Guidelines for Keeping Updated on Your Ward's Experiences in Foster Care
In the challenging journey of foster care, birth parents play a crucial role in supporting their children. This article outlines the key steps and rights for birth parents to maintain contact, provide support, and ensure their child's well-being during this time.
First and foremost, birth parents generally retain the right to regular contact and visits with their child, unless their parental rights are terminated by the court. These visits are usually arranged and supervised by the child welfare agency or court to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
In addition to visitation, birth parents typically keep the right to make decisions about their child's education and medical care during foster care placement, unless parental rights have been legally terminated.
Documentation and communication are essential during this process. Birth parents should keep a record of all visits, communications, and correspondence related to their child. They often receive information such as the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS) and the Foster Child’s Bill of Rights, which is reviewed and explained regularly by the caseworker to both the child and parents.
Regular review and caseworker contact are also important. The caseworker is required to review the rights of the child in foster care every six months and during significant events like placement changes. Birth parents should stay engaged with the assigned caseworker and participate in family case plan meetings to stay involved in decisions affecting their child.
Access to support resources is another vital aspect of the process. Birth parents can seek support services offered by child protective services or community organizations, such as parenting classes, counseling, or family reunification programs. Some states provide access to legal advice and advocacy to protect parental rights during foster care.
Parents have the right to make calls, reports, or complaints to oversight agencies or ombudsmen if concerns about their child's care or their treatment arise during the foster care process.
In some jurisdictions, laws like the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or state counterparts (e.g., California Family Rights Act) allow birth parents job-protected time to bond with their child, especially if reunification or adoption is involved.
Regular dialogue builds trust and helps the child feel cared for by their parents. Regular visits with the child should occur at least once a week, if possible. Parents can keep up to date with their child's life, including health and school progress, which can aid in reunification.
Caseworkers can help access additional services and resources as needed. A schedule of visits should be created in collaboration with the caseworker and foster family. Records should include dates of conversations and meetings with lawyers, social workers, or the court, as well as the child's health reports, school report cards, photographs, and correspondence.
Maintaining open dialogue with the foster family and caseworker is crucial for the child's well-being. Local support groups, counseling services, and parenting networks are available for additional support.
Parents can also benefit from the guidance of Parent Partners, who are parents who have gone through foster care. Parents have the right to meet and keep in touch with their child regularly if court-allowed, attend legal hearings, and seek legal help.
Foster care involves a child being placed with another family or institution due to family problems. The exact rights and processes can vary by state and case specifics. It's essential for birth parents to understand their rights and seek help when needed to ensure the best possible outcome for their child.
Birth parents can exercise their right to make decisions about their child's education and self-development during foster care placement, liaising with the caseworker to review the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS) and other essential documents. Access to support resources, such as parenting classes, counseling, or family reunification programs, can aid in ensuring the child's well-being and support their educational and personal development.
