A parent may petition the probate court, which removed him/her as guardian, for reinstatement, if in his/her opinion, the factors which led to the removal have been satisfactorily resolved.

The probate court will request an investigation on the reinstatement to determine if the factors which resulted in the removal have, in fact, been resolved satisfactorily.

This investigation shall focus on the parent requesting reinstatement, but should also include an assessment of how reinstatement would impact the child.

In preparing the report, the DCF worker shall conduct a thorough assessment of the situation and provide as much information, including a recommendation based on the child’s best interest, to the probate court.

The DCF worker shall

· conduct

- home visits (to be completed within seven days of case assignment) with the

• parents or current guardian (if available)
• prospective custodian(s)
• child(ren)

• obtaining releases of information for collateral checks within thirty (30) days of case assignment

• conducting collateral checks, i.e., school, doctors, therapists, etc. for everyone residing in the home (Initial letters and phone calls to be completed within forty-five days of case assignment, with follow-up contacts as needed, every other week)

- criminal records and protective service checks on all parties, age eighteen (18) and older, involved in the case (within fifteen days of case assignment)

Note: Existence of a criminal or CPS record does not preclude recommendation as a custodian.

· complete the Assessment of Child and Family for Removal of Guardian and Temporary Custody, DCF-2169 (within thirty days of case assignment)

· provide the probate court, if possible, with a recommendation regarding the placement of the child with the proposed guardian/petitioner.

There is no mandated date for completion of the report, but it is preferred that reports are completed and submitted within ninety (90) days.