| Introduction |
The primary assumption of the following policy and procedures
for removal is that every child needs and deserves to feel physically and emotionally
secure in his/her home environment. The following policy and procedures apply only to
the decision to remove a child from his/her home and should not be construed as limiting
access to services that are available to families on a voluntary basis.
Cross-References:
- 34-9, "Services to Prevent Out-of-Home Placement and
Facilitate Reunification"
- 34-10-2, "Alternatives to Removal"
- 46-3-6, "Reasonable Efforts Before Filing a
Petition."
|
| Policy |
Although the Department’s policy is to maintain children
in their own homes whenever possible, certain events in a child’s life require
consideration of either a temporary [up to ninety-six (96) hours] or long-term,
out-of-home placement. |
| Voluntary Prevention Services |
It is expected that the public and private sectors will work
together to ensure the provision of the full spectrum of voluntary services needed to
provide meaningful support to children and families, including a social service plan of
action, when needed. If services are truly voluntary, the simple refusal to accept
services does not constitute a case for removal, or even for further extended inquiry into
the family’s situation. |
| Conferences When Considering Removal |
When considering removal, the investigator and his/her
supervisor shall meet to discuss the following topics:
- the danger to the child
- the child’s needs that have not been met
- any special needs which the child may have
- support mechanisms for the family which are available in the community
- what placement options are available if the decision is to remove the child
- the child’s siblings and the risk to them.
Non-Emergency Placements: A conference shall be held prior to the
placement to begin the decision making process.
Emergency Placements: A conference shall be held within two (2) working
days of the temporary removal of the child. The Program Supervisor shall also attend this
conference. |
| Plans for the Child |
The investigator shall develop an initial service plan to
address the child’s needs and outline steps to effect reunification, as appropriate. Copies
of the plan, including the reasons for decisions made, shall be recorded in LINK and the
uniform case record. |
