Foster Care
System
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Foster Care System > Get Help
How to Get HelpThe Foster Care System can be overwhelming for adults, let alone children. Each decision made can have such serious and permanent consequences that it is essential to understand what’s happening. This is not always easy to do when the court process is confidential. If you need help or have questions you should: Below you’ll find answers to some of the most compelling questions. If you don’t see your concerns addressed, or you need more guidance, contact us. What can we do to get the child placed in our home? If you are a family member who wants the child placed with you, you have rights. Early in the case, the Agency must consider certain family members first when placing a child. However, this legal preference for placement does not apply for long. Therefore, it is essential that you go to the court hearing and let everyone know that you want the child placed with you. Work with the Agency to have your home approved for placement as soon as possible. What are my rights as a child? A child on foster care has many rights, depending on he circumstances. There is even a Foster Youth Bill of Rights. This lists many of a foster youth’s rights, including the right to contact loved ones, attend court hearings, and go to school every day. If a child’s rights are being violated, then talk to the child’s lawyer and/or call the Foster Care ombudsman right away at 1-877-846-1602. What are my rights as a parent/legal guardian? It depends. There are several levels of mother and father, and only "presumed" mothers and fathers are considered parents with full rights and responsibilities. It is important to speak to a lawyer to understand your rights. What are my rights as a family member? As a family member, your rights can be virtually nonexistent. Depending on your relationship and the circumstances of the case, you may have some statutory right to be given preference for placement- if you come forward. You can go to court and remain involved if the court determines that it is in the child’s best interest. What are my rights as a family friend? As a family friend, your rights are nonexistent. However, courts are recognizing more and more that children are better off when placed with people with whom they are familiar. Therefore, you may be a NREFM (Non related Extended Family Member) and the court will treat you accordingly — meaning that can go to court and remain involved if the court determines that it is in the child’s best interest. What’s happening to the children when they are removed? When children are removed, the Agency will follow policies and procedures to ensure that the child is placed in a caring home. The Agency should look to see if there are any noncustodial parents, relatives, family friends, or foster homes available. From the child’s point of view, being removed can be a very frightening experience. While efforts should be made to reduce the trauma of being removed from the home, it is not always effective. The child is transported to an out of home placement, or to a facility where he or she will stay until a home can be found. Generally, the child should be allowed to call their parent and or family and talk to loved ones. Within a couple days, the child will go to court where they will be assigned an attorney. This is when the court will decide if it is safe to return home until the next hearing that will be held in about two weeks. Until the child is returned, the child remains in out-of-home care, and services should be made available to them. This includes a visit to a doctor (within 30 days), enrollment in school, therapy if needed, visitation with loved ones, etc. If you don’t see your concerns addressed, or you need more guidance, contact us. |
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