DFPS must have the youth sign for the personal documents using whichever form below is appropriate:

Form 2527 Personal Documents Checklist – Age 15 Through 17

Form 2528 Personal Documents Checklist – Age 18

If the youth’s caregiver or guardian will be holding and securing the documents for the youth, the caregiver or guardian must also sign the form.

The youth, and caregiver if appropriate, must also initial on these forms that certified copies (or originals) and photocopies of the birth certificate, the personal identification card or driver license, and the Social Security card were received.

The youth’s caseworker must explain to the youth the purpose of the documents and how the documents may be used before the youth leaves foster care. For example, a Social Security card is needed in order to obtain a job, or proof of Medicaid enrollment is needed to obtain medical services.

Additionally, DFPS must assist the youth with developing a plan for keeping the youth’s personal documents in a safe place, and document this on the appropriate form.

The caseworker must document the following in an IMPACT Contact Narrative:

• All documents that the youth or caregiver received.
• Discussion of the purpose of the documents received, and how they may be used.
• Any efforts made to obtain documents that were not provided.

DFPS must file copies of all required documents and forms in the youth’s external case file with the youth’s other personal information. DFPS must file other documents in the external case file, such as the youth’s passport, immigration or U.S. citizenship records, if available. Copies of all documents must include front and back to include important information necessary for replacement and other matters.

DFPS must ensure the youth’s person identifiers (for example, Social Security number and State ID number) are entered in IMPACT per CPS Handbook 6133.6 Documenting Information on Case Principals and Operating Policy OP-7100 Managing Person Information in IMPACT [sic, intranet link] (on the DFPS intranet).