of children:
1. the foster care recruitment function will be assigned to a “Foster Care Resource Worker”;
2. the foster care resource worker will, on a yearly basis, seek input from:
  1. the current foster parents;
  2. the intake workers;
  3. the family service workers; and
  4. the child care workers;
  5. other foster care resource workers;
  in order to:
  1. review the profiles of the children who came into care during the year;
  2. review the locations from which the children came into care during the year;
  3. review the locations of current foster families;
  4. review the projected number and types of children the Intake/Family Services units are projecting will come into care in the coming year;
  5. review the current status of foster care availability.
In the preparation of the Society’s annual foster care recruitment plan, the foster care resource worker, where appropriate, will seek input from:
1. the current foster parents;
2. the Society staff;
3. community and/or board representatives; and
4. the youth in care.
The resource program manager will ensure the development of an annual recruitment plan which will include:
1. the number and types of homes to be recruited;
2. the location of homes to be recruited; and
3. at least two different recruitment methods.
The resource program manager will submit the final recruitment plan to the Director of Services for approval.
The Director of Services will submit the approved annual foster care recruitment plan to the Executive Director.
The approved annual foster care recruitment plan will be incorporated in the Society’s annual “Service Plan”.
In recruiting foster families from the community, efforts are made to locate individuals and families who will:
1. engage in pre-service and ongoing training;
2. respect confidentiality;
3. offer affection and care to a child without expecting immediate returns;
4. facilitate visiting between the foster child and his/her primary family;
5. work cooperatively with agency staff and primary parents in developing and implementing a plan of care for the child;
6. be prepared to assist a child with a return home, a move to an adoption home or another placement, or preparation for independent living.

source for 7.1 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.1 Recruitment/7.1-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/01RECRUI/002005.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.2 - 002 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.2 - 002.005 Receipt of Foster Home Application
7.2 - 002.010 Meaning of Foster Care
7.2 - 002.015 Eligibility Criteria for Foster Care Applicants
7.2 - 002.020 Face to Face Meeting
7.2 - 002.025 Criteria for Homestudy
7.2 - 002.030 Criteria for Acceptance or Rejection of Applicant
7.2 - 002.035 Communication to Applicant of Acceptance or Rejection
7.2 - 002.040 Release of Information where Foster Care Applicants Re-locates
7.2 - 004 Staff and Board Members as Applicants for Foster Care
7.2 - 004.005 Staff and Board Members as Applicants for Foster Care
7.2 - 006 Applicant With History of Child Abuse, Neglect or Criminal Record
7.2 - 008 Police Record Check
7.2 - 008.005 Police Record Check
7.2 - 010 Foster Child’s Room
7.2 - 012 Safety Requirements
7.2 - 014 Foster Care Agreements
7.2 - 014.005 Foster Care Agreements
7.2 - 016 Transportation of Wards
7.2 - 018 Oath of Confidentiality

7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition
7.6 Working with Foster Parents
7.7 Foster Home Evaluation
7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.2 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/072ASS.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/072ASSESSMENT.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/072ASS.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/072ASSESSMENT.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.2 - 002 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.2 - 002.005 Receipt of Foster Home Application
7.2 - 002.010 Meaning of Foster Care
7.2 - 002.015 Eligibility Criteria for Foster Care Applicants
7.2 - 002.020 Information Meeting with Foster Parent Applicants
7.2 - 002.025 Criteria for Homestudy
7.2 - 002.030 Criteria for Acceptance or Rejection of Applicant
7.2 - 002.035 Communication to Applicant of Acceptance or Rejection
7.2 - 002.040 Release of Information where Foster Care Applicants
Re-locate
7.2 - 004 Staff and Board Members as Applicants for Foster Care
7.2 - 004.005 Staff and Board Members as Applicants for Foster Care
7.2 - 006 Applicant With History of Child Abuse, Neglect or
Criminal Record
7.2 - 008 Police Record Check
7.2 - 008.005 Police Record Check
7.2 - 010 Foster Child’s Room
7.2 - 012 Safety Requirements
7.2 - 014 Foster Care Agreements
7.2 - 014.005 Foster Care Agreements
7.2 - 016 Transportation of Wards
7.2 - 018 Oath of Confidentiality

source for 7.2 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/7.2 Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2 Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/7.2 Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Home Assessment and Service Contracting

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society:
1. that all foster home assessments shall be consistent with mandated requirements and service philosophy;
2. that all foster home assessments shall competently reflect the functioning of the family.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with:
1. the receipt of the foster care application;
2. applicants who are employees or member of the Society’s Board of Directors;
3. applicants who have a history of verified or suspected child abuse or neglect;
4. criteria of foster care homestudy;
5. police record check;
6. criteria to be used in the acceptance or rejection of foster care applicants;
7. safety requirements;
8. communication to foster care applicant of the decision to approve or reject their application;
9. foster care agreements.

source for 7.2 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Receipt of Foster Home Applicant

Procedure:

When a request for information or an application for foster care is received by the Society, the caller is referred to a resource worker who will:
1. Inform the person that in order to foster, the applicant must meet the following criteria (7.2 - 002.015):
  1. Reside within the jurisdiction of Huron & Perth Counties; non resident’s application will be considered in special circumstances;
  2. Be eighteen years of age or older;
    elision Joint applications can be made by two individuals who are spouses of each other; spouse has the same meaning as in the Human Rights Code;
  3. epenthesis
  4. Applications can be made by a single person;
  5. Subject to the policy (7.2 - 004) an employee or member of the Board of Directors may apply to foster;
  6. Subject to the policy (7.2 - 006) a person with a history of perpetrating child abuse will not be accepted as foster care applicants; former clients may be accepted as foster care applicants following careful screening as to their experience with the Society and their motive for applying;
  7. The applicant(s) health must be such that he/she is able to provide adequate care and supervision to a foster child;
2. Share with the potential applicant:
  1. the meaning of foster care (7.2 - 002.010);
  2. type of children available (7.1- 002.005);
  3. the orientation process (7.2 - 002.020);
  4. that all applicants are requested to complete a brief intake application form;
  5. All potential applicants will have a home visit to determine their suitability to continue with the foster home study process. If the applicants are deemed suitable, a homestudy file will be opened at this time.
  6. All potential applicants are then invited to attend an information meeting and pre-service training at which time a formal application form will be provided to the applicants;
  7. All applicants will be expected to participate in training courses provided or recommended by the Society;
  8. A foster care homestudy is usually completed according to the Society’s placement needs.
3. if the potential applicants wish to proceed with foster care, the resource worker will inform them that general information will be sent to them.
The resource worker will document in the applicant’s case file:
1. the information sent to the potential foster care applicants; and
2. the date the potential foster care applicant were invited to attend the information meeting.
3. the initial home assessment form

source for 7.2 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 002.010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Meaning of Foster Care

Procedure:

The Society’s foster care families will:
1. Enhance the lives of the children in the Society’s care by meeting their individual needs and rights;
2. Be capable of accepting, understanding and caring for a child not their own;
3. Be capable of sharing responsibility for the child in partnership with:
  1. Society caseworkers; and if applicable
  2. The natural parent(s) and/or siblings;
4. Be capable of developing a relationship with a child;
  1. Facilitate visiting between the child and his/her primary family
5. Be willing to meet with the Society’s workers and, if applicable, the natural parents to:
  1. Review the child’s plan of care;
  2. Participate in the implementation of the child’s plan of care, and if applicable the family’s plan of care;
  3. Participate in the Society’s plan:
    - to return the child to his/her family; or
    - to place the child on adoption; or
    - to place the child for long term foster care;
6. Be willing to meet with the Society to:
  1. Review and plan the Society’s foster care recruitment plans;
  2. Participate in the Society’s foster parent training programs; and
  3. Participate in the Society’s Foster Parent Association;
7. Adhere to the Society’s foster care and child care policies and procedures.

source for 7.2 - 002.010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-002.010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 002.015

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Eligibility Criteria for Foster Care Applicants

Procedure:

The Society’s eligibility criteria for foster care are:
1. applicant(s) must be 18 years of age or older and have the energy and ability to care for a child;
2. joint applications can be made by two individuals who are spouses of each other; spouse has the same meaning as in the Human Rights Code;
3. applications can be made by a single person;
4. children of the applicant(s) need to be committed to the fostering plan;
5. applicant(s) need to reside in Huron and Perth Counties. Non-resident applicant(s) will be considered in special circumstances;
6. applicants must be in good physical and mental health and must have a written statement from a physician;
7. applicants must provide the names of at least three persons in the community as references;
8. applicants must have a police check completed;
9. the applicants’ home must be approved by the Society, and must be large enough to accommodate an additional child, his/her possessions, and allow for a reasonable degree of privacy;
10. applicants must be willing to provide opportunities for the spiritual development of the foster child according to the child’s/parent(s)’/guardian’s wishes and the plan of care;
11. applicants agree with the expectations of the Society on discipline, specifically the prohibition of corporal punishment;
12. employees and members of the Board of Directors are not permitted to foster except in exceptional circumstances, and with the approval of the Executive Director (7.2 - 004);
13. persons with a history of perpetrating child abuse not be permitted to foster (7.2 - 006);
14. former clients or wards of the Society may be accepted to provide foster care following careful screening to establish their experience with the Society and their motive for applying;
15. applicants who have been convicted of a criminal offence may be eligible only following a careful examination by the Society of the circumstances surrounding the conviction and the effect such may have on the applicant’s ability to care for children;
16. applicants who have recently experienced a significant loss, such as a miscarriage or the death of a child, a separation or death of spouse are generally advised to wait until at least one year has passed since the event before applying;
17. applicant is expected to have a stable income sufficient to maintain their own family members.
18. except in special circumstances, the completion of the pre-service training program is a prerequisite for an application and homestudy.

source for 7.2 - 002.015
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002015.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-002.015.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002015.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 002.020

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Information Meeting with Foster Care Applicants

Procedure:

The resource worker will invite all applicants to a group information meeting.
Generally, the resource worker will have had a face to face meeting with the applicants prior to the information meeting.
The foster care resource worker will provide the potential applicants with general information regarding:
1. the Society;
2. fostering; and
3. the application process.
At the end of the group information meeting, the foster care resource worker will invite the potential applicants to attend the in-service training program.
The resource worker will document in the applicant(s)’ case file:
1. the attendance and participation of the potential applicant(s) at the group information meeting; and
2. the date the potential applicants were invited to the in-service training program.

source for 7.2 - 002.020
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002020.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-002.020.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002020.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 002.025

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Criteria For Homestudy

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will, accept applicants for homestudy who:
1. meet the following general criteria:
  1. reside within the jurisdiction of Huron and Perth Counties;
  2. are eighteen years or older;
  3. joint applicants are spouses of one another (spouse is defined in the Human Rights Code);
  4. have demonstrate a financial ability to adequately provide for their family;
  5. have no physical, emotional and mental condition that would interfere with their ability to foster;
  6. have not been convicted of a crime against a child or familial assault and there is no criminal record that would preclude the applicants from providing foster care;
  7. have adequate space to accommodate an additional child or children, and that the home be one that will promote a safe and healthy environment;
  8. letters of reference support the applicant’s wish to foster;
  9. applicants have completed the pre-service training program;
2. Home studies are usually completed according to the Society’s placement needs.
The foster care team will keep an ongoing inventory of approved foster homes in each geographic area to ensure placement of all children in care.
The above criteria for selection of applicants for homestudy will be fully explained to applicants prior to the home study.

source for 7.2 - 002.025
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002025.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-002.025.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002025.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 002.030

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Criteria for Acceptance or Rejection of Applicant

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will accept or reject an application to provide foster care based on:
1. an assessment of the applicant’s ability to care for children in foster care;
2. an assessment of all family members and other persons living in the applicant’s home;
3. an examination of the foster care applicant’s home;
4. the determination of health and safety protection for foster children;
5. the available means of communication with the agency;
6. consultation with the foster care applicant regarding the range of services the applicant is able and willing to provide;
7. assessment of the level of support and training required by the applicant related to the type of care/service the applicant wishes to provide.
The foster care resource worker will obtain the required information by the completion of a homestudy.
In order to complete the homestudy, the resource worker will need to have:
1. at least one family/group interview with all members of the household who will be interacting with the foster child(ren);
2. at least one individual face to face interview with:
  1. each member of the applicant’s family living in the home; and
  2. each other person living in the home;
3. an assessment of:
  1. the applicant’s motivation to foster;
  2. where applicable, the couple’s relationship;
  3. the child-rearing practices, including the type of discipline used by the care provider;
  4. the family’s ability to provide emotional support and a caring environment;
  5. the current family functioning, including family roles, rules, values, and religious orientation and practices;
  6. the household’s ability to cope with stress and to adopt to change;
  7. the applicant’s ability to work with the foster child’s family;
  8. the applicant’s understanding of and attitude towards the agency’s clients;
  9. the applicant’s ability to function as a member of a larger multi-disciplinary team;
4. a full social history of each care provider;
5. rules in the family about privacy and modesty and the applicant’s comfort level in dealing with both normal sexuality and sexually abused children;
6. the household’s use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs;
7. the applicant’s support system;
8. the results of the applicant’s:
  1. medical reports;
  2. letters of reference;
  3. police checks.
During the homestudy process, the foster care resource worker will need to visit the home and document:
1. the common living areas of the applicant’s home, including:
  1. designated spaces for informal living;
  2. dining;
  3. preparation and storage of food;
  4. bathroom(s);
  5. bedroom(s) for the foster child(ren);
  6. the grounds surrounding the home;
  7. play/recreational space used by children in the home;
  8. the presence of pets or any other type of animal;
  9. the home is free of safety hazards;
  10. that garbage, refuse, and other wastes are disposed of appropriately;
  11. the adequacy of the heating system;
  12. that the home meets the Society’s safety requirements;
  13. that the child(ren)’s bedroom(s) meet the Society’s requirements; and
  14. that the foster parents have adequate home, automobile, an liability insurance (7.5 - 012);
  15. homes that use wells as a supply of water, shall be checked to ensure that they are free of contaminants.
The foster care resource worker will then submit the homestudy and/or relevant documents to the resource manager with a recommendation for approval or rejection.

source for 7.2 - 002.030
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002030.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-002.030.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002030.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 002.035

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Communication to Foster Applicant of Acceptance or Rejection of Application

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will ensure that the decision to approve or reject the foster care applicant:
1. is communicated to the applicant in person, where feasible, within five working days after the decision has been made; and
2. the reasons for such approval or rejection are documented in the foster care applicant’s case file.
If the foster care applicant is unhappy with the Society’s decision and wishes to file a complaint, they will be given a copy of the Society’s complaint procedure (5.1 - 010).

source for 7.2 - 002.035
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002035.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-002.035.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002035.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 002.040

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Release of Information When Foster Care Applicants Re-locate

Procedure:

If a foster care applicant relocates to another jurisdiction and wishes the Society to release information to the other Society, the foster care resource worker will:
1. obtain a written consent to release of information from both foster care applicants;
2. once the written consent has been received, the foster care resource worker will:
  1. send copies of the information that has already been collected, and the applicants’ home study, if completed, to the child welfare agency in the applicants’ new area;
  2. close the applicant’s case file.
If a foster care applicant relocates to our jurisdiction and wishes our Society to have copies of heir case file and home study if completed, from the other agency, the foster care resource worker will:
1. obtain a written consent to release of information from both foster care applicants;
2. once the written consent has been received, the foster care resource worker will:
  1. request the information and home study, if completed, from the agency who previously served the applicants;
  2. upon receipt, the foster care worker will:
    - open a case file with our Society; and
    - ensure the completion of all the Society’s requirements for approval.

source for 7.2 - 002.040
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002040.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-002.040.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/002040.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 004

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Staff and Board Members as Applicants for Foster Care

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that, on a regular basis,:
1. staff of the Society shall not foster for the Society during the term of their employment; and
2. members of the Board of Directors shall not foster for the Society during their term of office.
It is the policy of the Society that:
1. staff of the Society as well as members of the Board of Directors shall be permitted to foster for the Society only when:
  1. there is a need for ad hoc or situational temporary care (emergency placements when no other placements are available); and
  2. only with prior approval from the Executive Director.
It is the policy of the Society that:
1. staff shall be permitted to provide foster care for another Society or agency provided that:
  1. the employee has discussed the matter with his/her manager in advance; and
  2. the employee has requested and received the approval of the Executive Director, in writing, prior to placement.

source for 7.2 - 004
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/004.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-004.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/004.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 004.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Staff and Board Members as Applicants for Foster Care

Procedure:

When the foster care resource worker has identified an emergency situation to the resource manager, the resource manager will:
1. ensure an appropriate review of all potential placements;
2. review the situation, with appropriate documentation with the Executive Director.
With the Executive Director’s written approval, the resource manager will:
1. proceed to locate a staff member or a member of the Board of Directors who is willing and able to provide appropriate short term care;
2. ensure that the child’s case file is documented including approvals;
3. oversee the placement and ensure :
  1. that time limits are adhered to;
  2. that regular foster care placement is secured;
  3. that a review of the emergency placement occurs; and
  4. the review of the emergency placement is documented and placed in the child’s case file.
A Society staff who wishes to foster for another Society will:
1. discuss his/her intentions to provide foster care with his/her manager when he/she has made application and before the actual homestudy is initiated;
2. the manager will make a recommendation to the Executive Director regarding approval;
3. The Executive Director shall withhold his/her approval of the staff’s request where he/she believes that the employee may not be able to provide residential care for a child without there being a negative impact on the employee’s ability to provide services to the clients on his/her assigned caseload with the Society.
4. All arrangements regarding the home study, placement and supervision of the employee as foster parent and of the child in the home shall be the entire responsibility of the placing Society.
5. epenthesis
6. Correspondence between the employee and this Society regarding such arrangements shall be retained on the employee’s personnel file, and copies may be provided to the other placing Society unless the employee specifically requests otherwise.
7. The employee shall be permitted to use the Society as a reference, and all such correspondence shall be directed to the attention of the Executive Director.

source for 7.2 - 004.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/004005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-004.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/004005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 006

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Applicants with a History of Abuse, Neglect, or Criminal Record

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that any person with a history of perpetrating child abuse shall not be accepted as an applicant to provide foster care.
It is the policy of the Society that any person with a history of perpetrating domestic violence shall not be accepted as an applicant to provide foster care.
It is the policy of the Society that any person with a criminal record, for other than child abuse, or domestic violence may be accepted as an applicant to provide foster care if:
1. the applicant has revealed his/her criminal record to the Society; and
2. the Society believes, following careful screening, that the criminal activity and the circumstances surrounding the conviction will not affect the applicant’s ability to care for children.

source for 7.2 - 006
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/006.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-006.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/006.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 008

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Police Record Check

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that a criminal reference check shall be conducted for:
1. each person who has applied to provide foster care for the Society; and
2. each person age 18 years and over who also resides in the home.
It is also the policy of the Society that a further criminal reference check shall be requested after each fifth year of the foster parent(s)’ involvement with the Society.

source for 7.2 - 008
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/008.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-008.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/008.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 008.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Police Record Check

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will ensure that the necessary forms for criminal reference check are completed by:
1. each applicant who wishes to provide foster care services for the Society; and
2. each person age 18 and over who is residing in the applicant(s)’ home
Those who do not provide consent will not be given any further consideration, and their application to provide foster care will be considered as withdrawn.
The criminal reference check will be conducted through the “Canadian Police Information Computer System.
The foster care resource worker will retain all information gained through the criminal reference check in the applicant(s)’ case file.
Access to the applicant(s)’ case file will be in accordance to the Society’s policy (7.12 - 002).
The foster care resource worker will request a further criminal reference check after each fifth year of involvement with the Society.
A positive criminal record will not automatically preclude a person from becoming involved with the Society.
The Foster Resource worker will exercise his/her judgement as to:
1. the nature of the conviction;
2. the length of time since the conviction;
3. the rehabilitative or other efforts subsequently made by the person;
4. the overall qualifications the applicant brings to the position; and
5. the relevance of the particular criminal conviction to the foster care position.
The foster care resource worker in consultation with his/her manager will accept the person’s application to provide foster care if they believe that the criminal activity will not affect the applicant’s ability to care for children.
The foster care resource worker will document in the applicant’s case file the managerial consultation, the decision made and the factors supporting the decision.

source for 7.2 - 008.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/008005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-008.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/008005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 010

Date: December1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Child’s Room

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that a foster child’s bedroom shall meet the following criteria:
1. the room shall have a window;
2. unfinished attics, basements, large closets or hallways shall not be used as bedrooms;
3. if the sleeping area is located in the basement area of a home, the Society shall ensure that such rooms:
  1. shall have a window which a child will be able to reach and exit in cases of emergency;
  2. a smoke alarm shall be located in the basement area close to the room which will be occupied;
  3. the heating system (furnace and accessories) shall not impede access to the room;
  4. the room shall be located in a finished basement;
4. the sleeping area shall not be separate from the house;
5. a clean bed, mattress and bedding suitable for the age of the child shall be provided;
6. bedding shall be appropriate for the climate;
7. except in the case of an infant, no foster child shall share a bed or bedroom with an adult;
8. no foster child over the age of six shall share a bedroom with another child of the opposite sex;
9. the room shall be large enough to make allowances for the storage of the child’s possession;
10. the room shall provide the child with a degree of privacy;
Any deviation from these criteria shall be approved by the Executive Director and will be documented in the foster care file.

source for 7.2 - 010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 012

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Safety Requirements for Foster Home

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that each foster home shall meet the following safety requirements:
1. all foster homes shall have a telephone or access to one;
2. all weapons including firearms, air rifles, bows, and hunting sling shots shall be made inoperable, locked up, and inaccessible to children, and ammunition shall be stored separately in a locked place;
3. each foster home shall be equipped with smoke detectors (in operating condition) approved by the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada; the smoke detectors shall be installed:
  1. between the bedrooms and the remainder of the home;
  2. multi level homes shall have a detector on each level;
  3. there shall be an established procedure for home evacuation in case of fire, and this plan shall be reviewed with each foster child at the time of placement;
4. cribs and cradles, playpens and pacifiers shall conform to the Hazardous Products Act (Canada);
5. hazardous products and medication shall be stored in spaces inaccessible to children;
6. the home shall be free of any safety hazards;
7. there shall be no business or hobby conducted from the home or in the immediate vicinity that could be harmful to the health and safety of children.
8. homes that use wells, as a water supply, shall have them checked annually to ensure that they are free of contaminants. Foster parents should follow the directions by the Public Health Laboratory and the County Health Unit.
9. The home is compatible with the norms of the local community or neighbourhood in maintenance and landscaping.
Any deviation from these criteria shall be approved by the Executive Director and will be documented in the foster care file.

source for 7.2 - 012
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/012.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-012.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/012.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 014

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Care Service Agreement

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that prior to the first placement of a foster child, the foster care family and the Society shall enter into a “Foster Care Service Agreement”.
The “Foster Care Service Agreement” shall set out the following:
1. the respective roles, responsibilities and obligations of the Society and the foster care parents;
2. the support and training the Society shall provide to the foster care parents including:
  1. frequency;
  2. form of supervision;
  3. relief services;
  4. training opportunities; and
  5. professional consultation for the foster child;
3. the financial arrangements for the care of the child, including:
  1. the basis for determining the amount of payment;
  2. the method and frequency of payment;
  3. a system for determining reimbursables;
4. those things that are confidential;
5. the frequency of performance evaluations;
6. the basis for termination; and
7. the Society’s complaint procedure.
It is the policy of the Society that:
1. each “Foster Care Service Agreement” shall be reviewed annually with each foster care provider, and
2. the original “Foster Care Service Agreement” and subsequent reviews shall be retained in the foster care provider’s case file.

source for 7.2 - 014
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/014.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-014.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/014.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 014.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Care Service Agreement

Procedure:

Upon approval of a foster home, the resource worker will:
1. thoroughly explain the contents of the “Foster Care Service Agreement” to the foster parents;
2. witness the foster parent(s)’ signature on the “Foster Care Service Agreement”;
3. sign and date the “Foster Care Service Agreement” in the presence of the foster parents;
4. file the original “Foster Care Service Agreement” with all required signatures in the foster parent(s) case file;
5. provide a copy of the “Foster Care Service Agreement” to the foster parent(s).
The foster care resource worker will review all “Foster Care Service Agreements” at the time of the annual review.

source for 7.2 - 014.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/014005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-014.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/014005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 016

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Transportation of Wards

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that foster care providers who will be transporting wards shall:
1. have a valid drivers license;
2. ensure that infants weighing less than 9 kg (20 lbs) shall be secured in a federally approved rear facing child restraint system;
3. ensure that children weighing 9 - 18 kg (20 - 40 lbs) shall be secured in a federally approved forward facing car seat using anchorage straps and devices recommended by the manufacturer;
4. ensuring that children weighing more than 18 kg (40 lbs) shall be secured by the lap belt of the seat assembly;
5. ensuring that children under the age of twelve shall not be transported in the front seat of any automobile outfitted with a passenger side airbag; and
6. obey all traffic regulations and speed limits.
It is the policy of the Society to maintain a supply of approved safety seats that can be utilized by foster parents where necessary.

source for 7.2 - 016
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/016.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.2 Assessment & Service Contract/7.2-016.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/016.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 018

Date: February 28, 1998

FOSTER CARE
Oath of Confidentiality

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that foster care providers shall:
1. sign an “Oath of Confidentiality” before any information concerning a child or family is shared with them; and
2. the signed “Oath of Confidentiality” shall be filed in the foster care parent’s casefile.

source for 7.2 - 018
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/018.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/018.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.2 - 020

Date: April 30, 2006

FOSTER CARE
Smoking

Policy:

The society believes that smoking and second hand smoke can create health problems for children residing in that home. The society will discuss the negative effects that smoking or ingesting second hand smoke have on all child residing in the foster home and will work with foster parents to ensure children are not subjected to smoking or ingesting second hand smoke.

It is the policy of the Society that foster parents:
1. will not smoke in a home where pre-school children have been placed.
2. will not smoke in the presence of children under the age of sixteen years of age.
3. will not give permission for a child to smoke.
4. will not provide directly or indirectly any tobacco product to a child.
5. will discourage the use of tobacco products in the same manner that they would discourage any other inappropriate behaviour.
6. will not use tobacco products as a reward
7. will not smoke while transporting a child(ren).
It is the policy of the Society:
1. that the Society shall make placement decisions based on:
2. all children with identified health concerns and/or fragile conditions being placed and attend relief in only non-smoking foster homes
It is the policy of the Society that smoking within a foster home will be one of the relevant criteria in making the decision to place a child.
It is the policy of the Society that assistance will be offered to foster parents who wish to quit smoking
1. through the organization of in-house courses/workshops to assist foster parents to stop smoking or :
2. through a referral to community - based courses/workshops to assist foster parents to stop smoking.

source for 7.2 - 020
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/020.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/02ASSESS/020.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.3 - 002 Training for Foster Parents
7.3 - 002.005 Responsibilities and Rights of Foster Parents
7.3 - 004 Delivery of Foster Parent Training
7.3 - 004.005 Foster Training Program Design
7.3 - 006 Pre-Service Training for Foster Parent Applicants
7.3 - 006.005 Pre-Service Training for Foster Parent Applicants
7.3 - 008 In-Service Training for Approved Foster Parents
7.3 - 008.005 In-Service Training for Approved Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition
7.6 Working with Foster Parents
7.7 Foster Home Evaluation
7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.3 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/073TRA.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/073TRAINING.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/073TRA.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/073TRAINING.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.3 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/7.3 - Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.3 Training for Foster Parents/7.3 - Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/7.3 - Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.3 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent Training

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society:
1. that the Society shall work cooperatively with foster families, and youth in care where applicable, to develop and deliver both pre-service and in-service training programs;
2. that all persons applying to become approved foster parents for the Society shall, prior to approval, complete a pre-service training program, and any exceptions shall require approval from a resource program manager;
3. that all approved foster parents shall participate in in-service training programs.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with:
1. the pre-service training programs; and
2. the in-service training programs.

source for 7.3 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.3 Training for Foster Parents/7.3-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.3 - 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Responsibilities and Rights of Foster Parents

Procedure:

The foster parents’ responsibilities are to work cooperatively with the Society and the Society’s staff to:
1. provide physical care based on the child’s needs which includes:
  1. a regular nutritious diet, including three well balanced meals and snacks;
  2. clean bedding and clothing that is appropriate and in good repair;
  3. monitoring the health of the child including scheduling routine medical and dental appointments and ensuring that all medical and dental appointments, prescriptions and other treatments are documented;
2. to ensure the child obtains an education by establishing a normal parent-teacher relationship;
3. to ensure the child has access to the community by encouraging the child to participate in suitable recreational activities in the community;
4. to provide an atmosphere of structured family life, with appropriate rules, expectations, and discipline, assisting the child in learning appropriate behaviours; and assisting the child in learning to be a family member;
5. to provide emotional support, and when appropriate, assist the child to cope with difficult and troubling emotional experiences;
6. to provide support and encouragement to the child to have regular contact with his/her family;
7. to be involved in court, and whenever possible, accompany the child to court hearings and, if applicable, to be a witness for the Society in a court proceeding related to their experience in caring for the foster child;
8. to ensure that all information regarding the child and his/her family will be kept confidential and share all information received with the Society; information shared with medical or school personnel must occur only with the Society’s knowledge;
9. to represent the Society at school conferences;
10. to participate with the Society in preparing and revising the child’s plan of care;
11. to inform the Society in advance:
  1. if foster parents are going away from home for any extended length of time;
  2. if foster parents are planning a trip for the child with their family or for the child alone;
  3. if the child wishes to make an overnight visit with relatives or friends when such a visit has not been authorized by the Society;
  4. if foster parents wish to make any change in the plans for the foster child’s family to visit their home;
  5. if foster parents are planning to take either part-time or full-time employment outside of the home;
  6. if the foster child is to take a part-time job after school;
  7. if the foster child affiliates with any organized group such as Church, etc.;
  8. if the child proposes a change in school; and
  9. if the foster parent(s) and/or child indicate a wish to be baptized or confirmed;
  10. if any other significant changes is planned for the child and/or foster placement;
12. to keep a log book, where requested, for each child placed in the home and recording any event or circumstances which has or could affect the well-being or the safety of the child.
The foster parents have the right to:
1. recognition and acceptance of their status as team members in the provision of service;
2. a clearly defined working relationship with the Society;
3. disclosure of all information relevant to the care of the child in their home;
4. participate in the plan of care for a child placed in their home;
5. respect of their own family;
6. supervision and support from the Society;
7. training and learning opportunities;
8. state complaints and grievances against Society practices or services affecting the child in their care or the services they receive as foster parents;
9. receive notice of wardship proceedings and to be present at court hearings for children whom they have cared for continuously during the six months prior to a wardship hearing; and
10. right to review a decision of the Society to remove a child who is a Crown Ward and has lived with the foster family continuously for two years or more.

source for 7.3 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.3 Training for Foster Parents/7.3-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/002005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.3 - 004

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Delivery of Foster Parent Training

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. all foster parent training shall be delivered in accordance with an annual plan which shall include:
  1. written goals and objectives;
  2. linkages to staff and volunteer training plans; and
  3. consultation with foster parents, staff, and youth in care where applicable.
2. all foster parent training shall be delivered by:
  1. staff who are designated and trained to carry out the training function;
  2. staff who are responsible for coordinating the purchase of training services for foster parents;
  3. foster parents who are trained as co-trainers; and where appropriate
  4. youth in care who are trained as co-trainers.

source for 7.3 - 004
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/004.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.3 Training for Foster Parents/7.3-004.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/004.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.3 - 004.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Training Program Design

Procedure:

In order to ensure that the Society’s foster parent training program is relevant to their foster care responsibilities:
1. the foster care resource worker training function will be assigned to a “Foster Care Resource Worker”;
2. the foster care trainer will, prior to the end of each calendar year, seek input from:
  1. the current foster parents;
  2. the Society’s staff;
  3. community and/or board representatives; and
  4. the youth in care;
  in order to:
  1. review the needs of the children who came into care during the calendar year;
  2. review the foster training program which was offered during the current the calendar year;
  3. review the expressed training needs as identified by current foster families;
  4. review the expressed training needs as identified by the youth in care;
  5. review the expressed training needs as identified by Society staff;
  6. review the tentative training programs which will be prepared for staff and volunteers.
The foster care resource worker will prepare an annual training program for both pre and in-service training.
The foster care resource worker will submit the final training program to his/her manager for approval.
The resource manager will submit the annual foster training program for approval by the Director of Services.
The approved annual foster training program will be incorporated in the Society’s Business Plan.

source for 7.3 - 004.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/004005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.3 Training for Foster Parents/7.3-004.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/004005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.3 - 006

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Pre-Service Training for Foster Parent Applicants

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. all prospective applicants, prior to approval, shall participate in a pre-service training program to prepare them for fostering; and
2. the pre-service training program shall include written information about:
  1. acceptable disciplinary practices;
  2. procedures to launch a service complaint; and
  3. foster care policies and practices;
3. exceptions shall require the approval of a manager.

source for 7.3 - 006
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/006.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.3 Training for Foster Parents/7.3-006.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/006.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.3 - 006.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Pre-Service Training for Foster Parent Applicants

Procedure:

The pre-service training program provided to foster parent applicants will include:
1. written material on the Society’s foster care policies and practices as summarized in the “Manual for Foster Families”;
2. written material on the Society’s policy and procedures dealing with acceptable discipline;
  elision a description of how services are to be provided to the child;
3. the role and responsibilities of each person who is involved in meeting the child’s needs;
4. information provided at the training sessions will include but is not limited to:
  1. the role of the foster parents:
    - what is foster care;
    - the rights and responsibilities of foster parents;
    - the working relationships with the Society;
    - support services provided by the Society;
    - procedures for pre-placement;
    - training opportunities; and
    - the handling of complaints;
  2. children in foster care:
    - why children enter care;
    - expectation for a child in care;
    - separation
    - special needs of children in care;
    - daily life routines;
    - discipline;
    - school;
    - recreation and community activities;
    - religion;
    - medical and dental needs;
    - vacations;
    - wardship
    - court hearing;
    - sexual activity; and
    - running away behaviour;
  3. the child’s natural family:
    - the rights of the natural family;
    - maintenance of family relationships;
    - involvement of foster parents in working with natural parents;
    - visiting of natural parents; and
    - use by the child of the foster parents’ name.
  4. the Society:
    - goals and mission statements;
    - structure;
    - services provided for children; and
    - legal responsibilities for children;
  5. reporting practices:
    - how to contact a worker during and after office hours;
    - what to consult the worker about;
    - recording;
    - reporting; and
    - confidentiality;
  6. finances:
    - rates;
    - board payments;
    - clothing purchases;
    - purchase of goods and services for children; and
    - insurance coverage.
The foster care worker will document the training programs attended in the foster care applicant(s)’ case file.

source for 7.3 - 006.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/006005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.3 Training for Foster Parents/7.3-006.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/006005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.3 - 008

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
In-Service Training for Approved Foster Parents

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. the Society shall provide opportunities for foster parents to build on their competencies and experience; and
2. the Society shall provide foster parents with a wide range of training opportunities relevant to their foster care responsibilities.

source for 7.3 - 008
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/008.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.3 Training for Foster Parents/7.3-008.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/008.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.3 - 008.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
In-Service Training for Foster Parents

Procedure:

The in-service training program provided to foster parents may include but not limited to:
1. separation trauma:
  1. understanding it;
  2. recognizing it;
  3. how to handle it; and
  4. when to seek assistance;
2. children and their families:
  1. understanding foster children and the relationship with their own families;
  2. dealing with visits; and
  3. the most frequent problems and how to manage them;
3. child management:
  1. techniques available to control or change child behaviour;
  2. practical, effective, and acceptable means of discipline;
  3. when to use them; and
  4. when to seek assistance;
4. the foster care team:
  1. understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Society, staff, and the foster parents;
5. the foster family:
  1. understanding family dynamics and how fostering can affect the foster family;
6. child development:
  1. the normal stages of child development; and
  2. the range of ages at which these stages are reached;
7. community overview:
  1. what services and recreational programs are available;
  2. whom to contact;
  3. how to enrol the child; and
  4. how to arrange payment;
8. cultural awareness:
  1. the cultural attitudes and norm in various culture groups in the Society’s vicinity; and
  2. the role of the Band administrators with Indian or native children;
9. legislation:
  1. the regulations applicable to children in care;
  2. the rights of foster parents;
  3. the rights of children in care;
  4. understanding the court process.
The foster parents will also review:
1. the child’s rights to health care (4.11 - 022);
2. the child’s rights to private communications (4.11 - 024);
3. the child’s rights to purchase and possess goods (4.7 - 026);
4. the foster child’s daily chores, employment, and use of money (4.7 - 024).
The foster parent trainer will develop a wide range of training opportunities, including but not limited to:
1. discussion groups;
2. guest speakers;
3. independent study;
4. library material;
5. enrolment in established courses;
6. conferences;
7. individual discussions with staff; and
8. self support groups.
The foster parent worker will ensure that the foster parents’ training needs are reviewed at the time of the annual foster home review.
The foster parent worker will document the attendance of the foster parents to all in-service training programs in the foster parent(s)’ case file.
The Society may financially support the foster parent(s)’ participation in training provided the foster parents have obtained prior managerial approval

source for 7.3 - 008.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/008005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.3 Training for Foster Parents/7.3-008.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/03TRAIN/008005.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.4 - 002 Placement of Child with Foster Parent
7.4 - 002.005 Assessment of Child
7.4 - 002.010 Placement of a Child in Foster Care
7.4 - 004 Capacity of Foster Home
7.4 - 004.005 Capacity of Foster Home
7.4 - 006 Involvement of Parent(s)
7.4 - 006.005 Involvement of Parent(s)
7.4 - 008 Emergency Placemets
7.4 - 008.005 Emergency Placement
7.4 - 010 Criteria for Selection of Foster Home
7.4 - 010.005 Criteria for Selection of Foster Home
7.4 - 012 Use of Provisional Foster Homes
7.4 - 012.005 Approval of Provisional Foster Homes
7.4 - 014 Disclosure of Information on Child to be Placed
7.4 - 014.005 Disclosure of Information on Child to be Placed
7.4 - 016 Foster Parent(s)’ Involvement in the Child’s Plan of Care
7.4 - 016.005 Foster Parent(s)’ Involvement in the Child’s Plan of Care
7.4 - 018 Society’s Response to Request for Replacement
7.4 - 018.005 Society’s Response to Request for Replacement

7.5 Retention and Recognition
7.6 Working with Foster Parents
7.7 Foster Home Evaluation
7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.4 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/074PLA.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/074PLA.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.4 - 002 Placement of Child with Foster Parent
7.4 - 002.005 Assessment of Child
7.4 - 002.010 Placement of a Child in Foster Care
7.4 - 004 Capacity of Foster Home
7.4 - 004.005 Capacity of Foster Home
7.4 - 006 Involvement of Parent(s)
7.4 - 006.005 Involvement of Parent(s)
7.4 - 008 Emergency Placements
7.4 - 008.005 Emergency Placement
7.4 - 010 Criteria for Selection of Foster Home
7.4 - 010.005 Criteria for Selection of Foster Home
7.4 - 012 Use of Provisional Foster Homes
7.4 - 012.005 Approval of Provisional Foster Homes
7.4 - 014 Disclosure of Information on Child to be Placed
7.4 - 014.005 Disclosure of Information on Child to be Placed
7.4 - 016 Foster Parent(s)’ Involvement in the Child’s Plan of Care
7.4 - 016.005 Foster Parent(s)’ Involvement in the Child’s Plan of Care
7.4 - 018 Society’s Response to Request for Replacement
7.4 - 018.005 Society’s Response to Request for Replacement

source for 7.4 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/074PLACEMENT.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/074PLACEMENT.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy
7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.4 - 002 Placement of Child with Foster Parent
7.4 - 002.005 Assessment of Child
7.4 - 002.010 Placement Conference
7.4 - 002.015 Placement of a Child in Foster Care
7.4 - 004 Capacity of Foster Homes
7.4 - 004.005 Capacity of Foster Homes
7.4 - 006 Involvement of Parent(s)
7.4 - 006.005 Involvement of Parent(s)
7.4 - 008 Emergency Placements
7.4 - 008.005 Emergency Placements
7.4 - 010 Criteria for Selection of Foster Home
7.4 - 010.005 Criteria for Selection of Foster Home
7.4 - 012 Use of Provisional Foster Homes
7.4 - 012.005 Use of Provisional Foster Homes
7.4 - 012.010 Commercial Boarding Home
7.4 - 012.015 Commercial Boarding Home
7.4 - 014 Disclosure of Information on Child to be Placed
7.4 - 014.005 Disclosure of Information on Child to be Placed
7.4 - 016 Foster Parent(s)’ Involvement in the Child’s Plan of Care
7.4 - 016.005 Foster Parent(s)’ Involvement in the Child’s Plan of Care
7.4 - 018 Society’s Response to Request for Replacement
7.4 - 018.005 Society’s Response to Request for Replacement

source for 7.4 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/7.4 - Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4 - Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/7.4 - Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Placement of Child with Foster Parent

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society:
1. that the Society shall make placement decisions based on:
  1. a comprehensive assessment of the foster families;
  2. the needs of the child requiring placement;
  3. all resource placements will be case conferenced through the resource team
2. that the Society shall endeavour to ensure that every effort is taken to place children with the most suitable foster parents with which their needs will be best met.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with:
1. capacity of foster homes;
2. approval and use of provisional foster homes;
3. criteria for placement;
4. assessment of child;
5. disclosure of information on child to be placed;
6. involvement of birth parent(s);
7. emergency placements;
8. involvement of foster parent(s) in child’s plan of care;
9. Society’s response to request for replacement;

source for 7.4 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Assessment of Child

Procedure:

Whenever possible, prior to the placement of a child in foster care, the caseworker will complete a comprehensive assessment of the child. Such an assessment will consider:
1. identifying information on the child: full name, sex, birth date, and address;
2. the child’s family background: size, birth order, cultural, racial, linguistic, religious, and socio-economic background, parental and other family relationships;
3. school information: name and address of school, name of teacher, grade in school, current performance level;
4. medical date: name and address of family doctor and/or hospital used, medical problems of the child including physical handicaps or limitations on physical activity, allergies, current medication, history of illness and immunization records as available;
5. a description of the child’s interest and any hobbies or recreational activities the child enjoys;
6. a statement of the child’s strengths and problems, and known psychological or psychiatric information available, including behaviour problems, youth records or unusual habits;
7. a statement of the child’s needs in foster care;
8. the probable duration of foster care; and
9. the plans for parental contact and visiting of the child.
Where this information is not available at the time the placement is selected, the caseworker will:
1. obtain the information by the time the plan of care is being completed; or
2. where the information cannot be obtained, note the reason in the child’s case file.
The caseworker will record the child’s assessment in the child's case file.

source for 7.4 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/002005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 002.010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Placement Conference

Procedures:

Members of conference are foster care resource worker responsible for placements, Children’s Services Worker, appropriate managers, family service/or intake worker, where appropriate.
The case conference members will discuss the following as a review of alternatives to foster care and foster home placement opinions.
To ensure that all appropriate community resources have been considered prior to using an agency’s foster home resource.
To monitor the use of outside full pay resource beds.
The admitting social worker will forward the Request for Placement to the foster care resource worker. The information about the child is given to the resources team, so that the foster care resource worker responsible for arranging a foster home placement may review potential families for the child. All information in the Placement Profile will be shared with the foster home accepting the placement. Only approved foster homes will be considered for placement.
The admitting social worker will be expected to provide as much information about the child and family as available in order to assist all present in assessing the best plan of action.
The foster care resource worker or delegate will chair the meeting and notify all persons of the conference date.
The resource worker will ensure that the “Case Conference” form is completed and placed in the child’s/family’s file.

source for 7.4 - 002.010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/002010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-002.010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/002010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 002.015

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Placement of a Child in Foster Care

Procedure:

Once a decision has been made to place a child in a specific foster home, and prior to the child’s placement, the child’s caseworker will:
1. arrange for pre-placement visiting with the foster home, and whenever possible, the child’s own parent(s) should be involved so that the child does not feel he/she must sever his/her own family relationships;
2. make arrangements for his/her involvement in community activities and/or school will allow the child to more fully integrate into his/her surroundings. This may include:
  1. enrolment in neighbourhood programs;
  2. enrolment in athletic clubs;
  3. attendance at a local summer program;
3. ensure that on the date of the actual placement, the child be accompanied by a person he/she knows and preferable by someone he/she is comfortable with and feels he/she can trust; and/or
4. in consultation with the foster parents, consider arranging for the natural parent(s) to accompany the child to the foster home on the day of placement.

source for 7.4 - 002.015
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/002015.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-002.015.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/002015.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 004

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Capacity of Foster Homes

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. no more than four foster children shall be placed in the same foster home; and
2. no more than two foster children under the age of two years shall be placed in the same foster home;
It is the policy of the Society that more than four foster children can be placed in the same foster home if:
1. the children are of the same parentage; or
2. the children are related to the foster parent; and
3. the placement is approved by the Executive Director;
4. where the placement is approved by the Executive Director, the decision will be forwarded to the Program Supervisor for Ministry approval.
The Society shall enact procedures concerning the capacity of foster homes.

source for 7.4 - 004
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/004.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-004.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/004.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 004.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Capacity of Foster Homes

Procedure:

Where the Executive Director approves a special placement, the foster care worker will ensure that the Executive Director’s written approval is available for inspection by a program supervisor, and this should include the notation of the contact with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
The capacity of foster homes may be limited by the Society or Executive Director to provide care for fewer than four children.
In determining the maximum capacity of each home, the foster care worker will consider the following criteria:
1. the ability of the foster parent(s) to meet the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of the child(ren) in the home;
2. the special needs of any child(ren) placed in the home;
3. the physical space;
4. the ability of the foster parent(s) to evacuate all the children in an emergency; and
5. the stated preference of the foster parent(s).

source for 7.4 - 004.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/004005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-004.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/004005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 006

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Involvement of Parent(s)

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that where applicable and appropriate, each parent who has access to the child shall be involved:
1. in the selection of the child’s foster placement; and
2. in the preparation of the child’s plan of care.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with parental involvement in:
1. the placement of the child; and;
2. the preparation of the child’s plan of care.

source for 7.4 - 006
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/006.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-006.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/006.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 006.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Involvement of Parent(s)

Procedure:

The caseworker will where appropriate, include the natural parent(s) in the decision-making process for their child in care. This includes but is not limited to:
1. their involvement in the child’s plan of care;
2. their attendance at case planning meetings;
3. their involvement in selecting a placement for their child;
4. their involvement in all preparatory steps towards placement (i.e. pre-placement visiting).
The caseworker will, where appropriate, provide opportunities for the child’s own family to have regular involvement with the child. This includes but is not limited to:
1. planned visits (supervised or unsupervised);
2. arranging for and/or accompanying the child at special events;
3. arranging for and/or accompanying the child to medical and dental appointments;
4. entering into counselling with the child aimed at resolution for the family either through return of the child to his/her family, or the acceptance of the separation;
5. making significant purchases for the child (i.e. toys, clothing, etc.), where feasible;
6. payments for components of the child’s care;
7. phone call and letters;
8. regular contributions to the child’s life book;
9. gifts for special events (i.e. birthdays, Christmas, etc.) where feasible.
The caseworker will recognize the importance to the child of his/her own parents and the child’s status as a member of the natural family. This includes but is not limited to:
1. the development of a life book that contains descriptions of the child’s family and the situation precipitating the child’s separation;
2. regular and ongoing discussions with the child about his/her family, their strengths and limitations, the reasons he/she is in care, and the role of the total family in the breakdown.
The caseworker will develop appropriate ways of dealing with situations where contact with the child’s family may be deemed to be harmful to the child and his/her plan of care, and each situation will be assessed on the individual circumstances involved.

source for 7.4 - 006.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/006005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-006.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/006005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 008

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Emergency Placements

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. the foster care resource worker shall have an up-to date list of the number and location of beds for emergency placement;
2. the list shall also include the specializations and skills of each home available for emergency placement;
3. the list shall be available:
  1. to all workers; and
  2. to the Emergency After Hours Services workers.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with:
1. the recruitment and training emergency placements; and
2. the use of emergency beds.

source for 7.4 - 008
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/008.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-008.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/008.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 008.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Emergency Placements

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will ensure, when preparing the Society’s annual foster care recruitment plan (7.1 - 002.005) that the Society’s has sufficient emergency beds available in each area of its jurisdiction.
The foster home worker will ensure, when preparing the Society’s annual training program for both pre and in service training, (5.3 - 006) and (7.2 - 0016) that components of the training will addressed emergency placements.
The following will be considered at the to me of the emergency placement:
1. the foster parent(s) will be given all the relevant, known information concerning the child(ren) (7.4 - 014);
2. the foster parent(s) will be advised as to when the caseworker is expected to arrive with the child(ren), and if the placement is no longer required, the foster parent(s) will forthwith be advised accordingly;
3. the foster parent(s) will be advised when the next contact by the worker will be and what is the short term plan for the child(ren);
4. the foster parent(s) will be advised of when to call and what steps to take in the event of any emergency concerning the child(ren);
5. the foster parent(s) will also be advised how to contact the Society in case of emergency.

source for 7.4 - 008.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/008005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-008.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/008005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Criteria for Selection of Foster Home

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. no child shall be placed in a home that has not been assessed and approved;
2. the Society shall obtain the agreement of the foster parents to the placement; and
3. the initial assessment of the child and the objectives of foster care shall be shared with the foster parents.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with the selection of a foster home.

source for 7.4 - 010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 010.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Criteria for Selection of Foster Home

Procedure:

In the selection of a foster placement, the caseworker will ensure that:
1. the foster home has been assessed and approved; or
2. a provisional home has been identified as the best possible placement for the child(ren); or
3. a placement has been designated by the Executive Director as “a place of safety”.
In selecting a foster placement, the foster care resource worker will ensure that the child’s needs in the following areas are considered:
1. cultural, racial, linguistic, and socio-economic background and kinship ties;
2. religious background;
3. developmental, emotional, social, medical, and educational needs;
4. interests, abilities, strengths, and problems;
5. child’s wishes if they can be reasonably ascertained, and
6. the wishes of any parent who is entitled to access.
The child’s caseworker will document in the child’s case file:
1. the needs of the child that cannot be met in the foster home;
2. how these needs will be addressed in another venue;
3. any reservations or concerns expressed by the foster parent(s) about the placement of the child in the foster home.

source for 7.4 - 010.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/010005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-010.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/010005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 012

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Use of Provisional Foster Homes

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that in the interest of remaining “least intrusive” the Society shall strive to utilize provisional homes wherever possible.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with:
1. recruiting provisional homes; and;
2. approving provisional homes.

source for 7.4 - 012
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/012.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-012.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/012.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 012.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Use of Provisional Foster Homes

Procedure:

Whenever the placement of a child is necessary the caseworker will determine whether appropriate alternate care can be provided on a provisional basis by someone:
1. within the child’s extended family;
2. within the child’s community.
In order to approve a person/family as a provisional home, the caseworker will need to:
1. do a preliminary inspection of the home:
  1. preferably before the child’s placement; or
  2. within twenty-four hours of the child’s placement;
2. to note:
  1. the relationship of the care providers to the child;
  2. the home’s freedom from physical hazards;
  3. the presence of a means of communication with the Society;
3. provide information to the provisional parents dealing with:
  1. serious occurrence reporting;
  2. the child’s rights, including freedom from physical discipline;
  3. the complaint procedure;
4. a police record check as soon as possible (7.2 - 008);
5. obtain a signed “Agreement of Undertaking” and Confidentiality form;
6. in the case of a two parent family, see both parents within thirty days of the placement;
7. obtain three references as well as a medical reference;
8. if the placement is intended to last more than thirty days, the foster care worker will:
  1. carry out a homestudy to assess the suitability of the applicants to care for the child;
  2. negotiate a “Foster Care Agreement (7.2 - 002.050) with the provisional foster parents, outlining goals, expectations, and responsibility to meet these goals;
  3. obtain the provisional foster parent(s) signature on the “Foster Care Agreement” and the negotiated plan of care; where possible, the child will also sign the plan of care;
  4. outline any necessary support services to the child and the family;
  5. encourage the provisional foster parent(s) to attend the Society’s:
    - pre-service training program (7.3 - 006); and
    - in-service training programs (7.3 - 016).
The child’s caseworker will visit the child at a minimum of every three months.

source for 7.4 - 012.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/012005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-012.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/012005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 012.010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Commercial Boarding Home

Policy:

This resource will not be used for any child under the age of 16 years without written permission of the Director of Service.

source for 7.4 - 012.010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/012010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-012.010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/012010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 012.015

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Commercial Boarding Home

Procedure:

The 16 year old and older adolescent must be capable of handling this kind of independence.
Prior approval must be given by the children service manager for this type of placement and the financial arrangements to implement this placement.
Only approval commercial boarding homes can be considered for this type of placement.
At the time of placement, the children’s service worker considering the placement and the adolescent will enter into a written agreement. The agreement serves as a way to define the relationship between the agency and the adolescent as it pertains to expectations, requirements and donation.
The agreement should set out the financial assistance, educational expenses, medical expenses, the agency’s services to the adolescent, and conditions of a breach of the agreement.
The agreement will be signed by the social worker, adolescent and social worker’s manager.

source for 7.4 - 012.015
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/012015.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-012.015.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/012015.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 014

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Disclosure of Information on Child to be Placed

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that prior to any placement, the caseworker shall provide full and complete disclosure to the foster parent(s) of the child being placed with them.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with disclosure of information to a foster parent.

source for 7.4 - 014
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/014.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-014.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/014.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 014.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Disclosure of Information on Child to be Placed

Procedure:

Prior to the placement of a child with foster parent(s), the caseworker will provide full disclosure to the foster parent(s), including:
1. identifying information of the child, including:
  1. full name;
  2. sex;
  3. birth date; and
  4. address;
2. background information, including:
  1. brief family history;
  2. precipitating factors leading to placement;
  3. cultural/racial factors;
  4. religious attachment, and practices;
  5. socio-economic background;
  6. significant family relationships;
  7. known medical information, including:
    - name of family doctor and dentist;
    - any known medical conditions or allergies;
    - current medication;
    - medical history and immunization record;
    - health card number; and
    - information around dietary needs and preferences.
3. school information including:
  1. name and address of school;
  2. name of teacher and grade in school;
  3. current performance level;
4. a description of the child’s interest and any hobbies or recreational activities the child enjoys;
5. a statement of the child’s strengths and problems, and known psychological or psychiatric information available, including behaviour problems, youth records or unusual habits;
6. a statement of the child’s needs in foster care;
7. the probable duration of foster care; and
8. the plans for parental contact and visiting of the child.
Where this information is not available at the time the placement is selected, the caseworker will:
1. obtain the information by the time the plan of care is being completed; or
2. where the information cannot be obtained, note the reason in the child’s case file.
The caseworker will also obtain, prior to placement, the foster parent(s) consent to accept the child in their home as a foster child.
The caseworker will record the information shared with the foster parent(s), as well as the foster parent’s consent to accept the child in the child's case file.

source for 7.4 - 014.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/014005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-014.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/014005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 016

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent(s)’ Involvement in the Child’s Plan of Care

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that foster parent(s) shall be involved in:
1. the child’s initial plan of care; and
2. in each subsequent review of the plan of care.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with the foster parent’s involvement in the child’s plan of care.

source for 7.4 - 016
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/016.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-016.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/016.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 016.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent(s)’ Involvement in the Child’s Plan of Care

Procedure:

Within thirty days of the child’s placement, the caseworker will:
1. meet with the child’s foster parent(s);
2. obtain input from the foster parent(s) as to:
  1. goals and objectives they believe need to be incorporated in the child’s plan of care;
  2. goals and objectives they believe need to be incorporated in the family’s service plans;
3. prepare a “plan of care document”; and
Each time the child’s plan of care is being reviewed, the caseworker will:
1. invite the foster parent to attend the plan of care meeting; and
2. obtain the foster parent(s)’ input into the review; and
The child’s caseworker will file a copy of the “plan of care document” and document the foster parent(s)’ involvement in the child’s case file.

source for 7.4 - 016.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/016005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-016.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/016005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 018

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Society’s Response to Request for Replacement

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. the child’s caseworker and the foster home worker shall review a request for a placement change, made by a foster parent or by a child, as soon as possible to determine whether or not a change is necessary;
2. where a child is objecting to his or her placement, the child’s caseworker shall inform the child of the Society’s internal complaint procedure(4.11 - 006.005);
3. where a decision is made to move a child, the child and the foster family shall be prepared for such as soon as possible.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with a request for a placement change.

source for 7.4 - 018
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/018.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-018.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/018.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 018.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Society’s Response to Request for Replacement

Procedure:

When a request for a placement change is made by either the foster parent and/or the child, the child’s worker and the foster home worker, having consulted with their respective managers, will arrange as soon as possible, but in any event within five days, a meeting with the foster parent(s),.the child if appropriate.
The caseworker will discuss the reasons given for the replacement with the foster parents and the child in an effort to facilitate the move and create as few ill feelings as possible between the parties.
The caseworker and his/her manager will need to decide:
1. whether the child can remain in the home and what supports will need to be put in place; or
2. whether the child needs to be replaced in an alternate home.
Whenever possible, the caseworker will endeavour to place the child with a family already known to him/her, be it a foster family, relatives, or free home.
Following the replacement, the caseworker will endeavour to work closely with the child in helping him/her deal with feelings surrounding the replacement and prepare the child for another placement where it is deemed in the child’s best interest.
The foster care resource worker will provide support to the foster family.
The caseworker will document in both the foster parents’ and in the child’s case file the reasons for the request for replacement, the decisions made and the rationale for the decisions.

source for 7.4 - 018.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/018.005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents/7.4-018.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/018.005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.4 - 018.005

Date: February 28, 1998

FOSTER CARE
Society’s Response to Request for Replacement

Procedure

When a request for a placement change is made by either the foster parent and/or the child, the child’s worker and the foster home worker, having consulted with their respective managers, will arrange as soon as possible, but in any event within five days, a meeting with the foster parent(s),.the child if appropriate..
The caseworker will discuss the reasons given for the replacement with the foster parents and the child in an effort to facilitate the move and create as few ill feelings as possible between the parties.
The caseworker and his/her manager will need to decide:
1. whether the child can remain in the home and what supports will need to be put in place; or
2. whether the child needs to be replaced in an alternate home.
Whenever possible, the caseworker will endeavour to place the child with a family already known to him/her, be it a foster family, relatives, or free home.
Following the replacement, the caseworker will endeavour to work closely with the child in helping him/her deal with feelings surrounding the replacement and prepare the child for another placement where it is deemed in the child’s best interest.
The foster home support worker will provide support to the foster family.
The caseworker will document in both the foster parents’ and in the child’s case file the reasons for the request for replacement, the decisions made and the rational for the decisions.

source for 7.4 - 018.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/018005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/04PLACE/018005.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.5 - 002 Retention and Recognition
7.5 - 004 Compensation for Foster Parents
7.5 - 004.005 Compensation for Foster Parents
7.5 - 006 Compensation for Foster Parents’ Expenses
7.5 - 006.005 Compensation for Foster Parents’ Expenses
7.5 - 008 Compensation to Foster Parents for Damage Claims
7.5 - 008.005 Compensation to Foster Parents for Damage Claims
7.5 - 010 Foster Parents’ Special Rates
7.5 - 010.005 Foster Parents’ Special Rates
7.5 - 012 Liability Coverage for Foster Parents
7.5 - 012.005 Liability Coverage for Foster Parents
7.5 - 014 Foster Parent Relief
7.5 - 014.005 Foster Parent Relief
7.5 - 016 Foster Parent Recognition
7.5 - 016.005 Foster Parent Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents
7.7 Foster Home Evaluation
7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.5 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/075RET.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/075RETENTION.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/075RET.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/075RETENTION.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy
7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

source for 7.5 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/7.5 Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5 Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/7.5 Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Retention and Recognition

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society:
1. to promote foster parents;
2. to retain foster parents; and
3. to recognize foster parents.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with:
1. compensation for foster parents;
2. compensation for foster parents’ expenses;
3. compensation for damage done by child(ren) placed in their home;
4. special rates for foster parents;
5. foster parents’ relief; and
6. foster parents’ recognition.

source for 7.5 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 004

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Compensation for Foster Parents

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. foster parents shall receive a monthly retroactive board payment determined according to an annually reviewed rating scale that meets or exceeds the Ministry’s requirements;
2. the board rate shall compensate foster parents for expenses involved in meeting a child’s physical, social, emotional and educational needs on a day-to-day basis; and
3. the foster care rate will be reimbursed for each day a child is in the home, including the day in, but not day out.
It is also the policy of the Society that:
1. foster parents shall receive a maximum of seven full days board rate payment. This will be followed by fifty per cent of the child’s rate for twenty-one days when a foster child is -
  1. hospitalized;
  2. is placed in custody;
    elision is sent home for an extended visit;
  3. is attending camp; or
    elision has run away; and
  and the plan is to return the child to the foster home;
2. no board rate is paid when the plan is not to return the child to the foster home.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with compensation for foster parents.

source for 7.5 - 004
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/004.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-004.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/004.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 004.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Compensation for Foster Parents

Procedure:

The foster care worker will ensure that the foster parents are aware that:
1. the basic board rate is designed to cover:
  1. food;
  2. housing and household operation;
  3. laundry;
  4. normal wear and tear and depreciation of appliances and furniture;
  5. personal family care supplies, toilet articles, sanitary supplies for teens, normal household patent medicines (i.e. cough syrup, aspirin, Vicks Rub etc.);
  6. normal family transportation costs as outlined in the transportation policy (7.5 - 006);
2. they cannot make a claim for the child as a dependent on their personal income tax report; and
3. the board rate is not declared as taxable income;
4. the basic board rate is initiated on the day the child is placed in the foster home, and subject to (5.5 - 004), is terminated the day the child leaves the foster home;
5. the basic board rate is paid by direct deposit, generally issued by the tenth working day of the following month, and usually payable to the foster mother;
6. the basic board rate shall be set by the Society and shall be reviewed regularly.
The foster parent worker will ensure that all foster parents are notified of the:
1. the Society’s current basic board rate; and
2. any revisions in the basic board rate.

source for 7.5 - 004.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/004005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-004.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/004005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 006

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Compensation for Foster Parents’ Expenses

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. foster parents shall be reimbursed for expenses they encounter in providing foster care, provided:
  1. the expenses are approved by policy; and/or
  2. the expenses are approved by the child’s caseworker and/or his/her manager;
  3. compensation for mileage shall be set by the Society and shall be reviewed regularly.
It is the policy of the Society that the cost for clothing shall be reimbursed as follows:
1. initial clothing will be reimbursed if approved by the child’s caseworker and his/her manager;
2. on going clothing purchases for children will be on a monthly clothing allowance on a rate set by the Society;
3. any special clothing needs will be reimbursed if prior approval has been obtained from the child’s caseworker and his/her manager.
It is the policy of the Society that:
1. each foster child over the age of five shall receive a spending allowance in accordance with the Society’s rates; and
2. each foster child’s spending allowance will be added to the foster parents board cheque.
It is the policy of the Society that for Christmas:
1. each foster parent shall receive an additional amount in accordance with the Society’s rates to be used by the foster parents to purchase Christmas gifts for the foster child; and
2. each foster child will receive an additional amount in accordance with the Society’s rates to be used by the foster child to purchase Christmas gifts; and
3. these additional Christmas allowances will be added to the foster parents November board cheque.
It is the policy of the Society that for a foster child’s birthday:
1. each foster parent shall be allowed to spend an amount in accordance with the Society’s rates to be used to purchase a birthday gift for the foster child; and
2. the foster parent will bill the Society on their monthly expense sheets for this birthday allowance.
It is the policy of the Society that for medical and dental expenses, please refer to the current Huron-Perth Foster Care Compensation Package.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with compensation for foster parents for expenses incurred in providing foster care.

source for 7.5 - 006
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/006.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-006.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/006.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 006.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Compensation for Foster Parents’ Expenses

Procedure:

The foster care worker will ensure that all foster parents are aware:
1. of the reimbursable foster parents’ expenses which do not require prior managerial approval;
2. of the reimbursable foster parents’ expenses which require prior managerial approval;
3. that some clothing and department stores will bill the Society directly;
4. that dentists will bill the Society directly;
5. that pharmacies may bill the Society directly;
6. that opticians may bill the Society directly.
The managers will ensure that all case workers are aware that:
1. some children in care may still be covered under his/her parent(s)’ health insurance, and may be eligible for drugs, dental, optical. and/or other services expenses, and
2. assistive devices may be subsidized under the Assistive Devises Program.
The Society requires that these options be explored first.
The Society requires a written estimate and prior managerial approval for all extensive dental work.
The foster home worker will ensure that all foster parents are aware that requests for reimbursement for all foster parents’ expenses:
1. are made on the Society’s procedural form; and
2. receipts need to be attached to the procedural form;
3. need to be submitted to the Society by the 30th of each month.
Mileage claims will be reimbursed at the rate set by the Society.

source for 7.5 - 006.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/006005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-006.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/006005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 008

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Compensation for Foster Parents’ for Damage Claims

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. foster parents may be compensated for damages and losses arising from the fostering of children in the Society’s care such as:
  1. damage to furniture, equipment, windows, etc.;
  2. theft;
  3. unauthorized use of telephone;
2. foster parents shall not be compensated for damages and losses arising from the fostering of children in the Society’s care such as:
  1. losses normally covered by insurance;
  2. losses due to normal wear and tear;
  3. losses due to liability imposed by law;
  4. losses due to assault by foster children, where compensation can be obtained from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board;
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with:
1. the receipt of a request for a claim for damages or loss;
2. the investigation of a claim for damage or loss.

source for 7.5 - 008
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/008.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-008.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/008.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 008.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Compensation for Foster Parents’ for Damage Claims

Procedure:

The foster home will initiate a claim for damages or loss by:
1. notifying the Society within twenty-four hours, followed by a written statement within one week stating the foster child’s name, damage caused, and an estimate of the cost of replacement or repair.
2. the foster parents will consult with their insurance company for claims exceeding $50.00
The caseworker will inform his/her manager and the Executive Director accordingly, and the claim will be investigated by the assigned worker.
Following the investigation, the manager will submit a report to the Executive Director with a recommendation for or against payment for the claim.
If compensation is to be made and the amount has been determined, the foster family will sign a witnessed release stating that:
1. the Society has not assumed legal liability;
2. the payment made is purely gratuitous.
Claims submitted for compensation to insurance companies:
1. will not be covered by Society policies; and
2. payments made will be ex gratia and not construed as covering a deductible.
If the child responsible has been identified, every effort will be made to recover the cost of damages either by the child making direct payments to the foster parents or recovery of cost from the spending allowance allocated by the Society.
The foster home worker will document in the foster parents’ case file, the claim made for damages or loss, the conclusion of the Society’s investigation and the Society’s response to the foster parents’ claim.

source for 7.5 - 008.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/008005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-008.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/008005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parents’ Special Rates

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that foster parents who are fostering a special needs child shall be paid a special board rate.
It is the policy of the Society that a child shall be deemed to be a” special needs child” when:
1. the child’s physical needs;
2. the child’s medical needs;
3. the child’s social needs;
4. the child’s emotional needs;
5. the child’s psychological needs; and
6. the child’s attention and learning needs; and
7. the child’s behavioural needs
are so great that they require substantially more skills, time, attention, and energy from the foster parents than would normally be required in the foster home.
The special board rate shall be set by the Society and shall be reviewed on a regular basis.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with:
1. the determination for special rates;
2. the review of determination for special rates.

source for 7.5 - 010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 010.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parents’ Special Rates

Procedure:

An identification that a child may be a special needs child as defined by (7.5 - 010) can be made by:
1. an intake worker, and/or a caseworker prior to placement; or
2. the child’s caseworker, the foster care worker or the foster parent(s) themselves following placement.
Once a child has been identified as a child who may be a special needs child as defined by (7.5 - 010), the child’s caseworker:
1. will complete a written assessment of the child’s special needs and a written treatment plan with time lines; and
2. may consult with:
  1. the foster parent(s);
  2. the foster care worker;
  3. the family’s caseworker unless the child is a Crown Ward;
  4. involved managers.
If a determination is made that a child is in fact a special needs child through the rate review conference, the appropriate manager will make a recommendation to the Director of Service that the foster parent be paid the specialized rate.
If the Director of Service approved the specialized rate, the child’s caseworker will:
1. if applicable, meet with the foster parents and revise the child’s “Plan of Care” (7.4 - 016.005) addressing the special needs of the child;
2. epenthesis
3. communicate the approval of the specialized rates to:
  1. the foster parents;
  2. the involved caseworkers; and
  3. the accounting department.
The child’s caseworker will document in the child’s case file:
1. the determination made that the child is a special needs child;
2. the factors which supported the determination; and
3. the date when the Society will review the determination that the child is a special needs child.

source for 7.5 - 010.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/010005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-010.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/010005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 012

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Liability Coverage for Foster Parent

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that foster parents prior to placement shall satisfy the Society that:
1. they have a valid insurance policy for their home and any vehicle they possess;
2. they have notified their home property insurance company:
  1. that they are now foster parents; and
  2. that their agent has confirmed that their policy will provide coverage for foster children under the same criteria as their own children;
3. they have notified their automobile insurance company that:
  1. that they will be providing transportation for foster child(ren); and
  2. that in the event that a foster child operates their vehicle without permission, that they have “all peril” coverage;
  3. they have a minimum of $1,000,000.00 coverage.
epenthesis
It is the policy of the Society to provide coverage to foster parents for general liability and non-owned automobile insurance.
elision The Society shall enact procedures addressing:
1. foster parent(s)’ own insurance coverage; and
2. Society provided coverage for foster parent(s).

source for 7.5 - 012
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/012.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-012.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/012.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 012.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Liability Coverage for Foster Parent

Procedure:

Prior to the placement of a child in a foster home, the foster resource worker will:
1. verify that foster parent(s) have valid insurance coverage for their home and any vehicle they possess;
2. ensure that their coverage is consistent with the Society’s policy (7.5 - 012).
The foster resource worker will inform the foster parents that the Society has provided for them:
1. general liability insurance; and
2. non-owned automobile insurance.
3. the amount of coverage and any applicable deductible will be set by the Society.
In order to access the Society’s liability and automobile insurance:
1. the foster parent(s) will inform the foster resource worker;
2. the foster resource worker/child’s caseworker will notify his/her manager;
3. the manager will notify the Society’s business manager and the Executive Director;
4. the business manager will notify the insurance carrier;
5. the foster parent(s) will supply to the business manager and/or insurance carrier all the information which the insurance carrier may require from time to time.
The foster parent worker will ensure that the foster parent(s) case file will contain:
1. all information concerning the foster parent(s)’ own insurance coverage; and if applicable
2. all correspondence concerning a foster parent(s) claim to the Society’s insurance programs.

source for 7.5 - 012.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/012005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-012.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/012005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 014

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent Relief

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that provisions shall be made for:
1. planned relief services for foster parents; and
2. emergency relief services for foster parents.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with:
1. planned foster parent relief; and
2. emergency foster parent relief.

source for 7.5 - 014
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/014.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-014.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/014.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 014.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parents Relief

Procedure:

The foster home worker will offer the foster parents a range of relief services that:
1. are accessible to foster parents; and
2. provide as much continuity in caring for the child as possible.
“Relief services” refers to alternate care services provided to the foster parents to assist them and increase their ability to cope with the experience of fostering.
“Emergency relief services” refers to services required during an unforeseen crisis.
Relief services and emergency relief services include but are not limited to:
1. babysitting;
2. child care;
3. day care;
4. weekend relief;
5. holiday relief;
6. provision of child care workers;
7. homemaker services;
8. breaks between placements;
9. summer camp;
10. home visits; and
11. the use of other community organizations.
A Society caseworker, regular foster home worker, or child‘s caseworker, or, should the Society be closed, an After Hours Emergency Services worker will be available to emergencies reported by foster parents.
Relief services, whenever possible, will be provided within the following criteria:
1. the person providing the relief service should be known to the child;
2. informal as well as formal types of relief should be considered;
3. relief services should be able to meet the needs of the child and foster family without being intrusive;
4. all relief arrangements must be approved by the Society;
5. foster parents are entitled to two days per month paid relief once:
  1. a child has been in their home for three months; or
  2. the child has been identified as a special needs child (7.5 - 010).
The foster care resource worker will ensure that foster parents be included in developing a plan for relief services.

source for 7.5 - 014.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/014005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-014.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/014005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 016

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent Recognition

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that foster parents shall be recognized for the services they provide.
The Society shall enact procedures dealing with recognition of foster parents;

source for 7.5 - 016
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/016.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-016.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/016.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.5 - 016.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent Recognition

Procedure:

The Society will annually recognize its foster parents at planned events for training and outstanding achievements.
The foster care resource worker will document in the foster parent(s) files all service recognition.

source for 7.5 - 016.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/016005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.5 Retention and Recognition/7.5-016.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/05RETAIN/016005.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.6 - 002 Working with Foster Parents
7.6 - 002.005 Foster Care Worker
7.6 - 002.010 Foster Parent and the Child’s Caseworker
7.6 - 004 Foster Parents and Serious Occurrences
7.6 - 004.005 Foster Parents and Serious Occurrences
7.6 - 006 Service Complaints by Foster Parents
7.6 - 006.005 Service Complaints by Foster Parents
7.6 - 008 Acceptable Discipline
7.6 - 008.005 Acceptable Discipline
7.6 - 010 Closing of Foster Homes
7.6 - 010.005 Closing of Foster Homes

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation
7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.6 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/076PAR.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/076PARENTS.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/076PAR.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/076PARENTS.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy
7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.6 - 002 Working with Foster Parents
7.6 - 002.005 Foster Care Worker
7.6 - 002.010 Foster Parent and the Child’s Caseworker
7.6 - 002.015 Foster Resource Support Worker in Home Service
7.6 - 004 Foster Parents and Serious Occurrences
7.6 - 004.005 Foster Parents and Serious Occurrences
7.6 - 006 Service Complaints by Foster Parents
7.6 - 006.005 Service Complaints by Foster Parents
7.6 - 008 Acceptable Discipline
7.6 - 008.005 Acceptable Discipline
7.6 - 008.010 Holding or Restraint
7.6 - 010 Closing of Foster Homes
7.6 - 010.005 Closing of Foster Homes
7.6 - 010.010 Re-Opening a Closed Foster Home

source for 7.6 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/7.6 - Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6 - Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/7.6 - Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Working with Foster Parents

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that a staff person shall be assigned to:
1. supervise and support every approved foster family; and
2. arrange for support provided for in the foster care agreement.
3. each child in the care or supervision of the Society.
The Society shall enact procedures addressing:
1. the role of the foster care resource worker;
2. supervision and support of foster families;
3. the role of the child’s caseworker;

source for 7.6 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Care Worker

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will:
1. where a child placed in a foster home, consult with at least one foster parent:
  1. where a child placed in a foster home, consult with the foster family in their home every three months;
  2. every three months thereafter;
2. where no child has been placed, consult with the foster family every three months directly or indirectly;
The foster care resource worker will also:
1. provide continuity between the foster family and the Society;
2. be an advocate for foster families and ensure that the rights of foster families are known to all staff and respected;
3. to ensure that licensing requirements are known to, and adhered to by foster parents;
4. to develop a working knowledge of the strengths and individual characteristics of foster families for placement selection purposes;
5. to identify training needs of foster families and ensure the provision of same either by providing training directly or arranging training by others;
6. to encourage the development of an active Foster Parent Association and support groups in which foster parents are brought together and provided opportunities to learn from and develop a mutual support system with each other;
7. to provide support to the foster parents during the investigation of either a service complaint or an abuse investigation; and
8. to provide or arrange for the provision of counselling or other services for foster families with any problems affecting their family arising from the fostering experience.

source for 7.6 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/002005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 002.010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent and Child’s Caseworker

Procedure:

The child’s caseworker will:
1. provide admission information to the foster parents and ensure that all available information regarding the foster child and his/her family situation relevant to the ongoing care and understanding of the child is disclosed to foster parents;
2. plan and coordinate pre-placement visits and to accompany the child on placement in the foster home;
3. conduct the mandated post placement interviews with the foster child and foster family:
  1. within 24 hours of the placement, where possible;
  2. initial seven day visit, at the foster home with the child and at least one foster parent present;
  3. the thirty day visit;
4. ensure that the rights of children in care are known to the child and foster parents;
5. ensure that the foster parents are involved in the development of, and subsequent reviews of the plan of care;
6. coordinate parent/child visits or counselling sessions, maintaining close liaison with foster parents regarding the outcome or reaction to same;
7. act as the primary resource to the foster parents to ensure satisfactory adjustment of the child in the placement by supporting and counselling the foster family in relation to the child’s care;
8. provide regular, individual counselling with the child and ensure that special education, medical or psychological needs of the child in care are met;
9. refer above normal case related requests for expenditures for the child in care to his/her manager for consideration; and
10. ensure that the foster parents are involved in the preparation of the child for re-integration with his/her natural family, or adoptive family, or independent living.

source for 7.6 - 002.010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/002010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-002.010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/002010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 002.015

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Resource Support Worker in-Home Service

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will:
1. will assist foster parents in practical concrete in-home behaviour programming;
2. will assist in the performance of the day to day foster resource responsibilities that would encompass all facets of the agency’s foster support program.
The criteria to use the foster care resource support worker is:
1. all referrals must be made with permission of the foster parents and only after the social worker has fully explained the service;
2. Children’s Service Worker, foster parents and foster child have set goals and arrived at a contract;
3. all referrals will be submitted to the appropriate Manager, then referred to the agency’s conference process for approval.
This service will depend on the availability of budget pertaining to this program. There will be periodic evaluation of the service by the appropriate Manager.

source for 7.6 - 002.015
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/002015.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-002.015.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/002015.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 004

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parents and Serious Occurrences

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that foster parents shall report any serious occurrences involving the foster child immediately to the Society.
The Society shall enact procedures addressing the reporting by foster parents of serious occurrences.

source for 7.6 - 004
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/004.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-004.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/004.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 004.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parents and Serious Occurrences

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will ensure that all foster parents:
1. know the Society’s telephone numbers and how to reach the After Hours Emergency Services;
2. are informed in writing of the following serious occurrences involving the foster child that must be reported immediately to the Society if they occur:
  1. all deaths of children in foster care;
  2. serious illness, serious injuries or unplanned hospitalization of the child;
  3. all allegations and accusations of abuse or mistreatment of a child in care;
  4. abuse or mistreatment of a child;
  5. absences of the child from the home without permission for a significant period of time - see (5.9 - 00.2025);
  6. truancy or suspension from school;
  7. apprehension by the police and/or charges under the Young Offenders Act or Provincial Offences Act;
  8. significant alcohol or drug abuse;
  9. attempted suicide by the child;
  10. fire or any other serious occurrences concerning a foster child;
  11. complaints/grievances made by or about children in care; and
  12. cases involving a major breach of confidentiality.
  13. any complaint concerning the operational, physical or safety standards of service is considered by the license to be of serious nature.
The foster care resource worker will also ensure that all foster parents in the event of a serious occurrence:
1. determine if the child requires a medical evaluation or attention, and if so, call the appropriate emergency response numbers and request assistance;
2. once the child has received the appropriate assistance contact the Society and report immediately:
  1. the child’s name;
  2. nature of the occurrence;
  3. time of the occurrence;
  4. action taken;
  5. current status of the child;
  6. location of occurrence;
3. if an accident occurs to a child who is expected at school, contact the school to advise them of the child’s expected absence;
4. the Society will conduct a preliminary inquiry (5.9 - 015) and in conducting the preliminary inquiry, the investigative worker will gather the following details from the foster parents:
  1. an accurate description of what happened, including equipment involved;
  2. date and time of day of the occurrence;
  3. the names of the individuals involved;
  4. the exact location of the incident;
  5. the time the incident was reported;
  6. the immediate action taken;
  7. the current status of the child; and
  8. the persons the foster parent(s) notified;
5. the worker completing the preliminary inquiry will prepare a report and submit the report to his/her manager and the Executive Director.

source for 7.6 - 004.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/004005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-004.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/004005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 006

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Service Complaints by Foster Parents

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. foster parents shall have access to a clear process for airing service complaints; and
2. foster parents’ service complaints shall be responded to within twenty four hours of receiving them.
The Society shall enact procedures addressing the service complaints by foster parents.

source for 7.6 - 006
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/006.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-006.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/006.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 006.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Service Complaints by Foster Parents

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will:
1. respond to every service complaint from a foster parent within twenty four hours of receiving the complaint;
2. review with the foster parent(s) the Society’s service complaint procedures;(5.1 - 010.010) and
3. invite, if appropriate, the foster care resource worker to advocate the foster parents’ position.
The Society’s service complaint procedures will not be used when:
1. the complaint deals with the abuse of a child; or
2. the complaint is criminal in nature; or
3. the Executive Director/designate believes the complaint is too serious and requires a formal investigation.
The Society’s service complaint procedure contains the following steps:
1. Step One:
  1. the foster parent will attempt to resolve the problem with his/her social worker, the foster care worker may work with the foster parents and the child’s caseworker to resolve the dispute;
  2. if the dispute has not been resolved at this level, the foster parents will:
    - register his/her complaint in writing by completing the procedural “Complaint Form”;
    - will give the completed form to the caseworker.
  3. The child’s caseworker will sign the “Complaint Form”, and will give a copy to:
    - the foster parent;
    - his/her immediate manager; and
    - the Executive Director/designate.
2. Step Two:
  1. the foster parents will call the Society and ask to speak to the caseworker’s manager;
  2. the manager will, within two weeks of the foster parent’s call respond in writing:
    - setting out any agreement reached by the foster parent and caseworker; or
    - if no agreement was reached, the manager will set out his/her decision.
3. Step Three:
  1. If the foster parent is not satisfied with the action taken by the manager, the foster parent will call the Society and speak to the Executive Director/designate.
  2. The Executive Director/designate will respond in writing within two weeks of the foster parent’s call.
4. Step Four:
  1. If the foster parent is not satisfied with the Executive Director/designate’s decision, the foster parent will be asked to write to the Board of Directors by addressing his/her complaint to the President of the Society at the Society’s mailing address.
  2. the Executive Director will arrange for a review of the complaint by the Services committee or other designated committee of the Board of Directors.
  3. the Services Committee or other designated committee of the Board of Directors will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors at their next scheduled meeting; and
  4. the President of the Board of Directors will respond in writing to the foster parent within 45 days of the foster parent’s letter.
5. Step Five:
  1. If the foster parent is not satisfied with the President’s response, the Society will:
    - provide the foster parent with the mailing address and telephone number of the Program Manager, Ministry of Community and Social Services; and
    - will suggest that the foster parent contact the Ministry of Community and Social Services and ask for a review by the Regional Director.
The foster resource worker will document in the foster parent’s case file:
1. the date and nature of the complaint;
2. the source of the complaint;
3. the action taken;
4. outcome; and
5. further action taken.
If a service complaint lodged by the foster parent is in reference to a particular worker the policy and procedures described at (5.1 - 012) and (5.1 - 012.005) will apply.
If a service complaint lodged by the foster parent is in reference to a particular volunteer, the policy and procedures described at (5.1 - 016) and (5.1 - 016.005) will apply.

source for 7.6 - 006.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/006005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-006.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/006005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 008

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Acceptable Discipline

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. no children in care shall be subjected to:
  1. corporal punishment defined but not restricted to:
    - striking a child, with or without the assistance of a physical object;
    - shaking, shoving, spanking or any other forms of physical aggression;
    - punishment of a child by another child or group of children condoned or instigated by a foster parent;
    - requiring or forcing the child to assume an uncomfortable position (i.e. squatting, bending, or standing against a wall for a long period of time);
    - requiring or forcing the child to repeat physical movement;
    - interfering with or interrupting a child’s sleep;
  2. deliberate harsh, humiliating or degrading responses that could:
    - result in the humiliation of a child; or
    - result in the undermining of a child’s’ self respect (derogatory remarks, name calling ridicule, forcing consumption of food, etc.);
  3. deprivation or restriction of basic needs (i.e. clothing, bedding, food, shelter);
  4. placing or keeping a child in a locked room;
  5. threatening removal of the foster child from the home as a form of behaviour control;
  6. extensive and prolonged withholding of emotional responses and stimulation after the undesirable behaviour of the child has stopped;
  7. deliberate destruction of child’s property;
  8. restricting, threatening, or forbidding visits with the natural parents in retaliation for undesirable behaviour;
2. children in care shall be subjected to acceptable disciplinary actions that are:
  1. related to the nature of the behaviour with logical consequences used whenever possible;
  2. age appropriate;
  3. used in a positive and consistent manner;
  4. designed to assist the child to learn appropriate behaviour; and
  5. administered as soon as possible after the undesirable behaviour has occurred.
It is also the policy of the Society that each foster parent:
1. shall be aware of the Society’s policy on acceptable discipline; and
2. shall agree to and shall abide by the Society’s policy on acceptable discipline.
It is also the policy of the Society that no child shall be placed in any placement resources that:
1. permits physical punishment of children; or
2. make use of unacceptable disciplinary measures.
The Society shall enact procedures addressing:
1. the use of acceptable discipline;
2. investigation of complaints against foster parents for unacceptable disciplinary practices.

source for 7.6 - 008
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/008.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-008.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/008.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 008.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Acceptable Discipline

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will ensure that before any child is placed in a foster home:
1. foster parents will be given in writing a statement explaining the Ministry standards and the Society’s policy regarding physical discipline as well as the definitions of acceptable and unacceptable disciplinary measures;
2. a copy of the written statement will be signed by foster parents acknowledging that they understand these explanations and expectations and that they agree to abide by the Society’s policy.
The foster care resource worker will ensure that instructions on acceptable methods of discipline will be provided to all foster parents as part of their pre-service training.
The child’s caseworker will ensure that the child be made aware of his/her right to be protected from unacceptable disciplinary practices.
The child’s caseworker will meet with the foster parent and with the child, if applicable, to determine:
1. methods of discipline to be utilized; and
2. the agreed upon methods of discipline will be documented in the child’s plan of care;
3. the agreed upon methods of discipline will continuously be evaluated and amended if required; and
4. the review and the amendments will be documented in the child’s plan of care.
Where the Society receives a complaint against a foster parent(s) alleging the use of unacceptable disciplinary practices on a foster child, the Society shall forthwith initiate an investigation and the policy and procedures described at (5.1 -014) and (5.1 - 014.005) will apply.

source for 7.6 - 008.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/008005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-008.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/008005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 008.010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Holding or Restraint

Policy:

In extreme situations where a child’s behaviour is dangerous to himself, to others or to property, some form of physical restraint may be necessary and acceptable. Such restraint should only be used in exceptional circumstances and be applied with the least amount of force and should not be of any extended duration. Any form of restraint should be reviewed as part of the regular review of the child’s Plan of Care. This should be addressed in the Plan of Care under the section entitled Acknowledge Agreement of Method of Discipline.
Foster Parents should promptly report all incidents in which they are required to use physical restraint to the child’s social worker. If assistance is required after hours, foster parents may call the after hour social worker.
An incident report should be completed by the foster parents in co-operation with the child’s social worker.
If foster parents or the child’s social worker anticipates that some form of restraint might be necessary for a certain child, the matter should be discussed beforehand with the social worker and if necessary, special training arranged for the foster parents.
Foster parents should not use any forms of restraint with children/or youth that suffer from excited delirium.
Restraint Criteria:
The criteria for engaging in a physical restraint are:
1. when the youth or others (Foster Parents, peers, staff, etc.) are at risk of injury due to acting out behaviour or serious threats by the youth.
2. when the youth is attempting to leave the residence in an emotional state which may place either him/her or the community at risk.
3. when property damage has occurred or is likely to occur as a result of a youth demonstrating that he/she is out of control.
4. when less intrusive procedures have been applied and have not been effective in de-escalating the situation.
Restraint Procedures:
Restraint procedures are intended to result in the least amount of force needed to control the situation while avoiding injury to all concerned. If a restraint becomes necessary, the following steps, consistent with standard crisis prevention procedures, should be followed:
1. Request assistance. Foster Parents should not engage in a restraint when alone, unless it is necessary for self defence or the protection of another individual. Use a non aggressive approach and attempt to calm the youth until help arrives.
2. When possible, notify the agency of situations that may escalate to the point of requiring a restraint.
3. When possible, designate a leader and a support person. If the opportunity presents itself, agree on the specific process to be attempted.
4. Isolate the youth, either by removing him from others in the house or requesting that others in house leave the area. Designate someone to be responsible for staying with others in the house during the crisis period if possible.
5. When possible, foster parents should remove any jewellery or other items that may inflict injury during the restraint.
6. When possible, the likely restraint area should be clear to make it as safe as possible. (e.g. remove articles that may be potential weapons, move furniture out of the way, etc.) A physical escort or restraint should be avoided near or on a stairway, or other areas considered inherently unsafe.
7. Prior, to engaging in the restraint, the Foster Parents should once again outline to the youth available options and subsequent consequences of his/her actions.
8. Attempts to de-escalate the situation failing, the agreed upon restraint strategy should be followed.
9. If this technique is not effective in ensuring the safety of the individuals involved, then the youth should be placed on the floor in a crisis prevention position, if at all possible.
10. During the procedure, the leader should make ongoing attempts to lesson the anxiety of the youth, through a calm demeanour and clear directives, the leader should detail the criteria for removing the restraint.
11. The youth should remain in the restraint until he/she demonstrates emotional control, and makes a commitment to follow direction and be compliant.
12. Disengagement should be conducted in specific stages, such as letting go of the legs, then the arms, etc.. Foster Parents should be prepared to re-engage if the youth indicates that he/she is once again losing control.
13. Follow up with the youth regarding the restraint is important to ensure his/her emotional well being. The youth should be interviewed at this point to determine any possible injury. The atmosphere in the follow up session should be one of instruction and support, as the youth may be feeling very vulnerable at this point.
14. The focus should remain on accepting personal responsibility for the present situation and for further behaviour.
15. Following the restraint, an Incident Report must be completed by the participating Foster Parents and the youth’s social worker must be notified as required. The restraint should be formally reviewed with the youth’s social worker. This review should include precipitating factors, sequences of events, and the follow up.

source for 7.6 - 008.010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/008010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-008.010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/008010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Closing of Foster Parents’ Home

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that the decision to close a foster home following an investigation of a complaint concerning the foster family shall be made jointly by a worker and a manager.
The Society shall enact procedures addressing the closing of a foster home.

source for 7.6 - 010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 010.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Closing of Foster Parents’ Home

Procedure:

Following an investigation of a complaint concerning the foster family, the worker who conducted the investigation will meet with:
1. the foster resource worker;
2. the caseworkers assigned to the children placed in the foster home;
3. the resource manager/alternate.
The purpose of the meeting will consist of:
1. a review the findings of the investigation;
2. a review the alternative dispositions available; and
3. a determination of the disposition chosen.
The foster resource worker will document in the case file:
1. the review the findings of the investigation;
2. the disposition chosen; and
3. the reasons supporting the disposition.
If the disposition chosen is to close the foster home, and the foster parents oppose the decision, the foster care worker will:
1. arrange a minimum of one interview with the foster parents, him/herself and his/her manager; and
2. in accordance with any terms of their service agreement, a letter signed by the foster home worker and resource manager is sent to the foster parents stating:
  1. that their home is officially closed;
  2. the reasons supporting the decision to close their home; and
  3. that any agreements they have entered into with the Society or its workers are terminated, other than those concerning confidentiality of information.
In the case of a voluntary closing by foster parents, the foster parents will advise the Society as soon as possible.
The foster resource worker will clarify the reasons for voluntary closure, recording the reasons for closing and providing a letter of reference for possible future use of the foster home.
In accordance with any terms of their service agreement, a letter signed by the foster resource worker and resource manager is sent to the foster parents stating:
1. that their home is officially closed;
2. that any agreement they have entered into with the Society or its workers are terminated, other than those concerning confidentiality of information, and thanking them for services provided.
epenthesis
Upon closure, the foster parents will relinquish any written information they have concerning children who have been in their care.

source for 7.6 - 010.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/010005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-010.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/010005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.6 - 010.010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Reopening a Closed Foster Home

Procedure:

Applicants who have previously fostered for our agency will be considered for fostering when the following procedures have been completed:
1. the foster care resource worker assigned to complete the home study update will read the previous home study noting the reasons for closure;
2. during the initial home visit the foster care resource worker will review with the applicants the reasons for their closure, if after this review the foster care resource worker is satisfied that the issues are resolved a meeting will occur between the foster care resource worker and the resource program manager to discuss whether to proceed with the home study process and all that it entails;
3. regular home study format will be followed.

source for 7.6 - 010.010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/010010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.6 Working with Foster Parents/7.6-010.010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/06PARTNE/010010.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.7 - 002 Foster Home Evaluation
7.7 - 002.005 Foster Home Evaluation
7.7 - 004 Exit Interview/Survey for Child in Care
7.7 - 004.005 Exit Interview/Survey for Child in Care

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.7 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/077EVA.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/077EVA.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.7 - 002 Foster Home Evaluation
7.7 - 002.005 Foster Home Evaluation
7.7 - 004 Exit Interview/Survey for Child in Care
7.7 - 004.005 Exit Interview/Survey for Child in Care

source for 7.7 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/077EVALUATION.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/077EVALUATION.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.7 - 002 Foster Home Evaluation
7.7 - 002.005 Foster Home Evaluation
7.7 - 004 Exit Interview/Survey for Child in Care
7.7 - 004.005 Exit Interview/Survey for Child in Care

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.7 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/7.7 Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.7 Foster Home Evaluation/7.7 Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/7.7 Cover Page.DOC

Table of Content

1.0 Adoption

2.0 Governance

3.0 Community

4.0 Child Care

5.0 Family Services

6.0 Finance

7.0 Foster Care

8.0 Human Resources

9.0 Volunteers

source for 7.7 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/07FOST.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/07FOST.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.7 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent Evaluation

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. each approved foster home shall be evaluated on an ongoing basis;
2. each approved foster home shall be formally evaluated on a yearly basis; and
3. each formal evaluation shall be consistent with mandated requirements.
The Society shall enact procedures addressing the formal evaluation of each approved foster home.

source for 7.7 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.7 Foster Home Evaluation/7.7-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.7 - 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Foster Parent Evaluation

Procedure:

An ongoing assessment of the foster family’s ability to provide physical and emotional care to the foster children placed in their home and to communicate wit birth parents will be done a regular basis by:
1. the foster resource worker in the course of his/her regular contacts with foster parents; and
2. the child’s caseworker in the course of their regular contacts with foster children.
A formal evaluation of each approved foster home will be completed on a yearly basis, as close to the anniversary date as possible.
This formal evaluation will occur in the foster home and will include everyone living in the home.
The formal evaluation will include:
1. a minimum of one face-to-face interview with the child’s care providers;
2. a family/group interview with all members of the household, including:
  1. all foster children over the age of 7 years; and
  2. children under the age of 7 years at the discretion of the worker;
3. private interviews with all foster children who are able to talk;
4. a retrospective review of the last year’s fostering experience including:
  1. any areas of achievement;
  2. any areas of difficulties;
  3. the relationship between the foster parents and the Society and the Society’s workers;
  4. the relationship between the foster parents and the natural family of the children placed in their home;
  5. the foster parents’ use of and assessment of the Society’s training programs as well as planning for ongoing training;
  6. the foster parents’ use of and assessment of the Society’s supportive services as well as planning for ongoing training;
  7. a review of and update on areas appraised in the foster home original assessment with a focus on the family’s current functioning;
  8. a determination of the desirability of the family continuing to provide foster care;
  9. a review of the service agreement; and
5. information regarding the re-examination of the premises as well as the required health and safety standards (7.2-010) and (7.2-012) and (7.2-016);
The foster care resource worker will:
1. document the formal evaluation in writing (including a written summary of his/her contact with the foster parent(s) and findings throughout the year); and:
2. provide a copy of the evaluation to the foster parents;
The formal evaluation will be dated and signed by:
1. the foster care resource worker; and
2. the resource program manager.
Once signed, the formal evaluation is filed in the foster parents’ case file.

source for 7.7 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.7 Foster Home Evaluation/7.7-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/002005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.7 - 004

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Exit Interview/Evaluation of Placement for Child in Care

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that an annual evaluation of a child’s placement shall be completed for all long term placements, with the foster parent(s) and child.
It is the policy of the Society that an exit interview and/or an exit survey shall be carried out for each child who is in the care of the Society for over thirty days during
1. preparation for a placement change; or
2. planning for discharge from the care of the Society.
The Society shall enact procedures concerning the exit interview/survey and the evaluation of placements.

source for 7.7 - 004
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/004.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.7 Foster Home Evaluation/7.7-004.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/004.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.7 - 004.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Evaluation of Placement/Exit Interview/Survey for Child in Care

Procedure:

The child’s caseworker will conduct an annual evaluation of placement/exit interview:
1. for each foster child age 7 or over during preparation for a placement change or during planning for discharge from the care of the Society (4.9-014.005) and (4.9-016.005); or
2. on an annual basis if there has been no placement change.
The exit interview/evaluation of placement will consist of interviews with the child, and with the foster family regarding:
1. their views about foster care;
2. their views about the services received from the Society.
The purpose of the exit interview/evaluation of placement is to obtain information about the Society’s current services which will be systematically collected, documented and analyzed and used to make service improvements.
The child’s case worker will document in the child’s case file and the foster home case file:
1. the date and place of the exit interview/evaluation of placement;
2. the information obtained from the child and from the foster family; or
3. the reasons why such information is unavailable; and
4. the date a copy of the information supplied during the exit interview/evaluation of placement was given to the resource program manager for his/her analysis and recommendations for service improvement.

source for 7.7 - 004.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/004005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.7 Foster Home Evaluation/7.7-004.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/07EVALUA/004005.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.8 - 002 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.8 - 002.005 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.8 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/078LIC.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/078LIC.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.8 - 002 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.8 - 002.005 Licensed Children’s Residences

source for 7.8 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/078LICENSED.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/078LICENSED.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

6.0 Working with Foster Parents

7.0 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.8 - 002 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.8 - 002.005 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.8 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/7.8- Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.8 Licensed Children's Residences/7.8- Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/7.8- Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.8 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Licensed Children’s Residences

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. each Society group residence shall be licensed in accordance with the standards set by the Ministry of Community and Social Services; and
2. an outside paid residence shall only be considered for placement if the residence has a current license.
The Society shall enact procedures to ensure that all residential placements chosen for the Society’s wards hold a current valid licence.

source for 7.8 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.8 Licensed Children's Residences/7.8-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.8 - 002.005

Date December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Licensed Children’s Residences

Procedures:

The resource program manager will ensure that all agency residences are licensed.
Prior to the selection and placement of a child in a residential setting, the foster care resource worker or the child’s caseworker will have examined the residence’s licence, and a copy of the license will be placed in the child’s case file.
Where the licence issued to a residence is a provisional licence, the foster resource worker or the child’s caseworker will:
1. be familiar with the conditions of the license; and
2. will be satisfied that steps are being taken to remedy any shortcomings.
Where the license issued to a residence changes to a provisional license, the foster home worker will document the conditions of the license and the plan to address the issues that led to the change of status.
Where a provisional license has been issued to a residence outside the Society’s territorial jurisdiction the foster home worker will ensure that the child’s caseworker is aware with the conditions of the license.
The foster care resource worker will document in a resource file:
1. the name of the residence;
2. the status of the residence’s license;
3. the admission criteria of the residence;
4. the intake process of the residence;
5. the program description of the residence; and where the license is provisional the condition of the licence, and the steps made to remedy the situation;
6. special services if applicable;
7. methods of behavioural management and;
8. complaint procedures.
9. a copy of the Licensed Children’s Residence license.
The foster care resource worker will update the resource files on a yearly basis.

source for 7.8 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.8 Licensed Children's Residences/7.8-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/08LICENS/002005.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 - 002 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 - 002.005 Criteria to the Use of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 - 002.010 Plan of Care, Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 - 004 Child’s Caseworker’s Role and Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.9 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/090Children's Residence.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/090Children's Residence.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.9 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/090USE.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/090USE.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

6.0 Working with Foster Parents

7.0 Foster Home Evaluation

8.0 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records

source for 7.9 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/7.9 - Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.9 Use of Licensed Children's Residences/7.9 - Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/7.9 - Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.9 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
The Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. each Society group residence shall be licensed in accordance with the standards set by the Ministry of Community and Social Services;
2. the Society shall seek admission to an institutional setting only in the absence of a foster family and community based support that can meet the child’s needs;
3. where institutional placement is being considered, and a similar program is available at both a paid and unpaid facility, the Society shall chose the unpaid facility;
4. an outside paid residence shall only be considered for placement if the residence has a current license.
The Society shall enact procedures addressing:
1. the placement criteria for use of a license residence;
2. the terms of the plan of care with a license residence;
3. the monitoring of the child’s placement in a license residence; and
4. the requirement that all residential placement used have a current valid licence.

source for 7.9 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.9 Use of Licensed Children's Residences/7.9-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.9- 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Criteria for the Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

Procedures:

Prior to recommending an institutional placement or group home placement for a child, the caseworker will consider less intrusive resources for the child including:
1. maintaining the child in his/her environment with adequate supports;
2. other relatives;
3. regular or specialized foster care.
Where these resources are not feasible or appropriate for the child, consideration for institutional or group home placement may be given.
In selecting a placement, the caseworker will give consideration to:
1. the child’s needs;
2. the resources the placement can afford the child;
3. the proximity to home community;
4. facility of coordinating ongoing contacts/visits with the child’s family;
5. rights afforded to children under the Child and Family Services Act (i.e. language);
6. existence of a valid license issued by the Ministry of Community and Social Services; and
7. references verified as to quality of resource by contacting the Ministry of Community and Social Services and other Society’s who have used the resource.
All placements in a licensed children’s residence and group home, require:
1. the specific approval of the Director of Service;
2. where such a placement has a per diem cost to the Society, written approval from the Executive Director or designate.

source for 7.9 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.9 Use of Licensed Children's Residences/7.9-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/002005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.9- 002.010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Plan of Care, Licensed Children’s Residences

Procedures:

If possible, prior to the placement of a child in an institutional placement or group home placement, the child’s case worker will:
1. visit the institutional placement or group home;
2. negotiate a plan of care.
The plan of care will cover:
1. a plan of care for the child addressing all of the child’s needs;
2. the required releases of information;
3. consent for emergency medical treatment;
4. visit and access to foster parents if the plan is to return the child to the foster home;
5. a commitment that the licensed facility will forward written reports to coincide with the child care standards and the Society’s recording policies and procedures;
6. visit and access arrangements for the child’s caseworker;
  1. goals and objectives focusing on reintegrating the child into the community;
7. epenthesis
8. epenthesis
9. epenthesis
10. procedures for discharge planning which should include:
  1. involvement with the child’s caseworker;
  2. involvement with the Society’s foster parents if the child is returning to the foster home; or
  3. involvement with the Society’s foster resource worker;
  4. any discharge follow-up program offered by the licensed children’s residence;
11. a review schedule; and
12. a conflict resolution procedure.
Whenever possible, the plan of care includes input from:
1. the licensed facility;
2. the Society;
3. the foster parents where applicable;
4. the child’s natural parents where applicable; and
5. a child over the age of 12.
If the Society’s plan is to return the child to the foster home, the foster parents may be expected to participate in the process which may include:
1. transporting the child;
2. attending consultation meetings;
3. participating in any discharge planning.
The plan of care will be signed by:
1. the licensed residential facility;
2. the child if the child is age 12 or over;
3. the resource manager/designate.
A copy of the signed plan of care will be filed in the child’s case file.

source for 7.9 - 002.010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/002010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.9 Use of Licensed Children's Residences/7.9-002.010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/002010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.9 - 004

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Child’s Caseworker’s Role and Licensed Children’s Residences

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. each child who is placed in a licensed children’s residence or group home shall be assigned to a Society case worker;
2. the role of the child’s case worker, while the child is in the licensed residence or group home, shall be similar to their role should the child be in foster care and will include:
  1. visiting the child and the licensed residential setting at least once every ninety days;
  2. ensuring that the licensed residence or group home is:
    - adhering to the child’s plan of care;
    - adhering to the service agreement.
It is the policy of the Society that:
1. where the distance of the licensed residence or group home is such that it becomes impractical for the Society’s child’s caseworker to regularly visit the child and the facility, the Society shall, with full disclosure, enter into an agreement with another Society to supervised the child’s placement as an agent of the Society; and
2. the Society’s own child’s caseworker will retain the ownership of the case, and:
  1. provide a case management function;
  2. monitor the child’s treatment and progress from correspondence and reports originating from the supervising Society; and
  3. ensure that the documentation in the child’s case file is current.

source for 7.9 - 004
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/004.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.9 Use of Licensed Children's Residences/7.9-004.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/09USE-LI/004.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 - 002 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 - 002.005 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.10 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/010ASS.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/010ASS.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition
7.6 Working with Foster Parents
7.7 Foster Home Evaluation
7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences
7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 - 002 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 - 002.005 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.10 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/010ASSESSMENT.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/010ASSESSMENT.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

6.0 Working with Foster Parents

7.0 Foster Home Evaluation

8.0 Licensed Children’s Residences

9.0 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 - 002 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences
7.10 - 002.005 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records

source for 7.10 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/7.10 - Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.10 Assessment-Evaluation of Licensed Children's Residences/7.10 - Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/7.10 - Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.10 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Annual Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that where a child is placed in a licensed children’s residence the Society shall ensure the completion, on an annual basis, of an assessment-evaluation of the residence and its programs.
The Society shall enact procedures addressing the annual assessment-evaluation.

source for 7.10 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.10 Assessment-Evaluation of Licensed Children's Residences/7.10-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.10- 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

Procedures:

The Society’s children service worker who has a child placed will assess each licensed residential resource used by the Society annually.
The assessment will include:
1. the goals and objectives of the program;
2. admission criteria and requirements;
3. a description of the day to day program;
4. any special services and programs offered;
5. the methods used to manage behaviour;
6. the procedure used for dealing with complaints from residents and placing agencies;
7. an inspection of the residence’s license for currency and complaints with any terms and conditions;
8. a report of an on-site visit, made as part of the assessment process; and
9. any information provided to the Society by any other agency who has used the facility.
The children service worker will update the above assessment at least annually, incorporating the assessment of the workers who have children placed in the licensed children’s residence.
The foster resource worker will document:
1. the initial assessment of each licensed children’s residence prior to its use;
2. each annual re-assessment of the licensed children’s residence; and
3. will refer to the resource file as the Society’s roster of available residential resources.
The initial assessment and all re-assessments will be dated and signed by the children service worker and the resource manager and will be placed in the Society’s residential resource file.

source for 7.10 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.10 Assessment-Evaluation of Licensed Children's Residences/7.10-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/10ASS-LI/002005.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment
7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract
7.3 Training for Foster Parents
7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents
7.5 Retention and Recognition

7.6 Working with Foster Parents

7.7 Foster Home Evaluation

7.8 Licensed Children’s Residences

7.9 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.10 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 - 002 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 - 005 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.11 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/011CON.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/011CON.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

6.0 Working with Foster Parents

7.0 Foster Home Evaluation

8.0 Licensed Children’s Residences

9.0 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

10.0 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residence

7.11 - 002 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 - 005 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records

source for 7.11 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/7.11 - Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children's Residences/7.11 - Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/7.11 - Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.11 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that prior to the placement of a child in a licensed children’s residence, if possible, the Society shall enter into a written agreement with the licensed children’s residence.
The Society will enact procedures addressing the written agreement with licensed children’s residences.

source for 7.11 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children's Residences/7.11-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.11- 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

Procedure:

At the time of each placement of a child in a licensed children’s residence, the foster resource worker or the child’s caseworker will negotiate a service contract with the licensed children’s residence.
The service contract will:
1. include the consent of the licensee to:
  1. provide care and emergency treatment for the child; and
  2. obtain pertinent records and information concerning the child;
2. include the financial arrangements for the provision of care;
3. include a plan for ongoing contact with birth parents, where applicable;
4. is developed and explained to the child over the age of 12;
5. provides for review at specified intervals at least annually and at the request of the child, parent, Society, or licensee of:
  1. the service contract; and
  2. the plan of care (7.9 - 002.010);
6. is signed by:
  1. the licensee;
  2. the Executive Director/designate;
  3. the child over 16, unless the child is, in the opinion of a physician or psychologist, unable to sign the agreement because of a mental or physical handicap or has the signature(s) of the child’s nearest relative in the event that the child is unable to sign; and
  4. the reason that the service contract does not have the signatures of the primary players is documented when necessary.
A copy of the signed service contract is filed in the child’s care file.

source for 7.11 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children's Residences/7.11-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/002005.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.11 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.11 - 002 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences
7.11 - 005 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

source for 7.11 - 011
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/011CONTRACTING.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/11CONTRA/011CONTRACTING.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.12 Management of Caregiver Records

7.12 - 002 Management of Caregiver Records
7.12 - 002.005 Content of Caregiver Records
7.12 - 002.010 Content of Licensed Children’s Residences Records
7.12 - 002.015 Closing of Foster Parents Records
7.12 - 004 Sharing with Foster Parents the Contents of Their Record
7.12 - 004.005 Sharing with Foster Parents the Contents of Their Record
7.12 - 006 Confidentiality of Foster Parents Records
7.12 - 006.005 Confidentiality of Foster Parents Records
7.12 - 008 Retention of Foster Parents Records

source for 7.12 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/012REC.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/012RECORDS.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/012REC.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/012RECORDS.DOC

7.0 Foster Care

7.0 General Policy

7.1 Foster Home Recruitment

7.2 Foster Home Assessment and Service Contract

7.3 Training for Foster Parents

7.4 Placement of Child with Foster Parents

7.5 Retention and Recognition

6.0 Working with Foster Parents

7.0 Foster Home Evaluation

8.0 Licensed Children’s Residences

9.0 Use of Licensed Children’s Residences

10.0 Assessment/Evaluation of Licensed Children’s Residences

11.0 Service Contracting for Licensed Children’s Residences

7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records

7.12 - 002 Management of Foster Parent Records
7.12 - 002.005 Content of Foster Parent Records
7.12 - 002.010 Content of Licensed Children’s Residences Records
7.12 - 002.015 Closing of Foster Parents Records
7.12 - 004 Sharing with Foster Parents the Contents of Their Record
7.12 - 004.005 Sharing with Foster Parents the Contents of Their Record
7.12 - 006 Confidentiality of Foster Parents Records
7.12 - 006.005 Confidentiality of Foster Parents Records
7.12 - 008 Retention of Foster Parents Records

source for 7.12 - 000
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/7.12 - Cover Page.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12 - Cover Page.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/7.12 - Cover Page.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.12 - 002

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Management of Foster Parent Records

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. the Society shall maintain a file of every foster family which shall be managed within the parameters established in legislation, regulations, and ministry standards and guidelines.
The Society shall establish procedures dealing with:
1. the content of foster parent records;
2. content of licensed children’s residence records;
3. sharing with foster parent(s) the content of their foster case file;
4. confidentiality of foster parent(s) case files;
5. closing a foster parent(s) case file;
6. storage and security of foster parent(s) case files; and
7. retention of foster parent(s) case files.

source for 7.12 - 002
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/002.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12-002.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/002.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.12 - 002.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Contents of Foster Parent Records

Procedure:

The case file for every foster family approved as a placement for children will include:
1. the application;
2. the assessment of the foster family and the foster home including:
  1. any medical reports;
  2. letters of references; and
  3. original and updated criminal reference checks;
3. the signed “oath of confidentiality”;
4. a copy of the foster care service agreement;
5. a copy of every annual foster home review including:
  1. annual premises safety checks; which identifies the annual fire evacuation plans;
6. a record of any investigation regarding a complaint against the foster family;
7. a recording of significant events or changes within the foster family that could affect foster children;
8. record of ongoing contacts;
9. record of placements; and
10. record of training events attended; and
11. reason for closing if applicable.
The foster home case file should also contain:
1. Capacity - information concerning the number and the age of children which can be placed in the home should be available in the file and updated as required;
2. Classification - information concerning the type(s) of care being provided in the foster home and the number of children receiving each type of care should be recorded and updated regularly;
3. Type of Children - a description of the types of children in the home, the services they require, and the success with which their needs have been met should be recorded in the file;
4. Medical Information - any medical information received in regard to the health of the foster parent(s) should be recorded and maintained in the file;
5. Consent Forms - any consent for the release of information signed by the foster parent(s) should be kept on file;
6. Serious Occurrences - a record of any occurrences involving a foster child in the home should be recorded in the file.
The foster care resource worker will ensure that the above information is recorded in the foster parent(s) case files and that this information is updated as required.

source for 7.12 - 002.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/002005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12-002.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/002005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.12 - 002.010

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Contents of Licensed Children’s Residences Records

Procedure:

The written case file for every licensed children’s residence used by the Society will include:
1. a copy of the service contract;
2. the assessment noting that the license has been inspected; and
3. each annual review.
The foster care resource worker will ensure that the above information is recorded in the licensed children’s residence case files and that this information is updated as required.

source for 7.12 - 002.010
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/002010.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12-002.010.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/002010.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.12 - 002.015

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Closing of Foster Parents Records

Procedure:

Prior to filing a closed foster case file, the foster home worker will review the case file; and:
1. remove all duplicated material;
2. remove all non casework material such as phone message slips;
3. ensure that all the sections of the file, including case notes are present and in order; and
4. secure the contents in some effective manner.
The Society will ensure that the foster parent(s) case file will be stored in locked filing cabinets at the Society’s main office.

source for 7.12 - 002.015
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/002015.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12-002.015.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/002015.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.12 - 004

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Sharing with Foster Parents the Contents of Their Record

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that foster parents shall have full access to information from their case files with the exception of:
1. reference letters; and;
2. other information given in confidence.
The Society shall establish procedures dealing with disclosure to foster parents of the contents of their case files.

source for 7.12 - 004
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/004.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12-004.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/004.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.12 - 004.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Sharing with Foster Parents the Contents of Their Records

Procedure:

The foster care resource worker will respect the right of foster parents access to information held in their case file with the exception of references and other information given to the Society in confidence.
Upon obtaining a written request by foster parents to have access to information contained in their case files the foster parent worker will, upon consultation with his/her manager:
1. review the case file;
2. remove from the case file:
  1. letters of references; and
  2. any information given to the Society in confidence;
3. arrange an appointment for the foster parent(s) to attend at the office and review their case file.
The foster care resource worker will document in the case file:
1. the request for disclosure;
2. consultation with manager;
3. the information removed from the case file prior to disclosure; and
4. the date the foster parent(s) reviewed their case file.

source for 7.12 - 004.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/004005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12-004.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/004005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.12 - 006

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Confidentiality of Foster Parents Records

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that all foster parents records shall be:
1. designated as confidential records; and
2. subjected to the Society’s policy on confidentiality (5.1 - 002), and (5.1 - 004).
Subject to (5.1 - 008), and(5.1 - 012), information contained in the foster parent(s) case files shall not be disclosed to any person without written consent signed by the foster parents.

source for 7.12 - 006
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/006.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12-006.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/006.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.12 - 006.005

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Confidentiality of Foster Parents Records

Procedure:

In order to ensure confidentiality of foster parent(s) case files the Society staff:
1. ensure that written information is not left on desks or filing cabinets, or other places where it would be available to the public or other clients;
2. ensure that all records and other documents are kept in a locked filing cabinet or returned to central filing when worker is out of the office;
3. ensure that discarded paper work containing foster parent(s) information is shredded;
4. ensure that any foster parent(s) information is shared only within the privacy of an office or other such areas where confidentiality can be maintained;
5. ensure that foster parent(s) information is not removed from the Society’s property without manager’s approval;
6. ensure that transportation of foster parent(s) information is done only by employees of the Society unless alternate methods have been approved by the Executive Director or designate;
7. ensure that when transporting foster parent(s) information, such material must be maintained in a safe, secure, and confidential manner;
8. ensure that when using a home computer to complete Society related tasks, that separate diskettes be used and that no foster parent(s) information be saved on the caseworker’s home computer.
In dealing with the foster parent(s) case files, the case worker will ensure compliance with the Society’s policies and procedures on confidentiality (5.1 - 002).

source for 7.12 - 006.005
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/006005.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12-006.005.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/006005.DOC

Approved by: Executive Director Number: 7.12 - 008

Date: December 1, 2004

FOSTER CARE
Retention of Foster Parents Records

Policy:

It is the policy of the Society that:
1. all foster parent(s) case files, including case notes and correspondence, shall be retained indefinitely;
2. all foster parent(s) case files shall be designated as such on the automated record system;
  elision all foster parent(s) case files shall be designated as “confidential” files;
3. once closed, foster parent(s) case files shall be placed in a locked file area; and
4. access to the closed foster parent(s) case files shall be granted only pursuant to the Society’s policy on confidentiality (5.1 - 002).

source for 7.12 - 008
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/008.DOC
/1-0ADOPT/HP CAS P&P/Foster Care (2004)/7.12 Management of Foster Parent Records/7.12-008.DOC
/7-0FOSTE/12RECORD/008.DOC

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