162 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 1, § 003
Current through September 17, 2024
The Foster Care Review Office operates under the following principles:
The safety of children is a priority. Every child in foster care needs a safe and nurturing placement until he or she has a timely and appropriate permanency, whether through return to a home where the conditions have changed, adoption, guardianship, or another plan. Permanency should result in children being in a safe, permanent home. Foster care is meant to be a temporary measure that keeps children safe from harm or maltreatment. No child should have to live his or her childhood in the insecurity of foster care. Children and families in crisis should be treated in home as a family unit - if safe and possible. If treatment at home fails or is not possible, then the child should be placed in the least restrictive, most homelike setting possible that will meet the individual child's needs. Children in foster care should be helped to heal from the harmful effects of abuse and/or neglect on their lives. Each child in out-of-home care should have a permanency plan including a description of the services to be provided, the length of time necessary, and the person or persons responsible for implementation of the plan. Reasonable efforts should be made to achieve permanency in a timely manner. Each child placed in out-of-home care due to suspected abuse or neglect should receive a physical examination within two weeks of placement as required by statute. Each child involved in delinquent behavior should receive services to reduce the probability of continued delinquent behaviors, to hold the youth accountable for his or her behavior, to teach the youth how to become a responsible citizen, and to increase safety for the youth, his or her family, and the community. Court actions, including adjudication and reviews, should be within required timeframes and meet statutory requirements. Different rural and urban areas may have unique needs that need to be acknowledged and reported upon. The Foster Care Review Office exists to advocate for children on individual, family, and systemic levels. Collected data is to be shared with appropriate stakeholders, policy makers, and the public to increase understanding and measure changes. The Foster Care Review Office is a state agency and therefore follows all applicable statutes, policies, and procedures. Foster Care Review Office employees, volunteer citizen reviewers, and Advisory Committee members will adequately secure and protect confidential materials from unauthorized access. All Foster Care Review Office employees and contractors will avoid relationships and activities with individuals and/or organizations, both personal and for compensation, which might trigger a charge of professional conflict of interest. Foster Care Review Office employees will implement all roles, relationships, and responsibilities of employment in a professional manner. Likewise, volunteers will conduct themselves in a professional manner. All persons are entitled to expect FCRO employees, volunteer citizen reviewers, and Advisory Committee members to be honest, trustworthy and respectful, and to take responsibility for upholding these standards of behavior.162 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 1, § 003