1. Teamwork Toward Permanency
Welcome to Session 2!
Teamwork Toward Permanency

2. Remember the Core Competencies of PRIDE:
Protecting and Nurturing Children
Meeting Children’s Developmental Needs and Addressing Developmental Delays
Supporting Relationships Between Children and Their Families
Connecting Children to Safe, Nurturing Relationships Intended to Last a Lifetime
Working as a Member of a Professional Team

3. Supplemental Handouts for This Session
NJ Definition of an Abused or Neglected Child
Four Standards (Prongs) of the ASFA Law
Children in Foster Care and the Courts
DYFS Hierarchy
Resource Family Reimbursement Rates
Sample Foster Parent ID Letter
Parental Roles for Children in Foster Care
Family and Medical Leave Act
Pre-School and Daycare for Children in Care
Placement Questions

4. Are there any questions from the last session that we can answer now?
“Parking Lot”
Are there any questions from the last session that we can answer now?

5. Responsibilities of DYFS
DYFS has two essential mandates:
Protect children from risk and harm
Connect children to permanent relationships intended to last a lifetime
These are accomplished in one of two ways:
Enabling the family to care for the child, or whenever this is not possible,
Connecting the child to another family

6. Examples in “Making a Difference!”
Why was Child Protective Services called to intervene in Vernon’s case?
How did Child Protective Services respond?
What might Vernon have been feeling?
What might Vernon’s mother have been feeling?

7. What factors might contribute to families who cannot care for their children?
Poverty
Homelessness
Loss of job
Physical or mental illness
Substance abuse
Domestic Violence
Insufficient family/community supports
Legal problems

8. How can foster care be a support for families experiencing these problems?
Temporary respite during a stressful time
Opportunity for parents to enter treatment
Ensures safety for children while parents develop necessary skills
Opportunity for birth parents to work with foster parents on parenting issues and skills on behalf of the child
“Families Helping Families”

9. Close your eyes for a moment and picture your loved one …
How would you feel?
Imagine that you are unable to care for a loved one. You have no choice but to find help. The loved one may be your parent, spouse, sibling, friend or child.
Close your eyes for a moment and picture your loved one …

10. How would you feel?
How do you feel about being unable to care for your loved one?
What kind of caregiver do you want to find to care for your loved one?
What might the caregiver do to make this easier for you?

11. Bridging the Gap
PRIDEBook Page 47 shows some ways that resource families can “bridge the gap” with birth families.
Remember that as we bridge the gap between resource families and birth families, we also bridge the gap between children and their families.

12. “Family Forever” Video
This video should help you understand foster care as a family-focused service
It will also help you understand how birth parents may experience their child’s placement
You’ll see how teamwork contributes to positive outcomes, in this case reunification
You’ll also see some of the benefits and challenges of working with birth parents

14. Importance of Families to Children
DYFS first seeks to enable the parents to meet the child’s basic needs while the child remains in the home
When a child is placed into foster care, every effort is made to work toward reunification
When reunification cannot occur, DYFS recognizes the importance of a family to a child by making alternative plans

15. Permanency Is:
Having a sense of one’s past; including one’s cultural heritage and identity
Having a legal and social status that comes from being a family member
Having safe, nurturing relationships intended to last a lifetime

16. Permanency Must Include:
Connections
Ongoing relationships
Create a sense of belonging and stability
Helps promote cultural and personal identity
Continuity
Child understands connections between past, present and future
Know where you’ve been and where you’re going
Also helps promote cultural and personal identity

17. The Genogram
A Genogram is a tool that can be used to help understand family connections and continuity
Provides a “picture” of the family connections and continuity
Similar to a family tree, but with more finite detail (illnesses/addictions/relationships)
You will prepare a genogram as part of your homework

18. The Genogram
If you have a computer and Internet access, there’s a program called GenoPro® that can help you do a genogram.
The software costs about $50, but can be downloaded and used for FREE for 30 days.

19. Individuals - Children - Illnesses & Addictions
Symbols for Genograms
Individuals - Children - Illnesses & Addictions

20. Standard Symbols for Genograms
Family Relationships - Unions

21. Emotional Relationships
Symbols for Genograms
Emotional Relationships

22. The Flintstones
Genogram:

23. Definitions
Permanency planning is a set of activities and tasks directed toward achieving the child’s permanent goal
Concurrent planning is the practice of directing activities and tasks toward more than one permanent goal at a time

24. How Are Children Placed?
When an instance of abuse or neglect is reported in a family, DYFS initiates an investigation
As a result of the investigation, DYFS will do one of three things:
Find the report to be unfounded and close the referral upon intake
Open the case for services in an attempt to preserve the family (children remain in the home)
Remove the children immediately on an emergent basis (Dodd removal)

25. How Are Children Placed?
When preservation services are put in place, DYFS continues to work with the family until the issues have been resolved or until such time that it is determined that children are at risk of harm
When a child is removed under non-emergent circumstances, it must be under the authority of a court order
When Dodd removals occur, DYFS must obtain a court order to continue the out-of-home placement within three business days

26. The DCF/DYFS Hierarchy
Who do I call when I have a problem?

27. The DCF/DYFS Hierarchy
Local Office Manager
Casework Supervisor
Supervisor - Ongoing
Ongoing Caseworker
Resource Family

28. The DCF/DYFS Hierarchy
Supervisor - Ongoing
Ongoing Caseworker
Supervisor - Resource Families
Resource Family
Resource Family Support Worker

29. The DCF/DYFS Hierarchy

30. Court Timelines
Every child placed into care under court order is assigned a “law guardian” – an attorney that represents the child in court
After a child is in placement for about 45 days, the case is reviewed by the Child Placement Review Board (CPRB) – a panel of volunteers appointed by the presiding family court judge to review cases and make recommendations to the court on the child’s behalf
A case is reviewed by the family court judge approximately every three months

31. Court Timelines
Around the 11th month of placement, the Court will hold a permanency hearing
At the permanency hearing, DYFS must present a permanent plan to the court, which must include an intent to terminate parental rights (TPR) if reunification with family is not imminent
If termination of parental rights is pursued, DYFS files a “guardianship complaint” which ultimately results in a TPR trial before the judge

32. Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
Federal legislation enacted in 1997
NJ implementation defined by law
(N.J.S.A. 30:4C-11.1)
Expands the provisions of the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980
States must demonstrate commitment to prevention and reunifications services
Ensuring a child’s health, safety and timely permanency are DYFS’ paramount concern

33. Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
DYFS must demonstrate that reasonable efforts were made to prevent a placement or state why they were not possible
Permanency options include safe return home, adoption, or “alternative” plan
When a child is in placement for 15 of 22 months (about a year), DYFS must present a permanent plan, which must include termination of parental rights (TPR) or a statement of why TPR is not appropriate, if reunification is not likely

34. Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
The ASFA law does NOT mandate that if a child is in foster care for over a year, they automatically become free for adoption!

35. Timeline to Permanency
Day 1 (assume emergency)
Child is removed from home
0 days
Within 3 business days
Initial Court Hearing (Order to Show Cause, OSC)
3 days
About 2 weeks later
Follow-up Court Hearing (Return on the OSC)
2 weeks
45 days after placement
CPRB Initial Review
45 days
About every 3 months
Court Hearing (Compliance Review)
3 months
Around 11th month
Permanency Hearing in Court
12 months
If plan is TPR, within ~3 mos
Filing of Guardianship Complaint
15 months
If plan is TPR, within ~8 mos
TPR trial is schedule (3-5 court days)
24 months
After TPR trial, within ~2 months
Judge issues decision
26 months
Within 45 days of TPR decision
Parties may file appeal
27 months
After appeal filed, up to 1 yr
Appellate Division hears appeal
39 months

36. Timeline to Permanency Number of Months from TPR to Adoption (FY2005)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children's Bureau,
Preliminary Estimates for FY 2005 as of September 2006

37. Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
In order to terminate parental rights, a judge must be satisfied that DYFS has met four specific standards or prongs, “based on the preponderance of the evidence presented” …

38. Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
The child's safety, health or development has been or will continue to be endangered by the parental relationship.
The parent is unwilling or unable to eliminate the harm facing the child or is unable or unwilling to provide a safe and stable home for the child and the delay of permanent placement will add to the harm. Such harm may include evidence that separating the child from his foster parents would cause serious and enduring emotional or psychological harm to the child.

39. Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
The Division has made reasonable efforts to provide services to help the parent correct the circumstances which led to the child's placement outside the home and the court has considered alternatives to termination of parental rights.
Termination of parental rights will not do more harm than good.

40. Parental Roles Giving birth (Birth Parent)
Legal responsibility (Legal Parent)
Protecting & nurturing (Caregiving Parent)
For children in placement, it is important to remember that these parental roles may be held by different people or agencies.

41. Parental Roles Birth Parent
List all of the things children are given only through their birth parents …
Birth Parent
Addictions
Citizenship
Consent (medical/education/general)
Family/Tradition
Life
Genetics
Eye/Hair/Skin Color
Gender
Physical Characteristics
Personality
Intelligence
Health Issues
Heritage/History
Name
Prenatal Care
Religion/Culture
Siblings/Relatives
Talents

42. List all of our legal responsibilities as parents …
Parental Roles
List all of our legal responsibilities as parents …
Advocate
Clothing – Subsidy (monthly allowance) from DYFS
Consent (general) / Power of Attorney
Day Care - Contracts w/approved providers
Education – Consent for Transfer/IEP
Ethics
Food – DYFS Subsidy/WIC
Healthcare – Medicaid/Placement Physical/Consent
Identification – Foster Parent ID Letter
Liability
Name
Protection
Safety – Various assessments by DYFS
Shelter – Subsidy
Supervision
Therapy
Legal Parent

43. List all of the things we do for our children every day …
Parental Roles
List all of the things we do for our children every day …
Acceptance
Advocate
Affection
Buy Things
Clothing
Comfort
Commitment
Consistency
Day Care
Develop Talents
Discipline
Documentation/Chronicle
Family/Traditions
Food
Healthcare
Hobbies
Hugs
Humor
Hygiene
Interaction
Language
Liability
Life Skills
Listening
Love/Affection
Morals/Ethics
Motivation
Nurturing
Opportunity
Patience
Playing
Protection
Quality Time
Religion
Role Model
Safety
School/Homework
Shelter
Sports/Recreation
Structure
Supervision
Support
Teach
Therapy
Tolerance
Transportation
Trust
Understanding
Vacation/Recreation
Values
Caregiving Parent

44. How might these distributed roles make CHILDREN feel?
Parental Roles
How might these distributed roles make CHILDREN feel?
Child in Care
Negative
Positive
Abandoned
Abnormal
Angry
Conflicted
Confused
Depressed
Disappointed
Frustrated
Hesitant
Lost/Misplaced
Rejected
Sad
Scared
Happy
Hopeful
Relieved
Safe
Thankful

45. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Federally enacted in 1993
Entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons
12-month period is at discretion of the employer (calendar, anniversary, fiscal)
Defines entitlement to leave, maintenance of health benefits during leave and job restoration after leave

46. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
For more information about FMLA, visit
New Jersey has adopted the provisions of the FMLA through the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA)

47. Guidelines for Effective Teamwork
Team members need to share child welfare values and a respect for child welfare laws.
Team members need to respect one another’s complementary roles and value one another’s perspectives.
Team members need to have a clear understanding of the goals and objectives, and ensure that these are shared among all team members.

48. New Jersey Family Team Meetings
A component of child welfare reform plan
Bring together supportive resources to assess the family needs
Help keep the family and team members focused on plan of action
Use conflict resolution methods that encourage collaboration and build consensus regarding placement and services
Train other staff to become effective facilitators

49. New Jersey Family Team Meetings
Identify needed interventions in finding solutions for the family
Empower families to achieve their desired outcomes

50. Team Members Could Include
DYFS staff (caseworker, supervisor)
Foster parents
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Law Guardian
Service Providers

51. Let’s add them to our Parking Lot!
Are there any questions that you had that may not have been answered during this session?
Let’s add them to our Parking Lot!

52. Key Points, PRIDEBook Pages 52-56
CLOSURE
Key Points, PRIDEBook Pages 52-56
A Birth Parent’s Perspective, PRIDE Book Pages 59-61
PRIDE Connection exercises, PRIDEBook Pages (copy in packet)
Making A Difference!, PRIDEBook Page 65-66
Session 3: Meeting Developmental Needs: Attachment

53. Quickly answer the following questions from PRIDEBook Page 48.
Exercise: Resource 2-F
Quickly answer the following questions from PRIDEBook Page 48.

54. Exercise: Resource 2-F What do you plan to do tomorrow?
Who do you plan to have with you tomorrow?
What do you want to be doing one year from now (personally or professionally)?
Who do you plan to have with you then?
What would you like to accomplish in the next five years?
Who would you like to have sharing your accomplishments?

55. Questions for Video Clip #1 & Clip #2
What does the foster mother do that demonstrates her ability to work as a member of a team in “shared parenting?”
How will this help “Annie” to deal with loyalty conflicts?

56. Charlie Small group activity
Each group will represent one of the following:
BirthParent
Caseworker
Foster Parent
School Teacher
Counselor
What knowledge, skills, and/or experience do you bring to the table?

57. Print out the slides following this slide as supplemental handouts.

58. The DCF/DYFS Hierarchy
Resource Family

59. The DCF/DYFS Hierarchy

60. Team Questions
List all of the things that you have given your children through birth?
List all of your legal responsibilities as a parent?
List all of the things that you do for your children daily?

61. Timeline to Permanency
Review Hearing
Permanency Hearing (1)
File TPR Petition (2)
Decision to make reasonable efforts
TPR Trial (3)
6 mos.
12 mos.
15 mos.
ASAP
<3 days
Reviews every 6-12 mos. (from previous hearing) until child is adopted or permanency goal achieved
Child Taken into Care
Adjudication/
Disposition
File TPR Petition (if adoption is the goal)
Permanency Hearing
TPR Trial (if ordered)
Decision to NOT make reasonable efforts
30 days
ASAP
ASAP
When calculating when to have the permanency hearing or the 15 of 22 months, use the earlier of the date or adjudication OR 60 days after the child is removed from the home.
Unless a compelling reason exists not to terminate parental rights.
In NJ, usually within 6-8 months of filing TPR Petition.
Copyright © 1998 by the American Bar Association

62. What did we learn about in Session 1?