4310. Independent Living Skills For Youth Age 15 and Over

43101. Criteria For Providing Independent Living Services

1. Children's Administration is responsible for providing Independent Living Services to youth who are likely to remain in foster care until age 18. Foster Care is "twenty-four hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the state agency has placement and care responsibility."
2. An Independent Living Plan must be developed and placed in the ISSP for all youth age 15 -18 who have been in care for 30 days or more.
3. These youth must receive assistance to gain the Independent Living Skills necessary to move toward a successful transition to adulthood in a developmentally appropriate way.

43103. Services For Youth 15 - 18 Years Of Age Who Have Been in Care for 30 Days or More

1. The assigned social worker must develop and document a plan for acquiring independent living skills and documentation of services being provided in the youth's ISSP.
   1. Assigned DCFS staff must inform all youth of the services available to assist them in developing independent living skills.
   2. The social worker must include the youth in the development of the IL plan. The goals identified must be goals the youth is interested in and will work toward (within appropriate health and safety limits).
   3. Pregnant or parenting teens (either female or male) should receive special attention around life skill development, including parenting.
2. The Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment is a tool used to assess the skill level of each youth working toward a successful transition to adulthood. The tool is located at www.caseylifeskills.org.
   1. Working with the youth, this assessment tool may be completed by:
      1. The DCFS social worker;
      2. A contracted provider; (Required)
      3. The youth's foster parent,
      4. The relative caregiver,
      5. Any other persons knowledgeable about the skills of the youth; or
      6. Any combination of the above.
3. The Independent living/Learning plan follows the outline contained in the ISSP.
   1. Each section must have proposed goals with a plan for attaining those goals. The social worker completes the IL plan with the youth unless the youth has been referred to and is participating in services through a contracted provider.
   2. The Independent Living/Learning plan is documented in the Independent Living section of the ISSP or may be attached to the ISSP.
4. Annual Progress Report
   1. The social worker must update the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment and Independent Living/Learning Plan at least yearly and document progress and identified services towards attaining the desired goals in the ISSP.
      1. The social worker documents all services provided to the youth.
      2. The social worker should help the youth identify milestones achieved and;
      3. Celebrate the accomplishments of the youth.
      4. Each youth should participate in evaluating progress toward a goal or in redefining the goal, if needed.
5. Coordinating the development of the youth's ACLSLP with the responsible school district for any youth over the age of 16 who is receiving special education services.
6. Shared Planning meeting and Checklist for Youth Exiting Care
1. Shared Planning meeting is required at no later than six months prior to a youth exiting care. See Section 4301(D)(10) Shared Planning in the CA Practices and Procedures Manual for information on conducting a Shared Planning meeting for youth exiting care.
2. The Checklist for Youth Exiting Care (DSHS Form 16-212) is to be used as a guide and documentation of information shared with the youth as he/she transitions from foster care to adulthood.
1. The Checklist for Youth Exiting Care will be reviewed by the social worker and the youth at the Shared Planning meeting to determine which documents or information the youth will need prior to exiting foster care.
3. After the Shared Planning meeting, the social worker will gather the documents and information indicated on the Checklist for Youth Exiting Care and provide the information to the youth prior to exiting care.
1. The social worker will sign the Checklist and indicate which documents and information have been provided to the youth.
2. The youth will sign that he/she has received the documents on record or information indicated on the Checklist.
3. The social worker will place a copy of the Checklist in the youth's file and a copy will be given to the youth.
7. The Social worker will consult with a Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) social worker when developing an individual transition plan for youth identified as eligible for continued DDD services beyond age 18. (See the CA - DDD Intra-agency Agreement).
8. Health and Education Records

   The social worker will ensure the youth is provided with a copy of his/her full health and education record collected during his/her time in out-of home care prior to exiting care.

9. Records Retention

   The social worker will ensure the youth has been informed of CA's policies and procedures for the length of time CA keeps a youth's records and how the youth may access his/her record after exiting care.

43105. Washington State Identicards for Foster Youth

Social workers have authority to request WA State Identicards for dependent youth in foster care and for youth placed in WA State through an Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). Identicards give youth needed identification to assist with tasks such as opening a bank account, applying for a job or obtaining housing.

Social workers must follow the identified procedures when working with Department of Licensing (DOL) to assist foster youth (or youth placed through an ICPC) in obtaining a WA State Identicard.

Social workers must:

1. Complete the new WA State Identicard form (DSHS 11-077) and make 2 copies:
1. copy for the youth to take in person to the local DOL office
2. copy for the youth's file
2. Insert a color photograph of the youth in the WA State Identicard form (DSHS11-077). The youth should also sign the form if they are available. This will enable DOL to identify the youth when the youth visits DOL to request the Identicard.

If youth's signature is not on the original form, the youth will need to sign their copy of the form before they take it to the local DOL.

3. Send original form to DOL. There are 2 ways to send this form to DOL:
1. First class mail to: PO BOX 9030 Olympia WA 98507, Attn: Driver Examining Foster Care Kids
2. Scanned and emailed electronically to: DOLDSDSHSLETTER@DOL.WA.GOV

Please send the form as an attached word document or adobe only. Include in the subject line the last name, first name, middle initial and date of birth of the youth. Please do not leave any spaces between each section. For example John L. Doe born 01/01/1988 would be DoeJohnL010188.

4. Social worker will NOT attach any of the "additional documents" in the form they send to DOL. The "additional documents" indicated on the form and a copy of the form will be given to the youth to take in person to any DOL.

The youth should allow the following number of business days after social worker submitted form before going to the local DOL.

Email: 3 business days
First Class Mail: 7 business days

The youth will have 60 calendar days to go to the local DOL to request the Identicard. After 60 days the social worker will need to submit a new request.

5. Social workers may take the completed form to the local DOL office if the identified foster youth will be accompanying them.
1. The form must be completed with the photograph inserted and include the "additional documents" checked on the form.
2. Social workers will need to show CA identification.

Driver's Education and Driver's License
Social workers do not have authority to approve a foster youth's participation in driver's education or to obtain a driver's license. The parent/guardian or the court must give formal approval. http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/pubs/mnl_pnpg/chapter4_4300.asp

43106. Contracted IL Services

1. Each region determines the contracted services they will provide to assist youth in developing skills for independence.
2. Regions may contract with community agencies to provide Independent Living Services to eligible foster youth.
3. The social worker and the youth may determine that the assistance of a contracted provider is the best way for the youth to gain the skills needed to achieve independence.
4. Once a youth has been referred for services he/she remains eligible until age 21.
5. Contracted providers:
   1. Serve youth 15 through 20 years of age;
   2. Complete an Independent Living Assessment tool;
   3. Develop The Independent Living Plan with the youth;
   4. Provide copies of the completed assessment and plan on each youth to the social worker;
   5. Assist youth in attaining the goals they have identified in their IL plan;
   6. Have group and individual skill building sessions with youth;
   7. Provide IL services for the youth until age 21;
   8. Maintain case files on each youth indicating contacts, services, and expenditures;
   9. Provides copies of the IL Progress Reports to the social worker until exit from care;
   10. May re-enroll a former participant up to age 21.
6. Referral Process:

   The social worker must refer the youth while the case is open. Some contracted providers have additional referral forms for the social worker to complete.

7. Payment: Details about authorizing payments are contained in the SSPS Manual, Appendix C, section 3900.

43107. Non-Contractor SSPS Codes 3901

1. In the course of a youth preparing for adulthood, there are expected costs that will arise. The SSPS Code 3901 is targeted for those needs and may not exceed $500.00 for each eligible youth.
2. When the social worker and the youth have developed and established the IL plan and goals, the social worker may use SSPS code 3901 to assist with attaining an identified goal or plan.
3. The social worker initiates use of this code, which may require supervisory approval.
4. Details about this code are contained in the SSPS Manual, Appendix C, section 3900.

43108. Services for Youth Formerly In out- of- home care (18-20 Years Of Age)

1. “Former foster youth” are defined as individuals, 18 through 20 years of age who are or have been in out-of- home care.
2. Former Foster Care recipients from 18 through 20 years of age are now eligible to receive transitional services to complement their own efforts to achieve self- sufficiency.
   1. Assistance may be offered in the form of housing expenses including, but not limited to, Rent, deposits and utility bills.
   2. Housing costs are only available to former foster care youth age 18 through 20 who are no longer receiving foster care payments.
3. Eligible youth are those youth ages 18 through 20 who have at least one IL plan (DSHS form 10-267) in their ISSP.
   1. Each recipient of services must have a plan for achieving independence by the time the recipient reaches age 21.
   2. Performance toward the goals shall be measured and must demonstrate improvement from involvement in the program.
   3. Youth who consistently fail to adhere to the elements of the plan shall be evaluated by staff and may be declared ineligible to continue receiving services.
   4. All recipients of transitional services and or funds shall be contacted six (6) months after transitional funds have been authorized to document the youth's status in:
      1. Housing
      2. Employment
      3. Education
4. The types of services available and the budget for services for former foster youth vary by region.
5. The regional Independent Living Coordinator identifies the services available in the region and the process for accessing those services. Contact the regional Independent Living Coordinator for specific information.
6. Youth leaving care at age 18 are eligible for continued MEDICIAD insurance until age 21. To establish medical eligibility the Foster Care Medical Unit may be contacted at 1-800-547-3109. Please have the following information available:
   1. Name and address of the youth;
   2. Date of Birth of the youth;
   3. Household income (only the youth, unless living with the youth's legal family);
   4. Citizenship;
   5. Social Security Number; and
   6. Relationship to others in the household.

4330. Open Communication Agreements

43401. Relative Guardianship Assistance Program (R-GAP)

43402. Procedures To Establish a Dependency Guardianship:

1. The assigned social worker and the worker's supervisor must schedule and review all cases in which dependency guardianship is being considered in a Shared Planning Meeting.¹⁴
2. The proposed guardian(s) must sign the attached "Declaration of Proposed Dependency Guardian" in order to ensure that the proposed guardian(s) understand(s) the custody issues and responsibilities to the child/ren for whom they intend to provide a permanent home.
3. The social worker must provide the proposed guardian(s) a copy of the "Dependency Guardianship Frequently Asked Questions."
4. The Area Administrator must review all requests for a dependency guardianship prior to the Regional Administrator or designee review.
5. The Regional Administrator or designee must approve all requests for dependency guardianships prior to court approval of the permanency plan for dependency guardianship. The Regional Administrator (or designee) must sign the "Checklist for Approval of Guardianship." (DSHS 15-324)
6. Standardized court orders appointing the dependency guardian will be used for all dependency guardianships. (Available from the AAG.)
7. CA will ask the court to be relieved of oversight/supervisory responsibilities to the dependent child as outlined in the "Order Appointing the Dependency Guardian."
8. When CA is relieved of oversight/supervisory responsibilities and there is no guardianship subsidy payment from CA, the case episode and event will be closed in CAMIS.
9. The case episode will be closed and the event will remain open for payment when there is guardianship subsidy payment from CA, whether CA is relieved of oversight/supervisory responsibilities or not.
10. The originating (sending) office retains responsibility for guardianship subsidy payment in dependency guardianship cases where courtesy supervision is requested or in place, as well as planning for the child if the dependency guardianship disrupts.

43403. Guardianship Subsidy Procedures

1. Guardianship subsidy may be provided to licensed homes through SSPS payment. The source of funds is state-only funds. Non-licensed homes are eligible for support through TANF with a Child-Only grant.
2. Financial reimbursement must not favor guardianship over adoption.
3. Guardianship subsidy may be negotiated up to level two foster care rate for guardians with a foster care license at the time of the establishment of the guardianship. Negotiations include a discussion with the proposed guardian(s) and review of the current foster care assessment, the child's special needs, and anticipated expenses for the child's care.
4. All payments over the level two foster care rates will be exceptions and must be for services to the child. These payments require review every six-months using the foster care rate assessment and the annual approval of the Regional Administrator or designee.
5. For all payments over level two, a social worker must be assigned to complete the rate assessment, obtain RA or designee approval, and oversee payment authorization. For payments at level two or below, each region will develop regional protocol for payment authorization.
6. For dependency guardianships established on or following the date of CA policy 04-01, effective 2-1-05, guardianship subsidy will comply with this policy. Dependency guardianships established prior to 2-1-05 remain unaffected by this policy.
7. For those homes licensed by a private agency, only the borrowed bed fee will be paid to support continued licensing of private agency foster homes.
8. Case management services are not provided, as the child is in a permanent placement and no longer in foster care.
9. Case aide supervision, child care for children over age 12, tutoring, etc. are not provided in a guardianship.
10. Mileage or travel reimbursement, respite care, and clothing vouchers are not provided to these permanent placements.

43404. Vacating the Guardianship

1. The dependency guardianship may be modified or terminated if:
• a motion is brought before the court by any party
• if the court finds by a "preponderance of the evidence" that there has been a substantial change of circumstances after the guardianship was established and
• that it is in the child's best interest to modify or terminate guardianship.
2. The court must hold a hearing on the motion before taking action.
3. In cases that CA continues to have supervisory oversight/responsibility, the social worker may request that a guardianship be vacated if the child's health, safety, or welfare would be jeopardized by continuation of the guardianship.

4345. Long-Term Care Agreements

1. A long term care agreement is another planned living arrangement and may be considered for a child age 14 or older. A long term care agreement is an agreement between the parties and the caregiver with the intention of being stable and lasting until the child is age 18.¹⁵ It does not provide a child with one of the permanency goals set forth in federal law for legal permanency.
2. Compelling reasons must exist for ruling out return home, adoption, 3rd party custody or guardianship as permanency plans, before long-term care with a foster parent or relative can be considered. The court must make a finding at each permanency planning hearing that compelling reasons exist to choose "another planned living arrangement" and that a long-term care agreement is in the child's best interest.
3. The child continues to be a dependent of the Juvenile Court until age 18 and in foster care status. The court continues to review the dependency at least every 6 months. Permanency planning hearings will continue at least every 12 months and review the status of the long-term care agreement and whether legal permanency can be achieved.
4. Children's Administration continues to provide supervision, services to the child, and case management to support the placement, and maintains the legal care, custody and control of the child, per court order. All social worker required contacts continue, including Health and Safety checks.
5. Services will not continue to be provided to the parent(s) for the purposes of reunification when the court orders a long-term care agreement as the primary plan.
6. For children considered Indian children, refer to the ICW Manual for permanency planning options and procedures.

43451. Procedures for a Long-Term Care Agreement

1. The assigned social worker and the worker's supervisor must schedule all cases in which a long-term care agreement is being considered for review in a Shared Planning Meeting.¹⁶ The long-term care agreement must be determined to be in the child's best interest in the Shared Planning Meeting. Compelling reasons to rule out adoption, third party custody and guardianship must be identified in the Shared Planning Meeting.
2. The long-term caregiver(s) must sign the "Long-term Care Agreement." (DSHS 15-322)
3. The Regional Administrator or designee must approve all requests for Long-term care prior to court approval. The Regional Administrator must sign the "Checklist for Approval of Long-term Care Agreement For Foster Parents or Relative Caregivers". (DSHS 15-323)
4. The social worker will attach the Long-term care agreement to the court report submitted for permanency planning, noting compelling reasons for this living arrangement in the body of the court report.

4350. Status of Relatives of Specified Degree with Legally Free Children

1. Children's Administration acknowledges a continuing relationship between relatives of specified degree and children whose parental rights have been terminated in those cases where the relatives choose to continue a relationship with the child and the continuing relationship is in the best interest of the child. This acknowledgment applies to all legally free children in the custody of the department. RCW 13.34.180, 13.34.210, 26.33.295, and 74.15.020
2. Relatives of specified degree, as defined in RCW 74.15.020 and this Practices and Procedures Guide, chapter 5000, section 5230, remain legal relatives when a child becomes legally free if those relatives wish to maintain a relationship with the child and the social worker assigned to the child determines, consistent with the Shared Decision Making model contained in the CA Case Services Policy Manual, Appendix C, the continuing relationship to be in the best interest of the child.
3. CA staff must treat relatives of specified degree as the staff treats all relatives of specified degree under the rules of the foster care and foster family home licensing programs.
4. CA staff must treat these affected relatives of specified degree the same as all relatives of specified degree under the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) program.
5. The rights of the affected relatives of specified degree do not extend beyond adoption of the child except through an open adoption agreement as described in RCW 26.33.295. See section 4330, above.
6. In determining which adoptive placement is in the best interest of the child, family relationships will be only one of the factors considered by DCFS staff. Other factors include, but are not limited to:
   1. Attachment to and relationship with the child.
   2. History of parenting.
   3. Ability to meet the special needs of the child.
   4. Ability to meet the basic needs of the child.
   5. Family composition.
   6. Child's preferences.
   7. Ability to meet the cultural needs of the child. A placement resource need not be of the same ethnic background as the child in order to meet the ethnic or cultural needs of the child. Unless a compelling reason is identified, CA staff will not match children to a placement family on the basis of race.
7. The rights of relatives of legally free Indian children, as defined in the CA Indian Child Welfare Manual, the Tribal-Washington State Indian Child Welfare Agreement of 1987, and the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 must be preserved in accordance with those requirements.

4400. SERVICE DELIVERY

4410. Characteristics

4411. Mission and Values

For a description of CA's mission and values, see the CA Case Services Policy Manual, chapter 1000, section 1200.

4412. Supportive Services

Supportive services are those non-placement services available to either prevent the out-of-home placement of a child, reunify a family following placement, or maintain/improve functioning of a child in a placement setting. CA authorizes and provides all services within the context of a time-limited, goal-oriented case plan.

4413. Placement Services

1. Placement services are provided to children and youth who are authorized by consent of their parents or by court order to be placed in foster care or with a kinship caregiver (either relative or suitable person). CA authorizes and provides all placement services within the context of a time limited, goal-oriented case plan.
2. Information Sharing with Caregivers
1. PURPOSE

Providing information to caregivers about the needs and demands of a child entering out-of-home care helps to meet the child's basic and special needs and promotes safety and supervision for the child, stability to the placement and satisfaction of the caregivers. This information can help the caregiver make an informed decision about whether or not to accept a child in their home. The caregiver must be informed that this information is confidential and can not be shared with persons who are not involved with the case.

Social workers, caregivers, teachers, medical and therapeutic professionals all have the responsibility to record and share information about the child. WAC 388-148-1105 requires that any information that can be shared about the child and the child's family be shared with foster parents.

This policy addresses when information is shared, what information is shared and the manner in which the information is shared.

SOCIAL WORKER RESPONSIBILITY

Social workers have primary responsibility to coordinate the case planning efforts of all persons working on behalf of the child. This includes service planning, gathering and sharing information with the caregiver.

1. When information must be shared with the caregiver:
1. Prior to or soon after placement (within 24-72 hours) if the placement is made on an emergency basis
2. When the child moves from one out of home placement to another
3. When new information is known about the child's needs
4. When conducting health and safety visits
2. Information that must be shared with the caregiver includes:
1. Reasons for placement and history of maltreatment
2. Specific safety concerns and safety plans
3. Specifics of the permanency plan
4. Notice of shared planning meetings
5. Recommendations resulting from all assessments and screenings within 5 days of receiving reports
6. Dates and location of dependency hearings pertaining to the child.

7. Children who have been identified per RCW 74.13.280 as sexually aggressive (SAY), sexually reactive, physically assaultive/aggressive (PAAY), or having high risk behaviors.

   Children identified as SAY or PAAY must have a written Supervision Plan (DSHS 15-352). The Supervision Plan should be developed with the caregiver and the caregiver should be provided a copy of the Plan.

8. Information regarding the child's well-being. This includes physical health, education, and emotional/behavioral health information (if available), as well as practical information (favorite food, books, toys) that will facilitate the out-ofhome care for the child.
9. If available, provide the Child Health and Education Track (CHET) and screening information.
3. Information will be shared with the caregiver in the following ways:
1. Child Information/Placement Referral form (DSHS 15-300) at each placement change and when additional information is obtained.
2. Child Health and Education screening report
3. When conducting health and safety visits
4. Court Hearing Notice-ISSP Cover Letter (DSHS 15-319)
5. Individual Service and Safety Plan (DSHS 15-209)
6. Shared planning meeting notice may be given by telephone, face to face contact, e-mail or written notification using the Caregiver Staffing Notice Form (DSHS 15-311)
7. Supervision Plan (DSHS 15-352)
4. The Social worker will document when and what information has been shared with the caregiver in case notes in the child's case file and place a copy of any written documentation in the child's file.
3. Placement Prohibitions

   Children may not be placed in:

1. DSHS offices, including repeated daily stays in DSHS offices.
2. Institutions not designed to receive foster children, such as adult mental hospitals or detoxification facilities where children and adults commingle.
3. A licensed or unlicensed home without specialized training if the child is considered SAY or PAA.

Placement of a child with SAY/PAAY can only be made in homes where:

1. The caregiver has completed SAY/PAAY training, or
2. A Supervision Plan has been developed and the caregiver commits to completing the next available SAY/PAAY training within reasonable travel distance.
4. Apartment or motels without a licensed foster parent or relative caregiver, unless an appropriate licensed foster family or relative caregiver is not available, and only with approval from Regional Administrator and a determination that adequate supervision is provided.
5. Youth may reside in a licensed or approved independent living program if this is part of the youth's independent living plan.

For more detailed information about information sharing refer to these policies in the Practice and Procedures Guide and the Permanency Planning Guide
4301. Shared Planning
43063. Compelling Reasons
43091. Individual Service and Safety Plan
43092. Child Health and Education Tracking
4413. Placement Services
4421. Health and Safety of Children
45203. Procedures for Access
4530. Foster Care
4536. Sexually Aggressive Youth Program
Permanency Planning Practice Guide

Information Sharing Quick Reference:

WHAT	WHEN	WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
Child Information /Placement Referral (DSHS Form 15-300)	Prior to or soon after initial placement (within 24-72 hours) When the child changes placement When new information is known about the child's needs	Social Worker, Placement Coordinator
Shared planning meetings bring individuals together to share information, plan and inform decisions regarding children and families. Caregiver Staffing Notice Form (DSHS 15-311) if written notification is provided.	Within 72 hours, where available (FTDM sites only) Within 30 days, 180 days (6 months); 9 to 11 months; every 12 months thereafter; Advance notice (5 days) given to caregivers unless emergent.	Social Worker
Recommendations and reports resulting from all assessment and screenings	Within 5 days of receiving report and recommendation	Social Worker
Child's Health and Education Tracking Screening and Report- for children who are expected to remain in care for 30 days or more	After placement and within 5 business days of completion	Screening Specialist Social Worker
Comprehensive health history and recommendations - for children who have complex health and behavior issues and meet the eligibility criteria	After placement and within 5 business days of completion	Foster Care Public Health Nurse
Moving notice	5 days prior to moving when the child has been in the home at least 90 consecutive days	Social Worker
Court Hearing Notice-ISSP Cover Letter form (DSHS 15-319) Individual Service and Safety Plan (ISSP) (DSHS 15-209)	10 days prior to Dependency hearings 10 days prior to Dependency hearings or 60th day of placement episode; 180th day of placement; 6 month intervals	Social Worker
Supervision Plan (DSHS 15-352)	Developed with the caregiver, the Supervision Plan is required for any youth identified as SAY or PAAY. The Supervision Plan is developed and provided prior to or soon after initial placement (within 24-72 hours) When the child changes placement When new information is known about the child's needs	Social Worker
Health and Safety visits	Monthly social worker visits; not to exceed 40 days between visits	Social Worker

4. Notification to the Guardian Ad Litem/Court-Appointed Special Advocate

The assigned CFWS worker will promptly notify the assigned GAL/CASA whenever CA receives a report of alleged abuse or neglect involving a dependent child. The social worker shall also notify the GAL/CASA of the disposition of the investigation. RCW 26.44.030

4420. Social Worker Monthly Health and Safety Visits

Purpose

Policy

1. Children in CA custody must receive private, individual face-to-face Health and Safety visits by the assigned CA social worker every calendar month, not to exceed 40 days between visits.
1. The first visit must occur within one week (seven calendar days) of initial placement. (Placing a child is not considered a Health and Safety visit.)
2. For in home dependencies all Monthly Health and Safety visits must occur in the home where the child resides. (This does not preclude additional visits outside the home.)
3. For out-of-home placements, the majority of Health and Safety visits in must occur in the home where the child resides. If the social worker visits the child in another location, the social worker must document the reason and benefit gained.
2. Children not in CA custody who receive Family Voluntary Services (FVS) must have face-to-face Health and Safety visits by the assigned CA social worker every calendar month, not to exceed 40 days between visits.
3. Caregivers must receive visits by the assigned CA social worker every calendar month, not to exceed 40 days between visits.
4. All visits must be documented in the case notes.

Procedure

1. Health and Safety Visits According to Case Type:
1. Children in their own homes

The social worker conducts monthly visits. This includes:

1. In-home dependencies, including dependent children who return home on a trial return home or remain home under the jurisdiction of the court until dismissal of the dependency (See Practices and Procedures {P&P} Section 43051A).
2. Courtesy Supervision when requested for an in-home dependency case.
3. Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC) cases.
4. Children ages 0-5 years require two in-home visits every calendar month for the first 120 calendar days of an established in-home dependency.

   (One of the two visits may be conducted by a CA paraprofessional or contracted provider).

5. Voluntary Service Agreement (VSA) (See P&P Chapter 2000, section 2430) cases.
2. Children in out-of-home care

The assigned social worker conducts monthly visits. This includes:

1. When a dependency petition is filed or established and the court has ordered that the child reside in out-of home placement (includes Long-Term Care Agreements- see P&P 43052A).
2. When the child is placed by Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA).
3. Courtesy Supervision cases.
4. Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC) cases. When an interstate compact agreement is made with another state to provide services, the social worker will request, in writing, the following actions be completed by the receiving state:
1. conduct monthly face to face social worker visits (not to exceed 40 days between each visit) and
2. submit a report to CA on the visits on a monthly basis.

Note: The receiving state may contract with a private agency for such visitation.

2. Social worker visits with child

At each visit, the social worker completes the following activities, which includes but is not limited to:

1. Observation of:
• How the child appears developmentally, physically and emotionally
• How the parent/caregiver and the child respond to each other
• The child's attachment to the parent or caregiver
• The home environment (when the visit occurs in the home where the child lives).
2. Discussion with the verbal child(ren) in private, separate from the parent/caregiver, either in the home or in another location where the child is comfortable.

Discussion will include:

• Inquiry as to whether the child felt safe in their home or placement
• Inquiry about the child's needs, wants and progress
• Visits with siblings and parents
• Case activities and planning such as visits and permanent plan.
3. Confirmation that each child capable of reading, writing and using the telephone has a card with the social worker's name, office address, and phone number.
3. Social Worker Coordination with Tribes

The social worker contacts the child's Tribe(s) to discuss and plan how to involve the Tribe(s) in the monthly visits. The social worker documents the contact and the plan in the case notes.

4. Social Worker Visits with Caregiver

The social worker conducts monthly visits with the caregiver. The location of the visit may vary. During the visit, the social worker:

1. Discusses with the caregiver the child's well-being and permanency goals
2. Observes the child and caregiver relationship and home environment when a visit occurs in the caregiver's home
3. Assesses the caregiver's ability to provide adequate care and maintain placement stability
4. Identifies any support or training needs
5. Inquires about the child's visits with siblings and parents and how child is responding.
5. Social Worker Documentation

The social worker documents information gathered in Section II in the case notes. This is done for each visit the following way:

1. Use the following codes for visits and attempted visits for visits for all children
• Health and Safety Visit (assigned CA social worker)
• Health and Safety Visit (attempted) *use for informational purposes only. An actual visit must take place for compliance with policy.

For ICPC cases, the assigned CA social worker will document when the receiving state completes a visit.

2. Use the following code for In-home dependencies when one of the two required monthly visits (for children 0-5 years in the first 120 days) is completed by a CA paraprofessional or contracted provider:
• Health and Safety Visit (conducted by other agency).
3. Use the following code for visits with caregivers:
• Contact-Care Provider or Facility Provider Contact
• Relative Contact (as appropriate)

44201. Social Worker Monthly Health and Safety Visits for Youth in JRA Facilities

442011. Purpose

Monthly contacts by a CA social worker with a dependent youth committed to Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA) addresses on-going case planning issues and treatment progress to support the youth's permanency following discharge.

442012. Policy

1. The CA social worker will talk with the JRA counselor and dependent youth each month and address treatment progress, case planning, discharge planning, and other relevant monthly visit issues.
2. The CA social worker will determine on a case-by-case basis the frequency of the face-to-face contact with the youth based on individual case needs.

442013. Procedure

1. Contact JRA counselor and dependent youth on a monthly basis. Contact may be by phone or in person.
2. Document contact in FamLink using the "Health and Safety monitoring visit conducted by other agency" code.
3. Consider the following factors when determining if a face to face visit should occur:
   1. Current needs of the youth based on consultation with the JRA counselor and youth.
   2. Legal status of the youth.
   3. Involvement of the youth's family.
   4. Contact with other significant adults outside the facility.
   5. Permanent plan and necessary steps to achieve it.
   6. Length of time until discharge, with particular consideration given to attendance at the Pre-Release Transition Planning meeting.
4. Coordinate schedules with the JRA counselor and youth at a time most appropriate to the youth's treatment program and school schedule.

Note: Do not request courtesy supervision for monthly visits with dependent youth in JRA, as it does not meet the purpose of the policy.

4421. Smoking Near Children

44211. Purpose:

This policy ensures compliance with RCW 74.13 that sets child safety as a paramount goal in caring for children who are in the department's custody. The legislature has recognized "the increasing evidence that tobacco in closely confined places may create a danger to the health of some citizens of this state". The State Department of Health and the American Lung Association have both issued reports concluding that second hand smoke is particularly harmful to children. Additionally RCW chapter 70.160 prohibits smoking in any public place except for designated smoking areas.

44212. Policy

The policy prohibits smoking by CA staff when acting in any official capacity with client children and foster youth 18-21 years of age. Smoking is prohibited while transporting client children under age 18 and foster youth 18-21 years of age when using either state vehicles or private vehicles. It further prohibits smoking when there is direct contact with client children under age 18 and foster youth 18-21 years of age such as talking with a child outside of a building, going to a cafe for refreshments, or any public venue where smoking may be permitted.

44213. Definitions

1. A "public place" is defined as "that portion of any building or vehicle used by and open to the public, regardless of whether the vehicle is owned in whole or in part by private persons or entities, the state of Washington, or other public entity, and regardless of whether a fee is charged for admission".
2. "CA staff" refers to all employees of the Children's Administration of the Department of Social and Health Services and also includes volunteers, and interns. After July 1, 2004, contractors shall be subject to the same restrictions under this policy as CA staff.
3. "Client Children" refers to any child(ren) that is receiving services from DSHS in any capacity.

44214. Procedure:

1. Smoking Prohibited in Presence of Client Children and Foster Youth:
1. Pursuant to CA Policy 02-10 (applicable to contractors after July 1, 2004), smoking in the presence of DCFS client children is prohibited under the following circumstances:
1. When transporting client children under age 18 and foster youth 18-21 years of age;
2. When there is direct contact with client children under age 18 and foster youth 18-21 years of age such as talking with a child or accompanying a child, even when in a public place where smoking may otherwise be permitted; and
3. The contractors shall ensure that after July 1, 2004, the Contractor's staff, employees, volunteers, and subcontractors comply with the policy against smoking in the presence of client children and foster youth as outlined above.

4422. Guidelines for Client Referrals to Contractors

1. Social Workers must provide contractors with written information regarding referred cases. The release of information to contracting agencies is permitted under RCW 13.50.100. The social worker provides the following information in the initial referral, when available and applicable:
   1. Date and time of referral.
   2. Inclusive dates of service authorization.
   3. Purpose of the referral. Provide a clear statement to the contractor regarding type of case; e.g., crisis intervention, child abuse, reunification, etc., and the services to be performed.
   4. Clear, written expectations to the contractor; e.g., "This is a CPS case. Please provide unannounced visits, document your observations, and report them to the assigned social worker."
   5. Description of family strengths and extended family networks (if known).
   6. Family members' responses to current and past services.
   7. Known or suspected past or current mental health, developmental, or other health related disabilities and conditions.
   8. Known or suspected past or current involvement with drugs, alcohol, or illegal activities.
   9. Copy of current court report and/or Individual Service and Safety Plan (ISSP).
2. The social worker complies with the following procedures for ongoing case management:
   1. Keep the contractor informed of new developments/concerns regarding referred case.
   2. Keep a written record of required reports, noting date due, date received, acceptable, non-acceptable, etc.

 Continue to sections 4430 - 4519