- To: All DCFS and Private Agency Child Welfare Staff, and Supervisors and Rules and Procedures Bookholders
- From: Richard H. Calica, Director
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Policy Guide is to implement an Office of the Inspector General recommendation that caseworker conduct pre adoptive collateral interviews with at least 3 subjects involved with the adoptive child and family in order to confirm the suitability of the adoptive placement. Previously, workers writing the home-study have interviewed the adoptive parents, and much of the self-reporting, without interviewing any “collateral” subjects, who may have provided information either positive of the arrangement or possibly of concern for the welfare of the child if the adoption were to be finalized. The CFS 486, Adoption Conversion Assessment form (attached) has been revised to reflect the new required collateral contacts.
II. PRIMARY USERS
Primary users of this Policy Guide are Statewide Adoption Coordinators, their staff, and DCFS and Private Agency Child Welfare Staff, and Supervisors
III. CASEWORKER HOME-STUDY COLLATERAL INTERVIEWS
Pre-adoptive Home Studies of wards or former wards, conducted for the certification process of adoptive families, now require caseworkers to interview at the minimum three child and professional collaterals, especially school personnel to objectively ensure the accuracy of the information being provided.
Caseworker doing the home study should interview at least three other persons as collaterals. These collaterals should have contact with the child and/or family, knowledge regarding any special needs of the child and be able to comment on the foster parent’s interaction and care of the child. These collateral contacts should be interviewed to ascertain that there are no concerns regarding the foster parent’s ability to care for the minor. Should any concerns be noted, then it is the caseworker’s responsibility to address them via services or whatever else is applicable prior to proceeding with the adoption.
Required collateral contacts may include but are not limited to the following people; (Must have at a minimum 3 collateral contacts.)
- Teacher/School Personnel/Day Care Provider/0 to 3 provider (one is mandatory depending on the child’s age);
- Licensing worker (Mandatory if Licensed Provider);
- Medical professional or service provider; or
- Other person who has regular contact with the child
IV. ATTACHMENTS
Revised CFS 486, Adoption Conversion Assessment form
V. QUESTIONS
Questions about this policy guide may be directed to the Office of Child and Family Policy at 217-524-1983, by e-mail to OCFP – Mailbox or by fax to 217-557-0692. Persons or agencies not on Outlook can e-mail questions to cfpolicy@idcfs.state.il.us .
VI. FILING INSTRUCTIONS
Please file this Policy guide immediately following Procedures 309.130, Placement Considerations.
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