Passports to Success

Assuring Positive Educational Experiences
For Children in Out-of-home Care


Module 2: Page 9 of 12

How is it decided where a child will be placed?

We saw that Cindy and Collin were placed in foster homes. How was the home selected? Caseworkers make the placement with the following factors in mind.

Placement decisions are governed by federal regulations, state law and the Ongoing Services Standards . The following information applies when a child is to be placed in out-of-home care – and if a child is to be transferred from one out-of-home care setting to another - whether under a CHIPS, JIPS or Delinquency order.


Matching

In identifying a placement that is in the child's best interests, the caseworker completes an assessment of the child and family's needs and strengths and matches the results with the environment and skills that a provider offers.


Confirmation of safety

The caseworker must confirm the safety of the placement for the specific child. Sometimes the mix of children in a home or facility can create a situation that the provider is unable to manage in a way that assures safety for all of the children. Or a child’s specific behaviors or needs are not a good match with the out-of-home care provider’s home environment, knowledge, personal traits or skills, creating the potential for conflict that could endanger the child.


Maintaining the child’s connections to family and community

Finally, in identifying an appropriate placement, the caseworker must consider all of the following:

  • A placement close to the child’s home, to support frequent visits between the child and family.
  • Placement with a “fit and willing” relative – someone with whom the child has a relationship or can build a permanent relationship.
  • For siblings, a placement that allows them to stay together.
  • For children in school, a placement that allows them to remain in the school they have been attending.

Of the above-mentioned considerations, there is no one consideration that is more important than another when making decisions. Decisions are made based on the best interests of each child.

 

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