Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-39-.05
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024
Section 660-5-39-.05 - Child And Family Services(1)Case Load Assignment. The number of cases for which professional staff are responsible shall not exceed those defined by the R. C. Consent Decree as outlined by the following, unless otherwise defined by policy: (a) Traditional foster care cases 18(b) Therapeutic foster care cases 8(c) Adoptive and Resource cases 40(2)Admission Process. Admission services shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) Obtain and record information which will enable a plan to be developed for the child and his/her family;(b) Involvement in planning for the child, the family, relatives or other adults who have meaning to the child; and(c) Ascertain the type of service needed to determine if the child-placing agency can appropriately serve the child and his/her family.(d) Children who are referred for non-emergency foster home placements shall have at least one overnight visit with the foster family with whom they are to be placed and it will occur prior to admission to the program.(3)Placement. (a) At the time of admission, the child care facility shall have one of the following: 1. A signed Placement Agreement (DHR-DFC-824) (for children who are not in the custody of DHR at the time of admission.)(i) The agreement is to be with one of the following: (II) The person (other than the parent) or agency having legal custody of the child by virtue of a court order (and a copy of the court order granting such custody); or(III) The agency authorized to provide out-of-home care by virtue of an agreement between the parent and the agency (a copy of the authorization between the agency and the parent shall be included.2. An Inter-agency Agreement (DHR-DFC-823) (for children who are in the custody of DHR at the time of admission) which includes: (i) Statement regarding provision of medical, dental, surgical, and hospital services; and participation in recreational, social, and educational;(ii) A copy of the most recently completed ISP form.3. A court order granting custody of the child to the child care facility, if appropriate. Neither the Placement Agreement or the Inter-Agency Agreement are needed if the child care facility is granted custody through a court order.(b) When a child is to be placed, appropriate representatives of the referring agency, the placing agency, appropriate family members, and, when advisable, the child shall share in the planning. There shall be developed a written case/treatment plan which shall include at least the following:1. The date the plan is developed.2. Expected outcome or goal of placement (permanent plan) and overall timeframe for achievement.3. An assessment that identifies the strengths and needs of the child and family and designates measurable, realistic, achievable and time limited service objectives or goal.4. Preparation for placement, including pre-placement visits when plan is developed prior to placement.5. Designation of the actions that each person (i.e. the child, the child's family, the foster family, the child-placing agency and the referring agency) will take to reach the objectives and goals; including timelines for achievement.6. Visiting plan for child with his/her family and any other persons significant to the child, if appropriate.7. Written consent for emergency medical or surgical care, necessary vaccinations and immunizations, and routine medical care and treatment.8. A written plan of the financial responsibility of the parent, guardian, legal custodian, or other responsible person or agency.9. Review the plan at least every six months.10. The agency or person legally responsible for the child(ren) shall receive a copy of the written case plan.(4)Discharge. (a) The decision as to when discharge is to take place shall be the responsibility of the Treatment/Family Planning (ISP) Team, and shall address the needs of the child and their family. Discharge planning shall be coordinated with the team at the time of the placement of the child(ren). No child in the custody of the Department of Human Resources shall be discharged without the completion of an ISP.(b) The agency/individual having primary planning responsibility shall coordinate the discharge of the child. Unless there is clear and documented evidence that the child is a danger to himself/herself or others, each agency/individual shall inform the other agency/individual at least 30 days in advance of the proposed date of discharge.(c) A discharge summary and written recommendation for aftercare shall be developed and provided to the person/agency responsible for aftercare.(d) The agency or person legally responsible for the child(ren) shall receive a copy of the written case plan. Author: Jerome Webb
Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-39-.05
New Rule: Filed October 7, 2002; effective November 11, 2002.Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 38-7-1 through -17, §§ 41-22-1 through -27.