Child Protective Services Handbook Revision
August 1, 2007
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on August 1, 2007. Summaries are posted below. Specific edits follow the summaries, with significant changes noted in red. Not displayed are minor copyediting and formatting changes.
Diligent Search for Missing Parents (PATS 1023)
The item below has been updated to reflect the change from Parent Locator Service to Diligent Search Unit. The Diligent Search Unit is now tasked with assisting regional staff in locating absent parents and relatives. The Diligent Search Unit utilizes search engines that will assist staff in locating information that is helpful to completing diligent searches. The Diligent Search Unit is also the link to the Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of completing diligent searches. The content of this item was replaced in its entirety and will not be displayed in this memo.
See:
5261 Diligent Search for Missing Parents
The following new appendices have been added to serve as a guide to completing diligent searches for parents and relatives.
Appendix 5261 A. Detailed Diligent Search for Parent (Steps to Take)
Appendix 5261-B: Detailed Diligent Search for Relatives (Steps to Take)
Foster Care Assistance for Youths Who Are 18 or Older
The item below is revised to ensure that youths are not denied a chance to stay in the DFPS extended care program. See:
6565 Youths Who Are 18 or Older
6565 Youths Who Are 18 or Older
CPS September 2005 August 2007
Youths over age 17 may remain in DFPS-paid foster care and continue receiving DFPS services if they are already receiving foster care assistance or DFPS services when they turn 18, and certain conditions apply. For details see 1542 Eligibility Requirements for Title IV-E, MAO, and State-Paid Foster Care Assistance. are
· enrolled full time in a secondary school and have not reached their 22nd birthday;
· enrolled to enter college or vocational program within 3-1/2 months of finishing secondary school (not to exceed their 22nd birthday); or
· enrolled full time in vocational or technical training classes and scheduled to graduate before reaching their 19th birthday.
If services are to continue, the worker must explain to the youth the terms and conditions for continuing them, and the youth must agree to accept those terms and conditions. Staying in foster care is voluntary for such youths once they turn 18, when DFPS's managing conservatorship of the youth ends.
For information about continuing an 18-year-olds eligibility for Title IV-E, MAO, and state-paid foster-care assistance, see 1542 Eligibility Requirements for Title IV-E, MAO, and State-Paid Foster Care Assistance.
For youths staying in foster care after turning 18, staff must
· update Legal Status in IMPACT to show DFPS Responsibility Terminated within seven days after the youth turns 18;
· continue to complete the youth's service plans every six months; and
· continue to conduct PPT Reviews, Discharge Staffings, or Circles of Support as required.
When Older Youths are Ready for Discharge
When older youth are preparing to finish or leave their vocational or secondary school program, or enter college within three months of finishing the secondary school, staff should follow the discharge policies noted in
· 6720 Services at Discharge from Substitute Care
· 6723 Services to Youths Becoming Adults
· 6730 Supervision, Dismissal, Continuation, and Closure