If your agency has not distributed agency policy or an agency phone book, ask for copies. If you feel your concerns are not being heard or being considered, or your questions are not being answered, or you have requested services for your child without response, ask yourself: 

• Have I communicated my point-of-view clearly and unemotionally? 
• Do I know and understand agency or DCFS rules or policies about this issue? 
• Am I talking to someone who has the authority to make a decision? If not, who can? 

If you disagree with the caseworker, go up the agency chain of command — to the supervisor, the program head and the executive director if necessary. Put your requests in writing and keep copies. Keep a phone log of conversations. 

Many agencies and DCFS regions also have an internal appeal process for caregivers supervised by the agency or region. Additionally, the Foster Parent Law requires agencies and regions to establish a grievance procedure for issues specifically contained within the Foster Parent Law.