In order to provide the best possible home environment for the child, you must work closely with the child’s case manager. You and the agency are allies in the job of caring for children in out-of-home placements. Our purpose or mission should be one and the same – to provide services that support the strengthening of families and the protection of children from further abuse and neglect. This is a huge responsibility, but one that you have agreed to assist with. Some of your responsibilities include the following:

• Provide the most nurturing care possible, using the agency’s guidelines and policies, and the child’s case plan requirements as a guide for setting goals for children. 

• Rigorously follow confidentiality guidelines. 

• Adhere to all additional agreements listed on Form 38, “Agreement.” 

• Provide day-to-day care for the child, including on-going supervision, nurturance, appropriate training and discipline, and basic maintenance. 

• Be available for scheduled supervisory visits by the worker with you and the child. 

• Share the responsibility of getting the child to scheduled appointments. The transportation of children to various appointments is a shared responsibility between the foster parent and DFCS. The foster parenting role requires that you assume much of the responsibility of the day to day needs of the child. In some instances, this role may have to be negotiated with the Case Manager. 

• Keep records such as logs, calendars and life books, documenting the child’s needs, successes, developmental achievements, and any other milestones occurring while in your care. Photos are good also. 

• Support the child’s visits with birth parents, siblings, and/or other relatives. 

• Support the child’s reunification with parents, siblings, relatives, or any other permanency plan that has been established for the child. 

• Assist children in their move from your home to another placement. 

• Communicate with birth parents during visits regarding the child’s daily experiences, including needs, successes, and milestones. 

• Observe the child closely and report any behaviors of concern to the case manager or the appropriate specialist who is treating the child. Always share this information with the case manager. 

• Work closely with juvenile court staff who may want to observe or interview the child. 

• Support the religious practices of the child. 

• Work closely with the child’s school and teacher. 

• Provide assistance with homework. 

• Shop for clothing and other personal needs for the child. 

• Dress children in clothes that are clean, neat, serviceable, and appropriate for their sex, age, size and the occasion. 

• Keep the case manager abreast of any problems, potential problems, or concerns with the child’s placement in your home. 

• If possible, give a two-week notice before requesting a child’s unplanned removal from your home.

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