HomeMy WebLinkAbout991585.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SECTION
OF THE WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES OPERATIONS
MANUAL
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services has presented the Social Services
Division Policies and Procedures Section of the Weld County Department of Social Services
Operations Manual, to the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, for consideration
and approval, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said section, a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, Colorado, ex-officio Board of Social Services, that the proposed Social Services
Division Policies and Procedures Section of the Weld County Department of Social Services
Operations Manual be, and hereby are, approved.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 12th day of July, A.D., 1999.
wA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY, CsLORADO
O�� i ♦ -
ATTEST: /0•41
gale K. Hall, Chair
Weld County Clerk to th. ':. r (GOV
r�� arbara J. Kirkmeyer, Pro-Tem (J
Deputy Clerk to the Boar. _ . EXCUSED DATE OF SIGNING (AYE)
2 George E. xter
APPROV AS TO FORM: /// _WA/
< / ey M. J.
:/i//��/1 ,'d)
L _ 7_
ouy�t Attorney
Glenn Vaal'•—
SS991585
J SS0026
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
PO BOX A
jilt t<IGREELEY, CO 80632
Administration and Public Assistance(970) 352-1551
WI Chil ort(970) 933
C. Protective and Yo th�Servces (970) 352-1923
COLORADO MEMORANDUM
TO: Dale K. Hall, Chair Date: July 6, 1999
Board of County Commissioners
FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Social Services 0 110
�ja,(4
I
RE: Social Services Division Policies and Proc ures Section of
the Weld County Department of Social Services Operations
Manual
Enclosed for Board approval is the Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
Section of the Weld County Department of Social Services Operations Manual.
The major purposes of this Manual are to:
1. Update Policies and Procedures. The Department has updated its policies and
procedures to:
a. Meet requirements of the Colorado Department of Human Services
Volume VII and related agency letters and to conform to the Child
Welfare Settlement Agreement.
b. Edit and revise outdated policies and procedures or develop new policies
and procedures that more accurately reflect the Department's operation in
the Social Services Division.
c. Provide approved Board policies for use by the Department in a State
Administrative Hearing. A State Administrative Hearing Officer may
require written proof of County policies in addition to State Regulations
and Rules.
2. Develop New Policies and Procedures that Significantly Impact the Social
Services Division. The Department has included significant policies and
procedures for Board approval. These policies and procedures are as follows:
a. Negative Licensing Policies and Procedures for County Certified
Foster Care Homes. The Department requests new policies and
procedures to clarify and to establish standards to reject Foster Care
applicants and to decertify Certified Foster Care Homes.
1 991535
b. Critical Care Foster Care Program. The Department requests a new
program under our Child Welfare budget. This program is our effort to
compete with Child Placement Agencies that charge higher foster care
rates than our County Certified Foster Care Program. The policies and
procedures establish parameters for eligibility of foster care children who
can receive critical care, qualifications of County Certified Foster Care
Homes to participate in this program, and proposed reimbursement rates.
c. Subsidized Adoption Rates. The Department requests policies
concerning subsidized adoption payments. The Department in State
Administrative Hearings will use these policies when adoptive parents
demand Child Placement Rates for subsidized adoption payments.
If you have any questions, please telephone me at extension 6510.
cc: Bruce Barker, Weld County Attorney
Don Warden, Finance Administration
2
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
SECTION: TITLE:
2.000 Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.000.1 Definitions
2.000.2 Legal Authority
2.001 Social Services Division Functions
2.001.1 Social Services Division
2.100 Child Protection Unit Organization
2.100.1 Child Protection Intake Unit Duties
2.100.2 Child Protection Referrals
2.100.21 Child Protection Intake Register
2.100.22 Child Protection Intake Register Procedures
2.101 Intake Procedures for Child Protection
2.101.1 General Intake Procedures
2.101.2 Multiple Reports of Neglect or Abuse Concerning a Child, Family or
Perpetrator
2.101.3 Institutional Abuse Investigations
2.101.31 Procedures for Investigating Institutional Abuse Allegations
2.101.4 Investigation Regarding County Certified Foster Care Homes
2.101.41 Procedures for Investigating County Certified Foster Care Homes
2.102 Notice of Rights and Remedies for Families
2.102.1 Procedures
2.200 Youth In Conflict
2.201 Youth In Conflict Intake Policy
2.201.1 Youth In Conflict Service Priorities
2.201.2 Youth In Conflict Voluntary Services
2.201.21 Youth In Conflict Intake Policy for Voluntary Services
2.202 Chronic Runaways
2.202.1 Chronic Runaways in Department Custody
2.202.2 Law Enforcement Requests Concerning Runaways
2.202.21 Transportation of Runaways
2.202.22 Runaways from Child Placement Agencies, Residential Child Care
Facilities, and Residential Treatment Centers
Revised 3/99
Adm\mansstc.jag ii of ix
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
Table of Contents
SECTION: TITLE:
2.000 Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.001 Social Services Division Functions
2.100 Child Protection
2.200 Youth In Conflict
2.300 Resource Services
2.400 Adult Protection
2.500 Emergency Duty After Hours
2.600 Legal Process and Services
2.700 Child Placement Policies
2.750 Case Recording and Filing Policy
2.800 Program Descriptions
2.900 Committee Descriptions
Revised 3/99
Adm\ntansstc.jag i of ix
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
SECTION: TITLE:
2.202.23 Procedures for Runaways
2.300 Resource Services
2.301 Foster Care
2.301.1 Foster Care Policy
2.301.2 Definitions
2.302 Foster Care Directory
2.303 County Certified Foster Care Certificates
2.303.1 Corrective Actions Regarding County Certified Foster Care Certificates
2.304 Training of County Certified Foster Care Homes and Group Homes
2.305 Negative Licensing Actions
2.305.1 Denial of Applicants for County Certified Foster Care Homes. Receiving
Homes, Group Homes or Center Staff Employment
2.305.11 Evaluation of Applicants under Section 3.305.1
2.305.12 Recommendation of the Caseworker and Presentation to the Resource
Services Manager
2.305.2 Revocation of the Certificate for County Certified Foster Care Home,
Receiving Home, Group Homes or Center Staff Employment
2.305.21 Evaluation of Foster Care Providers Under Section 2.305.2, B.
2.305.22 Recommendation of the Caseworker and Presentation to the Resource
Services Manager
2.305.3 Recommendation of the Resource Services Manager
2.305.4 Transmittal to the Director
2.305.5 Pre-Denial or Pre-Revocation Conference
2.305.6 Director Decision
2.306 Dual Licenses or Certificates
2.307 County Certified Foster Care Home Consultation Program
2.307.1 Procedures to Access the County Certified Foster Care Home Consultation
Program
2.308 Critical Care Foster Care Program
2.308.1 Children Who are Eligible for Critical Care Foster Care
Revised 3/99
Adm\mansstc.jag iii of ix
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
SECTION: TITLE:
2.308.2 County Certified Foster Care Homes that Qualify and are Selected for
Critical Care Foster Care Program
2.308.21 Two-Bed Critical Care Foster Care Home
2.308.22 Four-Bed Critical Care Foster Care Home`
2.309 County Certified Foster Parents Transferring to Child Placement
Agencies and Child Placement Agency Foster Parents Transferring to
the County Certified Foster Care Program
2.315 Adoption
2.315.1 Definitions
2.315.2 Adoption Inquiries •
2.315.3 Adoption Applications
2.315.4 Relinquishment Counseling
2.320 Provider Reimbursement
2.321 Reimbursement for County Certified Foster Care Provider
2.321.1 County Certified Foster Care Rate
2.321.11 County Certified Foster Care Rate is the Basic Maintenance Rate for all
Foster Care Facilities.
2.321.12 Temporary Absence
2.321.13 30-Day Absence Leave Due to Hospitalization
2.322 Special Needs Rates for Developmentally Disabled and Physically
Disabled
2.323 Receiving Home Reimbursement
2.323.1 The Basic Reimbursement to be Paid
2.323.11 Receiving Home Evaluation
2.323.12 Receiving Home Reimbursement Computation Form
2.324 Subsidized Adoption Reimbursement
2.324.1 Medical Resources
2.324.2 Core Services for Children in Subsidized Adoption
2,324.3 Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program Services Available for
Children in Pre- and Post-Subsidized Adoption
Revised 3/99
Adm\mansstc.jag iv of ix
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
SECTION: TITLE:
2.325 Specialized Group Care Reimbursement
2.325.1 Reimbursement Rate
2.325.11 Evaluation of Group Homes
2.326 Critical Care Foster Care Reimbursement
2.326.1 Special Needs Rates for Children in the Critical Care Foster Care Program
2.326.11 Evaluation of the Critical Care Foster Care Home
2.400 Adult Protection
2.401 Definitions
2.402 Request for Guardian or Conservator Services
2.403 Representative Payee for At-Risk Adults Receiving Social Security
Payments
2.404 Volunteer Court-Appointed Visitor Program
2.500 Emergency Duty After Hours
2.501.1 Types of Cases Handled by the Emergency Duty Worker
2.501.2 Emergency Duty Preparation
2.501.3 Emergency Duty Guidelines
2.501.31 Physical Abuse of Children
2.501.32 Evaluation and Placement of Young Children
2.501.33 Evaluation and Placement of Adolescents
2.501.34 Adolescent Rape Cases
2.501.35 Emergency Duty Procedures for Active Cases
2.502. Emergency Duty Supervision
2.502.1 Absence of Emergency Duty Manager
2.600 Legal Services
2.600.1 Definitions
2.600.2 Assistant Weld County Attorney for the Social Services Division
2.600.3 Assignment of Cases and Procedures to Access Legal Services
2.600.4 Appointment with Assistant Weld County Attorney
2.601 Initiation of Petition in Dependency or Neglect
2.601.1 Procedures for Initiation of Petition in Dependency or Neglect:
2.602 Legal Update Sheet
2.603 Order to Investigate
Revised 3/99
Adm\mansstc.jag v of ix
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
SECTION: TITLE:
2.604 Review of Need for Placement (RNP)
2.605 Plea Hearing
2.606 Review Hearings
2.607 Change of Custody
2.608 Change of Placement
2.609 Permanency Planning Hearing
2.610 Motion to Terminate Parental Rights
2.611 Termination Hearing
2.612 Protective Orders
2.613 Proposed Orders
2.614 Distribution of Reports
2.615 Paper Reviews
2.700 Child Placement
2.701 Placement Policy
2.701.1 Placement Procedures
2.702 Children and Youth Experiencing Serious Mental Health or
Psychiatric Problems
2.703 Social Security Procedures for Children in Foster Care
2.703.1 Representative Payee for Children Receiving Social Security Payments
2.704 Case Practice
2.704.1 Case Practice Regarding a Special Review of Placement
2.704.2 Case Practice Regarding Multiple Placement in a Foster Care Home
2.704.3 Case Practice for Children Who Cannot be Returned Home and for Whom
Adoption is Not Possible
2.704.31 Case Practice Regarding Legal Guardianship
2.704.32 Case Practice Regarding Long-term Foster Care
2.704.4 Case Practice for Adoption Services
2.704.5 Case Practice to Achieve Permanency
2.707 Notification of School Districts Concerning Children in Foster Care
2.707.1 Educationally Disabled Children
2.707.2 Financial Responsibility for Education Costs
Revised 3/99
Adm\mansstc.jag vi of ix
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
SECTION: TITLE:
2.710 Foster Children
2.710.3 Motor Vehicle Operation
2.710.31 Automobile Insurance Related to Non-Medicaid Eligible Foster Children
2.710.4 Personal Injury, Property Loss and Damage
2.710.5 Consent for Out-of-County and Out-of-State Travel of Foster Children
2.710.6 Travel for Visitation Between Foster Child and Birth Parents
2.710.61 Transportation Reimbursement for Birth Parents
2.710.62 Transportation Assistance for Birth Parents
2.710.63 Procedures for Transportation Reimbursement or Assistance
2.710.7 Consent for Medical Care of Foster Children
2.710.71 Medical Coverage for Foster Children
2.710.72 Medical Care in Which Religious Considerations are Involved
2.710.73 Routine Physical Examinations for Foster Children
2.710.74 Routine Dental Examinations for Foster Children
2.750 Case Recording and Filing Policy
2.750.1 Case Recording
2.750.2 Case Review Process
2.750.3 Filing Policy
2.760 Caseworker Training
2.760.1 Caseworker Debriefing and Support Training
2.760.11 Procedures to Access Caseworker Debriefing and Support Training
2.800 Program Descriptions
2.800.1 General Description of Services
2.801 Special Circumstances Child Care
2.801.1 Eligibility Criteria for Special Circumstances Child Care
2.801.2 Special Circumstances Child Care Priorities
2.801.3 Procedures for Referral and Approval of Special Circumstances Child
Care
2.802 Core Services Program
2.802.1 Definitions
2.802.2 Program Eligibility
2.802.3 Procedures to Access Services
Revised 3/99
Adm\mansstc.jag vii of ix
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
SECTION: TITLE:
2.803 Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program
2.803.1 Definitions
2.803.2 Adoption Promotion and Support Services Program
2.803.21 Program Eligibility
2.803.22 Program Services Under Adoption Promotion and Support Services
Program
2.803.23 Procedures to Access Services
2.803.3 Time-Limited Reunification Services Program
2.803.31 Program Eligibility
2.803.32 Program Services Under Time-Limited Reunification Services Program
2.803.33 Procedures to Access Services
2.803.4 Family Support Program
2.803.41 Program Eligibility
2.803.42 Program Services Under Family Support Program
2.803.43 Procedures to Access Services
2.900 Committee Descriptions
2.901 Weld County Child Protection Team
2.901.1 Weld County Child Protection Team Procedures
2.902 Placement Review Committee
2.902.1 Placement Review Team Composition
2.902.2 Types of Placements Reviewed
2.902.21 Recommendations and Decision Authority for Placements
2.902.22 Placement Review Procedures
2.902.3 Child Fatality Review
2.902.31 Review Procedures
2.903 Adult Protection Networking Group
2.903.1 Purposes of the Group
2.903.2 Structure of the Adult Protection Networking Group
2.904 Weld County Families, Youth, and Children Commission
2.904.1 Functions of the Weld County Families, Youth, and Children Commission
2.904.2 Structure of the Weld County Families, Youth, and Children Commission
Revised 3/99
Adm\mansstc.jag viii of ix
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
SECTION: TITLE:
2.905 Citizen Review Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process
2.905.1 Definitions
2.905.2 Access to Citizen Review Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution
Process
Revised 3/99
Adm\mansstc.jag ix of ix
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.000 Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.000.1 Definitions
Revised 3/29/99 A. Board or County Board means the Board of County Commissioners,
Weld County, Colorado.
B. Board of Social Services or County Board of Social Services means the
Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado. Reference: §
26-1-116, C.R.S.
B. Department or County Department means the Weld County Department
of Social Services. Reference: § 26-1-155 (1), C.R.S.
C. Director or County Director means the Director of the Weld County
Department of Social Services. Reference: § 26-1-117(1), C.R.S.
D. State Department means the Colorado Department of Human Services
that is charged with the administration or supervision of all public
assistance and welfare activities of Colorado. Reference: § 26-1-111(1),
C.R.S.
E. State Board or State Board of Human Services means the Colorado
Board of Human Services that promulgates rules and regulations that are
binding upon counties, governing fiscal and general administration for
county departments and prescribe the scope and content of programs
administered by county departments.
2.000.2 Legal Authority
Revised 3/29/99 The legal authority of the Social Services Division is as follows:
The legal authority of the Social Services Division is found in various sections of
the Federal Statutes and Regulations and Colorado Statutes. The Human Services
Code, Chapter 26, of the Colorado Revised Statutes, contains the funding and
authority for Adult Protective Services, Child Welfare Services, Family
Preservation, Services for Homeless Youth, Child Care Centers, Child Care
Services, Subsidization of Adoption. C.R.S. §26-5- et. seq. and § 26-6- et. seq.
Child Support Enforcement authority is found in Article 13 of Chapter 26, C.R.S.
Further authority is found in the Children's Code (Chapter 19, C.R.S.) for Child
Adm\manss59.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
Protection and Delinquency actions. Federal programs administered by the Social
Services Division are covered in the Code of Federal Regulations.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.001 Social Services Division Functions
Revised 3/29/99 The Department's Social Services Division is organized to:
A. Conform with State mandated program areas.
B. Reflect the County Department's service priorities
C. Provide for the most effective use of available work force.
2.001.1 Social Services Division
Revised 3/39/99 The Social Services Division functions through four service units as follows:
A. Protective Services to Children: This program area is designed to protect
children whose physical, mental, or emotional well-being is threatened by
the actions or omissions of parents, legal guardians or custodians., or
persons responsible for providing out-of-home care, including a foster
parent, an employee of a residential child care facility, and a provider of
family child care or center-based child care. The Department provides
services to children whose physical, mental, or emotional well-being has
been threatened or harmed due to abuse or neglect, as defined in C.R.S. §
19-1-103 (1), and children who are subjected to circumstances in which
there is a reasonable likelihood that they are at risk of harm due to abuse
or neglect by their parents or caretakers including children who are alleged
perpetrators and are under the age of ten.
B. Protective Services to Adults: The primary objective of this program area
is to intervene with or on the behalf of at-risk adults to correct or alleviate
situations in which actual or imminent danger of abuse, neglect, or
exploitation exists and to utilize support systems to provide continuing
safety from the incident(s) of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
C. Youth In Conflict: This program area is designed to reduce or eliminate
conflicts between youth and his or her family members or the community
when those conflicts affect the youth's well-being, the normal functioning
of the family or the well-being of the community. The focuses of services
are to alleviate conflicts, protect the youth and the community, reestablish
family stability, or assist the youth to emancipate successfully.
adm\manssl.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
D. Resource Services: This unit provides supportive services to other units
previously described. Supportive services in this area are:
1. Foster Care certification including initial and periodic safety and
regulatory assessment, supervision, complaint investigation,
ongoing coordination and training of County Certified Foster Care
homes. County Certified Foster Care homes include receiving
homes, specialized group homes, and certified kinship care.
2. Adoption services including screening, assessment/home studies,
technical assistance through finalization of adoption, subsidy
eligibility and annual review, training, pre/post adoptive support-
services, out-of-state adoption coordination and purchase of
adoption services from agency providers.
3. Family Preservation services including the programs of Core
Services and Promoting Safe and Stable Families.
4. Weld County Families, Youth, and Children Commission, the
Department's advisory committee on social services functions,
support activities.
adm\mans l.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.100 Child Protection Unit Organization
Revised 3/29/99 The Department is organized around two child protection units as follows:
A. Intake Unit: has responsibility for the initial investigation of a case and
for court procedures related to adjudication if the matter is brought to court
by the Intake caseworker.
B. Ongoing Unit: has responsibility for working with cases that need
continued support or supervision and focus on permanency planning for
children.
2.100.1 Child Protection Intake Unit Duties
Revised 3/29/99 A. Investigate child protection referrals.
B. Continue to support and supervise cases that can be closed within sixty
days.
C. Initiate court actions concerning placement or protective cases.
D. Transfer cases to the Ongoing Units of child protection or Youth In
Conflict.
E. Document all child protection, Youth In Conflict, and Adult At-Risk
referrals for the Department.
F. Provide information and referral.
2.100.2 Child Protection Referrals
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Intake Unit provides immediate evaluation of child protection
referrals.
B. An Intake Manager will assign a response time on cases assigned for
investigation.
C. The Intake Unit maintains an Intake Register of each child protection
referral.
D. The Department requires timely and adequate evaluation of children who
are allegedly subjected to abuse or neglect.
2.100.21 Child Protection Intake Register
Adm\mans 19.j ag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Intake Unit maintains a daily register of all child protection referrals
received from all sources. All referrals are recorded in the register.
Referrals from the community, citizens, agencies, and law enforcement
come to the Department through telephone, letter, in-person, etc.
B. To ensure responsive and complete evaluation, accurate recordin.g of all
child protection referrals and follow-up information is required..
C. The child protection register and the intake/referral form documentation
are to demonstrate:
1. Timely response in the investigation of referrals.
2. Adequate and timely supervisory review and decision.
3. Disposition or outcome of the referral.
2.100.22 Child Protection Intake Register Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. Initial information is recorded by the Intake Screener. All referrals are
recorded.
B. Department records and the Central Registry are checked, as appropriate,
for previous contacts or previous substantiated child abuse or neglect.
C. An Intake Manager reviews the child protection referral and decides, on
the same day of the referral, to assign or not to assign to a caseworker for
investigation. The Intake Manager will document the assignment or
nonassignment of the referral, will complete the appropriate section of the
Intake/Referral form, and will sign it.
Adm\mans 19.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.101 Intake Procedures for Child Protection
2.101.1 General Intake Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. Screening the Referral. The Intake Screener will gather information
from the reporting party. This information will include the specific
allegations, and identifying information about the family and about the
reporting party. The reporting party has the right to remain anonymous.
C.R.S. § 19-3-309 provides immunity from liability for certain reporting
parties if the reporting party makes the referral in good faith. After taking
the referral information, the Intake Screener will check the Department's
records and the State's Central Registry for any child protection history on
the family.
B. Assignment Decisions. The Intake Manager reviews the referral for a
determination on whether the referral meets criteria for an investigation
and, if so, what the response time will be. The Intake Manager determines
which caseworker will be assigned to the case and records this information
on the written and computer logs.
C. Investigation Procedures. Investigation procedures for cases are outlined
in steps 1 through 11; however, each case is unique and may require
different or additional procedures. Supervisors and caseworkers will staff
each case to decide appropriate procedures. All investigations will be
conducted in compliance with relevant Colorado statutes, regulations, and
other requirements.
1. Determine whether law enforcement needs to be notified. Law
enforcement and the Department will do joint investigations on
cases involving sexual abuse with perpetrators over the age of ten,
cases involving serious physical injuries, or the parent's behaviors
indicate the child's safety is at risk.
2. Contact the reporting party to clarify the report and gather
additional information.
3. Observe and interview the child(ren)who is/are the alleged
victim(s) within the assigned response time to assess safety issues.
Children must be seen outside the presence of the parents or
alleged perpetrators. This interview may take place at the school,
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
the day care, the family home or wherever the child is located. In
cases of sexual abuse or severe physical abuse, the interview will
be videotaped and/or recorded.
4. Observe and interview any othetchild living in the home. Assess
the safety of these children and determine what information they
may have regarding the alleged incident.
5. Interview the parents and alleged perpetrators. Interviews with
perpetrators should be coordinated with law enforcement when a
joint investigation is underway.
6. A visit to the home to assess the home environment wi Il be
conducted on all investigations unless this requirement is waived
by a supervisor.
7. The caseworker will determine whether further evaluations, such
as medical examinations, are necessary to the investigation.
8. The caseworker will gather all records with information pertinent
to the investigation including criminal records, medical records,
school records, psychological records, etc.
9. Upon completion of the investigation, the caseworker will
determine whether the allegations are substantiated. When
appropriate, a report will be filed with the State's Central Registry.
10. In a situation where the safety of a child is deemed to be at risk, the
caseworker will contact law enforcement to determine whether the
child should be taken into protective custody. This decision is
within the jurisdiction of the law enforcement officer, but is often
made in consultation with the caseworker. If the child is removed
from the parent's custody, the parent will be given copies of the
Rights and Remedies form and the Weld County Grievance
Procedure.
11. Cases will be documented in compliance with state standards.
2.101.2 Multiple Reports of Neglect or Abuse Concerning a Child, Family or
Perpetrator
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Child Protection Services Intake/Referral Form shall be used to
document the number of previous reports. Information shall be gathered
by the Intake Screener from such sources as the Department's computer
data base, case records, Central Registry, and CWSEST.
B. The caseworker, if one is currently assigned, and two child protection
managers shall review the case and all reports before a decision to
investigate or not investigate is decided by the two child protection
managers.
C. The review shall be documented in the file on the investigation summary
form. An Intake Manager is to ensure that the review and the
documentation have occurred and are appropriately documented.
2.101.3 Institutional Abuse Investigations
Revised 3/29/99 Institutional abuse or neglect is defined as abuse or neglect occurring in twenty-
four hour or day care settings. Investigations of institutional abuse allegations
will be conducted according to Volume VII.
2.101.31 Procedures for Investigating Institutional Abuse Allegations
Revised 3/29/99 A. Referrals regarding institutional abuse allegations will be screened to
determine whether they meet the criteria for investigation. All
institutional referrals that are assigned will be given a twenty-four hour
response time to investigate. The Weld County Health Department is
responsible for day care licensing and will be notified by the caseworker
as part of the twenty-four hour response time on any investigations
regarding licensed child care providers.
B. The caseworker will contact the reporting party for additional :.reformation.
C. The appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified if the allegation
involves any criminal violation.
D. The investigation will include an observation of, and an interview with the
alleged victim, any identified potential victims, witness, staff members
and the Director of the facility. The investigating worker will review
incident reports and any other relevant documentation. The investigating
worker will review any prior child protection investigations on the facility.
Adm/manss 10.jag
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
Parents of any alleged victim will be notified of the allegations and
interviewed regarding any information they may have about the incident.
Parents or guardians of any other children placed in the same facility will
be notified of the investigation and offered the opportunity to be
interviewed by the caseworker.
E. The form entitled, "Recommendation for Immediate Licensing Action"
shall be prepared and a copy send to the Weld County Health Department
no later than fifteen days after the date of the initial referral.
F. A report will be prepared documenting the investigation, and any
recommended corrective action to be taken by the facility. This report will
be distributed to the facility, the licensing authority for the facility, the
State Institutional Abuse Review Team, the Department staff responsible
for maintenance of that facility's rile, and the alleged victim.
G. When the caseworker issues a CWS-59 report on a day care home, the
Weld County Health Department will be supplied a copy within one
working day of completing the CWS-59 report. Additionally, the
investigation indicates there is an immediate threat to the children's health,
safety, or welfare.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.101.4 Investigation Regarding County Certified Foster Care Homes
Revised 3/29/99 When the Department receives a child abuse or neglect referral regarding a
County Certified Foster Care Home, the Department requires a high level of
communication among units of the Social Services Division.
2.101.41 Procedures for Investigating County Certified Foster Care Homes
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Intake Screener who receives a referral regarding a County Certified
Foster Care Home will provide a copy of the referral to the Child Welfare
Clerical Unit Supervisor, or designee.
B. The Clerical Unit Supervisor will identify, through the CWEST system,
and document the names of each child placed in that foster care home and
the name of the caseworker assigned to each child. The Clerical Unit
Supervisor will attach this information to the referral and provide the
information to the Intake Screener.
C. The Intake Screener will notify his or her Intake Manager. The Intake
Manager will assess the referral according to procedures described in
Section 2.101, and determine if:
1. The child(ren) should be immediately removed from the home.
2. Another County Department of Social Services will conduct the
investigation and notify such county.
D. The Intake Screener will convey the decision of the Intake Manager and
notify:
1. Foster Care Coordinators of the referral.
2. Each caseworker who has children in the foster care home.
E. Each caseworker will notify the Guardian at Litem assigned to the child
and other appropriate persons regarding the referral and any negative
licensing actions taken by the Foster Care Coordinators.
F. The Foster Care Coordinators will:
1. Identify the name and provider number of the Foster Care Home,
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
through the Child Welfare Clerical Unit.
2. Identify the names of each child in the foster care home and the
names of the assigned caseworkers, through the Child Welfare
Clerical Unit.
3. Initiates the investigation of the County Certified Foster Care
Home.
4. Notify the caseworkers, in writing, of the status of the County
Certified Foster Care Home, if negative licensing procedure is
initiated.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.102 Notice of Rights and Remedies for Families
Revised 3/29/99 The Department shall provide a Colorado Department of Human Services form
entitled Notice of Rights and Remedies for Families to the parent(s) of a. child
who has been or is being removed from the home according to Title 19, C.R.S.,
the Colorado Children's Code.
2.102.1 Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will provide a copy of the form referenced in Section
2.102 to the parent(s) and family from whom the child is removed at the
time of the removal. Copies shall also be supplied to all law enforcement
agencies in the county.
B. The caseworker will assure that the section entitled County Specific and
Important Telephone Numbers is complete and document as follows:
1. The caseworker's name and telephone number including the
extension.
2. The law enforcement officer's name and telephone number
including extension, if available.
3. Director's name.
4. County Grievance Coordinator name, who is Judy Crosby,
including telephone number and extension.
5. Other local resources statement that the Citizen Review Panel
Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process is available through
Judy Crosby.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.200 Youth In Conflict
2.201 Youth In Conflict Intake Policy
Revised 3/29/99 The purpose of this program is to prevent, reduce or eliminate conflicts between
the youth and family members or youth in the community when those conflicts
affect the youth's well-being, the normal functioning of the family or the well-
being of the community. (Reference: 12 CCR 2509-3; State Department, Volume
VII, Section 7.201).
When intervention is necessary due to court requested services, out of control
youth, or youth in imminent danger, the Department provides intervention,
reestablishes family stability, or assists the youth to emancipate.
Crisis Intervention is available seven days a week, twenty-four hours per day.
During normal business hours, referrals are made to the Department. On
weekends, after hours, and holidays, referrals are made to local law enforcement.
Law enforcement will contact the Department's on-call caseworker as needed.
Under Volume VII, Section 7.201.2, the State Department established target
groups as follows:
A. Children and youth who are beyond the control of their parents or
guardians.
B. Children and youth whose behavior is such that there is a likelihood they
may cause harm to themselves or to others or who have committed acts
that could cause them to be adjudicated a delinquent child by the court.
2.201.1 Youth In Conflict Service Priorities
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Department has limited fiscal and staff resources. In considering
referrals, service priorities are sometimes required to ensure that the case
is appropriate for Department service, and that the most serious cases are
dealt with first. Consequently, some cases will not be accepted for
services. Every effort will be made to refer such cases to other community
agencies that may be of help.
B. Within the scope of the State Department's target groups, the Department
has established five target groups for Youth In Conflict. The criteria used
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
to establish these five target groups are as follows:
1. Youth aged twelve through eighteen, who lack parents, guardians,
or relatives with which to live; or youth who have no parents,
guardians, or relatives who are wfi1ing to provide care.
2. Youth who are in danger to themselves and/or others as
demonstrated by the commission of an act that would be
considered a felony if committed by an adult.
3. Youth who are in severe conflict with parents or institutions and
who are at great risk of out of home placement.
4. Youth who the Juvenile Court refers to the Department for
appropriate services.
5. Youth who need protection from abusive and/or neglectful parents
or guardians.
C. Within these five target groups, the Department may provide services to
youth who:
1. Have been taken into protective custody by law enforcement and
cannot be immediately returned to parents or guardians. This
definition may include runaways.
2. Are referred by other agencies or professionals due to severe
psychological problems and/or self-destructive behavior. The
Department may require a psychiatric or psychological evaluation.
D. The Department considers the age of eighteen as the age of emancipation.
Services are generally discontinued at this age.
2.201.2 Youth In Conflict Voluntary Services
Revised 3/29/99 The Department may accept for services a limited number of cases where youth
are involved in conflicts with parents or guardians. These cases are considered
voluntary. These voluntary cases require positive motivation and a high degree of
cooperation from the youth and parents. The voluntary services are defined as
case management, referral to community resources, assessment for Core Services,
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
or placement.
2.201.21 Youth In Conflict Intake Policy for Voluntary Services
Revised 3/29/99 A. Community resources that are appropriate'must be attempted before
ongoing services and/or placement can be considered. Such community
resources include, but are not limited to:
1. Mental health counseling
2. School counseling and/or intervention
3. Community parent support groups
4. Parenting classes
5. Substance abuse outpatient services
6. Relative involvement and placement if available
7. Mediation
8. Substance abuse evaluation and treatment services
B. If the above agencies or resources cannot assist, the Department will
require that certain conditions will be met before providing services as
follows:
1. Youth is motivated to change and is willing to engage in
counseling.
2. Parent(s) demonstrate motivation and follow through in
cooperating with the Department's caseworker.
3. Parent(s) and the youth must come to the Department together for
an initial assessment. Appointments are strongly recommended.
4. If placement is necessary, parent(s) must provide ongoing financial
support for the youth as requested by the Department. (Reference:
12 CCR 2509-5; State Department, Volume VII, Section 7.404).
C. In cases where the Department's intervention is not successful or effective,
or the cooperation of the youth and/or parents is not evident, the case will
be closed and referrals made to other agencies, as appropriate.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.202 Chronic Runaways
2.202.1 Chronic Runaways in Department Custody
Revised 3/29/99 A. When a child continues to run from placements, the caseworker is to
notify his or her immediate supervisor. The caseworker and immediate
supervisors will determine if the child is to be identified as a chronic
runaway.
B. When a child has been ordered to remain in placement and elects to run
away, the process is as follows:
1. The placement facility files a runaway report with the police. The
placement facility notifies by phone the parents, GAL, Probation,
caseworker, etc.
2. The caseworker notifies the parents of the runaway that do not
have a telephone. The caseworker identifies if the placement
facility has contacted everyone, as appropriate.
3. If the youth is on a bond, but not on probation, the caseworker will
notify the District Attorney's office.
4. If the youth is on probation, the caseworker will request that the
Probation Officer file a Bench Warrant.
C. After the child has been arrested and detained, the caseworker will attend
the scheduled Detention Hearing. The Court will determine a course of
action at this hearing. Options available to the Court are:
1. Continued detention or staff-secure detention
2. Return to placement
3. Return child to biological parent(s) or legal guardian with in-home
detention supervised by parent(s) or legal guardian
4. Placement with relatives with in-home detention supervised by
relatives.
5. Electronic Home Monitor
2.202.2 Law Enforcement Requests Concerning Runaways
Revised 3/29/99 The Depai lment will respond to requests for assistance from law enforcement
agencies regarding runaways. The caseworker will respond to such requests for a
child in our custody or at risk of being taken into protective custody.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.202.21 Transportation of Runaways
Revised 3/29/99 Transportation of runaways is negotiable with law enforcement. Efforts should he
made to have law enforcement officers transport runaways whenever possible.
2.202.22 Runaways from Child Placement Agencies, Residential Child Care Facilities,
and Residential Treatment Centers.
Revised 3/29/99 Child Placement Agencies, Residential Child Care Facilities, and Residential
Treatment Centers are required to report the runaway to law enforcement and
notify the Department that has custody of the youth. The caseworker should
notify the Residential Child Care Facility when a child needs to be picked up to
ascertain if the facility wishes to transport the child back to the facility. If a delay
in handling the youth by another Department is occurring and as a courtesy to
another county, the Department will take custody of another county's youth who
requires services.
2.202.23 Procedures for Runaways
Revised 3/29/99 A. Youth in Custody of Parent. Law enforcement will notify and return the
youth to the parents. If the parents refuse to pick up the youth from law
enforcement, the law enforcement officer will notify the Department to
intervene. The Department's caseworker will make every effort to reunite
the family. If unsuccessful, the caseworker will place the youth in
temporary care or shelter care until reunification efforts can be successful.
B. Youth in Custody of the Department. Law enforcement will notify and
return the youth to the Department. The caseworker will respond to the
law enforcement officer and place the youth. If a bench warrant has been
issued, the youth is detained by law enforcement in a locked facility until a
detention hearing can be held.
C. Youth in Custody of Other Departments. Law enforcement will notify
the responding party and the other Department for the purpose of returning
the child. If a delay is anticipated in returning the child to the other
Department, law enforcement will notify the Department. The
Department's caseworker will place the youth in temporary care or shelter
until arrangements can be made to return the youth to the other
Department. If a bench warrant has been issued, the youth is detained by
law enforcement.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
D. Out of State Runaways. Runaways from other states can be detained up
to seven days until the Department can arrange to return the youth. If the
youth has no delinquency petition or bench warrants from the other state,
the Department, with the Court's consent, will place the youth in shelter
care until the Department can arrange to return the youth.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.300 Resource Services
2.301 Foster Care
2.301.1 Foster Care Policy
Revised 3/29/99 The Department shall:
A. Promote the provision of safe and adequate foster care of children in an
environment designed to meet the physical, emotional, cognitive and
social needs of the children at those times in the life of such children when
the child's family of origin is unable or unwilling to provide adequate
care.
B. Require County Certified foster care providers to meet standards and
conditions for the well-being and protection of the children in their care.
C. Enforce these standards and conditions through an ongoing appraisal of
the facility where the care is provided, the staff members providing the
care, and the nature and quality of the care provided.
2.301.2 Definitions
Revised 3/29/99 A. Certification means the process by which the Department approves the
operation of a foster care home according to article 6 of title 26, C.R.S.
B. County Certified Foster Care Home means a facility that is certified by
the Department for child care in a place of residence of family or person
for the purpose of providing twenty-four-hour family care for a child
under the age of eighteen years who is not related to the head of such
home, except in the case of relative care.
C. Group Care Facilities and Home means facilities other than County
Certified Foster Care providing care for small groups of children that are
licensed as provided in article 6 of title 26, C.R.S., or meet the
requirements of section 27-10.5-109, C.R.S.
D. Foster Care means the placement of a child into the legal custody or legal
authority of the Department for physical placement of the child in a
certified or licensed facility.
E. Placement Review Team means the Department's Social Services
Division Managers who review requests for ongoing foster care
placements, and requests of placement of children in more costly and
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
restrictive placements.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.302 Foster Care Directory
Revised 2/17/99 The Department shall maintain a directory of current, accurate information
regarding available placements. This directory shall include foster homes,
receiving homes, and group homes. The information in the directory shall
identify available vacancies, capacity, ages and gender of children accepted by the
facility, level of care, and any special services the facility provides. The directory
shall be revised and distributed by the Resources Services Unit to all Social
Services Division caseworkers and managers every other month.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.303 County Certified Foster Care Certificates
Revised 3/29/99 A. Permanent certificates will be issued to the County Certified Foster Care
Home that meet the standards provided in-Section 2.305 and Volume VII
rules. The County Certified Foster Care facility's agreement is revised
only if there are significant changes or the foster parents move to a new
facility.
B. Foster Care Coordinators shall visit each County Certified Foster Care
Home annually and complete the continuation notice according to Volume
VII rules.
C. During the annual visit, the Foster Care Coordinators will complete the
necessary health information, inspect the facility, and complete any other
required forms necessary to continue the permanent certificate.
2.303.1 Corrective Actions Regarding County Certified Foster Care Certificates
A. Foster Care Coordinators will identify actions of the County Certified
Foster Care Home that:
1. Violates rules, policy, or procedures significant enough to be
corrected.
2. Results in a critical incident.
B. Foster Care Coordinator will identify conduct that is flagrant or serious as
described in Section 2.305 that warrants immediate action to the Resource
Services Coordinator. The Foster Care Coordinators will follow the steps
outlined in Section 2.305 of the Department Manual.
C. If the actions of the County Certified Foster Care Home requires a
corrective action, the Foster Care Coordinator will issue a corrective
action plan. The corrective action plan is a systematic series or plan of
affirmative events that are intended to correct the County Certified Foster
Care Home's performance or behavior.
D. The Foster Care Coordinator will develop the corrective action plan, in
writing, and consist of:
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
1. Identification of the problem
2. What the County Certified Foster Care Home must do to correct
the problem and by when
3. What the consequences are if not corrected
E. The Foster Care Coordinator will monitor the corrective action plan.
F. If the County Certified Foster Care Home corrects the problem and meets
the expectation of the corrective action plan, the Foster Care Coordinators
will issue, in writing, a letter of completion of the corrective action plan.
G. If the County Certified Foster Care Home's problem(s) is not corrected
and the expectations of the corrective action plan are not met, the Foster
Care Coordinators will meet to discuss options with the Resource Services
Manager.
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Sample Corrective Action Plan
(Date)
•
(Name)
(Address
Dear (Name):
In accordance with Volume VII, Colorado Department of Human Services Staff Manual,
and Section 2.000, Weld County Department of Social Services Operations Manual, this
corrective action is being issued to warn you that (State the conduct issue(s)) is or are a
problem which must be corrected immediately.
What is the problem?
(This section must contain specific details of the problem(s) including rule or regulation
reference, dates and times, and other appropriate information.)
What must the County Certified Foster Care Home do and when?
(This section must outline what specific actions the County Certified Foster Care Home
must do to correct the problem(s). Date of completion must be attached to each action.)
What consequences, if not done?
Failure to correct (state the conduct issue(s)) or adhere to the corrective action plan may
lead to negative licensing actions including revocation.
Required Information
A copy of this letter will be made a part of your official licensing file. You may, if you
wish, submit a written explanation to me, which will be attached to and kept with each
copy of this corrective action.
Sincerely, Approved by:
Foster Care Coordinator Resource Services Manager
cc: Foster Care Home File
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.304 Training of County Certified Foster Care Homes and Group Homes
Revised 3/29/99 A. All County Certified Foster Care Homes and Group Homes shall receive
twelve hours of pre-certification training. The Department will riot issue a
permanent certificate to a foster care home or group home until this
training is completed.
B. Foster Care Coordinators shall record the date of and document the
completion of training by a foster care home or group home before a
permanent certificate is issued. The documentation shall be made to the
facility record of the foster care home or group home.
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Social Services Policies and Procedures
2.305 Negative Licensing Actions
2.305.1 Denial of Applicants for County Certified Foster Care Home, Receiving
Home, Group Homes or Center Staff Employment
Revised 3/29/99 A. An applicant who is seeking certification for purposes of a County
Certified Foster Care Home, Receiving Home, Group Home or Center
Staff Employment shall be denied certification as follows:
1. An applicant who is listed on the Colorado Central Registry.
2. An applicant who has been convicted of any crimes, as listed from
a - ee.
a. Incest; C.R.S § 18-6-301
b. Aggravated Incest; C.R.S. § 18-6-302
c. Child Abuse; C.R.S. § 18-6-401
d. Trafficking in children; C.R.S § 18-6-402
e. Sexual Exploitation of children; C.R.S § 18-6-403
f Procurement of a child for sexual exploitation; C.R.S § 18-
6-404
g. Sexual Assault in the first degree; C.R.S § 18-3-402
h. Sexual Assault in the second degree; C.R.S § 18-3-403
I. Sexual Assault in the third degree; C.R.S § 18-3-403
j. Sexual Assault on a child; C.R.S § 18-6-405
k. Sexual Assault on a child by a psychotherapist; C.R.S § 18-
6-405.5
1. First Degree kidnaping; C.R.S § 18-3-301
m. Second Degree kidnaping; C.R.S § 18-3-302
n. False Imprisonment; C.R.S § 18-3-303
o. Enticement of a child; C.R.S § 18-3-305
p. Murder in the First Degree; C.R.S § 18-3-102
q. Murder in the Second Degree; C.R.S § 18-3-103
r. Manslaughter; C.R..S § 18-3-104
s. Criminally negligent homicide; C.R.S § 18-3-105
t. Soliciting for child prostitution; C.R.S § 18-7-402
u. Pandering of a child; C.R.S § 18-7-403
v. Procurement of a child; C.R.S § 18-7-403.5
w. Keeping a place of child prostitution; C.R.S § 18-7-404
x. Pimping of a child; C.R.S § 18-7-405
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Social Services Policies and Procedures
y. Inducement of child prostitution; C.R.S § 18-7-405.5
z. Patronizing a prostituted child; C.R.S § 18-7-406
aa. The sale or loan of sexually explicit materials harmful to
children; C.R.S § 18-7
bb. Assault in the first degree; C.R.S.§ 18-3-202.
cc. Assault in the second degree; C.R.S.§ 18-3-203.
dd. Aggravated robbery; C.R.S. § 18-4-302.
ee. Aggravated robbery of controlled substances; C.R.S. § 18-
4-303.
Revised 3/29/99 B. An applicant who is seeking certification for purposes of a County
Certified Foster Care Home, Receiving Home, Group Home or Center
Staff Employment may be denied certification based on the evaluation of
the Foster Care caseworker as described in Section 2.305.11, as follows:
1. An applicant who has been convicted of any crimes not listed in
Section 2.305.1 A.2.
2. An applicant who has a record of charges regarding personal
crimes but not necessarily a conviction.
3. Other things which reflect negatively on the character or fitness of
the applicant to provide care for foster children.
2.305.11 Evaluation of Applicants Under Section 2.305.1, B.
Revised 3/29/99 The Foster Care caseworker will evaluate the applicant through steps A - B.
A. The applicant is required to provide information as follows:
1. A typed statement describing the incident.
2. A copy of the police report.
3. A certified statement from the District Attorney's Office regarding
disposition of the case.
4. If treatment was required, a written statement from the applicant's
treatment provider regarding the disposition of the treatment. The
treatment provider must indicate that the applicant successfully
completed the treatment and the applicant no longer poses a risk.
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Social Services Policies and Procedures
B. The Foster Care caseworker will consider and evaluate conditions 1 - 7.
1. How long the applicant has gone without an incident.
2. The age of the applicant when the incident occurred.
3. hi a domestic violence situation,whether the victim's recanting or
minimizing was the reason the charges were dropped.
4. The presence or involvement of children.
5. Whether the applicant accepts responsibility for the activity and
identifies how the situation could have been handled appropriately.
6. Through interviews with the applicant or actions made by the
applicant, identify traits that may indicate an inadequate caregiver
of children that depict impulsiveness, low self esteem, sadness,
agitation, inappropriate child expectations, apathy, controlling, self
righteousness, suspicion, rigidity, low empathy, frustration,
blaming, defensiveness, preoccupation with self or children,
aggressiveness, unpredictability, intolerance, immaturity,
resistance, irresponsibility, and insecurity.
7. Through interviews with the applicant or actions made by the
applicant, identify traits that may indicate a good caregiver for
children that depict adaptability, confidence, congeniality,
compassion, contentment, considerate, dependable, even-tempered,
fairminded, good-humored, insightful, maturity, nonjudgmental,
responsible, reliable, realistic, and sensitive of others.
2.305.12 Recommendation of the Caseworker and Presentation to the Resource
Services Manager
Revised 3/29/99 The Foster Care caseworker will present, to the Resource Services Manager, his
or her findings and the caseworker's written recommendation to certify or not to
certify the applicant. The documentation to be provided to the Resource Services
Manager will include:
A. The applicant's information gathered under Section 2.305.11, Item A.
B. The caseworker's consideration and evaluation of Section 2.305.11, Item
B.
C. The caseworker's recommendation(s).
2.305.2 Revocation of the Certificate for County Certified Foster Care Home,
Receiving Home, Group Homes or Center Staff Employment
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Social Services Policies and Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. A provider of a County Certified Foster Care Home, Receiving Home,
Group Home or Center Staff Employment shall have a child or children
removed from the home and a certificate immediately revoked as follows:
1. A provider who is listed on the Colorado Central Registry.
2. A provider who has been convicted of any crimes, as listed below
(a- ee)
a. Incest; C.R.S § 18-6-301
b. Aggravated Incest; C.R.S. § 18-6-302
c. Child Abuse; C.R.S. § 18-6-401
d. Trafficking in children; C.R.S § 18-6-402
e. Sexual Exploitation of children; C.R.S § 18-6-403
f. Procurement of a child for sexual exploitation; C.R.S § 18-
6-404
g. Sexual Assault in the first degree; C.R.S § 18-3-402
h. Sexual Assault in the second degree; C.R.S § 18-3-403
I. Sexual Assault in the third degree; C.R.S § 18-3-403
j. Sexual Assault on a child; C.R.S § 18-6-405
k. Sexual Assault on a child by a psychotherapist; C.R.S § 18-
6-405.5
1. First Degree kidnaping; C.R.S § 18-3-301
m. Second Degree kidnaping; C.R.S § 18-3-302
n. False Imprisonment; C.R.S § 18-3-303
o. Enticement of a child; C.R.S § 18-3-305
p. Murder in the First Degree; C.R.S § 18-3-102
q. Murder in the Second Degree; C.R.S § 18-3-103
r. Manslaughter; C.R.S § 18-3-104
s. Criminally negligent homicide; C.R.S § 18-3-105
t. Soliciting for child prostitution; C.R.S § 18-7-402
u. Pandering of a child; C.R.S § 18-7-403
v. Procurement of a child; C.R.S § 18-7-403.5
w. Keeping a place of child prostitution; C.R.S § 18-7-404
x. Pimping of a child; C.R.S § 18-7-405
y. Inducement of child prostitution; C.R.S § 18-7-405.5
z. Patronizing a prostituted child; C.R.S § 18-7-406
aa. The sale or loan of sexually explicit materials harmful to
children; C.R.S § L8-7
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Social Services Policies and Procedures
bb. Assault in the first degree; C.R.S.§ 18-3-202.
cc. Assault in the second degree; C.R.S.§ 18-3-203.
dd. Aggravated robbery; C.R.S. § 18-4-302.
ee. Aggravated robbery of controlled substances; C.R.S. § 18-
4-303.
B. A provider of a County Certified Foster Care Home, Receiving Home,
Group Home or Center Staff Employment may have the certification
revoked based on the evaluation of the Foster Care caseworker as
described in Section 2.305.21, as follows:
1. A provider who is convicted of any crimes not listed in Section
2.305.2 A.2.
2. A provider who has a record of charges regarding personal crimes
but not necessarily a conviction.
2.305.21 Evaluation of Foster Care Providers Under Section 2.305.2, B.
Revised 3/29/99 The Foster Care caseworker will evaluate the applicant through steps A - C.
A. The provider is required to provide information as follows:
1. A typed statement describing the incident.
2. A copy of the police report.
3. A certified statement from the District Attorney's Office regarding
disposition of the case.
4. If treatment was required, a written statement from the provider's
treatment provider regarding the disposition of the treatment. The
treatment provider must indicate that the provider successfully
completed the treatment and the applicant no longer poses a risk.
B. The Foster Care caseworker will consider and evaluate conditions 1 - 7.
1. How long the provider has gone without an incident.
2. The age of the provider when the incident occurred.
3. In a domestic violence situation, whether the victim's recanting or
minimizing was the reason the charges were dropped.
4. The presence or involvement of children.
5. Whether the provider accepts responsibility for the activity and
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Social Services Policies and Procedures
identifies how the situation could have been handled appropriately.
6. Through interviews with the provider or actions made by the
provider, identify traits that may indicate an inadequate caregiver
of children that depict impulsiveness, low self esteem, sadness,
agitation, inappropriate child expectations, apathy, controlling, self
righteousness, suspicion, rigidity, low empathy, frustration,
blaming, defensiveness, preoccupation with self or children,
aggressiveness, unpredictability, intolerance, immaturity,
resistance, irresponsibility, and insecurity.
7. Through interviews with the provider or actions made by the
provider, identify traits that may indicate a good caregiver for
children that depict adaptability, confidence, congeniality,
compassion, contentment, considerate, dependable, even-tempered,
fairminded, good-humored, insightful, maturity, nonjudgmental,
responsible, reliable,realistic, and sensitive of others.
2.305.22 Recommendation of the Caseworker and Presentation to the Resource
Services Manager
Revised 3/29/99 The Foster Care caseworker will present his or her findings to the Resource
Services Manager and the caseworker's written recommendation to revoke or not
to revoke the certification of a provider. The documentation to be provided to the
Resource Services Manager will include:
A. The provider's information gathered under Section 2.305.21, Item A.
B. The caseworker's consideration and evaluation of Section 2.305.21, Item
B.
C. The caseworker's recommendation(s).
2.3053 Recommendation of the Resource Services Manager
Revised 3/29/99 The Resource Services Manager will review the caseworker findings and
recommendations and propose course of action that may be implemented by the
Director. These proposed actions may include recommendations for:
A. Applicants: denial of an applicant or training recommendations.
B. Providers: revocation of a certification, and training recommendations.
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2.305.4 Transmittal to the Director
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker's findings and recommendation(s) and the Resource
Services Manager's recommendation(s) will be transmitted within three
(3) working days from the date of the review by the Resource Services
Manager.
B. The Director will review the findings and recommendation(s) and
determine if an action of denial or revocation is warranted because of
issues of:
1. Failure to comply with standards.
2. Willful misconduct that includes Volume VII, State statute, county
written policy or procedure.
3. A charge or conviction of a felony, misdemeanor, or any other
offense involving moral turpitude.
4. Discovery, after the provider was certified, that he or she was
subject to Volume VII, Section 7.714, Colorado Department of
Human Services.
5. When the nature, extent, seriousness and effect of the act; error or
omission committed warrants denial or revoke and not a corrective
action.
6. When a one-time action subjects children and youth to an unsafe
and injurious environment.
B. The Director will act upon the recommendation of denial or revocation by
preparing a written notice, by certified mail or hand delivered, regarding a
pre-denial or pre-revocation conference. The written notice will include:
1. The date, time, and place of the conference. The applicant or
provider will have at least two working days notice.
2. A statement of the factual allegations that prompted the conference
that includes sufficient detail of the circumstances.
3. Advisement that a written statement may be presented instead of
an appearance at the conferences or as a supplement.
4. Advisement that only the applicant or provider may attend.
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Social Services Policies and Procedures
2.305.5 Pre-Denial or Pre-Revocation Conference
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Director, or designee, will conduct the conference. Delegation will be
in writing.
B. The Director, or designee, will gather all facts and clarify issues and allow
the applicant or provider to present any mitigating circumstances.
C. The conference may be tape recorded. The applicant or provider will be
informed.
D. The applicant or provider will be advised that he or she may submit a
written response within two working days to supplement the information.
2.305.6 Director Decision
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Director, or designee, will review all the facts presented and, if
applicable, do further investigation of facts.
B. If the Director, or designee, concludes that action is appropriate, the
Director may:
1. Deny the certification of the applicant.
2. Revoke the certification of the provider.
3. Establish a corrective action.
C. The Director, or designee, will provide a written notice of the decision by
certified mail or hand delivered to the applicant or provider within five
working days. Failure to provide a written notice within five days does
not render such decision null and void or affect the validity or effect of
such decision.
D. In the case of a revocation of a provider who may have children placed in
the home by the Department, the Foster Care caseworker will notify the
caseworker assigned to the child. The child's caseworker will be
responsible for:
1. Notifying the Guardian at Litem, parents, attorneys, and treatment
providers of the revocation and the need to move the child.
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2. Removing the child from the home.
•
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Sample Notice of Pre-Denial or Pre-Revocation Conference
(Date)
Hand Delivered or Certified Mail
(Name)
(Address)
RE: (State Pre-Denial or Pre-Revocation Conference)
Dear (Name):
This letter is to inform you that a (pre-denial or pre-revocation) conference is scheduled
for(date) at (time) in my office with (name), Resource Services Manager, and Ito
discuss the facts which may lead to (denial or revocation) action. You have a right; to be
heard and present information that may correct any errors of fact in the Department's
information or provide any mitigating information as to why this (denial or revocation)
should not be considered.
Reiterate the Problem(s) and Events
(This section must contain the specific details of the problem and events leading to the
pre-denial or pre-revocation hearing including references to written correspondence and
correction action plan(s)).
State other conference specifics.
You may submit a written response to the allegations by the date and time of the
scheduled conference. This written statement may be presented in lieu of an appearance
or as a supplement to your appearance. However, if you do not attend the conference or
submit a written response, I will assume that you do not wish to provide evidence to
contradict the allegations or mitigating circumstance for your conduct as outlined in this
letter. After the scheduled conference, I will make a decision regarding whether action
will be taken which may include (denial or revocation).
Sincerely,
Name
Title
cc: Foster Care Home File
Attachments: (Include correspondence or corrective action plan)
Sample Decision
(Date)
Hand Delivered or Certified Mail
(Name)
(Address)
RE: (Pre-Certification or Certification) Decision - (Name)
Dear (Name):
The purpose of this letter is to notify you of my decision regarding your (application or
certification) as a foster care home provider.
State Outcomes of the Pre-Denial or Pre-Revocation Conference
(This section must contain the date and time of the conference and the results of the
conference.)
Decision
(This section should present the decision. Based on the facts, a decision will be presented
with accompanying reasons including rule and regulation citations for the decision. The
decision may be:
1. To deny the applicant to be a Certified Foster Care Home
2. To accept the applicant to be a Certified Foster Care Home with no conditions.
3. To accept the applicant to be a Certified Foster Care Home under a probationary
status with conditions including actions and time frames.
4. To revoke the certification of a foster care home provider.
5. To not revoke the certification of a foster care home provider with no conditions.
6. To not revoke the certification of a foster care home provider under a
probationary status with conditions including actions and time frames.)
Probationary and Conditional Decision
If you meet the conditions as set forth above, the probationary status will be removed and
you will achieve full certification. Please be advised, however, that the Department does
not guarantee placement of children in any foster care home, and you home will be no
exception. If you do not comply with the conditions set forth above, the Department will
consider the revocation of your probationary status certificate as of(date).
Denial or Revocation Decision
You may appeal this decision in writing to the Colorado Department of Human Services.
That letter should be addressed to:
Teri Santi, Chair
Appeals Committee
Office of Child Care
1575 Sherman, First Floor
Denver, CO 80203
Sincerely,
Name
Title
cc: (Name), Resource Services Manager
Foster Care Home File
Attachments: (Include Correspondence, Corrective Action Plan, and Written Testimony
from Applicant or Foster Care Home provider)
Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.306 Dual Licenses or Certificates
Revised 3/29/99 The Department does not use dual certified homes for both day care and family
care simultaneously. It is the Department's assessment that a dual certified home
cannot sufficiently meet the needs of and protect all children in the home if
certified for both services.
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2.307 County Certified Foster Care Home Consultation Program
Revised 3/29/99 The County Certified Foster Care Home Consultation Program provides for
professional consultation for County Certified Foster Care Homes only.
A. Consultation is defined as follows:
1. Pre-placement preparation and ongoing placement assistance.
2. Behavioral management assistance of foster children.
3. Transition and loss assistance when foster children leave their
home's placement.
4. Pre-placement preparation and ongoing placement assistance for
foster parents in dealing with their biological children.
5. Managing communication between foster parents and caseworkers
regarding implementing treatment plans.
6. Solution-focused planning with foster parents.
7. Home-based services provided at the residence of the foster
parents.
8. Training for County Certified Foster Care Homes in meeting their
training requirements.
9. Emergency, twenty-four hour assistance by telephone or through
direct service, if provided by the vendor.
B. Consultation is not defined as follows:
1. Marital counseling between foster parents.
2. Therapy for the foster child, biological children, or foster parents.
2.307.1 Procedures to Access the County Certified Foster Care Home Consultation
Program
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Revised 3/29/99 A. The County Certified Foster Care Homes may choose among the
Department's vendors to obtain Foster Care Home Consultation.
B. The Resource Services Unit caseworkers will provide a list of County
Certified Foster Care Homes to vendors for purposes of marketing their
services to foster parents.
C. Effective June 1, 2000, vendors are required to provide identifying
information of the County Certified Foster Care Home in which services
are provided on a monthly basis, as follows:
1. Name of the home.
2. Type of services provided.
3. Hours of service provided.
D. Vendors are allowed to provide only up to five hours of consultation per
month per home, and within funds available per contract.
E. Vendors are required to identify foster care homes that have earned
training credit.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.308 Critical Care Foster Care Program
Revised 3/29/99 Critical Care Foster Care Program is provided for children who have special needs
and cannot have their needs met through services,described in Sections 2.320.1 -
2.325.12. These children require more intensive and professional services to
prepare children for reunification with the family, adoption, and other permanency
goals.
2.308.1 Children Who are Eligible for Critical Care Foster Care
Revised 3/29/99 A child who meets the definition of special needs as described in Volume: VII,
must be assessed and approved to enter the Critical Care Foster Care Program by
the Placement Review Committee. The child must have more than one special
needs factor that is special, unusual, or significant as follows:
A. Physical disability such as hearing, vision, or physical impairment,
neurological conditions, disfiguring defects, and heart defects.
B Developmentally disabled such as developmental delay or disability,
perceptual or speech/language disability or metabolic disorder, except
those children defined in Section 2.322.
C. Emotional disturbance documented by a psychologist.
D. Hereditary factors documented by a physician or psychologist.
E. High risk infants such as HIV-positive, Drug or Alcohol Exposed.
F. Conditions that pose a serious barrier to the child's adoption, reunification
with parents, and other permanency goals including keeping a sibling
group intact and behavioral conditions. Behavioral conditions are those
that will not allow child or youth to be placed in a less restrictive setting.
2.308.2 County Certified Foster Care Homes that Qualify and are Selected for
Critical Care Foster Care Program
Revised 3/29/99 County Certified Foster Care homes that qualify for Critical Care Foster Care
Rates are defined as follows:
A. The County Certified Foster Care home must have the initial education or
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experience as follows:
1. Both parents must have more than five consecutive years of foster
care experience, no negative licensing actions for the last ten-year
period, met yearly minimum training requirements for foster care
parents for the five year period, or
2. At least one parent must have a bachelor's degree in one of the
human behavioral science fields with one year full-time
professional position in a public or private social services agency
in an assignment appropriate to foster care and meet the criteria for
a County Certified Foster Care home; or
3. At least one parent must have a master's degree in one of the
human behavioral science fields that may substitute for one year of
the required assignment in a professional human behavioral field
and meet the criteria for a County Certified Foster Care home.
B. A County Certified Foster Care Home cannot participate in the Critical
Foster Care Program if they are providing kinship care.
C. The County Certified Foster Care Parent(s) shall commit to certain
conditions to continue to qualify for Critical Care Foster Care Program as
follows:
1. Must participate in the County Certified Foster Care Home
Consultation Program as described in Section 2.307.
2. Maintains the home's good standing as a County Certified Foster
Care Home by adhering to all requirements for permanent
certification, having no negative licensing actions, and meeting
yearly minimum training requirements of twenty hours as required
by the Resource Services Unit.
3. Participates in other special training as required by the Resources
Services Unit.
4. Submits a request, qualifies, and is approved by the Resource
Services Unit, as either a two-bed critical care home or a four-bed
critical care home.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
D. The Critical Care Foster Care Program is part of the Foster Care Program
only and will not be considered a source for permanency.
E. Reimbursement provided under the Critical Care Foster Care Program is
not guaranteed by the Department for the duration of a child's placement.
The Department provides the reimbursement only during the child's
eligibility, as determined by the Placement Review Committee. If the
reimbursement changes and the definition of critical care foster care is not
met, the bed converts to a non-critical care bed.
2.308.21 Two-Bed Critical Care Foster Care Home
Revised 3/29/99 A two-bed Critical Care Foster Care Home is defined as follows:
A. Meets all licensing requirements. The County Certified Foster Care Home
may be licensed to have up to four children placed in the home; however,
only two of the placements are authorized for children in the Critical Care
Program.
B. Submits an annual respite care plan that must be approved by the Resource
Services Unit.
C. Attends and participates as an active team member at staffings, foster care
reviews, and meetings as required under each child's placement and
treatment plans.
D. Works, under the direction of the Department, with biological parents
before, during, and after placement as required under each child's
placement and treatment plans.
E. Involves the child in extracurricular activities appropriate to the age of the
child and in consideration of safety factors.
F. Provides monthly reports of each child's behavior and progress to the
assigned caseworker.
G. Considers one parent to be a stay-at-home parent. This consideration is a
preference of the Department.
2.308.22 Four-Bed Critical Care Foster Care Home
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A four-bed Critical Care Foster Care Home is defined as follows:
A. Meets all requirements as provided under Section 2.308.21, except that
placements in the home are limited to four and all such placements must
be for children in the Critical Care Program.
B. One parent must be a stay-at-home parent.
C. Submits an annual support services plan that must be approved by the
Resource Services Unit.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.309 County Certified Foster Parents Transferring to Child Placement Agencies
and Child Placement Agency Foster Parents Transferring to County
Certified Foster Care Program
Revised 3/29/99 A. County Certified Foster Parents who wish to join a Child Placement
Agency have no guarantee that current children placed in their home will
qualify for Child Placement Agency rates. These rates, based upon the
needs of the child, will be determined by the Placement Review
Committee prior to the County Certified Foster Care Home leaving to join
a Child Placement Agency.
B. Child Placement Agency Foster Care Parents who wish to join the County
Certified Foster Care Program have no guarantee that current children
placed in their home will continue to receive the same rate. The rate,
based upon the needs of the child, will be determined by the Placement
Review Committee prior to the Child Placement Agency Foster Parents
leaving to join the County Certified Foster Care Progam.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.315 Adoption
2.315.1 Definitions
Revised 3/29/99 A. Adoptee means a person who, as a minor, was adopted pursuant to a final
decree of adoption entered by a court. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
B. Adoptive Parent means an adult who has become parent of a minor
through the legal process of adoption. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R..S.
C. Adult Adoptee means an individual who is twenty-one years of age or
older and who, as a minor, was adopted pursuant to a final decree of
adoption entered by a court. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
D. Nonidentifying Information means information that does not disclose the
name, address, place of employment, or any other material information
that would lead to the identification of the birth parents and that includes,
but is not limited to, the following:
1. The physical description of the birth parents.
2. The educational background of the birth parents.
3. The occupation of the birth parents.
4. Genetic information about the birth family.
5. Medical information about the adult adoptee's birth.
6. Social information about the birth parents'
7. The placement history of the adoptee.
Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
E. Nonpublic Agency Interstate and Foreign Adoption means an interstate
or foreign adoption that is handled by a private, licensed child placement
agency. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
F. Relinquishment Counseling means the Department's counseling of birth
and adoptive parents who wish to relinquish custody of the child and
terminate the parent-child legal relationship. Reference: § 19-5-103,
C.R.S.
G. Termination of the Parent-Child Legal Relationship means the
permanent elimination by court order of all parental rights and duties,
including residual parental rights and responsibilities, as provided. in § 19-
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3-608. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
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2.315.2 Adoption Inquiries
Revised 3/29/99 Adoption caseworkers will respond to all inquiries from the public as follows:
A. Adoption Inquiry Information. Provide information, appropriate forms,
and procedures regarding adoption by telephone, correspondence, or in
person to any requesting party.
B. Adoption Orientation Sessions. Extend invitations to interested
individuals to scheduled Adoption Orientation Sessions.
C. Pre-adoption Classes. Refer interested individuals to a six-week series of
pre-adoption classes dealing with the special needs of children whom the
Court has made available for adoption through Dependency and Neglect
actions.
D. Pre-adoptive Foster Care Program. Provide information concerning a
pre-adoptive foster care program.
E. Relinquishment Counseling. Provide information concerning the
required relinquishment counseling for client needing this service.
F.. Pre- and post-adoptive Services. Provide information concerning pre-
and post-adoptive services to children and adoptive families.
2.315.3 Adoption Applications
Revised 3/29/99 Adoption caseworkers will consider all inquires from prospective adoptive parents
including those who are willing to work with children with special needs, i.e.,
children who present barriers to timely adoptions because of racial, cultural, age,
physical, psychological or social disabilities, sibling groups, or a combination of
these factors.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.315.4 Relinquishment Counseling
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Department will provide relinquishment counseling according to § 19-
5-103.
B. The caseworker will complete a standardized affidavit on forms provided
by the Court of relinquishment counseling that includes all elements as
described in § 19-5-103.
C. The caseworker will refer the relinquishing parent who requests other
counseling not defined in § 19-5-103 to the relinquishing parent's current
therapist or other appropriate resource.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.320 Provider Reimbursement
Effective 1/1/99 The Department has established rates for payments to providers. These rates are
similar to the State determined reimbursement for specific types of facilities. The
Department provided a 4% cost of living increase effective January 1, 1999.
These provider reimbursement rates as described in Section 2.316 through
2.325.12 do not include rate changes for Child Placement Agencies (CPAs),
RTCs, or RCCFs. RTC treatment costs and the CHRP program are not
negotiable by counties.
2.321 Reimbursement for County Certified Foster Care Provider
Effective 1/1/99 The Department will reimburse a county certified foster care provider if such
foster care meets the State reimbursement requirements of Colorado State Rules,
Section 7.405, Volume VII, Social Services Programs, and the State requirements
for County Certified Providers of Colorado State Rules, Section 7.417.1, Volume
VII, Social Services Programs.
2321.1 County Certified Foster Care Rate
Revised 3/29/99 According to the following table, the Department will reimburse for the care
provided by county certified foster care parents upon submittal in a timely fashion
on a form showing the number of days the child/ren were in care.
Table 1 1/
Personal Respite
Age of Food Clothing Shelter Education • Supplies & Flat Care
Child Allowance Grant 2/ Allowance 3/
0 Mos. to $125 $56 $132 $ 6 $49 $368 $20
10 Yrs.
11-14 Yrs. $146 $56 $133 $15 $61 $411 S20
15-21 Yrs. $155 $58 $144 $21 $64 $442 S20
1/ The rates established by the Department will be reimbursed within
the available appropriation. The rates effective January 1, 1999,
reflect a 4% cost of living increase.
2/ If the child's birthday occurs during the month, placing him in a
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higher age grouping, the payment for that month is made on the
basis of the higher grouping rate.
3/ County Certified foster homes are paid the basic rate, plus an
additional Respite Care Allowance of$20.
Effective 1/1/99 A. The Department shall negotiate rates with certified kinship care providers
based on the child's needs and within the County Certified Foster Care
Rate. The range shall be upward from the prevailing federal TANF
payments and is to be based on the needs of the child, plus the $20
additional respite care allowance. Certified kinship care providers may
elect not to receive a money payment and may follow the grievance
process for foster care providers when there is disagreement about such
reimbursement rate. A child in the care of his or her parents is not
considered living in a foster home, and, therefore, is ineligible for foster
care payments, including kinship care payments. IV-E reimbursable foster
care payments may only be made to kin who are defined as an adult who is
not a parent, but who is in one of the following groups:
1. Any blood relative, including those of half-blood, and including
first cousins, nephews or nieces, and persons of preceding
generations as denoted by prefixes of grand, great, or great-great.
2. Stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, and stepsister.
3. Persons who legally adopt a child or his or her parent, as well as
the natural and other legally adopted children of such persons, and
other relatives of the adoptive parents in accordance with State
law.
4. Spouses of any persons named in the above groups even after the
marriage is terminated by death or divorce.
Effective 1/1/99 B. The Department will not provide nonreimbursable IV-E foster care
payments to certified kinship care providers who do not meet [V-E
requirements for payment.
Effective 1/1/99 C. The Department, under contract with a physician or health department,
will pay for annual physicals for County Certified Foster Care Home
providers and other residents of the County Certified Foster Care Home.
The County Certified Foster Care Home may obtain their own. annual
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
physicals; however, the Department will pay for co-payments, riot to
exceed $55 per person and excluding foster children.
Effective January 1, 1999, the contract with a physician for a physical and
tuberculosis testing is at a cost of$55 per,person or less in the County
Certified Foster Care Home, excluding the foster child/ren. The maximum
reimbursable amount under the contract for a calendar year is $11,000.
2.321.11 County Certified Foster Care Rate is the Basic Maintenance Rate for All
Foster Care Facilities
Effective 1/1/99 A. The County Certified Foster Care Rate is a flat grant that pays for the
basic maintenance needs for a child placed in any foster care facility. The
basic maintenance needs include food, clothing, shelter, education,
personal supplies and allowance.
Effective 1/1/99 B. A Respite Care Allowance is paid for each child placed in a County
Certified Foster Care Home or a Child Placement Agency, and in certified
kinship care homes. It is not paid to a Specialized Group Home or Center,
or for Independent Living.
Effective 1/1/99 C. The County Certified Foster Care Rate is used as the basic maintenance
rate (flat grant portion) when computing the rate in Receiving Homes,
Group Homes/Centers, Independent Living and Subsidized Adoption
Homes.
Effective 1/1/99 D. Foster Care facilities are reimbursed by the Department as stated in
Colorado State Rules, Volume VII, and according to this Weld County
Manual. Facilities must be licensed or certified in order for the
Department to be reimbursed by the State. The foster care facilities are
reimbursed for the day in which the child is placed in the home, but are
not reimbursed for the day the child leaves it, unless the child was placed
and removed on the same day.
Effective 1/1/99 E. All certified foster care facilities will sign and use the relevant provider
contract when they are certified and recertified.
Effective 1/1/99 F. When a child is placed, the information shall be entered on the CWS-7B
Child Placement Log by the Department caseworker and the provider and
copies of the updated log shall be maintained in the provider file and by
the provider of the facility.
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Effective 1/1/99 G. An initial clothing allowance of$1.50 may be made at the time of
placement out of the home to ensure that the child has an adequate
beginning wardrobe. If a child's wardrobe is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the
Department may again approve an additional clothing allowance, the
reason for which shall be thoroughly documented in the child's record.
The clothing allowance may be made for children in any type of out-of-
home placement made by the Department, including hospitalization, when
the Department has legal authority for placement.
2.321.12 Temporary Absence
Effective 1/1/99 The Department, as allowed by the State Department, will reimburse a foster care
facility for a period not to exceed seven days of a child's temporary absence from
a foster care facility. Only one such seven-day reimbursement will be made for
absences that occur within 30 calendar days. For children enrolled in the
Children's Habilitation Residential Program Waiver, the Department, as allowed
by the State Department, will reimburse the foster care facility for all absent days.
2.321.13 30-Day Absence Leave Due to Hospitalization
When a child is absent due to hospitalization and if the plan is for the child to
return to the foster care facility immediately following the hospitalization, and if
the Department documents in the child's record the fact that the bed space will be
kept open for the child during the absence, the foster care facility may be paid its
full regular rate during the first 30 days of hospitalization. In cases of children
enrolled in the Children's Habilitation Residential Program Waiver, the
Department may pay the full daily rate for medical services, approved by the
Waiver Administrator for days 15 through 30 only. The provider of these children
will be receiving the equivalent of the maximum Federal SSI monthly benefit that
will assist to defray expenses for the first fourteen days of hospitalization. At the
end of 30 days, the child's situation will be documented in writing to the Foster
Care Program Manager to obtain approval to continue to hold the space in the
facility. Approval of continued reimbursement will be reviewed by the State
Department. The State Department will notify the Department of the State's
decision.
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2.322 Special Needs Rates for Developmentally Disabled and Physically Disabled
Effective 1/1/99 A. The Department may consider the additional needs of the child to
determine which of the three additional rates is appropriate in accordance
with the following criteria: -
1. A special needs rate for professional services shall be determined
by a physician that the child requires more than the normal amount
of care. treatment and training, due to developmental disabilities
and/or a serious physical disability.
a. As used above, the term "developmentally disabled" means
a child who is profoundly delayed up to and including the
trainable child.
b. The term"physically disabled" means the child who puts
extra physical demands on foster parents; e.g., the child
who cannot walk without assistance or has to be lifted; the
child who has no bowel or bladder control, or must have
extra attention by the foster parents under the supervision
of a physician, etc.
Effective 1/1/99 B. Foster care parents may need relief in some cases to provide the necessary
24-hour care.
Effective 1/1/99 C. The developmentally disabled and physically disabled contract is reviewed
and renewed each 6 months when eligibility for foster care is
redetermined.
Effective 1/1/99 D. At the time a child in need of a developmentally disabled or physically
disabled allowance is placed, the Department and the provider shall enter
into a contract (SS-22). The effective date of the contract is the date the
child is placed.. The termination date of the contract is the next 6 month
review date. A new contract shall be signed at each 6 month review of the
child's need for foster care.
Effective 1/1/99 E. The Department's Foster Care Review Committee must approve the
service payment level for each child.
Effective 1/1/99 F. The amount of the payment for services, based on each child served and
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extent of services needed, the payment of$95, $141, or $190 is entered in
Section F of Form 5710.4. Table 2 will be used to calculate the rate
payment. The payment to the foster care provider will be the basic
maintenance rate for the child, according to his or her age, plus the Respite
Care allowance if the child is in a County'Certifred Foster Home or
Certified Kinship Home and the appropriate special needs rate.
Table 2 1/
Age of Professional Service Range 2/ Flat Grant 3/ Respite Care
Child Allowance 4/
0 Mos. to
10 Yrs. $95 $141 $190 $368 $20
11-14 Yrs. $95 $141 $190 $411 $20
15-21 Yrs. $95 $141 $190 $442 $20
1/ The rates established by the Department will be reimbursed within
the available appropriation. The rates effective January 1, 1999,
reflect a 4% cost of living increase.
2/ Based on the range and degrees of service required, as determined
by a physician and approved the Department's Foster Care Review
Committee.
3/ For the flat grant breakdown, see the County Certified Foster Care
Homes Reimbursement Section of this manual.
4/ The respite care allowance is paid only to County Certified Foster
Care Homes and Certified Kinship Care Homes certified by the
Department.
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2.323 Receiving Home Reimbursement
Effective 1/1/99 The Department has established and will reimburse the receiving home rate in the
method outlined in this manual.
2.3231 The Basic Reimbursement to be Paid
Effective 1/1/99 A. Reimbursement for receiving home care is limited to 90 consecutive days.
Effective 1/1/99 B. For stays in receiving home care beyond 60 calendar days, the Department
shall document in the child's record information that:
1. Indicates the Department has a specific plan for the child's living
arrangements;
2. Specifies the reasons for the extension from 60 to a maximum of 90
calendar days; and,
3. Verifies that the extension will prevent additional temporary foster
care placements until the plan can be implemented.
Effective 1/1/99 C. The direct care allowance has the following components: surrogate parents
for supervising the children, administrative participation in staff
development, and assuring the Department of emergency care fbr children
on a 24-hour basis.
Effective 1/1/99 D. The direct care staff shall be no less than one paid full-time equivalent staff
Effective 1/1/99 E. Reimbursement for receiving home care is the basic maintenance allowance
plus direct care and services allowance. The allowance per month per child
shall be based on the number of paid full-time equivalent staff according to
the following table:
Table 3
Number of Paid Payment per Month
FTE Staff Per Child
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1.0 $338
1.5 $361
2.0 $382
2.5 $402
3.0 $423
Effective 1/1/99 F. The Department may arrange to pay for reserved space in a group care or
receiving home on a monthly basis. The Department may at its discretion
arrange to guarantee payment for reserved space. The foster care rate and
reserved space amount will be recorded at the end of the home study
and/or in each annual reevaluation.
2323.11 Receiving Home Evaluation
Effective 1/1/99 A. The Department shall evaluate the receiving home after the first six
months of operation. Thereafter, an evaluation shall be conducted at least
annually.
Effective 1/1/99 B. The Department shall request an operating statement and review financial
records to determine if the receiving home is maintaining records and files
of revenue and expenditures. The operating statement shall be used to
justify payments. The format of the operating statement and account
classification of revenue and expenditures are included following the
evaluation report.
Effective 1/1/99 C. Any incorrect payments to the receiving home due to omission, error,
fraud, or embezzlement shall be recovered from the receiving home by
deduction from subsequent payments.
Effective 1/1/99 D. The evaluator shall discuss and review the evaluation with the receiving
home staff and obtain the signature of the operators.
Effective 1/1/99 E. A receiving home having an unsatisfactory evaluation will require
reevaluation for continuing use. If it is determined that the use of the
home should be continued, the Department will contract for improved
performance. If after 60 calendar days the unsatisfactory components have
continued, the Department shall germinate use of the home.
Effective 1/1/99 F. If the staff of the receiving home does not agree with evaluation, an
attempt shall be made to resolve the dispute within 15 working days by the
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Foster Care Program Manager. If not, the Department will use its County
Grievance Procedures outlined in this manual.
2.323.12 Receiving Home Reimbursement Computation Form
Effective 1/1/99 A. The Reimbursement Computation Form will be completed by the
Department's staff approving receiving home rate.
Effective 1/1/99 B. The instructions to complete the form are as follows:
1. Rate period. Period that rate is to be effective.
2. Date. Date of completion.
3. Name. Name of receiving home.
4. Identification No. Department's identification umber.
5. Licensed capacity. The capacity as certified by the Department.
6. Average number of children in residence. Average number of
children in residence for the last six months.
7. Personnel. Number of FTE staff. The number of full-time
equivalent staff is listed on the evaluation sheet.
8. Direct Care and Services Allowance. The allowance per month
per child shall be based on the number of paid full-time equivalent
staff(7, above) according to Table 3.
Effective 1/1/99 C. After an evaluation, the operating statement received should indicate full
utilization of the direct care and services total payment amount. A cause
shall be determined if underutilization of the total payment amount is
indicated. The Department shall contract for corrective action and
continue the present payment for 60 calendar days. After 60 calendar
days, if a correction has not occurred, the Department shall terminate use
of the home.
Effective 1/1/99 D. The receiving home provider will keep accounts according to the revenue
and expenditure form and submit an operating statement at the time of
evaluation.
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2.324 Subsidized Adoption Reimbursement
Revised 3/29/99 A. The maximum subsidized adoption reimbursement that the Department
will pay, in monetary reimbursement, to adoptive parents is the County
Certified Foster Care basic maintenance rate,
1. plus the special needs rate for an age group, if appropriate.
2. minus Social Security payments on behalf of the child.
B. Available public programs and insurance benefits for which the child is
eligible shall be used first to address the child's needs before subsidized
adoption payments are used.
C. In addition to the monetary reimbursement, paid to the adoptive parents as
an adoption subsidy, the Department may also purchase services on behalf
of the child. This assistance will include any assistance, excluding
Medicaid, intended to help, or remove barriers to, the adoption o f children
with special needs. The Department will consider the monetary value of
these services when negotiating the amount it will pay, in monetary
reimbursement, to adoptive parents as an adoption subsidy. The services
that may be considered for this purpose include, but are not limited to:
1. Special Circumstance Child Care as described in Section 2.801
3. Core Services Program as described in Section 2.802.
3. Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program as described in
Section 2.803.
4. Case Services Reimbursement.
D. A special needs child is defined in Colorado Department of Human
Services, Volume VII, Section 7.203.22(E).
E. The Department may negotiate with the subsidized adoptive parents for a
rate for the age group and will renegotiate this rate at the time of each
annual review. A dormant subsidy, which may be activated at a future
date, may also be established. The Department provides a long-term
subsidy which needs to be reviewed annually. This annual review is to
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determine that the payment is made directly to the family to partially assist
with expenses related to the child given the circumstances of the adoptive
parents, and within the Department's written policies. The Department
shall not use adoption subsidy funds for any child 18 years of age and over
except for a child with certain disabilities up to age 21.
F. The adoption assistance subsidy is a payment made directly to :he family
to partially assist with expenses related to the child given the
circumstances of the adoptive parents.
2.324.1 Medical Resources
Revised 3/29/99 Subject to certain income and resource limitations, medical assistance through the
Colorado Medicaid program must be provided to certain children receiving child
welfare services including children who have a current, signed subsidized
adoption agreement and children in subsidized adoption. Children in subsidized
adoption include adoption placements out of state, who are IV-E eligible or where
the state option is in effect until the receiving state can provide Medicaid.
The Department is responsible for determining eligibility for Colorado Medicaid
in the manner prescribed by the State Department of Human Services and
according to State Regulations described in Volume VII.
2.324.2 Core Services for Children in Subsidized Adoption
Revised 3/29/99 Core services may be available to subsidized adoption children and adopting
families that meet certain requirements:
A. The child and adopting family are eligible for Core Services as described
in Section 2.802 and when Core Services resources are available.
B. The caseworker completes an assessment and case planning.
C. As a result of the assessment, the caseworker and family shall identify the
family's level of functioning, areas of strengths and weaknesses, specific
problems to be addressed, and changes that must occur to remedy the
problems that the family brought to the Department.
D. The caseworker will document the assessment in the case file and/or case
services plan.
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E. The caseworker will refer the child and adopting family to the appropriate
core services program based on the areas identified in the assessment.
Outcomes to be achieved as result of the Core Services provided will be
described in terms of specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic, time-
limited objectives and action steps to be adcomplished by the parents,
child, service providers, and county staff.
F. A continuing reassessment and documentation of the client's service needs
in relationship to measurable progress to program resolution shall be done.
If a significant change in client service needs occurs, a determination of
eligibility and/or reassessment of services shall occur and the case services
plan shall be amended, if applicable.
G. The reassessment shall be performed jointly with the family and in
situations where mutual evaluation cannot occur, the reasons shall be
documented in the case record.
2.324.3 Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program Services Available for
Children in Pre- and Post-Subsidized Adoption
Revised 3/29/99 For a period ending September 30, 1999, services are available through the pre-
and post-adoptive provisions of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program
(PSSFP) for children who have a current, signed subsidized adoption agreement,
children in subsidized adoption, and children who are in a pre-adoptive home.
PSSFP services may be available to pre- and post-subsidized adoption children
and adopting families that meet certain requirements as outlined in Section 2.803:
A. The child and pre- and post-adopting family are eligible for services under
the PSSFP when resources are available.
B. The requirements are followed as described in Section 2.324.2 (B through
G).
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.325 Specialized Group Care Reimbursement
Effective 1/1/99 The Department has established procedures to follow and reimburse group homes
and centers by the method outlined in this manual.
2.325.1 Reimbursement Rate
Effective 1/1/99 A. The direct care allowance shall not exceed $423 per month per child. This
is based on the number of paid full-time equivalent staff of no less than
two(2). The calculation of FTE staff is defined in the evaluation form
instructions.
The allowance is payment for services of group home staff or surrogate
parents and supervising the children, administrative and delivery of the
group care program and participation in staff development.
Effective 1/1/99 B. Direct care allowance - the allowance per month per child shall be based
on the number of paid full-time equivalent staff according to the following
table.
TABLE 4
Number of Paid Payment per Month
FTE Staff Per Child
2.0 $338
2.25 $361
2.50 $382
2.75 $402
3.0 and above $423
Effective 1/1/99 C. Other services - the other services allowance is granted at$169 per month
per child to include:
1. Administrative allowance as defined, but not be limited to, the
following expenses: bookkeeping, auditing, legal, office supplies,
licenses, permits, and insurance.
2. Education allowance is defined to enable specialized group home
staff to encourage the children to participate in extracurricular
activities of the school and the community.
3. Social development and recreation allowance is defined to
enable the specialized group home staff to provide experience to
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assist behavioral changes to occur through field trips and outings
and to provide opportunities for learning social skills.
4. Transportation allowance is defined, but not limited to, the
following expenses: gas, oil, maintenance, insurance, license, and
depreciation. This allowance is included to enable the specialized
group home staff to transport the children as required to achieve 2
and 3, above, and for staff to participate in staff development
activities.
5. Equipment repair and maintenance allowance is defined, but
not limited to, the following expenses: household supplies,
equipment repair and maintenance, and equipment depreciation.
This allowance is included to enable the specialized group home
staff to keep the home clean and orderly and to keep all equipment
in proper working condition.
Effective 1/1/99 D. Special program components purchased or arranged by the Department are
as follows:
1. The Department will assume responsibility for providing the
required social work services, and providing or purchasing other
special services such as psychological evaluation, group work
services, and staff development activities. Services of psychiatrists
may be provided in accordance with Title XIX benefits.
2. Services to families of the children in group care placement shall
be provided by the Department or arranged for, at no cost to the
Department, when the case plan includes return of the child to his
or her families.
Effective 1/1/99 E. The Department may arrange to pay for reserved space in a group care
home on a monthly basis. The Department may at its discretion guarantee
to pay for reserved space. The foster care rate and reserved space amount
will be recorded at the end of the home study and/or in each annual
reevaluation.
2.325.11 Evaluation of Group Homes
Effective 1/1/99 A. The Department shall evaluate the group home after the first six months of
operation. Thereafter, an evaluation shall be conducted at least: annually.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
B. The Department shall request an operating statement and review financial
records to determine if the group home is maintaining records and files of
revenue and expenditures. The operating statement shall be used to justify
payments. The format the operating statement and account classification
of revenue and expenditures are included following the evaluation report.
Effective 1/1/99 C. Any incorrect payments to the group home due to omission, error, fraud,
or embezzlement shall be recovered from the receiving home by deduction
from subsequent payments.
Effective 1/1/99 D. The evaluator shall discuss and review the evaluation with the group home
staff and obtain the signature of the operators.
Effective 1/1/99 E. A group home having an unsatisfactory evaluation will require
reevaluation for continuing use. If it is determined that the use of the
home should be continued, the Department will contract for improved
performance. If after 50 calendar days the unsatisfactory components have
continued, the Department shall terminate use of the home.
Effective 1/1/99 F. If the staff of the group home does not agree with evaluation, an attempt
shall be made to resolve the dispute within 15 working days by the Foster
Care Program Manager. If not, the Department will use its County
Grievance Procedures outlined in this manual.
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2.326 Critical Care Foster Care Reimbursement
Revised 3/29/99 The Department has established and will reimburse the Critical Care Foster Care
rate in the method outlined in this manual.
2.326.1 Special Needs Rates for Children in the Critical Care Foster Care Program
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Department may consider the additional needs of the child to
determine which of the rates is appropriate in accordance with the criteria
of children who require services under the Critical Care Foster Care
Program in Section 2.308.1.
B. Foster care parents may need relief in some cases to provide the necessary
24-hour care.
C. The Critical Care Foster Care Program contract is reviewed and renewed
each 6 months when eligibility for foster care is redetermined.
D. The direct care allowance has the components described in Section
2.308.2.
E. The Department's Placement Review Committee must approve the
eligibility of the child to enter the Critical Care Foster Care Program.
F. Reimbursement for the critical foster care home is the county basic
maintenance allowance plus direct care allowance. The total
reimbursement per month per child shall $800.
G. Critical Care Foster Care Program reimbursement is not guaranteed for the
duration of the child's placement. Reimbursement is based on the
eligibility of the child for the program as determined and approved by the
Placement Review Committee.
H. If the foster parent(s) does not agree with the assessment for eligibility, an
attempt shall be made to resolve the dispute within 15 working days by the
Foster Care Program Manager. If not, the Department will use its County
Grievance Procedures outlined in this manual.
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2.326.11 Evaluation of the Critical Care Foster Care Home
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Department shall evaluate the home after the first six months of
operation. Thereafter, an evaluation shall be conducted at least annually.
B. Any incorrect payments to the receiving home due to omission, error,
fraud, or embezzlement shall be recovered from the home by deduction
from subsequent payments.
C. The evaluator shall discuss and review the evaluation with the Critical
Care Home foster parents and obtain the signature of the foster parents.
D. A home having an unsatisfactory evaluation will require reevaluation for
continuing use. If it is determined that the use of the home should be
continued, the Department will contract for improved performance. If
after 60 calendar days the unsatisfactory practices have continued, the
Department shall terminate use of the home.
F. If the foster parent(s) does not agree with the evaluation, an attempt shall
be made to resolve the dispute within 15 working days by the Foster Care
Program Manager. If not, the Department will use its County Grievance
Procedures outlined in this manual.
•
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2.400 Adult Protection
Revised 3/29/99 This program is designed to intervene with or on the behalf of at-risk adults to
correct or alleviate situations in which actual or imminent danger of abuse,
neglect, or exploitation exists and to utilize support systems to provide continuing
safety from the incident(s) of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
2.401 Definitions
Revised 3/29/99 A. At-Risk Adult means an individual eighteen years of age or older who is
susceptible to mistreatment or self-neglect because the individual is unable
to perform or obtain services necessary for the individuals' health, safety,
or welfare, or lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or
communicate responsible decision concerning the individual's person or
affairs. Reference: § 26-3.1-101, C.R.S.
B. Adult Protection Networking Group means a local ad hoc committee
formed by the Director for purposes of facilitating interagency cooperation
regarding services to at-risk adults and developing/providing information
to the community at large regarding issues of adult protection.
C. Caretaker means a person who is responsible for the care of an at-risk
adult as a result of a family or legal relationship who has assumed
responsibility for the care of an at-risk adult. Reference: § 26-3.1-101,
C.R.S.
D. Least Restrictive Intervention means acquiring or providing services,
including protective services, for the shortest duration and to the minimum
extent necessary to remedy or prevent situations of actual mistreatment or
self-neglect. Reference: § 26-3.1-101, C.R.S.
E Mistreatment means an act or omission that threatens the health safety or
welfare of an at-risk adult or which exposes the adult to a situation or
condition that poses an imminent risk of death, serious bodily injury, or
bodily injury to the adult as defined in § 26-3.1-101, C.R.S., and as
follows:
1. Abuse where there is infliction of physical pain or injury, where
unreasonable confinement or restraint is imposed, and where there
is subjection to nonconsensual sexual conduct or contact classified
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as a crime under the "Colorado Criminal Code," title 18, C.R.S.;
2. Caretaker neglect that occurs when adequate food, clothing,
shelter, psychological care, physical care,medical care. or
supervision is not secured for the at-risk adult or is not provided by
a care taker in a timely manner and with the degree of care that a
reasonable person in the same situation would exercise;
3. Exploitation that is the illegal or improper use of an at-risk adult
or the at-risk adult's resources for another person's profit or
advantage.
F. Person means one or more individuals, limited liability companies,
partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees,
receivers, or the State of Colorado, and all political subdivisions and
agencies thereof Reference: § 26-3.1-101, C.R.S.
G. Protective Services means services provided by the state or political
subdivisions thereof in order to prevent the mistreatment or self-neglect of
an at-risk adult. Services include, but are not limited to: receiving and
investigating reports of mistreatment or self-neglect, the provision of
casework and counseling services, arranging for coordinating, delivering,
and monitoring services. Reference: § 26-3.1-101, C.R.S.
H. Self-neglect means an act or failure to act by which an at-risk adult
substantially endangers the adult's health, safety, welfare, or life by not
seeking or obtaining services necessary to meet the adult's essential
human needs. Reference: § 26-3.1-101, C.R.S.
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2.402 Requests for Guardian or Conservator Services
Revised 3/29/99 A. When the caseworker assesses that an at-risk adult needs an appropriate
individual to serve as a guardian or conservator, the caseworker will notify
his or her manager.
B. The manager will notify the Director who will decide if the guardianship
or conservator request will be referred to an Assistant Weld County
Attorney.
C. The Assistant Weld County Attorney will assist in the legal process to
obtain the guardianship or conservatorship with the appropriate individual.
D. In a few cases, the Department may act as the guardian if no other resource
or individual can be found. However, the caseworker and the
caseworker's manager must obtain the Director's approval in advance to
refer the case to the Assistant County Attorney for purposes of having the
Department assume guardianship or conservatorship.
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2.403 Representative Payee for At-Risk Adults Receiving Social Security Payments
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Department may assist indigent individuals by serving as
"representative payee" for benefits such as Social Security or
Supplemental Security Income.
B. As the representative payee, the Department would not act as the
individual's conservator.
C. The caseworker will evaluate the need and make a recommendation to the
caseworker's manager to act as the representative payee. The caseworker
and/or the caseworker's manager will recommend action to the Director
for approval.
D. The caseworker's manager will notify the Business Office concerning the
case and the representative payee status.
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2.404 Volunteer Court-Appointed Visitor Program
Revised 3/29/99 A. The court supervises volunteers who provide court-appointed visits in
response to guardianship petitions on behalf of frail elderly and persons
with developmental disabilities. The court recruits, trains, and supervises
these volunteers.
B. The court, usually, will assign a volunteer court-appointed visitor in cases
where the Department is the guardian.
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2.500 Emergency Duty After Hours
Revised 3/29/99 A. The purpose of the emergency duty after hours is to provide emergency
and crisis oriented assistance to those the Department is charged to serve.
The service is designed to provide emergency placement and counseling
services for children and youth outside normal working hours, i.e,., abused,
neglected, lack of supervision, runaways, etc. Children needing protective
care are evaluated immediately. Often, counseling and temporary shelter
are provided if needed until more permanent plans can be made.
B. Provision of emergency services is an obligation of the Department and is
an expectation of the community.
C. After hours is 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on work days and twenty-four hour
coverage on weekends and holidays.
D. Department's emergency duty workers will provide emergency duty after
hours services. If the emergency duty workers are not available for
coverage, Department staff will provide coverage on a rotation basis.
Typically, the emergency duty worker or assigned Department staff for
emergency duty, is called by another agency, such as law enforcement, to
render emergency assistance.
E. The emergency duty worker will comply with applicable Volume VII
regulations as follows:
1. Abuse/Neglect Twenty-Four Hour Coverage; Section 7.202.4, A
and B.
2. Immediate Response for At Risk Adults; Section 7.106, A.
3. Role of Court Appointed Screener; Section 7.201.3, A
4. Immediate Response Institutional Abuse; Section 7.202.53, F.
5. Immediate Response RCCF/CPA Abuse, Neglect; Section
7.304.65, C.
6. Notification in Child Fatality; Section 7.202.78, A. 2.
2.500.1 Types of Cases Handled by the Emergency Duty Worker
Revised 3/29/99 A. Abused or neglected children who may need immediate care. •
B. Older children who may need care and shelter due to runaway, parent/
child conflicts, or other conflicts with law enforcement and/or the
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community.
C. Requests for emergency counseling are referred to other agencies. In these
situations, the emergency duty worker assists by providing information
and referral to the appropriate resources.
2.500.2 Emergency Duty Preparation
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Emergency Duty Manager supervises the training of the emergency
duty worker. This training includes knowledge of community resources to
assure effective service. The Emergency Duty Manager provides back up
support for the emergency duty worker.
B. When a request for emergency assistance is made, the emergency duty
worker is reached by an electronic signaling device or pager. Most
telephone calls are received through the Weld County Communications
Center at (970) 356-4000. The Communications Center signals the
emergency duty worker through the pager and provides the message.
C. To assist in providing emergency services and to ensure follow-up and
reporting to the Department the next work day, it is necessary to have the
emergency duty worker complete certain forms. These forms and the
procedures for their use are provided by the Emergency Duty Manager.
D. Before going on duty, the emergency duty worker will review current
openings in foster homes, the receiving homes and the Alternative Homes
for Youth (youth shelter home) so that the emergency duty worker will be
prepared if placements are necessary. This information is available
through the foster care workers and/or the manager. The pager, the
emergency duty briefcase and a child car seat are to be picked-up before
the emergency duty shift.
2.500.3 Emergency Duty Guidelines
Revised 3/29/99 A child should not be placed in alternate care on emergency duty unless the child
is in physical danger, the child refuses to go home, or the parents refuse to take
the child home for good reasons. If possible, the family unit should be preserved
until a more thorough assessment of the case can be made by an Intake Worker or
Youth in Conflict Worker, as appropriate to the age of the child.
2.500.31 Physical Abuse of Children
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Revised 3/29/99 The emergency duty worker will follow the procedures outlined in Section 2.101.
2.500.32 Evaluation and Placement of Young Children
Revised 3/29/99 A. If the emergency duty worker assesses that the child must be placed
according to the criteria of Section 2.700, the emergency duty worker will
pursue the placement of the child with an available relative who could
keep the child until an Intake Worker can become involved, if appropriate.
Otherwise, the caseworker will place the child in a licensed facility.
B. Law enforcement must take the child into protective custody and release
the child to the Department for purposes of placement. The emergency
duty worker will notify the parents that they will be assessed a fee, based
on a sliding scale, for foster care services. The emergency duty worker
will notify the parents that this fee will be discussed with them by the
Intake Worker. The emergency duty worker will not quote a payment
figure.
C. The emergency duty worker is not authorized to provide for voluntary
placement or enter into a voluntary placement contract. The emergency
duty worker may recommend that the parent(s) telephone the next work
day for an appointment with the Intake worker or Youth in Conflict
worker, as appropriate to the age of the child.
D. If placement is required, the emergency duty worker should attempt to
obtain clothing from the parent(s) to last a minimum of one week. If the
child is young, the emergency duty worker should request the child's
favorite toy to lessen the child's anxiety.
E. Placements in receiving homes or at Alternatives Home for Youth (youth
shelter home) after hours need not be cleared through the foster home
workers. If a County Certified Foster Care Home was used as the
placement facility for the youth, the emergency duty worker should inform
the foster home workers the next work day of the placement.
F. In all cases, the emergency duty worker should assess the appropriateness
of family/relative care as well as the traditional licensed homes and/or
facilities.
G. Once a placement has been chosen, the emergency duty worker should
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notify the receiving home or Alternative Homes for Youth to confirm that
a placement is available, that they will take the child, and/or that the foster
care parents are there to receive the child. The emergency duty worker
will interview the parent(s) to obtain information about the child's
behavioral problems and medical problems, i.e., allergies, current
medications, etc. The emergency duty worker will provide, at the time of
placement, the foster care parents or staff at Alternatives Home for Youth
with all such pertinent information including anticipated length of stay.
H. The emergency duty worker will attempt to ease the child's anxieties by
explaining where the child is going and why.
I. At the foster home or at Alternatives Homes for Youth, the emergency
duty worker will introduce the child to the family members or staff. The
emergency duty worker's introduction will include the full name of the
child and the emergency duty worker's full name both verbally and in
writing. The emergency duty worker will provide to foster parents and
staff at Alternatives Home for Youth with the emergency procedures to re-
contact the emergency duty worker.
J. The emergency duty worker will give the child an opportunity to become
accustomed to the child's surrounding,before departure.
K. The emergency duty worker is to complete the necessary forms on any
placement and give such paperwork to the Intake Screener as early as
possible the next work day.
L. It is the responsibility of law enforcement to notify parents that the child
has be placed with the Department. However, if the emergency duty
worker becomes aware that the parent(s) have not been informed, the
emergency duty worker will notify the parent(s).
2.500.33 Evaluation and Placement of Adolescents
Revised 3/29/99 A. The emergency duty worker will assess if the family or child is currently
assigned a caseworker. If the family or child has an assigned caseworker,
the emergency duty worker will telephone the caseworker at home for
consultation.
B. If the family does not have an assigned caseworker or the assigned
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
caseworker cannot be found, the emergency duty worker will assess the
situation and assist the family to decide whether the child should.be placed
in alternative care immediately or whether the child can remain at home
until a caseworker can be assigned. If the emergency duty worker assesses
that the child must be placed according to the criteria of Section 2.700, the
emergency duty worker will pursue the placement of the child with an
available relative who could keep the child until a Youth in Conflict
worker can become involved.
C. If the child can remain at home until the next work day, the emergency
duty worker will complete the written referral and give the referral to the
Intake Screener the next work day. If the parent(s) cannot come to the
office, the emergency duty worker will instruct the parent(s) to telephone
the Youth in Conflict Screener the next morning. Either the assigned
caseworker or Youth in Conflict Screener will arrange for a time and date
for the parent(s) to be interviewed.
D. The emergency duty worker is not authorized to provide for voluntary
placement or enter into a voluntary placement contract. The emergency
duty worker may recommend that the parent(s) telephone the next work
day for an appointment with the Youth in Conflict worker, as appropriate
to the age of the child.
E. Law enforcement must take the child into protective custody and release
the child to the Department for purposes of placement. The emergency
duty worker will notify the parents that they will be assessed a fee, based
on a sliding scale, for foster care services. The emergency duty worker
will notify the parents that this fee will be discussed with them by the
Youth in Conflict Worker. The emergency duty worker will not quote a
payment figure.
F. It is the responsibility of the law enforcement officer to notify the parent(s)
that the law enforcement officer has taken the child into custody. If the
law enforcement officer does not notify the parent(s), the emergency duty
worker will telephone the parent(s) from the police station for purposes of
notification.
G. Only a law enforcement officer can have a child released to the custody of
the emergency duty worker. If an emergency duty worker is unclear that
the law enforcement officer has released the custody of the child to the
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emergency duty worker, the emergency duty worker will request
immediate assistance from the Emergency Duty Manager.
H. Law enforcement should not interview the child without a parent or legal
guardian present. Even if the Department has legal custody, the parent(s),
attorney, or public defender should be present for the interview, if
possible. If the parent(s) cannot be present for the interview, law
enforcement may ask the emergency duty worker to be present through the
interview.
I. If placement is required, the emergency duty worker should attempt to
obtain clothing from the parent(s) to last a minimum of one week.
J. The emergency duty worker is to complete the necessary forms on any
placement and give such paperwork to the Intake Screener as early as
possible the next work day.
2.500.34 Adolescent Rape Cases
Revised 3/29/99 A. If an emergency duty worker receives a telephone call from law
enforcement or North Colorado Medical Center on an adolescent rape
victim or a runaway youth alleging rape, law enforcement and hospital
staff will conduct a joint investigation usually at the emergency room.
B. If, in the situation described in A., a parent(s) refuses to sign a consent for
medical care, the law enforcement officer can take protective custody of
the youth under the medical neglect criterion and request that the
Department sign the consent. If protective custody is not possible, the
emergency duty worker is to consult with the Emergency Duty Manager
for possible alternatives.
C. The emergency duty worker will assure that certain procedures are made
as follows:
1. Investigate the situation as necessary.
2. Assure that the Rape Task Force has been notified.
3. Telephone the Emergency Duty Manager.
2.500.35 Emergency Duty Procedures for Active Cases
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Revised 3/29/99 A. Assigned Cases. When an emergency arises from an active case, the
emergency duty worker will handle the crisis. The emergency duty
worker, at his or her discretion, may want to consult with the assigned
caseworker. Assigned caseworkers should advise the emergency duty
worker of potential emergencies in their edseloads.
B. County Certified Foster Care Homes and Specialized Group Homes
Emergencies. When emergencies arise after hours in these homes, the
emergency duty worker will handle these issues, as appropriate. The
emergency duty worker will follow the same procedures outlined for
assigned cases. The emergency duty worker will discuss unusual
situations with the Emergency Duty Manager.
C. Child Placement Agencies, Residential Child Care Facilities, and
Regional Treatment Center Emergencies. It is the expectation of the
Department that the facility will deal with emergencies in their own
facility. The exception to this protocol is that these facilities must report
runaways or to report medical emergencies to the emergency duty worker.
D. Adult Emergencies. When an adult emergency occurs, the emergency
duty worker will assist the referral source with the situation and refer the
client to the appropriate adult emergency system such as mentall.health. If
the emergency duty worker is aware that the case is assigned to an Adult
• Services case worker, the emergency duty worker will follow the same
procedures outlined for assigned cases.
2.500.4 Emergency Duty Supervision
Revised 3/29/99 The Youth in Conflict Manager is the Emergency Duty Manager, directly
supervises and coordinates emergency duty after hour services. The Youth in
Conflict Manager's duties include, but not limited to:
A. Administrative accountability for the provision of services and
responsiveness of emergency requests to the Department
B. Managing all forms or necessary data related to emergency duty
C. Supervision of emergency duty workers and those caseworkers assigned to
emergency duty work
D. Orientation and training of staff
E. Assignments and scheduling of emergency duty workers and substitutes
F. All other duties assigned by the County Director and the Social Services
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Division Administrator
2.500.41 Absence of Emergency Duty Manager
Revised 3/29/99 In the absence of the Youth in Conflict Manager, other supervisors will serve as
Emergency Duty Manager in the following order:
A. Intake Child Protection Managers
B. Ongoing Child Protection Managers
C. Youth in Conflict Lead Caseworker IV
D. Child Protection Lead Caseworker IV
In addition, when dealing with a critical situation, the Director of the Department
of Social Services should be contacted.
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2.600 Legal Services
2.600.1 Definitions
Revised 3/29/99 A. Adjudication means:
1. a determination by the court that it has been proven beyond a
reasonable doubt to the trier of fact that the juvenile has committed
a delinquent act or that a juvenile has pled guilty to committing a
delinquent act. In addition, when a previous conviction must be
pled and proven as an element of an offense or for purposes of
sentence enhancement, "adjudication" means conviction.
Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
2. that a jury of six or ajudge has determined by a preponderance of
the evidence that the allegations in a Dependency & Neglect
Petition are supported and that the child is dependent or neglected.
B. Adjudication Hearing means a hearing to determine whether the
allegations of a petition in dependency and neglect are supported by a
preponderance of the evidence. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
C. Adjudicatory Trial means a trial to determine whether the allegations of
a petition in delinquency, or dependency or neglect are supported by a
preponderance of the evidence. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
D. Appropriate Treatment Plan, as used in § 19-3-508, C.R.S., means a
treatment plan approved by the court which is reasonably calculated to
render the particular respondent lit to provide adequate parenting to the
child within a reasonable time and that relates to the child's needs.
Reference: § t9-1-103, C.R.S.
E. Assistant County Attorney means an attorney hired by the Weld County
Attorney to represent dependency and neglect cases, confer on juvenile
cases, and at-risk adult cases.
F. Counsel means an attorney-at-law who acts as a person's legal advisor or
who represents a person in court. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
G. Court, as used in part 3 of article 5 of the Colorado Children's Code,
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Dependency and Neglect, means a court of record with jurisdiction over
the matter at issue. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
H. Court-appointed Special Advocate (CASA) means a CASA volunteer
appointed by a court pursuant to the provisions of§ 19-1-201, C.R.S.
Dispositional Hearing means a hearing to determine what order of
disposition should be made concerning a child who is neglected or
dependent and to enter an appropriate treatment plan. Such hearing may
be part of the proceeding that includes the adjudicatory hearing, or it may
be held at a time subsequent to the adjudicatory hearing. Reference: § 19-
1-103, C.R.S.
J. Guardian ad litem means a person appointed by a court to act in the best
interests of a person whom the person appointed is representing in
proceedings under this title and who, if appointed to represent a person in
a dependency and neglect proceeding under article 3 of the Colorado
Children's Code, shall be an attorney-at-law licensed to practice in
Colorado. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
K. Nineteenth Judicial District (19th Judicial District) is the court of record
for Weld County. The Nineteenth Judicial District is located at the Weld
County Courthouse, 901 9th Avenue, P.O. Box C, Greeley, CO.
L. Reasonable Efforts, as used in article 3 of this title, means the exercise of
diligence and care for children who are in out-of-home placement, or are at
imminent risk of out-of-home placement, to provide, purchase or develop
the supportive and rehabilitative services to the family that are required
both to prevent unnecessary placement of children outside of such
children's homes and to foster, whenever appropriate, the safe
reunification of children with the families of such children. In
determining whether reasonable efforts are appropriate, as described in §
19-3-208, C.R.S., county-required services to be provided, in making such
reasonable efforts, the child's health and safety shall be the paramount
concern. Services provided by the Department in accordance with § 19-3-
208 are deemed to meet the reasonable effort standard. Reference: § 19-1-
103, C.R.S.
M. Special County Attorney, as used in article 3 of the Colorado Children's
Code, means an attorney hired by the Weld County Attorney or hired by
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the Department with the concurrence of the Weld County Attorney to
represent dependency and neglect cases. Reference: § 19-1-103, C.R.S.
N. Special Respondent, as used in article 3 of the Colorado Children's Code,
means any person who is not a parent, guardian, or legal custodian and
who is usually involuntarily joined as a party in a dependency or neglect
proceeding for the limited purposes of protective orders or inclusion in a
treatment plan. Reference: § 19-1.-103, C.R.S.
O. Termination of the parent-child legal relationship, as used in article 3
of the Colorado Children's Code, means the permanent elimination by
court order of all parental rights and duties, including residual parental
rights and responsibilities, as provided in § 19-3-608. Reference: § 19-1-
103, C.R.S.
P. Weld County Attorney means the attorney for Weld County
Government.
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2.600.2 Assistant Weld County Attorney for the Social Services Division
Revised 3/29/99 The Department maintains two Assistant Weld County Attorneys to provide legal
representation and advice on:
A. dependency and neglect cases.
B. guardianship cases.
C. delinquency cases.
D. interpretation of the children's code and for any other applicable statute
pertaining to children or youth as requested by the Department.
2.6003 Assignment of Cases and Procedures to Access Legal Services
Revised 3/29/99 A. Assistant Weld County Attorneys are assigned cases by using an
alphabetical method. By using the children's last names, one attorney
generally has cases A-K, the other attorney has cases L-Z.
B. Requests to file a Petition in Dependency and Neglect to obtain physical
and/or legal custody of a child must have the prior written approval of the
immediate supervisor. Evidence of this review and decision is noted by
signature on the Request for Legal Services Form. Reasons for this review
are to provide a supervisory review of the decision and to monitor and
apportion legal service time.
C. The procedure to initiate legal services is as follows:
1. The Request for Legal Services Form should be prepared as early
as possible. The deadline to present a Request for Legal Services
Form to the Department's Legal Department is 3:00 p.m., the day
before the hearing. If the form and information cannot be
completed in time, the caseworker must telephone the paralegals
with the necessary information to get the paperwork started.
2. The Request for Legal Services Form should be completed clearly
and thoroughly. The caseworker's handwriting needs to be legible.
If the caseworker requires more space, the caseworker may attach a
sheet of paper and staple it to the request.
3. The Request for Legal Services Form must contain:
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a) the accurate spelling of all legal names (not nicknames);
b) address of parent(s) and of any special respondents;
c) summary of circumstances;
d) custody request and protective orders the caseworker is
requesting including a request to file Dependency and
Neglect, custody request, Order to Investigate, and Request
for Need of Placement;
e) signature of the caseworker's immediate supervsor
f) if the case is designated under Expedited Permanency
Planning (EPP), signature of EPP supervisor.
4. The caseworker should check with Colorado Works (TANF) and
Child Support to obtain parents' names and addresses.
5. If the caseworker is requesting custody, the caseworker must
identify to whom the caseworker wants to have custody given.
6. The paralegal will arrange a conference with an Assistant Weld
County Attorney and the caseworker to discuss the case and make
the final decision as to filing.
7. If the decision is to file, the paralegal will obtain a docket number
and court date. The paralegal will notify the caseworker of the
hearing date.
2600.4 Appointment with Assistant Weld County Attorney
Revised 3/29/99 A. All appointments with Assistant Weld County Attorneys are scheduled
through the paralegals.
B. To update the attorney on changes in circumstances on a particular case,
the caseworker will use the Update Sheet to identify if the caseworker
needs legal advice and forward the document to the paralegals.
C. The Assistant Weld County Attorney will review the file and determine
the best course to provide the caseworker legal advice. The Assistant
Weld County Attorney will either telephone the caseworker, arrange for an
appointment through the paralegal, or provide an answer in writing.
D. Emergency situations may be handled verbally with the Assistant Weld
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County Attorney, but must be the exception rather than the rule.
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2.601 Initiation of Petition in Dependency or Neglect
2.601.1 Procedures for Initiation of Petition in Dependency or Neglect
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will complete the Request for Legal Services form and
submit the request to his or her supervisor for review and approval. If
approved, the caseworker will send the Request for Legal Services form to
the Department's paralegal staff When possible, the caseworker will
request a conference with the assigned Assistant County Attorney. The
paralegals are responsible for scheduling this conference with the
Assistant County Attorney.
B. If the Assistant County Attorney approves the filing, the paralegal staff
will set the hearing on the date requested by the caseworker, if feasible and
appropriate. The caseworker will notify the parents of the hearing and the
purpose for the hearing.
C. Any medical reports or statements of other witnesses are to be furnished to
the assigned Assistant County Attorney before the first court hearing if
available.
D. The caseworker will provide the parent(s) with the Court's Attorney
Application, so the parent(s) may have an opportunity to apply for legal
assistance before the hearing.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.602 Legal Update Sheet
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will complete a Legal Update Sheet for the Assistant
Weld County Attorney before each hearing, even if the Legal Update
Sheet refers only to attached reports, evaluation, or other correspondence.
The exception for completing a Legal Update Sheet is when a caseworker
prepares a Family Services Plan (FSP) for a hearing. Because the Legal
Update Sheet is used by the Assistant Weld County Attorney to determine
the best legal course to take, the caseworker must complete the form
timely and thoroughly.
B. The caseworker will be knowledgeable of the case to inform the Assistant
Weld County Attorney or the court as follows:
1. Where the child is.
2. Who has custody of the child.
3. The status of the case.
4. The Department's recommendations.
C. The caseworker will prepare the Legal Update Sheet and submit the sheet
to the paralegals three days before the hearing.
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2.603 Order to Investigate
Revised 3/29/99 The caseworker must prepare a written Family Services Plan ( FSP) documenting
the results of the investigation, including the persons interviewed and validity of
the referral.
A. Not Filing a Dependency & Neglect (D&N) Petition. The caseworker
will provide a written letter addressed to the court describing the
investigation and the reasons it was substantiated or unsubstantiated. If
the investigation was substantiated, the caseworker will describe why a
D&N is not being filed, including referrals made or services, if any, that
were provided.
B. Filing a Dependency & Neglect (D&N) Petition. The caseworker must
request a D&N according to Section 2.601. The FSP Parts 1 and 2 may be
provided upon the filing of the D&N.
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2.604 Review of Need for Placement (RNP)
Revised 3/29/99 The FSP must be completed to document the Department's adherence to C.R.S.
§19-3-701(5) for Review of Need for Placement (RNP). The Department is
required to prepare a social study or evaluation for placement whenever a child
has been placed out of the home and it appears that continuation of the placement
will be for a period exceeding ninety days.
A. Within sixty days of the child's removal date, the caseworker will
complete the FSP Parts 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C, if necessary. If the youth is
sixteen years of age or older, the caseworker will complete Part 4D.
1. In FSP Part 2, #18, the caseworker will describe:
a. how the youth meets placement criteria - date child placed;
b. the placements considered including relatives;
c. the cost of each placement;
d. recommend a placement and why this placement best meets
the needs of the child;
e. describe the manner in which the placement will be paid;
£ the parents' foster care fee assessment; and
g. information regarding SSI and Title IV-E eligibility.
2. In Part 3A through the Treatment Plan, the caseworker will:
a. address the goals to be achieved by the placement;
b. describe the services to be provided to eliminate the need
for placement, their intensity, duration and the provider.
B. After the FSP is prepared, the caseworker shall prepare a Request for
Legal Services as described in Section 2.601. The paralegals will prepare
the Petition and file it within ninety days of placement.
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2.605 Plea Hearing
Revised 3/29/99 The caseworker will prepare an FSP as follows:
A. Informal Adjustments. If the parties have agreed to enter an admission
for the purposes of an Informal Adjustment, the caseworker prepares an
FSP setting forth the recommended items of the Informal Adjustment,
reasons for recommending said items, and the goals of the plan.
B. Order to Investigate/Treatment Plan. When a child has been
adjudicated dependent or neglected, or a deferred adjudication is granted,
the caseworker prepares an FSP Parts 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C, if necessary.
If the youth is sixteen years or older include 4D.
1. Intake Caseworker or Caseworker Filing the D&N. The intake
caseworker is to prepare FSP Part 3A, the Safety Plan, as the initial
treatment plan; or
2. Ongoing Caseworker. The ongoing caseworker will prepare an
amended treatment plan with Part 3A using the headings of need,
time frame, action steps, measurement of success, provider,
persons involved and payment method. This amended treatment
plan may be used for either the plea, continued plea, or review
hearing.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.606 Review Hearings
Revised 3/29/99 The caseworker will prepare written FSP reports as follows:
A. Three month review hearings. The caseworker is not required to prepare
an FSP following a continuance or adjudication, unless the caseworker's
oral testimony may be too confusing for the Court or other parties. An
update sheet needs to be prepared three days prior to hearing for the
county attorney.
B. Six month review hearing. The caseworker will prepare an FSP Parts 1,
3B (if the child is in placement), and 5A (shall be filed seven days prior to
hearing). If the youth is sixteen years or older, the caseworker will include
FSP Part 4D, unless this part has been previously introduced. If the
treatment plan requires major changes, the caseworker will recommend
these changes in FSP Part 3A. If there are new developments after the
letter has been submitted, the caseworker is to provide an update sheet
three days prior to the hearing to the county attorney.
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2.607 Change of Custody
Revised 3/29/99 A request for change of custody is not to be put in an FSP, unless the
caseworker has advised the Assistant County Attorney in advance of
submitting the letter to the Court.
The caseworker prepares an update sheet to request an emergency hearing, a
forthwith hearing ; a motion for a change of custody, setting forth the reasons for
the Department's position, if all parties have been advised, and if anyone is
objecting to the change of custody.
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2.608 Change of Placement
Revised 3/29/99 The caseworker is to prepare an update sheet to request an emergency hearing or
forthwith hearing for change of placement if there is a disagreement between the
parties. If all parties agree with the change of placement, the caseworker is to
prepare a letter advising the court of the change in placement. If the case is one
where problems are anticipated, the caseworker may contact the Assistant County
Attorney to prepare a stipulation for the court.
All placement changes need to be made known to the paralegals, even if a court
hearing is not needed.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.609 Permanency Planning Hearing
Revised 3/29/99 A. A permanency planning hearing will be held within six months of the
initial filing on Expedited Permanency Planning (EPP) cases and twelve
months on non-EPP cases. The Assistant Weld County Attorney will
prepare the Motion and Notice for the Permanency Planning hearing.
B. The caseworker will prepare an FSP Parts 1, 3B, 5A, and 5A(1). In FSP
Part 5, the caseworker will:
1. Review the progress of the case, cooperation with the treatment
plan, and provision of services.
2. Describe whether the parents have maintained regular contact,
visitation or parenting time.
3. Provide an estimate about when the child may return home and
what needs to be accomplished before it can occur; describe the
permanent home. If a permanent home is not available. describe
the extraordinary circumstances why the child does not have a
permanent home and what needs to occur to accomplish this. A
concurrent plan may also be proposed.
4. Describe whether termination of parental rights would be
beneficial.
a. If not, describe in detail the reasons outlined in FSP Part
5A(1).
b. If the caseworker recommends termination, the caseworker
must request termination through a Request for
Termination Form and notify the Assistant County
Attorney before the caseworker puts it in the FSF'.
5. Describe recommendations for permanency plans in FSF' Part 5A
including recommendations to return the child home within six
months, long-term foster care, legal guardianship or permanent
custody, emancipation, etc.
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2.610 Motion to Terminate Parental Rights
Revised 3/29/99 A. 'Termination Cases. If the caseworker believes the parents' rights should
be terminated, the caseworker will not mention this in an F.S.P. before
first notifying the Assistant County Attorney. Then the caseworker will
prepare a Request for Termination with information as to:
1. Compliance and/or success of the approved treatment plan:,
2. Reasons for requesting termination;
3. The list of proposed witnesses and exhibits with copies attached.
B. Abandonment Cases. If the child has been abandoned by the parent(s),
the caseworker is to provide a handwritten statement of effort to locate
said parent to the paralegals.
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2.611 Termination Hearing
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker shall prepare a termination letter and submit it to the court
and also to all parties and the Assistant County Attorney by the deadline
given by the Court.
B. The termination letter shall include the FSP Parts 1, 2 and 5A, as follows:
1. Part 2 shall include the social history of the case
2. Part 5A shall include a description of:
a. Changes that have occurred in the case, with emphasis on
placement, including periods in residential treatment and
incarcerations; parenting time; treatment providers; and
parental home. •
b. Compliance with the treatment plan including successes
and failures.
c. The caseworker's opinions in the applicable areas as
follow:
1) The necessity and appropriateness of termination,
including alternatives explored and rejected;
2) The level of compliance and success with the
treatment plan; parental unfitness; and likelihood of
change within a reasonable time;
3) The level of improvement demonstrated by the
parent(s) in addressing problems identified in the
treatment plan and the level of improvement in the
relationship of the parent to the child(ren).
4) Termination questions for abandonment:
a) Was the child adjudicated dependent or
neglected?
b) Has the parent ever had physical custody of
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the child?
c) Has the parent contacted you to make clear
his/her intention to resume physical custody
of the child?
d) Has the parent contacted you to make
permanent legal arrangements for the care of
the child?
e) What have you done to try to locate this
parent?
Is it your expert opinion that this parent has
abandoned the subject child?
g) Did you file an affidavit of unlmown
whereabouts with the court prior to this
hearing?
5) Termination questions for failure to follow
treatment plan:
a) Has the child been adjudicated dependent or
neglected?
b) Was a treatment plan adopted by the court?
c) With regard to the components of the plan,
has the parent complied with any of them?
d) Has the parent attended visitations with the
child? Was there good cause for not
visiting?
e) Does the parent have the same problems
now as were addressed in the treatment
plan?
0 Has there been any improvement in the
relationship with the child? Is there any
relationship with the child?
g) Has the parent ever shown that he/she is able
to provide nurturing and safe parenting for
this child? Has the parent abandoned this
child?
h) What services were offered to this
parent/family? Were those services
successful?
i) Is this parent a fit parent for this child?
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j) Is it likely that the parent would be able to
change within a time frame that is
reasonable when viewed from the
perspective of the child at this particular age
and condition?
C. The paralegals will prepare an Affidavit of Unknown Whereabouts for the
caseworker's signature to be submitted prior to the termination trial.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.612 Protective Orders
Revised 3/29/99 When the caseworker recommends a protective order requiring restraining the
parties from certain actions, the caseworker prepares an update sheet setting forth
current problems and recommendations. The caseworker submits the update sheet
to the paralegals to request an emergency hearing.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.613 Proposed Orders
Revised 3/29/99 A. A proposed order is prepared by the paralegals and reviewed by the
Assistant Weld County Attorney following a hearing where the Court
makes specific findings and orders.
B. The proposed order is sent to the caseworker and counsel on the case.
C. When the caseworker receives the proposed order, the caseworker will
review the order for accuracy. If there are any corrections that need to be
made, the caseworker must notify the paralegals of these corrections
within seven days from the date the Certificate of Mailing is signed.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.614 Distribution of Reports
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will provide copies of psychological evaluations„ therapist
reports, recommended treatment plans and Informal Adjustment Plans to
all attorneys on a timely basis. This step is necessary to avoid objections
for improper notice by the other attorneys.
B . The caseworker will file, seven days before the hearing, FSPs, letters or
reports to the proper court clerk, the Assistant Weld County Attorney, and
all counsel and Special Respondents.
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2.615 Paper Reviews
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will prepare an FSP Part 1 and 5A for paper reviews. The
FSP will be filed with the court and distributed to all parties two weeks
before the hearing.
B. If a case is set for a paper review and caseworker believes the
circumstances are such that an in court review is necessary, the caseworker
prepares a Legal Update Sheet requesting an in court review. The
Assistant Weld County Attorney will prepare a motion for the court to set
a review hearing.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.700 Child Placement
2.701 Placement Policy
Revised 3/29/99 Based on sound social work practice and knowledge of the legal basis of action,
the Department will consider placement when there is evidence that leaving the
child in the home would jeopardize the safety of the child or community.
Placement actions shall be guided by:
A. Reasonable efforts to prevent placement or to reunite the family when
safely possible if removal is necessary.
B. Consideration of extended family members as placement resources.
C. Consideration of the child's age, race, ethnicity, culture, language,
religion, and other needs in the provision of services provided, including
out-of-home placement and adoptive placements.
D. Consideration of a safe environment and to not be moved indiscriminately
from one placement to another, and to have the assurance of a permanency
plan.
2.7011 Placement Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker must assure and document that:
1. All out-of-home placement and target group criteria are met.
2. All other resources have been explored and utilized or nonexistent,
3. No relatives are appropriate or willing to take the child.
4. Placement of the child is the only remedy.
5. Placement within Weld County was attempted as a priority.
B. The caseworker must obtain prior approval of his or her supervisor for
placement.
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C. The caseworker must review his/her placement decision with his or her
supervisor the next work day when an emergency placement at night or on
weekends is required.
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2.702 Children and Youth Experiencing Serious Mental Health or Psychiatric
Problems
Revised 3/29/99 If a caseworker assesses that a child or youth is experiencing acute mental health
problems and immediate help and/or hospitalization is needed, the caseworker
will:
A. Determine if the situation is an immediate risk to the child or others, and if
the caseworker should transport the child or to notify, if a safety risk exists
for the caseworker, law enforcement to transport the child to the facility
where the mental health professional wishes to conduct the assessment.
B. Help to arrange an emergency mental health screen, either through the
child's own therapist or through the North Range Behavioral Health
Center's Crisis Team.
C. Notify and confer with his or her supervisor.
D. Ensure, depending on who has custody and responsibility of the child, that
the child is either hospitalized or receives the services recommended by
the mental health screen.
E. Consult with his or her supervisor if the caseworker disagrees with the
findings of the mental health screen to determine a course of action.
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2.703 Social Security Procedures for Children in Foster Care
Revised 3/10/99 Each child placed in foster care including voluntary placements must have a social
security number. If the child does not have a social security number, the
Department must apply immediately for a social--security number, on behalf of the
child.
A. The caseworker must document in the case file:
1. The child's social security number and the verification of such
number; or
2. A copy of Form 5028, "Receipt of Application for Social Security
Number"; or
3. A form or written document from the Social Security
Administration indicating the status of the Department's efforts to
obtain a social security number.
B. To accomplish well-documented and timely filing of applications to the
Social Security Administration, the caseworker will interview and obtain
documentation from the birth parents for all relevant information.
Documents must be the original or certified copy.
1. Birth certificate (Department preference); or
2. Religious record showing age or date of birth; or
3. Hospital record of birth; or
4. Custody order.
Besides the above referenced documents, the caseworker must obtain at
least one additional document. These documents may include: school
identification card, driver's license, custody order, school records, child's
club membership card, etc.
C. To verify the child's social security number, the caseworker will check the
Department's computer systems. If this check is not successful, the
caseworker will contact the local Social Security Office for verification.
2.703.1 Representative Payee for Children Receiving Social Security Payments
Revised 3/29/99 In meeting the intent of Regulation 20, § 416.621, Social Security Act, the
Department has as its procedures as follows:
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A. The caseworker will send by registered mail any applications, appeals, or
changes of representative payee forms to the Social Security Office.
B. If the child is receiving Social Security payments upon placement, the
caseworker applies for a change of representative payee naming the
Department as the representative payee for the child. The caseworker
sends the form to the Social Security Office regarding the change and
sends a copy to the Department's Business Office.
C. When the child returns home and custody returns to the parent, the
caseworker is to instruct the parent that he or she needs to apply for a
change of representative payee naming the parent as the representative
payee for the child. The caseworker sends a letter to the Social Security
Office regarding the change and sends a copy to the Department's
Business Office.
D. When the child is in the custody of a relative, the caseworker is to instruct
the relative that he or she needs to apply for a change of representative
payee naming the relative as the representative payee for the child. The
caseworker sends a letter to the Social Security Office regarding the
change and sends a copy to the Department's Business Office.
E. If the child is adopted, the caseworker is to instruct the adoptive parent
that he or she needs to apply for a change of representative payee naming
the adoptive parent as the representative payee for the child. The
caseworker sends a letter to the Social Security Office regarding the
change and sends a copy to the Department's Business Office.
F. If the child is not receiving Social Security Benefits but may be eligible
for such benefits and the child is not Title IV-E eligible, the caseworker
files an application for social security benefits for the child.
G. If the child is receiving Social Security Benefits and is approaching his or
her eighteenth birthday, the caseworker will notify the Social Security
Office by mail of the status change of the child to an adult. This
notification should occur on or about six months before the child's
eighteenth birthday.
H. If the child is Title IV-E eligible, approaching his or her eighteenth
birthday, and could be eligible for Social Security benefits as an adult, the
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caseworker will apply, six months before his or her birthday, for the child
to be considered for Social Security benefits.
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2.704 Case Practice
Revised 3/29/99 To ensure the caseworkers and supervisors apply uniform casework standards, the
Department has developed guidelines for case practice in child welfare.
2.704.1 Case Practice Regarding a Special Review of Placement
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will notify his or her supervisor when their assigned child
who is placed in foster care is a child who:
1. has been in four different placements excluding a return home; or
2. has a current plan of returning home for more than twenty-four
months; or
3. has a goal for adoption and has not been placed in an adoptive
home; or
4. has been returned home, has reentered placement more than twice,
and has a current plan to return home.
B. The caseworker, the caseworker's supervisor, and one other child welfare
manager shall conduct a special review of the case. This review will
consist of assessing the current case plan, permanent or concurrent plan,
and appropriateness of the current plan.
C. The date and results of this special review will be documented on the
Family Services Plan Part 5B.
2.704.2 Case Practice Regarding Multiple Placements in a Foster Care Home
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Department's policy is that no child shall be placed in a foster care
home placement if this placement will result in more than:
1. Four foster care children, or a total of eight children, both foster
care and non-foster care, in that home, unless the placement
involves a sibling group. If the placement of the sibling group
exceeds a total of eight children, no other children can be placed in
that home.
2. Two children under the age of two years, unless the placement
involves a sibling group. If the placement of the sibling group
exceeds the limit of two children under the age of two years, no
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other children can be placed in that home.
3. Ten children. The Department requires written approval of the
caseworker's supervisor in this case The caseworker supervisor
must clearly document that the placement can meet the child's
needs only in the specific facility, including a description of the
services available in the facility to address the child's needs.
B. The caseworker will notify his or her supervisor when the child's
placement does not meet Department policy in Item A.
C. Each exception to the Department's policy must be staffed and approved
by the Placement Review Committee.
D. Each approved exception by the Placement Review Committee will be
documented in the Family Services Plan, Part 4B or 4C.
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2.704.3 Case Practice for Children Who Cannot Be Returned Home and For Whom
Adoption is Not Possible
Revised 3/29/99 When a child cannot be returned home and for whom adoption is not possible, a
permanency goal is developed with permanent substitute caretakers and continued
foster care through legal guardianships or long-term foster care, whenever
possible.
2.704.31 Case Practice Regarding Legal Guardianship
Revised 3/29/99 A. Legal guardianship is considered for children whom the Department
cannot return home and for whom adoption is not possible.
B. The caseworker provides the permanent caretaker information regarding
the probate process. The permanent caretaker may obtain their own
attorney in pursuit of guardianship. If the permanent caretaker cannot
afford the services of a private attorney, the services of the Assistant
County Attorney representing the Department may be utilized for the
guardianship process through the Probate Code. The Department does not
pay attorney fees for a permanent caretaker to obtain guardianship through
a private attorney.
C. Permanent caretakers who wish to become guardians for a child must go
through a probate action and the Department must end county custody,
foster care payments, and administrative functions.
D. In addition to Volume VII rules, the caseworker shall:
1. Staff the plan for guardianship with their supervisor and the
Assistant County Attorney assigned to the case and gain their
approval.
2. Upon approval, staff the child's case with the Department's
designated permanency planning team. The permanency planning
team shall consist of the caseworker assigned to the case, the
caseworker's supervisors, and one other child welfare manager.
The permanency planning team must approve the plan for
guardianship. The caseworker and the other members of the
permanency planning team shall complete, date and sign Part 5B of
the Family Service Plan.
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E. The Department will submit the plan to the court at the permanency
planning hearing.
2.704.32 Case Practice Regarding Long-term Foster Care
Revised 3/29/99 A. Long-term foster care is considered as a permanency alternative when a
return home, adoption, guardianship, and independent living are not viable
alternatives.
B. Long-term foster care may be specified for a defined period at the
permanency hearing.
C. After all Volume VII rules are applied, the caseworker shall follow the
same procedures in Section 2.704.1 (D) and (E).
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2.704.4 Case Practice for Adoption Services
Revised 3/10/99 A. Adoptive families will have access to Core Services whenever appropriate.
B. Adoptive services will be provided to all children with an identified goal
of adoption whose parental rights have been terminated if they are not in a
permanent placement approved by the court and Director.
C. The Department will use recruitment efforts such as C.A.R.R. photo
listings, Wednesday's Child participation, newspaper ads, and other child-
specific recruitment efforts, when deemed appropriate.
2.704.5 Case Practice to Achieve Permanency
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will staff the case with his or her immediate supervisor to
resolve the issue to access the appropriate services.
B. If the caseworker and supervisor are not able to resolve the issue, the
supervisor will discuss the issue before the next weekly supervisory
meeting, which the Director attends.
C. If the situation requires immediate resolution before the next available
meeting, the supervisor and caseworker will make an appointment with the
Director to explore possible solutions.
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2.707 Notification of School Districts Concerning Children in Foster Care
Revised 3/29/99 The Department will notify the school district of attendance of a foster child who
is placed in the school district's jurisdiction.
A. The caseworker will complete, date, and forward the form WE-03-043 to
the appropriate school district when a foster child is:
1. initially enrolled in the school district or is likely to be enrolled in
the school district.
2. moved from one residence or facility to another within the same
school district.
3. transferred to another school district, requiring both the receiving
and the former school districts to be notified.
4. identified as educationally disabled and requires a school
assessment within thirty calendar days before enrollment or
enrollment transfer.
B. The caseworker is to document his or her notification efforts in the case
file.
2.707.1 Educationally Disabled Children
Revised 3/29/99 An educationally disabled child is defined as any child who is prevented from
participating in a regular school program because of physical, emotional, or
psychological problems. This definition does not apply to developmentally
disabled children.
A. The caseworker must have each educationally disabled child screened by
the school district of jurisdiction.
1. The caseworker should attempt, when possible, to arrange for the
screening by the school district before the child is placed in foster
care or residential care.
2. For a child placed in a group home, Residential Child Care Facility
or Residential Treatment Center care, the caseworker must notify
the school district of residence:
a. thirty days in advance of the initial placement.
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b. at the time of actual placement.
2. If the school district does not accept the caseworker's request, the
caseworker must determine and document if the school district:
a. Notified the biological parent and obtained the biological
parent's request for the screening.
b. Appointed an educational surrogate, as determined.by the
school district.
B. The caseworker will request that the school district of jurisdiction develop
an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) for the child.
C. The caseworker must have evidence of the screening and IEP development
in the case record. If the IEP is not available, the caseworker, at a
minimum, must have the date, time, and place of meetings, the
representatives who attended the meetings, and the decision made as a
result of the meetings.
D. The caseworker must notify his or her supervisor if the school district of
jurisdiction fails to comply with Items A - C of this section. The
supervisor will work toward resolving the issues. If resolution is not
reached, the Director will be notified.
2.707.2 Financial Responsibility for Education Costs
Revised 3/29/99 The school district is responsible for educational costs for the foster child through
their average revenue base/excess costs. To assure that educational costs are
provided by the school district, the caseworker must notify the school district
before the foster child is enrolled.
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2.710 Foster Children
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2.710.3 Motor Vehicle Operation
Revised 3/29/99 The Department will not permit foster children to operate a motor vehicle. Under
no circumstances will youth who are placed in Child Placement Agencies,
Residential Child Care Facilities, Specialized Group Care, or youth on
Independent Living be allowed to drive a motor vehicle.
The exceptions to this prohibition must be well-defined and documented
circumstances where liability is assumed and insurance provided by another
responsible party as follows:
A. Voluntary Placements. Because the child remains in the legal custody of
the birth parents, the caseworker must document that the vehicle driven is
insured for lability by both parents or foster parents. Verification shall
include a signed statement by the responsible party that insurance is
provided for the foster child, name of the insurance company, coverage
date, and a description of the vehicle covered. The caseworker files the
verification in the case record.
B. Department Custody through Court Order.
1. The caseworker may allow the foster child to drive if liability is
assumed by a responsible party on behalf of the foster child who is
a minor by:
a. County Certified Foster Parents
b. Biological Parents
c. Placement facility, i.e., Child Placement Agency and
Residential Child Care Facility
2. The caseworker must obtain a signed Affidavit of Responsibility
from the responsible party who is assuming liability for the foster
child to obtain a driver's license. The caseworker will verify that
the foster child is covered with the individual or facility's vehicle
insurance policy. The signed statement shall include the name of
the insurance company, coverage date, and a description of the
vehicle covered. The caseworker files the statement in the case
record.
3. The caseworker must inform the responsible party that:
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a. They assume responsibility for bodily injury and property
damage when they authorize driving by signing the
Affidavit of Liability for a minor.
b. They should notify and seek the advice of their insurance
company to provide adequate and timely insurance
coverage.
c. They will pay for any increase in their premium costs.
C. Driver's Education through Public Schools. School districts assume
liability responsibility for youth when they are driving a school vehicle
with an instructor, according to § 42-2-107, C.R.S. The foster parents may
sign the Affidavit of Liability so the youth may enter the Drivers'
Education Course. The foster parents may revoke the affidavit if they do
not wish to assume responsibility and insurance coverage after the training
is completed.
2.710.31 Automobile Insurance Related to Non-Medicaid Eligible Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 Private medical insurance purchased by the Department will not cover medical
bills associated with a motor vehicle accident. Non-Medicaid eligible foster
children will not be placed in foster homes that do not carry current and adequate
motor vehicle liability insurance that extends its coverage to foster chi ldren. The
caseworker must verify that this insurance is provided at the time of placement.
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2.710.4 Personal Injury, Property Loss and Damage
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Department cannot assume the financial and legal obligation to foster
parents for property loss or damage or for personal injury incurred in their
care of foster children. The Department has no legal means to pay for any
losses.
B. The Colorado Department of Human Services provides some
supplementary coverage for foster parents, as described through State
rules. This coverage supplements the foster parents' "homeowners" and
auto insurance policies but does not provide coverage for all types losses.
The State pays premiums.
C. Child Placement Agencies and Residential Child. Care Facilities must
provide their own liability insurance.
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2.710.5 Consent for Out-of-County and Out-of-State Travel of Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker must notify the birth parents or biological parents of any
out-of-county or out-of-state travel and obtain the biological parents'
permission.
B. The caseworker must obtain written permission from the caseworker's
supervisor through the Department's Travel Authorization Form for foster
parents to travel with children for any out-of-county or out-of-state travel.
C. The caseworker will follow travel procedures as follows:
1. Voluntary Placement. The caseworker, through his or her
supervisor, must provide permission to the foster parent to travel
with the child out-of-county, after consent is provided by the
biological parents. The foster parent must have the written
permission from the caseworker's supervisor and biological
parents for any out-of-state travel with the child.
2. Court Ordered Placement. The caseworker, through the
caseworker's supervisor, must provide permission to the foster
parent to travel with the foster child out-of-county, after consent is
provided by the biological parents. The caseworker must notify
the Guardian at Litem to obtain his or her consent. The Court must
provide its approval to the Department and foster parents for any
out-of-state travel.
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2.710.6 Travel for Visitation Between Foster Child and Birth Parents
Revised 3/29/99 When the caseworker has included visitation between the foster child and birth
parents or guardians in the treatment plan, transportation expenses may be
available to birth parents or guardians.
2.710.61 Transportation Reimbursement for Birth Parents
Revised 3/29/99 Transportation reimbursement is available to birth parents or guardians as mileage
reimbursement. The mileage reimbursement for visitation must be:
A. For mileage not covered by other resources.
B. For non-Medicaid mileage when the birth parents are not involved in
family counseling.
C. Limited to out-of-county travel.
D. In-county travel as approved for special circumstances with prior approval
of the caseworker's supervisor.
E. Reimbursed at S.20 per mile from case services mileage.
2.710.62 Transportation Assistance for Birth Parents
Revised 3/29/99 Transportation assistance may be available to birth parents or guardians. The
transportation assistance for visitation must be:
A. For gas money or bus fare.
B. Limited to out-of-county travel
C. In-county travel as approved for special circumstances with prior approval
by the caseworker's supervisor.
D. Airfare, lodging or per diem is not provided unless approved by the
Director.
2.710.63 Procedures for Transportation Reimbursement or Assistance
Revised 3/29/99 A. Caseworker determines indigence of the birth parents or guardians by
assessing income and other public assistance standards.
B. Caseworker requests approval of caseworker's supervisor for
transportation reimbursement or assistance for birth parents or guardians.
C. Caseworker's supervisor forwards approved requests to the Business
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Office.
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2.710.7 Consent for Medical Care of Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 Emergency care is defined as requiring immediate medical treatment as
recommended by licensed medical authority to protect the life and health of a
child. The treatment cannot be delayed without placing the child at risk.
Revised 3/29/99 A. Voluntary Placements
1. Foster parents and other child placement facility representatives are
authorized to consent to:
a. Routine medical and dental care that is non-emergency
care.
b. Emergency care, if necessary.
c. Non-emergency surgery that requires hospitalization and
with the birth parents' advance consent and signature on a
CWS-25 form attesting to the birth parents' consent.
2. Foster parents do not have consent for hospitalization for
psychiatric treatment. Foster parents will notify the caseworker
who will assess the child or youth according to the procedures in
Section 2.702.
3. The caseworker shall try to obtain a written medical consent for
treatment, including surgery, from the parents having custody or
guardian. Before surgery is performed, the hospital may require
that their consent form be signed. If possible, the caseworker
should have the parents sign this hospital or medical provider
consent form.
4. If the caseworker cannot obtain written medical consent for
treatment because the parents having custody or guardian is not
available, the caseworker will notify his or her supervisor and
initiate the legal process to obtain a court order.
B. Court Ordered Placements
1. Foster parents and other child placement facility representatives are
authorized to consent to:
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a. Routine medical and dental care that is non-emergency
care.
b. Emergency care, if necessary.
c. Non-emergency surgery that requires hospitalization and
with the Director's, or designee's, advance consent and
signature on a CWS-25 form attesting to the Depailment's
consent.
2. Foster parents do not have consent for hospitalization for
psychiatric treatment. Foster parents will notify the caseworker
who will assess the child or youth according to the procedures in
Section 2.702.
3. The caseworker will notify the birth parents and Guardian at Litem
to determine their consensus to any non-emergency surgical
procedures. The caseworker will notify the birth parents and
Guardian at Litem of any emergency care situations.
4. The foster parent should be instructed to notify caseworker
supervisors or the Director in any medical or psychological
requiring consultation.
5. If the caseworker cannot obtain consensus for medical treatment
because the birth parents or Guardian at Litem is not available, the
caseworker will immediately notify his or her supervisor and
initiate the legal process to obtain a court order.
2.710.71 Medical Coverage Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 Many foster care children in the custody of the Department are covered by
Medicaid. Medicaid coverage may not he available to those children who exceed
income standards and foster care maintenance standards set by State and Federal
regulations. For non-Medicaid eligible foster care children, the Department or
parents will provide alternative medical coverage through either purchasing
medical insurance or paying for direct medical coverage paid though parental
fees, social security benefits, child support, or other available funds.
2.710.72 Medical Care In Which Religious Considerations are Involved
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker will consider the biological parents' religious beliefs in
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seeking medical care.
B. If the biological parents disclose any religious beliefs that may result in
objections to medical treatment, the caseworker will notify his or her
supervisor and consult with the Assistant Weld County Attorneys. The
Department will request, at the first hearing, that the Court specify the
Department's actions in obtaining routine physical and dental care, and
any emergency care needed to prevent death or permanent disability.
C. For an emergency or ongoing care of the child and if the biological parents
object to medical care because of their religious beliefs, the caseworker
will immediately notify his or her supervisor and consult with the
Assistant Weld County Attorney to obtain a court order.
2.710.73 Routine Physical Examinations for Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 A. Children and youth placed in foster care are required to have a physical
examination before fourteen days of placement.
B. The caseworker will schedule children and youth who have a regular
physician to that physician for the medical examination.
C. The caseworker will schedule children and youth who do not have a
regular physician and cannot access one, to Medicaid providers for
scheduling of an appointment.
D. The caseworker must document medical appointments in the case file.
2.710.74 Routine Dental Examinations for Foster Children
Revised 3/29/99 A. Children and youth placed in foster care are required to have a dental
examination before sixty days of placement.
B. The caseworker will schedule children and youth who have a regular
dentist to that dentist for the dental examination.
C. The caseworker will schedule children and youth who do not have a
regular dentist and cannot access one, to Medicaid providers for
scheduling of an appointment.
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D. The caseworker must document dental appointments in the case file.
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2.750 Case Recording and Filing Policy
2.750.1 Case Recording
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker is expected to maintain current records in every active
service case to which he or she is assigned. All recording must be made
within established time limits.
B. The recording must give the reader clear, concise description of case
information and planning.
C. The number and type of contacts with the client must be clearly stated in
all recordings.
D. Case documentation shall meet all State and county requirements as
outlined in Volume VII, Section 7.002
2.750.2 Case Review Process
Revised 3/29/99 Social Services Division Managers are responsible for case review as follows:
A. Review case records using the Weld County Social Services Case Review
Form upon case closure or transfer.
B. Review all cases open ninety days or longer and assure the appropriate
documentation of the review is signed by the supervisor.
C. Assure that child protection investigations are reviewed by the Child
Protection Team according to State requirements, as outlined in Volume
VII, Section 7.402.72.
D. Cooperate with the review of ongoing cases by Foster Care Review as
required.
E. Cooperate with State audits that ensure compliance with State and Federal
rules.
2.750.3 Filing Policy
Revised 3/29/99 Client records will be maintained in the County Department's Central File.
Records regarding cases on employees of the County Department will be entered
into the computer and given a "sensitive" designation. These computer files can
only be accessed through the computer in Central Files. The hard files will be
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maintained in a designated, locked filing cabinet.
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2.760 Caseworker Training
Revised 3/29/99 A. All new caseworkers will complete thirty hours of computer-based
training before receiving a caseload. The caseworker's supervisor will
send a printout verifying the caseworker's'completion of the computer-
based training to the Office of State Development, Colorado Department
of Human Services and to the Department's personnel office.. A record
of completion of this training will be kept in a log in the Department's
personnel office.
B. All new caseworkers will complete new caseworker training Parts 1 and 2
within three months of date of hire. The Department's Staff Development
Request form will be used to document the caseworker's completion of
this training. A record of completion of this training will be kept in a log
in the Department's personnel office.
C. All new caseworkers will complete Part 3 of the new caseworker training
between six and eight months of date of hire. The Department's Staff
Development Request form will be used to document the caseworker's
completion of this training. A record of completion of this training will be
kept in a log in the Department's personnel office.
D. All new caseworkers will complete sixty hours of on-the-job training
within four months of date of hire. The supervisor or lead caseworker will
complete the On-the-Job Training Competency-based Assessment form
verifying that the training has been done. This form will be sent 1:o the
Office of Staff Development, Colorado Department of Human Services.
A record of completion of this training will be kept in a log in the
Department's personnel office.
E. All new caseworkers will have six hours of regional resource training
completed within twelve months of date of hire. All new caseworkers will
be expected to attend any regional resource training provided by the
Colorado Department of Human Services. The Department's Staff
Development Request form will be used to document the caseworker's
completion of this training. A record of completion of this training will be
kept in a log in the Department's personnel office.
To assure regional resources are known to each caseworker, all C.O.R.E.
services providers will provide an orientation to caseworkers regarding
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their programs annually. Attendance at these orientation sessions will be
recorded and kept in a log in the Department's personnel office. All
supervisors or lead caseworkers will orient new caseworkers regarding key
juvenile justice and dependency court systems. The Department will make
available to each caseworker a list:of community resources.
F. All new caseworkers will complete Part 4 (sexual abuse interviewing) of
the new caseworker training within twelve months of the caseworker's
date of hire. The Department's Staff Development Request form. will be
used to document the caseworker's completion of this training. A record
of completion of this training will.be kept in a log in the Department's
personnel office. This training is recommended but optional for Youth-In-
Conflict caseworkers.
G. All new child welfare supervisors will receive forty hours of supervisory
training within six months of the supervisor's date of hire or promotion.
The Department's Staff Development Request form will be used to
document the supervisor's completion of this training. A record of
completion of this training will be kept in a log in the Department's
personnel office.
H. All experienced child welfare staff will receive eight hours of training per
year. The Department's Staff Development Request form will be used to
document the staff's completion of this training. A record of completion
of this training will be kept in a log in the Department's personnel office.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.760.1 Caseworker Debriefing and Support Training
Revised 3/29/99 The Department will provide professional debriefing training and consultation for
caseworkers who request or whose supervisor requests for a caseworker in dealing
with or managing:
A. A single, critical incident as a result of performing their job duties.
B. A single case entering a critical phase and creating exceptional stress, i.e.,
a difficult Termination of Parental Rights Trial, investigation of a child
fatality, etc.
C. The cumulative effects of casework that may be negatively affecting the
caseworker's ability to manage child welfare cases effectively .
2.760.11 Procedures to Access Caseworker Debriefing and Support Training
Revised 3/29/99 A. The caseworker or caseworker's supervisor may directly request
debriefing training and consultation needs for situations identified under
Section 2.760.1 (A) and (B).
B. For situations identified under Section 2.760.2 (C), the caseworker and
caseworker's supervisor will discuss this training and other stress
management techniques for the caseworker.
C. The caseworker and caseworker's supervisor will submit a staff
development training form and submit the form to the designated. Intake
Manager for approval. The Intake Manager may approve up to a
maximum of three training appointments.
D. The designated Intake Manager will arrange for referrals to the
Department's approved training vendors and submit the training bill to the
Department's business office along with a signed training request.
E. At the conclusion of the approved training sessions, the caseworker and
the training vendor may arrange to continue ongoing counseling. This
ongoing counseling will not be at the expense of the Department, but
arrange by the caseworker through the county's health insurance plan or
other private arrangements.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.800 Program Description
2.800.1 General Description of Services
Revised 3/29/99 A. General Services. Caseworker supervisors shall provide to their
caseworkers a list of service providers for purposes of meeting family
needs in the areas of:
1. Core Services or Family Preservation.
2. In-home Homemaker services.
3. After-Care services.
4. Out-Patient Substance Abuse Treatment.
5. Mental health services.
6. Ongoing Family Therapy or Intensive Family Therapy
7. Day Treatment.
8. Special Circumstance Child Care.
B. Crisis Counseling. Families who need crisis counseling may have access
to these services through:
1. Child protection screeners, child protection primary duty
caseworker, and the Youth-In Conflict primary duty caseworker
during normal working hours.
2. Emergency Duty Worker is available after normal working hours,
weekends, and holidays.
3. North Range Behavioral Health provides twenty-four hour
emergency mental health services. Section 2.702 describes the
procedures to access these services.
C. Emergency Financial Assistance. Families who need emergency
financial assistance may have access to:
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1. Special Economic Assistance, a Core Service.
2. Case Services for limited services.
D. Visitation Services. Families who need visitation services during regular
working hours, after hours, and on weekends or holidays, may have access
to:
1. Core Services providers that provide visitation services.
2. Department's case aides.
3. Child Placement Agencies that provide visitation services.
E. Housing Services. Families who need housing services may have access
to:
1. Special Economic Assistance funds for damage deposits, first
month's rent, or back rent.
2. Weld County/Greeley Housing Authority referrals for housing
assistance.
F. Transportation Services. Families who need transportation services
may have access to transportation. services through:
1. Case services payroll for purchase of bus passes or cab services.
2. Mileage reimbursement for parent visits or other services through
case services payroll and Medicaid services for eligible parents.
3. The Department's case aides, foster parents, and child placement
agencies provide transportation for foster children.
4. Mileage reimbursement for foster parents are available through
case services payroll and Medicaid.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.801 Special Circumstances Child Care
Revised 3//29/99 Special Circumstances Child Care is a service to monitor a child in his or her
own home or in the least restrictive out of home care when there are no other child
care options available. Child care services for school age children during regular
school hours must be different from, and cannot be substituted for education
services that school districts are required to provide under the Colorado
Exceptional Children's Act. (Reference: § 26-2-103 (11), CRS)
2.801.1 Eligibility Criteria for Special Circumstances Child Care
Revised 3//29/99 The caseworker and supervisor must ensure that:
A. The child and family meet eligibility requirements in the General
Information and Policies Section of Volume VII; and
B. No other child care options are available; and
C. The child is eligible for services under Program Areas 4, 5, or 6, Volume
VII, 7.502.3.
2.801.2 Special Circumstances Child Care Priorities
Revised 3//29/99 The County Department has limited fiscal and staff resources. Priorities will be
used to place children in special circumstances child care. By order o F
importance, the caseworker shall use the priority listing in deciding which child
shall receive or be terminated from these services as follows:
A. A child who is at risk of abuse or neglect, but who can remain in his or her
own home with the use of child care. Child care gives respite to both the
child and parent(s), and keeps an objective eye on the child in case of re-
abuse.
B. A child who is placed with relatives or family friends because the child
cannot remain in his or her own home due to the risk of abuse or neglect.
These placements are very special as the caretakers are usually attached
and committed to the child. In addition, the child usually knows these
caretakers and the trauma of removal from his or her own home is much
less. Child care supplements and supports these placements.
C. A child who is placed in the least restrictive setting, usually County
Certified Foster Care Homes, and who is challenging to the foster care
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
parents. The Placement Review Team will decide if the child's behavior
warrants the use of child care in each individual case. Child care allows
respite for County Certified Foster Parents and provides socialization
and/or therapy for the child. This child care prevents the child from
having to be placed in a more restrictive, higher cost placement. Also,
these placements, if successful may be permanent in the event the child
cannot be reunited with their family.
D. A child who is emotionally or behaviorally disturbed, and for whom the
child care is therapeutic. Often this factor is present in many situations
described in (A) through (C). Also, in cases where the child may have to
be placed peicnanently outside their home, child care can help this child be
more manageable and therefore easier to sustain in placement.
2.801.3 Procedures for Referral and Approval of Special Circumstances Child Care
Revised 3/129/99 A. The caseworker completes the Special Circumstances/Protective Services
Child Care Referral Form. The total cost of the requested child. care must
be on the form under Provider Information. The caseworker will not put
the total cost information in the space labeled "for child care unit use
only."
B. The caseworker discusses the referral with their immediate supervisor and
obtains the immediate supervisor's signature on the Special
Circumstances/Protective Services Referral Form.
C. The caseworker staffs the case for approval with the Placement Review
Team. The request must meet the eligibility and priority criteria outlined
in Section 2.801.1 and 2.801.2
D. The Placement Review Team approves the child care services for only
ninety days. All team members sign the referral form.
E. The referral form is then given to the managing supervisor of Special
Circumstances Child Care for final approval and tracking of expenditures.
F. The managing supervisor for special circumstances child care signs the
referral form and returns the referral form to the caseworker. The
caseworker forwards the form to the child care unit.
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G. In order for special circumstances child care to continue, the above
procedure must be repeated every 90 days. The Placement Review Team
will assess the appropriateness of continued care based on the needs of the
child and family.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.802 Core Services Program
Revised 3/29/99 The Department provides services under its Core Services Program in accordance
with Volume VII, Section 7.303, Colorado Department of Human Services. The
Department's Core Services Program is approved'each year for a period beginning
June 1 through May 31 of the following year.
2.802.1 Definitions
Revised 3/29/99 Core Services Program consists of services as defined in Volume VII, Section
7.303.1, Colorado Department of Human Services. Services are as follows:
A. Home Based Intervention: services provided primarily in the home of
the client and includes a variety of services that can include therapeutic
services, concrete services, collateral services and crisis intervention
directed to meet the needs of the child and family. Service elements of
therapeutic, concrete, collateral and crisis intervention services are defined
in Volume VII, Section 7.303.14, Colorado Department of Human
Services.
B. Intensive Family Therapy: therapeutic intervention typically with all
family members to improve family communication, functioning, and
relationships.
C. Life Skills: services provided primarily in the home that each household
management, effectively accessing community resources, parenting
techniques, and family conflict management.
D. Day Treatment: comprehensive, highly structured services that provide
education to children and therapy to children and their families.
E. Sexual Abuse Treatment: therapeutic intervention designed to address
issues and behaviors related to sexual abuse victimization, sexual
dysfunction, sexual perpetration, and to prevent future sexual abuse and
victimization.
F. Special Economic Assistance: emergency financial assistance of not
more than $400 per family per year in the form of cash and/or vendor
payment to purchase hard services. Services elements for hard services
are defined in Volume VII, Section 7.303.14, Colorado Department of
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Human Services.
G. Mental Health Services: diagnostic and/or therapeutic services to assist in
the development of the family services plan, to assess and/or improve
family communication, functioning, and relationships.
H. Substance Abuse Treatment Services: diagnostic and/or therapeutic
services to assist in the development of the development of the family
service plan, to assess and/or improve family communication, functioning
and relationships, and to prevent further abuse of drugs or alcohol.
I. Aftercare Services: any of the Core services provided to prepare a child
for reunification with his or her family or other permanent placement and
to prevent future out-of-home placement of the child.
J. County Designed Services: innovative and/or otherwise unavailable
services proposed by a county that meet the goals of the Core Serves
Program.
2.802.2 Program Eligibility
Revised 3/29/99 Program eligibility for the program is defined in Volume VII, Section 7.303.13,
Colorado Department of Human Services.
2.802.3 Procedures to Access Services
Revised 3/29/99 A. According to Volume VII, Section 7.303.12, Colorado Department of
Human Services, the Department must make all of the Core Services,
except for county designed services, available to any client who meets the
criteria for the service as documented in the Family Services Plan.
B. Each program year, the Department provides a vendor list to caseworkers
for each Core Services Program area as defined in Section 2.802.1 (A)
through (H). This vendor list will include a description of the population
best served by the vendor, cost of the service, and services to be provided.
C. Each program year, the Department provides, to caseworkers, a list of
supervisors who are responsible for referral and budget management of
each Core Services Program area as defined in Section 2.802.1 (A)
through (H).
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
D. The caseworker will make a referral to a vendor on behalf of a family.
The referral must be documented in the Family Services Plan and meet the
requirement of Section 2.802.3 (A). This referral must be approved by his
or her direct supervisor and the supervisor responsible for the
corresponding Core Services Program area. The minimum requirements
of the referral include: the recommended beginning and ending dates of
service from the vendor, the family's household number, and reasons for
the referral to the vendor.
F. The caseworker will be responsible to assess if another referral is
necessary to the vendor, if the duration of the services must be extended.
This referral must be approved by his or her direct supervisor and the
supervisor responsible for the corresponding Core Services Program area.
The minimum requirements of the referral include: the recommended
beginning and ending dates of service from the vendor, the family's
household number, and reasons for the additional referral to the vendor.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.803 Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program
Revised 3/29/99 The Colorado Department of Human Services provided funding to the Department
for a one-year period of October 1, 1998 through September 31, 1999, for three
major activities. These major activities are a Family Support Program, an
Adoption Promotion and Support Services Program, and a Time-Limited
Reunification Services Program.
2.803.1 Definitions
Revised 3/29/99 A. Adoption Promotion and Support Services Program: Services and
activities designed to encourage more formal and informal adoptions out
of the foster care system, when adoptions promote the best interests of
children, including such activities as pre- and post-adoptive services and
activities to expedite the adoption process and support both adoptive and
kinship care families.
B. Time-Limited Reunification Services Program: Services and activities
that are provided to a child who is removed from the home and placed in a
foster family home, residential child care institution, or other out-of-home
environment; and to the parents or primary caregivers of such child, in
order to facilitate the reunification of the child, safely and appropriately
within a timely fashion, but only during the 12-month period that begins
on the date that the child is considered to have entered placement.
C. Family Support Program: Those services provided to enable families to
care for and nurture their children, and prevent crises that might lead to
out-of-home placement. Services are provided by a family advocate who
supports families and assists in the coordination of services for families.
2.803.2 Adoption Promotion and Support Services Program
2.803.21 Program Eligibility
Revised 3/29/99 A. Parents who are engaged in the entire legal process of adoption including
intake, pre-placement activities and planning, adoptive placement of the
child, post-placement activities, and post-finalizaiton services.
B. Parents who are relatives or kin who are providing foster care for children
C. Biological parents who are involved in the child welfare system and their
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needs cannot be met through existing services of Core Services or
Colorado Work Program in Weld County.
2.803.22 Program Services under Adoption Promotion and Support Services Program
Revised 3/29/99 A. Short-Term Respite Care for Children'Without Special Needs: Short-
term respite care for families during the daytime for children without
special needs may be available through licensed providers.
B. Short-Term Respite Care for Children With Special Needs: Short-term
respite care for families during the daytime for children with special needs
may be available through licensed providers. Children with special needs
are defined in Section 2.302 (A).
C. Overnight Respite Care: Overnight respite care for families may be
available through County Certified Family Foster Care Homes. The 24-
hour care cannot exceed seven continuous days.
D. Summer Respite Care: Summer respite care for families may be
available through payment of summer camp fees.
E. Emergency Medical Services: One-time emergency funding may be
available to pre- and post-adoptive children who require prescriptions or
medical needs not covered by Medicaid or other insurance resources.
F. Training and Education Services
1. Training: The Department will enhance its training program by
focusing resources for:
• basic and advanced parenting skills.
• parenting and care of the developmentally disabled child.
• parenting and care of the child with psychological and
emotional disorders, i.e., reactive attachment disorder, fetal
alcohol syndrome, grief and loss issues.
• parenting and care of the child with medical needs, i.e.,
chronic illness,prevention and maintenance, medications,
physical therapy in the home.
• the legal system, i.e., the role of the court, the process of
adoption, guardianship, Dependency and Neglect, custody.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2. Educational Materials: The Department will purchase videos and
other educational materials to augment training and ongoing
educational needs of parents.
G. Mentoring Services: Mentoring services may be available through
adoptive parents whom the Department has interviewed and selected as
mentors. Adoptive parents who are mentors will provide direct face-to-
face services.
H. Payment for Travel: Travel services may be reimbursed for parents who
are engaged in pre-placement activities and planning, adoptive placement
of the child, and post-placement activities.
2.803.23 Procedures to Access Services
Revised 3/29/99 A. Short-Term Respite Care for Children Without Special Needs.
1. The Resource Services Unit will notify, through direct mailing,
pre- and post-adoptive parents and kinship care providers, as
caretakers, of available respite care services.
2. The caretaker contacts the Resource Services Unit to request
services. The Resource Services Unit will refer the caretaker to
next available group registration meeting that is held weekly.
3. The Resource Services Unit will interview the caretaker and
determine the number of hours of respite care that will be provided.
The determination of the number of hours per caretaker is based on
need and is limited to twenty-four hours per month, per child,
unless otherwise waived and approved by the Resource Services
Unit Manager.
4. The Resource Services Unit will issue a voucher to the caretaker.
The voucher will detail the limitations, terms, and conditions of the
services to be provided.
5. The caretaker will present the voucher to a licensed child care
provider or County Certified Foster Care Home provider for respite
services. The provider and the caretaker will arrange for the time
and date for care during the month.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
6. The provider submits monthly the voucher, along with the
signature of the caretaker to verify services have been provided, to
the Resource Services Unit Manager. The provider must submit its
billings to the Department by the 15th of the following month for
remittance.
7. The Resources Services Unit verifies the billing regarding
caretaker eligibility, provider status, services provided and
documentation provided. Once verified, the Resource Services
Unit will submit the voucher to the Business Office for payment.
Revised 3/29/99 B. Short-Term Respite Care for Children With Special Needs.
1. The Resource Services Unit will notify, through direct mailing,
pre- and post-adoptive parents and kinship care providers, as
caretakers, of available respite care services.
2. The caretaker contacts the Resource Services Unit to request
services. The Resource Services Unit will refer the caretaker to
next available group registration meeting that is held weekly.
3. The Resource Services Unit will interview the caretaker and
determine the number of hours of respite care that will be provided.
The determination of the number of hours per caretaker is based on
need and is limited to twenty-four hours per month, per child,
unless otherwise waived and approved by the Resource Services
Unit Manager.
4. The Resource Services Unit will issue a voucher to the caretaker.
The voucher will detail the limitations, terms, and conditions of the
services to be provided.
5. The caretaker will present the voucher to a licensed facility that
specializes in the care of special needs children or County Certified
Foster Care Home provider who is qualified to care for special
needs children for respite services. The provider and the caretaker
will arrange for the time and date for care during the month.
6. The provider submits monthly the voucher, along with the
signature of the caretaker to verify services have been provided, to
the Resource Services Unit Manager. The provider must submit its
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
billings to the Department by the 15th of the following month for
remittance.
7. The Resources Services Unit verifies the billing regarding
caretaker eligibility, provider status, services provided and
documentation provided. Once verified, the Resource Services
Unit will submit the voucher to the Business Office for payment.
Revised 3/29/99 C. Overnight Respite Care
1. The Resource Services Unit will notify, through direct mailing,
pre- and post-adoptive parents and kinship care providers, as
caretakers, of available respite care services.
2. The caretaker contacts the Resource Services Unit to request
services. The Resource Services Unit will refer the caretaker to
next available group registration meeting that is held weekly.
3. The Resource Services Unit will interview the caretaker and
determine the number of hours of respite care that will be provided.
The determination of the number of hours per caretaker is based on
need and is limited to two overnight stays per month,per child,
unless otherwise waived and approved by the Resource Services
Unit Manager.
4. The Resource Services Unit will issue a voucher to the caretaker.
The voucher will detail the limitations, terms, and conditions of the
services to be provided.
5. The caretaker will present the voucher to a licensed child care
provider or County Certified Foster Care Home provider for respite
services. The provider and the caretaker will arrange for the time
and date for care during the month.
6. The provider submits monthly the voucher, along with the
signature of the caretaker to verify services have been provided, to
the Resource Services Unit Manager. The provider must submit its
billings to the Department by the 15th of the following month for
remittance.
7. The Resources Services Unit verifies the billing regarding
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caretaker eligibility, provider status, services provided and
documentation provided. Once verified, the Resource Services
Unit will submit the voucher to the Business Office for payment.
2.8033 Time-Limited Reunification Services Program
2.803.31 Program Eligibility
Revised 3/29/99 A. Parents who are engaged in the entire legal process of adoption including
intake, pre-placement activities and planning, adoptive placement of the
child, post-placement activities, and post-finalizaiton services.
B. Parents who are relatives or kin who are providing foster care for children
C. Biological parents who are involved in the child welfare system and their
needs cannot be met through existing services of Core Services or
Colorado Works Program in Weld County.
2.803.32 Program Services under Time-Limited Reunification Services Program
Revised 3/29/99 Services to be provided are the same as those defined in Section 2.803.22 (A)
through (F).
2.803.33 Procedures to Access Services
Revised 3/29/99 Procedures are the same as those designed in Section 2.803.23 (A) through (F).
2.803.4 Family Support Program
2.803.41 Program Eligibility
Revised 3/29/99 A. "Young Families at Risk" as defined as follows:
1. Families with children twelve years of age and under; and
2. Families that qualify under two risk areas or more as follows:
a. Economic Risk: Families receiving public assistance
through the Department.
b. Family Risk: Families who are either isolated because of
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culture, language, and/or from birth or extended family
members, or who are physically or mentally challenged; or
who experienced divorce within the last year.
c. Stress Risk: Families who are new to the community, i.e.,
migrant families (residents df one year or less); or who
have rent or mortgage expenses that exceed 30% of
income; or who have a head of household having less than
a high school education.
B. Families referred by the Department's caseworkers who do not qualify for
Core Services or Colorado Works in Weld County services.
2.803.42 Program Services under Family Support Program
Revised 3/29/99 Program services are provided by two contractors of the Department. These two
contractors are the Weld Department of Human Services and Catholic Charities
Northern.
A. Weld County families who reside north of and including Platteville,
Colorado: These families will be referred to the Family Support Program
under the Weld Department of Human Services. The Weld County
Human Services Program provides case management and supportive
services support for families through a family advocate.
B. Weld County families who reside south of Platteville, Colorado: These
families will be referred to the Family Support Program under Catholic
Charities Northern. Catholic Charities Northern provides support for
families in accessing community services.
2.803.43 Procedures to Access Services
Revised 3/29/99 A. A client may self-refer to these services by contacting either contractor,
depending on the residence of the client.
B. A caseworker may contact, on behalf of a client, to one of the contractors,
depending on the residence of the client.
C. The contractors advertise their services at human service provider
locations throughout Weld County.
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2.900 Committee Descriptions
2.901 Weld County Child Protection Team
Revised 3/29/99 The Weld County Child Protection Team was for ned by the County Director
under the requirements of the C.R.S. § 19-1-1-3 (22) and § 19-3-308 (6) - (9).
The Weld County Child Protection Team has an advisory role only to the County
Department.
The Weld County Child Protection Team has as its functions:
A. Communication and problem solving with agencies having primary
contact with abused and neglected children.
B. Dissemination of information about child abuse to the community.
C. Reviewing child abuse and neglects cases according to the C.R.S. § 19-3-
308 (6) - (9).
1. The full team will meet a minimum of twice monthly to review
cases with caseworkers who are present.
2. A mini-team will meet at least twice monthly to staff cases
required by statute.
2.901.1 Weld County Child Protection Team Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The County Director appoints members to the Weld County Child
Protection Team, as required by the C.R.S. § 19-1-103 (22) and § 19-3-
308 (6) - (9).
B. Each appointed member must sign a form regarding confidentiality of
cases.
C. Any member of the Weld County Child Protection Team may request a
particular case to be reviewed.
D. Each member of the team will participate in a multi-disciplinary approach
to each case reviewed.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.902 Placement Review Committee
Revised 3/10/9 The Placement Review Committee is an internal committee created by the
Director. The Placement Review Committee has as its purposes to:
A. Foster Care Placements:
1. Review for approval caseworker requests for placement of children
and youth in more costly and restrictive foster care; i.e., out-of-
state placements, residential treatment centers, residential child
care facilities, etc.
2. Review for approval, at a minimum every six months, ongoing
foster care placements to ensure that children are returned to their
parents or the community, as appropriate.
C. Special Economic Assistance: Review for approval caseworker requests
for special economic assistance.
D. Specialized Child Care: Review for approval caseworker requests for
specialized child care.
E. Child Fatality Review: Provide a complete internal administrative
review of the Department's involvement in a case involving a child
fatality, according to Volume VII, Section 7.202.78, B, 2.
2.902.1 Placement Review Team Composition
Revised 3/29/99 A. Social Services Administrator, Chair, or designee
B. Social Services Division Managers
B. Foster Care Specialist
C. Caseworker presenting child for placement or presenting a child fatality
case.
If the Social Services Administrator is absent, the Social Services Administrator
or the Director will appoint a chair or waive such requirement.
2.902.2 Types of Placements Reviewed
Revised 3/1/0/99 A. All requests for children or youth to be placed in any higher level care
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other than County Certified Foster Care Homes.
B. Any request to transfer a child or youth from one higher level placement to
another higher level placement.
C. Children in foster care placements for six months to assess if treatment
and permanency plan goals are being met.
D. Any other foster care case the committee determines should be subject to
follow-up or more frequent review due to the critical nature of the
placement.
E. Any other case the Social Services Administrator or Director may refer for
review and recommendation.
2.902.21 Recommendations and Decision Authority for Placements
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Placement Review Committee reviews and makes recommendations
for placements.
B. If a consensus on recommendations is not reached by the Placement
Review Committee, the Director or designee will make the final
Department decision.
2.902.22 Placement Review Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Placement Review Team will meet biweekly.
B. The caseworker and/or immediate supervisor presents case to the
committee.
C. The committee reviews and recommends approval, disapproval, or
conditional approval within one day of the presentation.
D. The committee documents its decision by each individual signing the
appropriate form and files such form in the child's case record.
E. If a consensus on the committee's recommendations is not reached, the
Director or designee will make the decision. The committee members will
document this decision on the appropriate form and file such form in the
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child's case record.
2.902.3 Child Fatality Review
Revised 3/29/99 The Placement Review Committee will provide a complete internal administrative
review and shall be referred to as the Department Internal Review. This child
fatality review will be completed whenever the Department has had current or
prior case services involvement with the child, family, or alleged perpetrator
within the last five years .
2.902.31 Review Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Placement Review Committee's review will include, at a minimum:
1. Evaluation of the case plan.
2. Assessment of the interventions made by the Department.
3. Identified areas of strengths and/or weaknesses in the casework
process.
4. Analysis of any systemic issues that may have led to delays or
oversights.
5. Evaluation of the role played by other community agencies and the
overall case coordination.
6. Recommendations for staff training or changes in the system that
would avoid other similar occurrences.
B. The Placement Review Committee will document its review on the State
Department's Internal Review and Child Fatality Report.
C. The Placement Review Committee will assure that the written report is
completed within sixty calendar days of notification of the child's death
and provided to the Director.
D. The Director or designee will submit the State Department's Internal
Review and Child Fatality Report to the State Department Child
Protection Administrator.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.903 Adult Protection Networking Group
Revised 3/29/99 The Adult Protection Networking Group is an ad hoc committee formed by the
Director for purposes of facilitating interagency cooperation regarding services to
at-risk adults and developing/providing information to the community at large
regarding issues of adult protection.
2.903.1 Purposes of the Group
Revised 3/29/99 A. Review the need for and/or provision of the services for adults who are at-
risk of, or are being neglected, abused or exploited.
B. Identify gaps in services available to elderly and disabled adults.
C. Educate the community regarding adult protection issues for purposes of
prevention.
D. Network and share information among agencies to prevent the duplication
of services.
E. Assess client potential need for services using a staffing team.
F. Explore resource development.
2.903.2 Structure of the Adult Protection Networking Group
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Adult Protection Networking Group meets monthly.
B. The Adult Protection Unit Manager convenes each meeting, structures the
meetings, and sets the times for the meeting.
C. The Director appoints, at one year increment, the members to the group
who are voluntary ad hoc members.
D. Membership consists of a minimum of six individuals who represent:
1. Law enforcement.
2. Ombudsman from Area Agency on Aging.
3. Mental health community.
4. Health Care Agency or medical community.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
5. Developmentally delayed/physically impaired community.
6. Elderly community outreach.
7. Other members as required and appropriate.
E. Members are required to sign a statement of confidentiality to allow for
referrals and review of specific cases, according to applicable State and
County rules.
F. Adult Protection Caseworkers will present cases when situations arise
needing input from the group.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.904 Weld County Families, Youth, and Children Commission
Revised 3/29/99 The Weld County Families, Youth, and Children (FYC) Commission is an
advisory committee formed under the auspices of the Board of County
Commissioners of Weld County.
1904.1 Functions of the Weld County Families,Youth, and Children Commission
Revised 3/29/99 The functions and duties of the FYC Commission are to:
A. Function as the "placement alternatives commission" for Weld County, as
referred to in C.R.S. § 19-1-116 (2)(a), and prepare plans required by
C.R.S. § 19-1-116 (2)(b).
B. Review and advise the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County
regarding:
1. The local plan for Expedited Permanency Planing between Weld
County and the 19th Judicial District.
2. Weld County's compliance with the Child Welfare Settlement
Agreement between the Colorado Department of Human Services
and the Colorado Lawyer's Committee.
3. Weld County compliance with the out-of-home placement
allocations and associated requirements of C.R.S. § 26-5-101, et.
seq.
4. Weld County's Family Preservation Program with Core Services
and Family Support Program.
5. The effectiveness of programs within Weld County which are
designed to prevent or reduce placement.
C. Function as the "family preservation commission" for Weld County, as
referred to in C.R.S. § 26-5.5-106(1), and comply with the review and
reporting requirements of C.R.S. § 26-5.5-106(2).
2.904.2 Structure of the Weld County Families, Youth, and Children Commission
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
Revised 3/29/99 A. The FYC Commission consists of sixteen members whose membership is
described in its ByLaws.
B. The FYC Commission functions throughlour committees as follows:
1. Executive Committee
2. Program Effectiveness and Outcomes
3. Family Support
4. Collaboration and Innovation
C. The Resources Services Unit Manager has the responsibility of managing
the FYC Commission and providing overall staff support.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
2.905 Citizen Review Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process
Revised 3/29/99 On January 5, 1998, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Citizen Review
Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process concerning the conduct of
Department personnel in performing their duties pursuant to Article 3 of the
Colorado Children's Code.
Enabling authority for the Citizen Review Panel and Conflict Resolution Process
is found in Article 3, Part 2, Section 19 of Title 19 of the Colorado Revised
Statutes, C.R.S. § 19-3-211 ("Colorado Children's Code"). Further authority is
found at 12 C.C.R. 2509-5, §7.400.7.
2305.1 Definitions
Revised 3/29/99 Definitions are provided in the Board of County Commissioners adopted
procedures and process. A limited number of these definitions are included in this
section for purposes of clarity as follows:
A. Administrative Liaison: means an employee of the Department who has
been appointed by the Director for the purpose of assisting the Citizen
Review Panel in coordinating and completing its duties pursuant to the
procedures and process adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
B. Citizen Review Panel: means an advisory body appointed by the Board to
hear and make recommendations concerning grievances filed concerning
the conduct of Department employees in performing their duties under
Article 3 of the Colorado Children's Code.
C. Conduct of an Employee of the Department: means behaviors or actions
that are contrary to state or federal law or regulation, or are dangerous,
malicious, or negligent to/toward the well-being of the Complainant or
child(ren) who are involved in a dependency or neglect case. The term
does not include conduct a prudent, reasonable professional would utilize
in similar circumstances of an investigation or case management.
D. Complainant: means any person who was the subject of an investigation
of a report of child abuse or neglect or any parent, guardian, or legal
custodian of a child who is the subject of a report of child abuse or neglect
and brings a grievance against the Department in accordance with C.R.S. §
19-3-211.
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Social Services Division Policies and Procedures
E. Grievance: means a complaint filed concerning the conduct of
Department employees in performing their duties under Article 3 of the
Colorado Children's Code. The term does not include complaints
regarding actions by the courts, attorneys, law enforcement officials,
employees of the State of Colorado, foster parents or other providers of
services to children, or other family members.
F. Recommendation: means a proposed course of action that may be
implemented by the Director to resolve a grievance. These proposed
actions may include recommendations for case reassignment, personnel
training, and disciplinary action against the Subject Employees. If any
disciplinary action is initiated against the Subject Employees as a result of
the Panel's recommendations, he or she is entitled to all applicable
safeguards, including procedural rights of appeal, afforded under the Weld
County Personnel Policies Handbook.
G. Subject Employee: means an employee of the Department whose conduct
is subject of a grievance.
2.905.2 Access to Citizen Review Panel Procedures and Conflict Resolution Process
Revised 3/29/99 A. The Director has appointed the Department's Personnel Officer as the
Administrative Liaison. The Administrative Liaison will have on file the
copy of the Board of County Commissioner's adopted policy and process.
B. Department employees may request a copy of such adopted policy and
process through the Administrative Liaison.
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