• Know your agency’s unique policies about payments or other types of supports. If you don’t have the agency policy in writing—ask!

• Document—in writing—your child’s need for services, or obtain written documentation from teachers, schools, therapists, etc. This will lend weight to your request with the caseworker. Also, documentation is required when making any request to DCFS. If you already have it, the caseworker can more easily and quickly make the request within the agency and from DCFS.

• Think ahead—don’t wait until the last minute to make a request. Your caseworker may have to talk to the teacher, doctor, or others and will need to submit the request within the agency for approval before it goes on to DCFS. All of these steps take time.

• If you question an answer given to you by the caseworker or agency about DCFS policy or procedure, first call the supervisor. If that does not help, call the DCFS Advocacy Office for Children and Families at 800-232-3798.