Effective: January 2, 2020

FOSTER CARE PROGRAM SUMMARY

Youth Connect of Virginia

ATTENTION

The information contained in this program summary is a condensed version of those policies, procedures and program information contained in Youth Connect of Virginia’s Foster Care Manual. For more detailed information, or to see specific policies and procedures related to the Youth Connect of Virginia’s Foster Care Program, please refer to the Foster Care Manual and other company policy and procedures directives specific to the program.

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INTRODUCTION Youth Connect of Virginia, also commonly referred to as Youth Connect, is an organization fully committed to providing a variety of services for youth and their families. In addition to life skills, mentoring, and a number of mental health treatment options, Youth Connect provides Foster Care services to the Department of Social Services in the Franklin County and surrounding areas. TREATMENT FOSTER CARE (TFC) Treatment Foster Care, also referred to as Therapeutic Foster Care, is out-of-home care provided by foster parents with specialized training. The training provided to therapeutic foster parents is necessary to care for children with significant emotional, behavioral, and complex trauma-related disorders. TFC is utilized for those children that regular foster care is unable to provide the level of care necessary to meet their needs. Specific levels of care, including nontreatment level foster care, is covered in greater detail in the levels of care section of this handbook. SHORT-TERM FOSTER CARE Youth Connect also provides Short-term Foster Care services to foster parents in an effort to allow foster homes access to alternate planned and crisis foster care for their foster children. Youth Connect requires all Short-term Foster homes to accomplish the same training standards and procedures as Treatment Foster Care (TFC) homes. PROGRAM GOALS The goal of Youth Connect’s Foster Care Program is to match and place children with foster parents who can provide a secure and nurturing environment where the child can progress socially, physically and psychologically. TFC is different from other foster care-type services in that it combines in-home living with mental health treatment and support. TFC parents have received specialty training to better prepare them to work with foster children who have emotional and/or behavioral needs. Benefits of Treatment Foster Care include:

• Treatment plans are developed specific to the child’s needs and are approved by a Child Placing Supervisor that has extensive knowledge and experience in foster care settings.

• TFC parents have received training to prepare them to be understanding and sensitive to each child’s unique emotional and behavioral needs.

• Children in TFC placements receive care developed specific to each child’s unique needs, including the child’s history, mental health and behavioral symptoms and needs, cognitive ability, educational needs, and family of origin dynamics and needs. The overall goal is to help them grow into healthy, productive members of society and to provide support and interventions focused on establishing permanency for the child.

• TFC provides enhanced home environments for children with mental health issues. • TFC parents are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide mental

health support.

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• TFC parents work with an assigned Child Placement Case Worker or Case Worker Trainee (as defined by 22VAC40-131-140) in developing and implementing the most effective treatment plan for their foster child and make necessary changes whenever new concerns arise.

POPULATION TO BE SERVED Youth Connect’s Foster Care (TFC) Program accepts youth age 0 to 17 years of age where the court places children in custody of the local Department of Social Services. This program is designed for a variety of individuals, except for those children that are currently at imminent or high risk of harming themselves or others to the degree that they are assessed to need a higher level of treatment or care (e.g., inpatient psychiatric care or placement in a residential treatment facility).

PROHIBITED CONDUCT Youth Connect prohibits acts of discrimination to delay or deny a child’s placement or deny an individual the opportunity to become a foster parent. Any discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, sex, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity (including transgender identity and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital or registered domestic partner status, military service and veteran status, or any other legally protected class is strictly prohibited.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE A FOSTER PARENT Each foster parent must be both physically and emotionally qualified (as determined by the organization) to be a suitable role model with the effective skills and qualifications to be in a TFC guardianship type role. This includes the ability to effectively supervise and take care of children that have been removed from their homes, whose parents may have had their parental rights terminated, and those children who exhibit the problems typically found in children that have been abused and/or neglected. The foster parent must be a minimum of 21 years of age, be financially able to meet the child’s needs and must also meet all Virginia State laws and regulations to be a foster parent. Those individuals interested in being a foster parent must have both flexibility and availability in their daily schedules to provide the necessary attention to ensure that children are receiving all essential treatment services, with minimal interruption. Individuals interested in becoming a foster parent are encouraged to asks many questions regarding the details of the program. The list below provides a brief overview of the steps that applicants must accomplish prior to being approved for placement with Youth Connect:

1. Contact our organization to schedule a time to meet. We will answer all initial questions, provide additional information and resources and help the applicant understand the process of obtaining approval to provide foster care services.

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2. Submit an application. The application process is important as it requests basic information about the applicant and other members of the household. It also ensures that the applicant meets the minimum requirements outlined by state standards. Youth Connect requires personal references as well as permission to complete a background check on everyone in the home that are over the age of 14. Note: This process requires an extensive home study to ensure that the home is a safe and supportive environment for foster children.

3. Begin pre-service training. Applicants will then need to complete extensive training to help prepare them to care for children who may have special needs or those that have previously experienced traumatic life experiences, such as abuse and neglect.

4. Participate in face-to-face visits with a Child Placement Case Worker. As part of the home study process, one of our Child Placement Case Workers will need to meet with the applicant and other family members in the home to assess the home environment and discuss foster care in greater detail. At least one face-to-face visit will need to occur in the home, so our organization can ensure that there is adequate living space that will meet the needs of any foster child chosen for placement in the home. All of Youth Connect’s foster homes must meet required safety standards and be compliant with state regulations concerning the physical environment of the home.

5. Complete background checks and other required paperwork. Applicants will also need to be screened according to federal and state regulations, including a national fingerprint background check and a Child Protective Services history check to ensure that there are no disqualifying criminal records or a history of child abuse. Youth Connect also reviews driving records, financial stability and the health status of all family members.

6. Complete pre-service training. Prior to being approved to become a foster parent, applicants must complete all required pre-service training coursework.

7. Receive final approval to be a foster parent with Youth Connect. After the home study has been completed, required trainings have been accomplished, and all minimum requirements have been satisfactorily met, the applicant will receive approval and become certified to provide foster care with the organization. They will then be selected as a foster parent for those children that are the best possible match for them and their home. Once a foster child is placed in the home, Youth Connect will provide ongoing training, financial support, 24-hour crisis assistance, and mental health support from an assigned Child Placement Case Worker.

The process of becoming a certified foster parent usually takes anywhere from one to three months, depending on how quickly an applicant accomplishes the above steps. Although being a foster parent does involve receiving an income, it more importantly provides foster parents with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the children whose lives are forever changed by the loving and caring nature of the individuals that choose this rewarding profession.

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ONGOING COMMITMENT Individuals that choose to take on the role of being a foster parent must understand the level of commitment that each child placed in their care requires. Although there is no set number of hours a child requires (due to each child’s unique circumstances, past history, and individualized needs), foster parents should plan to spend a great deal of their day ensuring that they allocate the necessary time to meet each child’s individual needs. The following list provides a brief overview of what each foster parent should plan for in terms of commitment outside of the home.

Treatment Team Meeting: The foster parents are a vital part of the development of the foster child. The Treatment Team Meeting (TTM) is an opportunity for the multidisciplinary team supporting the child to come together to celebrate successes, identify needs, brainstorm ideas, and create a plan on how to move forward in supporting the child and family. Due to the importance of these types of meetings, at least one foster parent is required to attend them for each foster child in that family’s care.

Permanency Planning: Permanency planning is an important process that must be realistic and goal specific. It involves both primary and secondary permanency plans to ensure that children’s right to grow up in their family of origin is a primary goal, supported and respected in all of the interventions that the organization’s TFC Program provides. When possible, the goal is for children to return home to their parents and/or family if conditions are safe. Case workers, working under the oversight of their respective supervisors, participate in concurrent planning with the goal of establishing a permanent potential adoptive home for the child in the event that the child is not able to safely return to his family of origin. Foster parents are expected to attend these meetings every six months, along with supporting the permanency planning goal developed in collaboration with the referring agency. These meetings look at a number of factors, including the progress toward achieving a plan for permanency and whether services as listed in the plan are being adequately provided.

Court Reviews: Foster parents should always be prepared to attend all scheduled hearings or reviews for those children in their care. The court of jurisdiction or the placement agency may require the presence of one or both of the foster parents at the child’s review hearing to respond to questions regarding the child.

Educational Commitments: Education plays an equally important component of the proper development of the foster child. State laws require foster children to remain enrolled in school unless other alternative settings have been authorized and approved by the school system. At least one foster parent is required to attend meetings addressing any behavioral

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concerns and any other concerns regarding the academic development of the child. Foster parents are also the primary point-of-contact for the school in regard to educational evaluations and Individual Education Plans (IEP). In addition to attending required appointments, foster parents have a number of other school-related tasks to accomplish, including:

o Ensure regular school attendance for children in the household. Although foster care children that are referred to Youth Connect are the responsibility of the organization, parents should also ensure that all children, including their own, attend school as required by law. This ensures that foster children do not perceive preferential treatment being administered to biological children as well as it does not look good for foster parents to routinely exhibit truancy-related concerns on an ongoing basis.

o Keep the assigned Child Placement Case Worker informed of school progress. The foster child’s academic report cards, all progress summaries, IEP’s and any other relevant school information should be forwarded to the assigned case worker on a scheduled and regular basis.

o Provide structured learning time for the foster child. Foster parents are instrumental in helping their children build good study habits. Helping provide structured learning time along with ensuring that adequate resources are available goes hand-in-hand with good academic performance.

When a child has any serious learning and/or behavioral concerns, the foster parent(s) shall immediately contact the assigned case worker to discuss such concerns. Once contacted, the case worker shall be responsible for getting in touch with the proper school official to discuss any learning and/or behavioral concerns and help arrange for a school approved program to meet the child’s specific needs. The case worker shall meet with school personnel (as needed) to determine the least radical intervention necessary to address all identified concerns. As required, the case worker will get in touch with their supervisor to seek additional assistance and to request testing for consideration in other placement options for the child. Regardless of the school program that the child has been approved to attend, neither Youth Connect employees nor foster parents, licensed with the organization, shall give any individual or facility permission to administer corporal punishment.

Case Notes: Foster parents are required to maintain both thorough and adequate case notes to ensure that case workers and supervisors are informed about the child’s current challenges, needs, progress, and daily functioning to support effective case coordination and planning. At least one foster parent in each home shall be provided with login credentials to enter child specific notes in Youth Connect’s Electronic Health Records (EHR) System. Notes should be entered within 24 hours of any appointments, meetings, events, or other noteworthy occurrences involving the child. Such practices ensure that Youth Connect is in full compliance and maintains the highest level of treatment for children in its care.

Therapy/Medical Appointments: The majority of foster children placed in care with Youth Connect already have mental health services in place. If services are not in

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place, therapeutic service needs will be initiated while they are in foster care, either with the organization or with an alternative provider. Mental health treatment, in addition to regular medical care, is a necessity that must not be overlooked and should be considered a priority by the foster parent. It is the responsibility of the foster parent(s) to ensure that foster children are transported and attend all counseling, medical or other necessary appointments. Although absences from scheduled appointments should be avoided at all costs, emergencies do at times arise. In the event of an emergency, or where inclement weather plays a role, foster parents should notify the applicable agency to inform them of such absences in advance and attempt to reschedule the appointment as soon as feasible. Case notes will include details related to the child’s Individualized Services Plan (ISP).

Foster Parent Training & Documentation: To ensure full compliance with all state licensing standards, Youth Connect expects foster parents to complete all remedial and necessary training, along with any other required documentation, within their prescribed timeframes. Failure to meet these requirements will result in foster children being removed from the foster parent’s home.

FOSTER PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES Those individuals that elect to serve as foster parents with Youth Connect are provided a rewarding opportunity to touch the lives of children that deserve a nurturing and caring relationship. Although being a foster parent involves taking on a number of roles and responsibilities, it is nevertheless, a rewarding position in that foster parents can make a huge impact on future generations. In addition to the added responsibilities that foster parents place on their own household, they also become committed to the child, the child’s biological family and the organization that they represent. Such responsibilities include:

RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE CHILD

o Provide a safe and nurturing environment. o Provide for the child’s basic physical and emotional needs. o Ensure that the child attends school and monitor educational progress. o Provide both adequate and appropriate clothing. o Attend to all medical, dental and mental health-related needs for the child. o Guide the child through the grieving and adjustment process that typically

accompanies children removed from their home environment. o Help maintain a realistic relationship with the child and their family though

participation in approved visitation appointments. o Provide recreational and enriching lifestyle opportunities to promote the

healthy development of the child. o Provide age-appropriate limits, consequences and guidance. Note: Corporal

punishment is prohibited. o Ensure immediate response to all potential risk issues (e.g. any and all

suicidal or homicidal statements, any concerns indicative of self-harm,

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substance abuse, high risk sexual behavior, potential run away). Note: Emergency response involves following Youth Connect’s risk protocol training consistently and without any deviations from such procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BIRTH PARENTS

o Cooperate with visitation appointments with the birth parent(s) and ensure that all verbal and non-verbal communication is respectful, welcoming, and is consistent with recognizing the importance of the birth parent to the child.

o Help support the child with maintaining healthy connections and relationships with the birth/adoptive parent(s) or prior custodians.

o Provide appropriate information to the birth parent about the child’s progress, needs and development since being placed in foster care.

o Support and prepare the child with transitioning to their home, when/if the DSS social worker is implementing a transition to the birth parent’s home.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE ORGANIZATION

o Inform the organization of any progress or concerns related to the foster child.

Note: This includes immediate notification in the event of a critical incident or situations where the child has eloped from the foster home.

o Notify the organization of any changes in the home including changes of address, deaths or departures of immediate family members, additions to the family, absences from the residence, and so forth.

o Be available for meetings on short notices. o Accomplish all initial and in-service training within prescribed timeframes. o Attend all scheduled appointments, meetings and court reviews. o Provide the organization with at least seven days’ notice when requesting the

removal of a child. o Cooperate with all case workers and agencies responsible for caring for the

child. o Promote reunification with the child and their family or to promote the process

of adoption if reunification is not possible. o Comply with all state regulations and organizational policies and procedures

and stay abreast on any changes or revisions.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE HOME ENVIRONMENT

o Discuss foster care openly with all members of the family residing at the residence and be open-minded and considerate of other family member’s decisions to accepting a particular child into the home.

o Work towards unifying all members of the household and continuously striving to improve relationships while providing foster care.

o Help family members understand the impact on integrating a foster child into the home.

o Prepare family members for the arrival of foster children and help everyone adequately prepare for the changes.

o Support family members as they cope with the departure of a foster child.

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FOSTER CARE SERVICES OFFERED Youth Connect has an obligation to serve the child, the family of origin, along with those agencies involved in the foster care process. This includes service to foster families who provide care to the child, the school system, the referring agency, and all other agencies/community partners involved in the care of the child. In addition to the mission of the organization, employees and foster parents are reminded that they should always strive to provide services above and beyond the minimum standards as set forth by the different regulatory bodies. To ensure full compliance and consideration to those individuals referred to foster care services with the organization, Youth Connect shall ensure the following services, specific to foster care, is accomplished:

SCREENING OF FOSTER PARENTS Youth Connect is an organization fully committed in ensuring that each and every individual that represents the organization believes that the needs of the children take precedent over the needs of their own. After all, children are fully reliant on their caretakers and they are unable to properly care for themselves without continuous dependence and commitment from others. This constant reliance on responsible caregivers is an example of how important that the selection process is. This process includes the completion of an intensive initial Training Program, in addition to completion of a number of other items identified on the “Foster Family Checklist”. Both Federal Criminal Registry checks and State Child Protective Services (CPS) Registry checks are completed on all foster parent applicants prior to the approval process. In addition to completion of initial training requirements, foster parents must be able to thoroughly demonstrate their ability to utilize the training standards taught to them on a daily basis. Foster parents must be able to adhere to the standards set by the organization and not “cut corners” or become “complacent”. Since therapeutic foster families are technically considered organizational licensed subcontractors for Youth Connect, any person employed by a therapeutic foster family is subject to that particular family’s policies, in addition to the polices set by the organization. Under no circumstances are foster families to develop policies that lesson or have requirements that either contradict or weaken the requirements stipulated in Youth Connect’s Licensing Standards or any other Company Manuals specific to Treatment Foster Care. An example of an acceptable foster family policy may be that “All electronic devices shall be turned off by 9:00 PM each night.” Note: Additional expectations may be added that exceed the standard policies set by Youth Connect as part of the child’s ISP and it is the policy of Youth Connect that foster parents will consistently adhere to such expectations. Youth Connect approves foster parents based on their specific capabilities, not the available living space at the residence. Specific capabilities are established during the initial screening process and reviewed on a regular basis by the company. Foster parents, respite providers and direct-care staff must be at least a minimum of 21 years of age. Those individuals accepted to provide “occasional care” must be at least 18 years of age.

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PAIRING FOSTER CHILDREN WITH FOSTER FAMILIES When making a decision to pair a child with a foster parent, the needs of the child are prioritized over the needs of the foster families. Although foster parents are equally important in their roles as being a vital part of the healing process for the child, every foster parent is different in a number of ways -- making the selection process extremely important. Foster families are selected based on which family’s strengths would most likely meet the specific needs identified for the child. Many other issues factor into a decision to place a child in a particular foster home. Such factors include the following examples:

• The child’s likely compatibility with other children in the home. • The physical capacity of the foster home. • Current circumstances of the foster home. • Life experiences of the foster family. • Location of the foster home and if its current location could be problematic

in being too far or too close to the child’s family and home community. • Culture of the family and the community. • Personalities of the foster family. • Concerns affecting other individuals residing in the foster home. • Child’s needs compared with the level of training completed by members of

the foster family (e.g., children with specialized medical conditions should only be placed with foster parents that have received training specific to the identified needs).

• Past performance with the foster family. • Permanency/concurrent planning needs of the child either before placement

or in assessing placement appropriateness ongoing.

COORDINATE PLACEMENT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILY Youth Connect, in partnership with the local Department of Social Services, provides an Individualized Services Plan (ISP) for each child in care. The ISP outlines a number of important short- and long-term objectives for the child and other vested parties that are involved with the child to accomplish or to adhere to. Specific parameters are set determining a number of things including the biological family’s participation as established in the ISP, the frequency and type of communication to be shared and so forth. Responsibilities of the organization to help facilitate the placement process comprise of a number of things including:

• Provide foster families with essential background knowledge of the child as is necessary and available. This provides foster parents with important information for effective intervention and medical care for the child while they are in placement with the organization.

• Keep families informed of the status of the child’s placement plans as determined by the court or by the child’s legally responsible party (i.e., placement with a family member, adoption, permanent foster care, or preparation for adult living).

• In cases where the permanency plan is re-unification, Youth Connect will coordinate with the child’s legally responsible party to assist in the reunification process for the child and the biological family.

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SUPERVISE PLACEMENT OF FOSTER CHILDREN Youth Connect's Foster Care Case Workers are responsible for providing oversight of children placed in care with the organization. They are required to provide constant monitoring and evaluate needs of each child in the foster setting on an ongoing basis. Interventions are often necessary, and the number of visits made by the case worker is dependent on the program and the child’s level of care. At a minimum, case workers are required to accomplish the following:

• Case workers must comply with the following minimum home visits:

o At least one private visit with the foster parent(s) per month. o At least one family visit with the foster parent(s), the foster child and

any other applicable family members at least once per month. o At least one private visit with the foster child per month. o At least one unannounced visit to the foster home once every quarter. o At least one visit with each of the foster parents (if applicable) at the

same time per quarter.

• Ensure that the following educational requirements are met:

o Officially request enrollment of the foster child in the appropriate academic setting.

o Ensure that all records necessary for school enrollment are forwarded.

o Accompany foster parents and foster children to assist with school-related matters as needed.

o Request and approve tutoring (as deemed necessary).

• Request and approve all needed psychological, psychiatric, dental, and/or medical services for the foster child (as necessary).

SUPPORT FOR FOSTER FAMILIES

Being a foster parent requires a lot more commitment, in many circumstances, than being a regular parent due to taking on more stress and responsibilities. Children placed in Treatment Foster Care (TFC) require caregivers that have received and continue to receive ongoing training in specialized areas of behavioral health, abuse and neglect, trauma, attachment, grief-loss, and other related areas. Case workers are required to ensure that foster parents are up-to-date on all training standards and that they receive the necessary help to ensure that they are set up to successfully and safely maintain the child in their home, provide sensitive care to the child based on the child’s needs and symptoms, and can help the child cope with significant stress and loss issues. Case workers are also required to ensure that the following items are accomplished with verification of those requirements being kept in each foster family’s respective file:

• Conduct in-service parenting enrichment training. • Provide counseling support to foster families on issues pertaining to family

relationships and other important areas involving the child and family. • Ensure that regular pay and reimbursement charges are authorized and

approved within agency guidelines. Foster family reimbursements are

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made on the 15th and the last day of each month for the two-week period beginning four weeks prior.

• Provide consultation and support 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. Foster parents should have contact information for both the case worker and their immediate supervisor.

SERVICES FOR THE BIOLOGICAL FAMILY Youth Connect understands the importance of working with the child's biological family, when such approval has been granted by the court and/or the Department of Social Services. This is important in identifying strategies to facilitate reunification and prevent re-entry of foster children. Dependent upon what is specified in a court order and the child's plan of service, an initial orientation with the biological family, or family of origin, will be offered on each case and will be accomplished when possible (in instances where the family agrees to attend and be part of the process). This orientation discusses a number of areas, including the biological parent(s) continuing involvement with the child and the organization, information about the foster care service currently in place, and a discussion of the biological parent(s)' rights and responsibilities while the child is in foster care. Youth Connect requires its Child Placement Case Workers to schedule and take clear and diligent steps to meet face-to-face with the child’s biological parent(s) within the first two weeks of placement, when approval has been granted by the court or the Department of Social Services (when stipulated in the child’s service plan). Case workers shall also continue to encourage and provide opportunities for meetings with the biological parent(s) as further required by the child’s service plan. In circumstances where the service plan specifies additional visitation arrangements, Youth Connect shall make arrangements, when necessary, to allow for foster children to participate in approved visitation appointments and ensure that supervision requirements, as stipulated by the DSS social worker will be provided.

FOSTER PARENT’S RIGHTS

To be treated with dignity, respect and

consideration as a professional member of the child welfare team.

The right to not be discriminated against on the basis of religion, race, gender, marital status, national origin, or age. Note: The child and biological family needs, preferences, cultural, race, religious views will be considered as part of decisions related to placement and with evaluating the goodness of fit/match for placement.

The right to receive both standardized pre-service training and ongoing training to improve foster parents’ skills and meet mutually assessed needs.

The right to receive timely financial reimbursement commensurate with the care needs of the child as specified in the Plan of Care.

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The right prior to the placement of a child to be notified of any issues specific to the child that may jeopardize the health and safety of the foster family or the child.

The right to discuss information about the child prior to placement. The right to continue to receive such information as it becomes available as permittable under state and federal laws.

The right to refuse placement of a child in the foster home or to request, upon reasonable notice, the removal of a child from the foster home without fear of reprisal.

The right to participate in the planning of visitation with the child and the child’s biological family when appropriate and consistent with the child and biological family’s needs and preferences.

The right to participate in the case planning and decision-making process regarding the child.

The right to provide input concerning the Plan of Care for the child and to have such input considered by the planning team.

The right to be provided a fair and timely investigation of any complaints concerning the operation of the foster home.

The right to have a clear understating of the role of the foster parent, the role of the agency and the roles of the members of the child’s legal family.

The right to receive 24/7/365 support from the organization on any matters involving the foster child.

The right to receive reasonable notification of changes in the plan of service or termination of the placement and the reasons for such changes or termination.

The right to file a grievance if any of the above rights have been violated or denied.

FOSTER CHILD’S RIGHTS

The right to be protected from abuse, neglect or other maltreatment. Note: Any alleged maltreatment must be quickly and thoroughly investigated.

The right to adequate food, clothing and shelter. The right to a stable placement in the least restrictive setting possible. The right to regular medical, dental care and any necessary mental health services. The right to developmental and educational services. The right to participate in community functions and recreational activities. The right to be supplied with equipment for personal care, hygiene and grooming. The right to receive continuing loving care and respect as a human being. The right to have space for storing clothing and personal belongings. The right to be free from cruel, frightening or any forms of physical discipline. The right to report abuse, neglect, exploitation or violation of rights without fear of

punishment or reprisal. The right to privacy in writing, sending or receiving correspondence, including

telephone calls. Note: This right can only be revoked by a psychiatrist, psychologist, Licensed Mental Health Professional, or the Executive Director of Youth Connect in exceptional circumstances where there is a concern of the child receiving unauthorized, injurious or illegal material, or when the contact has been assessed to be harmful to the child. Youth Connect follows all restrictions with communication required by the placing agency and/or court.

The right to file a grievance in situations where the child feels their rights have been violated or if they are dissatisfied with the service.

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The right to earn or receive money and have such money accounted for separately from the agency’s funds or the funds of the foster home.

The right to not be required to use personal money to pay for room and board, except in instances in which such stipulations have been specified in the child’s service plan.

The right to participate in and be informed of the plan of service and to receive the necessary services outlined in the plan.

The right to report any inappropriate restraints or feelings of dereliction on the part of the foster parent or any employees of the organization.

The right to have personal information kept secure and confidential. Note: Discussions of the child’s information should only occur with those parties legally authorized to receive such information.

The right to visit with parents and siblings when such visits have been approved by the court or the Department of Social Services.

INTAKE AND ADMISSION PROCESS Confirmation of foster care services being requested by Youth Connect shall occur by both written referral methods and verbal conversation with the requesting case manager. This may occur by either the Child Placement Caseworker (or supervisor), or by front-desk personnel. Documentation of this confirmation shall be maintained either hardcopy or in the Electronic Health Records (EHR) System. Once confirmation of services has been acknowledged, funding approval shall be confirmed by a Department of Social Services (DSS) Service Agreement or a Community and Policy Management Team (CPMT) Service Agreement. A signed Service Agreement must be on-hand prior to services being initiated. The following steps shall then be taken prior to placing a child with the organization:

1. The Child Placement Caseworker will then notify the Child Placing Supervisor of the request to place a child in foster care services with the organization.

2. The Child Placement Caseworker will then schedule a time to meet with the assigned case manager to accomplish the “Child Information and Placement Referral (CIPR)”. Once accomplished, the CIPR shall be finalized and documented in the Electronic Health Records (EHR) System.

a. The Child Placement Caseworker shall ensure that the CIPR includes the following information:

§ The child’s information; § Physical description of the child; § Services previously offered to the child; § Special needs or disabilities of the child; § Current medications prescribed to the child; § Health history of the child; § Abuse or adverse experiences of the child; § Mental health history of the child; § Alcohol or drug history of the child; § Gender and sexual identity of the child; § Presenting and previous court actions of the child; and

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§ Any other important information necessary in making an adequate placement for the child.

3. Once the Child Placement Caseworker has accomplished the CIPR and gathered

all necessary information, they shall then contact the Child Placing Supervisor to discuss appropriate placement options for the child.

4. The Child Placement Caseworker shall then contact the assigned Case Manager to receive confirmation on the recommended foster care placement.

5. Once approval has been received by the Case Manager, the Child Placement Caseworker shall contact the foster care parent to confirm a trial overnight visit.

6. The following day the Child Placement Caseworker and/or Child Placing Supervisor shall meet with both the child and the foster parent(s) to discuss the trial visit. If both the child and the foster parent(s) are in agreement with moving forward with the placement, the Case Manager shall be contacted to finalize the placement. In the event that either the foster parent or the child refuses the placement, the Child Placement Caseworker shall re-accomplish the above steps.

PROCEDURES FOR ACCEPTANCE, MATCHING AND PLACEMENT Foster parent selection is a process, which begins at the time of initial recruitment and extends through orientation and training. Suitable foster parents are selected in part on the basis of their acceptance of the program’s treatment philosophy and their ability to practice or carry out this philosophy on a continual basis. They need to be willing and able to accept the intense level of involvement and supervision provided by the program staff in their fostering functions and understand the impact of that involvement with their family life. In addition, foster parents need to be willing to carry out all tasks specified in this handbook, including working directly and in a supportive fashion with the families of children placed in their care.

In selection of prospective foster parents, several important qualities should be sought. These may include, but are not limited to, commitment, a positive attitude, willingness to implement treatment plans and follow the program’s treatment philosophy, a sense of humor, enjoyment of children, flexibility, tolerance and the ability to adjust expectations concerning achievement and progress to children’s individual needs and capabilities. Foster parents need to approach work with a child as a family commitment with a sense of unconditional care, informing their own children of the nature of the program. Foster families shall be financially stable and shall demonstrate emotional stability individually and as a family unit. Foster parents shall have access to reliable backup and a network of support, in addition to the professional support provided by the approving agency.

When making a decision for acceptance, pairing children with suitable foster families, and placement in the home, several factors shall be considered before a final decision is made. These factors shall include:

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1. At least one foster parent shall demonstrate minimal communication in the language

of the child and there must be a specific plan to meet a proficient level of communication, included interpretation as needed. At least one foster parent must demonstrate effective communication in the language of the program treatment team with which they work.

2. Foster parents must be willing to be cross-culturally competent and able to understand the importance of cultural issues in planning for children and their families.

3. The physical health of the foster parents shall be equal to the stress inherent to the care of the children being be considered for foster services. Note: Youth Connect shall ensure that children with disabilities will be accepted for admission if the needs of the child can be reasonably accommodated.

4. Reliable transportation that meets the minimum needs of the child and any known physical disabilities must be confirmed.

5. Foster parents must have flexibility in their employment position that enables them to meet the child’s needs (e.g., school conferences, doctor’s appointments, etc.)

6. The number of children being considered for placement in a TFC home shall be limited to one, except in cases of a sibling group or a minor parent and child.

7. Other important matching variables that should be taken in consideration include:

§ The composition of the foster home; § The willingness and ability of the foster home to work with the child’s

family; § The foster family’s ability to connect to the child; § Proximity to the child’s family; § Local availability and access to needed supportive resources; § The foster parent’s skills, abilities and attitudes; and § The foster family’s lifestyle.

DISCHARGE FROM CARE For all Non-Emergency Discharges a staffing is held prior to the actual physical discharge of the child. The staffing shall occur with the placing agency, the child, the child’s parents or guardian, and the members of the child’s treatment team. The staffing is held to discuss the appropriateness of the discharge and to plan for the child’s move. All invitees shall be notified of the staffing as soon as possible for planning purposes. Reasons for a non-emergency discharge may include reunification, adoption or placement with a relative or significant other. For all Emergency Discharges a staffing is held prior to the actual physical removal of the child, whenever possible (and when doing so does not endanger the safety of any child or caregiver). If the staffing cannot be held prior to the physical removal of the child, it is held as soon as possible after the removal. As in non-emergency staffing discharges, the placing agency, the child, the child’s parents or guardian, and the members of the child’s treatment team shall be included in the staffing. Note: Exceptions to this rule may be granted in cases where one on the parties may be the reason of the underlying emergency removal. Reasons for an emergency discharge may include the imminent risk of harm to the foster child; the imminent risk of harm to the caregiver; the imminent risk of harm to a household member; or in cases where the caregiver can no longer meet the specific and immediate needs of the child.

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FEE SCHEDULE Youth Connect shall update its Fee Schedule yearly as determined by each localities Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT). Such update shall be accomplished on the Children’s Service Act website and in accordance with each locality’s respective contract. Individuals requesting information specific to the organization’s fees for services may access this information at:

• http://www.ocs.csa.virginia.gov/sfd/service_fee_directory.cfm In addition to the Service Fee Directory, individuals may also request a printed copy of the organizations Fee Schedule which shall correspond with the Service Fee Directory. LEVELS OF CARE CRITERIA Assessment Level Treatment Foster Care: Children served at the assessment level of treatment foster care are those who are newly placed with Youth Connect and for whom an assessment to determine the appropriate level of foster care services is being conducted. Treatment Foster Care Levels 1, 2 and 3 represent ongoing treatment placement levels, with Level 1 representing the lowest treatment needs, Level 2 moderate treatment needs and Level 3 significant treatment needs. Non-treatment Foster Care: Children served at the non-treatment level of foster care may be developmentally on target, demonstrate age appropriate behaviors, able to participate in community activities without restriction, or be the sibling of a child who meets the criteria for ongoing TFC placement in the same foster home. Children shall be served at the Non-treatment Foster Care level if the assessment indicates treatment foster care services are not needed. Level 1 Treatment Foster Care (Basic Level): The needs of a child served at Level 1 ongoing treatment foster care require monitoring or Youth Connect may need to provide services to lessen the likelihood that identified needs will become more acute or return after being “resolved”. Children served at Level 1 will typically demonstrate a relatively low level of social/emotional/behavioral/medical/personal care needs or impairment for normal range of age and development. Areas of need may include but not be limited to, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, hyperactivity, anger control, adjustment to trauma, oppositional, substance use, eating disorder, physical health condition, developmental delay, or intellectual disability. Level 2 Treatment Foster Care (Therapeutic Level): The needs of a child served at Level 2 ongoing treatment foster care require that significant action (interventions, services, supports, etc.) be taken to address, remedy or ameliorate the identified needs. Children served at Level 2 will typically demonstrate a relatively moderate level of social/emotional/behavioral/ medical/personal care needs or impairment for normal range of age and development. Areas of need may include but not be limited to, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, hyperactivity, anger control, adjustment to trauma, oppositional, substance use, eating disorder, physical health condition, developmental delay, or intellectual disability.

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Level 3 Treatment Foster Care (Intensive/Specialized Level): The needs of a child served at Level 3 ongoing treatment foster care are of such acuity or severity that they require intensive action (interventions, services, supports, etc.) be taken to address, remedy or ameliorate the needs. Without such intervention the child may be at risk of residential placement. Children served at Level 3 will demonstrate a high level of social/ emotional/behavioral/medical/personal care needs or impairment for normal range of age and development. Areas of need may include but not be limited to, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, hyperactivity, anger control, adjustment to trauma, oppositional, substance use, eating disorder, physical health condition, developmental delay, or intellectual disability.