Whenever a child is away from the foster home, the county must have information about the child’s whereabouts in the event of a birth family emergency. Your county DFCS agency provides approval for out-of-town trips. At least two weeks notice is preferred in seeking permission to take children on out-of-town trips; more notice may need to be given for situations requiring parental or court approval. 

• If you are planning a trip (that includes the child) for 3 days or less 

   - Obtain verbal approval only from the child’s Case Manager or supervisor prior to taking the child on an out-of-town trip. 

   - Provide an emergency contact number where you may be reached. 

• If you are planning a trip that will last more than 3 days, obtain the following from the Case Manager or supervisor. 

   -Written authorization for the trip. 

   -Written authorization for emergency medical care for the child. 

   -Provide the Case Manager or supervisor with an emergency contact number. 

• If you are planning a trip that requires travel with the child out of state, the following must be obtained: 

   -Written authorization for the trip. 

   -Written authority to obtain medical care for the child, if needed. 

   -Written permission from the parent and the court, if the child is in temporary custody. The above may be granted by the County Director if the child is in permanent custody. 

• For trips involving out-of-country travel, follow the steps above. In addition a waiver from the Social Services Section Director at the State Office must be obtained, passport and immunizations must be obtained, and serious consideration must be given to the fact that the child will not be covered by Georgia Medicaid while out of the country. 

Even if you do not plan to have the child accompany you on the trip, the agency should be notified within the required time frame as the child’s continued care during your absence will need to be assured. If it is not possible for the agency to approve the trip, arrangements for the care of the child during your absence will be made by the agency or jointly between you and the agency. There is no state reimbursement, other than the usual per diem, for vacations or other trips for a child in care.

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