HomeMy WebLinkAbout20184143.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS TO SECTIONS 1.000, GENERAL
ADMINISTRATIVE, 2.000 CHILD WELFARE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN
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 Board has been presented with Revisions and Additions to Sections
1.000, General Administrative, 2.000 Child Welfare, of the Department of Human Services
Operation Manual, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said revisions and
additions, copies of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the Revisions and Additions to Sections 1.000 General Administrative,
2.000 Child Welfare, of the Department of Human Services Operation 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 19th day of December, A.D., 2018.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: dad/Lek)
C{• r:_.tt, EXCUSED
`� � Steve Moreno, Chair
Weld County Clerk to the Board
arbara Kirkmeyer Pro-Ter BY: Deputy Cle to the Boar•� , / �EXCUSED
Cean P. Conway
AP RM N`Ism 4 0;;a
�►`a A. ozad
ounty Attorney ( ' '� ✓�Q
Mike Freeman
Date of signature: L/zioci
CC: HsOlcAC\hM'
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2018-4143
HR0089
PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM
DATE: December 4, 2018
ig6i TO: Board of County Commissioners—Pass-Around
0
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til 5�
, , i, , 1 FR: Judy A. Griego, Director, Human Services
_ T Y
O �._N RE: Weld County Department of Human Services'
1 Policies and Guidelines Manual Additions
Please review and indicate if you would like a work session prior to placing this item on the Board's agenda.
Request Board Approval of the Department of Human Services' Policies and Guidelines Manual
Additions. These policies were developed to reflect current processes and/or further define the Department's
activities and responsibilities. The policies were developed by involved Department staff and were provided to
Legal for review and comments.
• 1.1.20. —Authorized Representative(New)
This policy defines an Authorized Representative and outlines the roles and responsibilities held by the
Authorized Representative. This policy identifies procedures for staff to follow upon receipt of Consent
for an Authorized Representative.
• 2.1.10 Child Welfare and Adoption Records Request (Revised)
This policy provides instruction to staff on how to handle records request from the public that pertain to
Child Welfare and Adoption Cases. The policy was revised to include the new Post Adoption Practice.
• 2.3.80. - Non-Certified Kinship Home and Kinship Foster Care Home(New)
This policy was developed to define the different types of kinship placements, protocol for kinship
placement, as well as, the roles and responsibilities of kinship staff at the time a placement is made. This
policy aligns with the definition and purpose of"Kin" as outlined in Volume 7 of the Colorado
Department of Human Services' Code of Colorado Regulations. The policy was developed by involved
Department staff and was provided to Legal for review and comments.
2018-4143
Pass-Around Memorandum; December 4, 2018—Not in CMS Page 1
12/Iq 1-RCOBC 1
PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
I do not recommend a Work Session. I recommend approval of adding these policies to the Department Policy
and Guidelines Manual.
Approve Schedule Other/Comments:
Recommendation Work Session
Sean P. Conway `
Julie A. Cozad
Mike Freeman tot
Barbara Kirkmeyer, Pro-Tem
Steve Moreno, Chair
Pass-Around Memorandum; December 4,2018—Not in CMS Page 2
Department of Human Services Policies
CHAPTER 1 - General Administrative
ARTICLE I—General Provisions
Sec. 1.1.20. -Authorized Representative
A. Introduction
An authorized representative is an individual designated by the person receiving services, or
by the parent or guardian of the person receiving services, if appropriate, to assist the person
receiving services in acquiring or utilizing services and support pursuant to (section 25.5-10,
Colorado Revised Statues/C.R.S.)
B. Consent for an Authorized Representative
An authorized representative is an individual who has been designated, in writing,by a
responsible member of the household to act on behalf of, or assist the household, with the
application process, redetermination process, obtaining benefits, asking questions about a
case and/or in using benefits at authorized retailers. (section 4.100, C.R.S.).
1. Weld County Department of Human Services (WCDHS), Child Support Division, does
not allow access to information by authorized representatives.
2. Authorized representatives in all other Divisions of WCDHS; including but not limited
to, Employment Services, Public Assistance,Area Agency on Aging, Prevention and
Community Outreach must be re-approved annually,by the head of household, and
written authorization submitted to WCDHS.
a) The head of household must be an authorized representative(s)to be listed on a
household case, and the programs they are authorized to represent must be specified.
b) The authorized representative may obtain an Electronic Benefits Transaction (EBT)
card to purchase food for the household, provided the authorized representative is
acting with the full knowledge and consent of the household. (section 4.203.2,
C.R.S.)
c) The individual giving consent is free to withdraw such consent, in writing, and
remove the authorized representative from the case, at any time.
3. Residents of drug and alcohol treatment centers shall participate in the Food Program
through use of an authorized representative who shall be an employee of, and designated.
by, the private nonprofit organization. Drug or alcohol treatment centers shall receive
and spend the Food Assistance benefits for food prepared by and served to the residents
of the center who are participating in the Food Assistance Program. (section 4.203.2,
C.R.S.)
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Department of Human Services Policies
4. In the event employers, such as those that employ migrants, are designated as authorized
representatives, or that a single representative has access to multiple EBT cards,the
WCDHS office should make certain that(section 4.203.2, C.R.S):
a) The household has freely requested the assistance of the authorized representative;
b) The household's circumstances are correctly stated and the household is receiving the
correct amount of benefits; and
c) The authorized representative is properly using the EBT card.
5. Residents of a group living arrangement shall participate through an authorized
representative employed and designated by the group living arrangement unless the group
living arrangement determines the resident is capable of acting on their own behalf and
allows the resident to spend all or any portion of their benefits. (section 4.203.2, C.R.S.)
C. Employee Designated as an Authorized Representative
An employee may be a designated as an authorized representative for a family member or
friend.
1. Immediately after the employee is designated as an authorized representative for a family
member or friend, the employee must notify his/her supervisor/manager.
a) Failure to notify his/her supervisor/manager could result in disciplinary action,up to
and including termination.
2. The supervisor/manager will request the case be moved to a confidential status.
D. Disqualification of an Authorized Representative
An authorized representative may be disqualified from representing a household for up to
one (1)year, if the WCDHS office has obtained evidence that the representative has
misrepresented a household's circumstances and has knowingly provided false information
pertaining to the household, or has made improper use of Food Assistance benefits. (section
4.203.22, C.R.S.)
1. The WCDHS office shall send written notification to the affected household(s) and to the
representative thirty(30) calendar days prior to the date of disqualification.
2. Drug and alcohol treatment centers and group home living arrangements, that act as
authorized representatives for their residents,and that intentionally misrepresent
households' circumstances, may be prosecuted under applicable state fraud statues for
their acts.
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Department of Human Services Policies
E. Misuse of Information
Disclosure of confidential information to anyone who is not a member of the household case,
or an approved authorized representative,by an employee, could result in disciplinary action,
up to and including termination.
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Department of Human Services Policies
CHAPTER 2—Child Welfare
ARTICLE I—General Provisions
Sec. 2.1.10. -Child Welfare and Adoption Records Requests
A. Introduction
The Child Welfare Division receives requests from the public for records pertaining to Child
Welfare and Adoption cases. The Child Welfare Screening Unit is the custodian of Child
Welfare records and the Child Welfare Adoption Unit is the custodian of adoption records.
B. Child Welfare Records Request Process
When records are requested from the Child Welfare Screening Unit,the custodian of Child
Welfare records will determine if the person requesting records is eligible to receive the
requested records.
1. The Child Welfare Screening Unit processes the request for records, with less than 120
pages,within fifteen (15) business days from date of request. Records having over 120
pages require thirty(30) business days to process.
2. It is the responsibility of the Weld County Depaituient of Human Services (WCDHS)to
protect confidential information and all confidential information will be redacted,prior to
releasing the records.
3. Requests may be made in person at the Greeley Main Campus, Greeley Downtown
Campus or Ft. Lupton Campus or submitted via email to: HS-Screening@weldgov.com
4. Per County Code Article VIII Appendix 5-D, the cost for requested records is $.25 per
page.
a) The WCDHS reserves the right to collect fees prior to copies being prepared.
b) All fees must be paid in person and copies of records may be picked up at WCDHS;
North 11`h Ave Building C; Greeley, CO. 80631.
5. All requests must be notarized and include a copy of the requestor's driver's license or
State issued identification.
6. A Child Welfare Screener notifies the requestor within five(5)business days with the
total amount due and schedules a time for the records to be picked up.
7. The Child Welfare Screening Unit Supervisor maintains a record of the request for six (6)
months from the date of request.
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Department of Human Services Policies
C. Child Welfare Records Access
The following individuals may request and be granted access to Child Welfare records held
by the Child Welfare Screening Unit:
1. Persons who, as children, received Child Welfare services or who were alleged to have
been the subject of a report of child neglect/abuse;
2. A parent, guardian or legal custodian responsible for the health or welfare of a child
named in a report; or
3. A legal representative of a parent, guardian or legal custodian of the named child in a
report. The legal representative must have a release of information signed by the parent,
guardian, or legal custodian.
D. Child Welfare Records Protected Information
Confidential information is protected from release by law, and is redacted from the Child
Welfare record prior to copying. The following confidential information may only be
released by Court order:
1. Names of the reporting party of a child abuse referral;
2. Medical records;
3. Uniform Parentage Act records;
4. Juvenile delinquency records;
5. Substance abuse treatment record;
6. Attorney/client privilege records;
7. Other agencies' confidential records; and
8. Personal information of other individuals which should be protected in the interest of
their privacy.
E. Adoption Records Request Process
When records are requested from the Child Welfare Adoption Unit, the custodian of records
will determine if the person requesting records is eligible to receive the requested records.
1. The Child Welfare Adoption Unit processes the request for records, with less than 120
pages,within fifteen (15) business days from date of request. Records having over 120
pages require thirty(30) business days to process.
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Department of Human Services Policies
2. Requests may be made in person at the Greeley Downtown Campus or submitted via
email to: macdonje@weldgov.com
3. Per County Code Article VIII Appendix 5-D, the cost for requested records is $.25 per
page.
a) The WCDHS reserves the right to collect fees prior to copies being prepared.
b) All fees must be paid in person and copies of records may be picked up at WCDHS;
North 11th Ave Building C; Greeley, CO. 80631.
4. All requests must be notarized and include a copy of the requestor's driver's license or
State issued identification.
5. The Child Welfare Adoption Unit will contact the requester within 5 business days to
discuss the record request and schedule a pick time.
a) The requester may be directed to the State Department to access to adoption records if
they are not available to the Weld County Adoption Unit.
6. Access to adoption records by certain parties is administered under the following
provisions:
a) Upon request, the custodian of Child Welfare adoption records shall provide direct
access, without redaction, to all adoption records, as defined in Section 19-1-103 (6.5)
(a.5), C.R.S. for inspection and copying by an adult adoptee, adoptive parent of a
minor adoptee, custodial grandparent of a minor adoptee, or the legal representative
of any such individual.
b) The custodian of Child Welfare adoption records shall provide direct access to
adoption records for inspection and copying by a spouse of an adult adoptee, adult
descendant of an adoptee, adult sibling or half-sibling of an adult adoptee, adoptive
parent or grandparent of an adult adoptee, or the legal representative of any such
individual; providing, the requestor has the notarized written consent of the adult
adoptee or if the adult adoptee is deceased.
c) Prior to releasing any personal Child Welfare adoption records to an eligible party,
the custodian of records must require the eligible party requesting access to provide
proof of identification.
7. Accessible adoption records,without redaction, include the following documents and
information pertaining to the custody,relinquishment, or adoption of a former ward:
a) The original birth certificate;
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Department of Human Services Policies
b) The amended birth certificate;
c) The temporary waiver of custody;
d) The final order of relinquishment;
e) The order of termination of parental rights;
f) The final decree of adoption;
g) The name of the former ward before placement in adoption; the name and address of
each birth parent as they appear in the birth records or other documents, including
other information that might personally identify a birth parent; and the name and
address of each adoptive parent; and
h) The physical description of the birth parents; the educational background of the birth
parents; the occupation of the birth parents; genetic information about the birth
family; medical information about the former ward's birth; social information about
the birth parents; whether the former ward has siblings or half-siblings, and,if so, the
names and addresses of the siblings and half-siblings; and the placement history of
the former ward.
8. Adoption records do not include pre-relinquishment counseling records, which shall
remain confidential.
F. Non-Parental or Legal Guardian Access to Adoption Records
Non-Parent or Legal Guardian access to records must be obtained by a court order, discovery
process in a judicial proceeding, or State Child Abuse Appeal Process.
G. Proper Handling of Child Welfare and Adoption Records
1. "Except as otherwise provided in this section and Section 19-1-303, C.R.S. reports of
child abuse or neglect and the name and address of any child, family, or informant or any
other identifying information contained in such reports shall be confidential and shall not
be public information." Section 19-1-307(1)(a), C.R.S.
2. "Disclosure of the name and address of the child and family and other identifying
information involved in such reports shall be permitted only when authorized by a court
for good cause." Section 19-1-307(1)(b), C.R.S.
3. "Any person who violates any provision of[the above referenced sections] is guilty of a
class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more
than three hundred dollars." Section 19-1-307(1)(C), C.R.S.
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Department of Human Services Policies
4. "Any person who improperly releases or who willfully permits or encourages the release
of data or information contained in the records and reports of child abuse or neglect to
persons not permitted access to such information by this section or by section 19-1-303,
C.R.S. commits a class 1 misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Section 18-
1.3-501, C.R.S. Section 19-1-307(4), C.R.S.
5. As described in the WCDHS Policy, Confidential Information Sharing, Sec. 1.1.30., an
employee who permits or encourages the release of confidential information, without
receiving the proper request, will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including
termination, and possible criminal prosecution.
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Department of Human Services Policies
CHAPTER 2—
Child Welfare ARTICLE III—Foster/Kinship
Sec. 2.3.80. - Non-Certified Kinship Home & Kinship Foster Care Home
A. Introduction
"Kinship foster care home"means a foster care home that is certified by either a Weld
County Department of Human Services (WCDHS) or a licensed child placement agency
pursuant to Section 26-6-106.3, C.R.S., as having met the foster care certification
requirements and the foster care of the child and/or youth is provided by kin.
B. Definitions
1. Kin
Colorado Department of Human Services—Code of Colorado Regulations 7.000.2
defines "Kin" as; "Kin" for purposes of a kinship foster care home or non-certified
kinship care home, means a relative of the child and/or youth, a person ascribed by the
family as having a family-like relationship with the child and/or youth, or a person that
has a prior significant relationship with the child and/or youth. These relationships
consider cultural values and continuity of significant relationships with the child and/or
youth.
2. Facilitated Kinship Home Placement
WCDHS facilitates placement of the child(ren)into a kinship home.
3. Facilitated Non-Certified Home Placement
WCDHS initiates contact with the family and placement of the child(ren) into a kinship
home when it is determined that the child's safety can't be maintained, while in the
care/custody of the parent. WCDHS representative will work with the biological family
to find a safe kin/kin-like home,to limit the overall trauma and impact on the child(ren).
4. Emergency Kinship Home Placement
If a child is placed in protective custody by a Law Enforcement Officer or the court
grants a verbal custody request to WCDHS, and there are family members willing and
approved for placement, the home is considered an Emergency Kinship Home Placement.
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Department of Human Services Policies
5. Non-Emergency Kinship Home Placement
If the current situation is stable or can be mitigated allowing the worker time to find a
kin/kin-like placement, it is referred to as a Non-Emergency Placement.
C. Kinship Care Reimbursement
Kinship Foster Care Providers are eligible for Foster Care Reimbursement. A Kinship Foster
Care Home provides twenty-four(24)hour care for a child and/or youth under twenty-one
(21) years of age. The WCDHS will comply with the Colorado Department of Human
Services- Code of Colorado Regulations, as defined by Volume 7.
D. Weld County Commitment
WCDHS is dedicated to supporting the kinship families working with children/youth.
WCDHS will work collaboratively with kinship families to find all community services and
supports to ensure stability of the family.
1. As part of WCDHS's commitment, the Kinship Resource Unit will contact families
within five (5) days (excluding weekends and holidays), after notification of the kinship
placement.
2. The Kinship Resource Unit will schedule an initial home visit to complete required State
and County Kinship documents.
a) The Kinship Care Coordinator will ensure all documentation is recorded in TRAILS
and saved for later audit purposes.
b) Ongoing contact will be maintained by the Kinship Care Unit through the entirety of
the case, as necessary.
3. Kinship families who currently do not have an open case, and the biological family is not
involved with WCDHS through a child protection case, will be referred to Public
Assistance TANF services and supports.
a) If TANF services and supports are not available, the kinship family may be referred
to the Kinship Resource Unit for assistance.
4. The Kinship Care Coordinator will contact the family within five(5) days (excluding
weekends and holidays)to assess the family's current concerns,needs, questions, and
assist the family to find local community resources and services.
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Department of Human Services Policies
E. Kinship Non-Certified Home
Non-Certified Kinship Care families are a valuable resource to the biological parents,
children, and WCDHS. Non-Certified Kinship Care families provide children an opportunity
to live with family or psychological kin, maintaining relationships and cultural connections,
which reduces the trauma of entering an unfamiliar home or residential setting. Kinship Non-
Certified Homes will be identified in one of two categories; Non-Facilitated or Facilitated
Kinship Homes.
F. Non-Facilitated Kinship
Non-Facilitated Kinship placements are those kin families caring for kin/kin-like children in
their current home, whose parents do not currently have an open case with WCDHS, and/or
the children were already residing with the family prior to the WCDHS's involvements.
G. Non-Facilitated Kinship Placement Homes With No Child Welfare Involvement and/or
No Open Case
Kin families, who currently do not have an open case, are supported by WCDHS, as follows:
1. Kinship families who currently do not have an open case, and the biological family is not
involved with WCDHS through a child protection case, will be referred to Public
Assistance TANF services and supports.
a) If TANF services and supports are not available, the kinship family may be referred
to the Kinship Resource Unit for assistance.
2. The Kinship Care Coordinator will contact the family within five (5) days (excluding
weekends and holidays)to assess the family's current concerns, needs, questions, and
assist the family to find local community resources and services, as follows:
a) The Kinship Unit representative will record the family name and phone number; and
b) The Kinship Unit representative will email a brief narrative, as to the needs of the
family, and contact information to HS-KinshipSupports.
3. The Kinship Care Coordinator, with the support of the Weld County Public Assistance
TANF Program, will assist the family to locate additional community services and
supports.
a) If additional funding is provided by WCDHS of Human Services, Child Welfare
Division, the Kinship Coordinator will open a TRAILS Kinship Service Provider file
and document the services provided.
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Department of Human Services Policies
H. Non-Facilitated Kinship Placement Home With Child Welfare Involvement
CDHS Code of Colorado Regulations — Volume 7.300 apply and should be referenced.
Families planning to place their children with a relative, prior to Child Welfare involvement,
require the following steps:
1. The caseworker(or designee) are responsible for notifying the Kinship Unit, with the
Kinship Placement Form.
a) The form will be completed and submitted to HS-Placement within forty-eight (48)
business hours (excluding weekend and holidays).
2. The caseworker will complete the appropriate background checks for all adults in the
home, as part of their assessment and case decision process.
a) The background checks are defined in Code of Colorado—Volume 7.300
3. The Kinship Care Coordinator will inform the kinship family of support and services that
may be available to them through Weld County Public Assistance, Child Welfare, or
community support services.
a) The Kinship Care Coordinator will contact the family within five(5) days (excluding
weekend and holidays) of receipt of the form.
b) The Kinship Care Coordinator will schedule a home visit to meet with the family, if
the family so chooses.
4. The Kinship Care Coordinator will open a TRAILS Resource Provider file for the new
kinship home using the Kinship Placement Form.
a) Once the provider file is open, the Kinship Care Coordinator will document the
family contact information, needs, services, etc.
5. The Kinship Care Coordinator will close the provider when the child returns home or
moves from the home of the provider.
I. Facilitated Kinship Home Placements
CDHS Code of Colorado Regulations—Volume 7.300 apply and will be referenced and.
followed at the time of placement or within the time constraints outlined in rule. There are
two (2)types of Facilitated Kinship Home Placements: Emergency-Kinship Home
placement or Non-Emergency Kinship Home placement.
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Department of Human Services Policies
J. Emergency Kinship Home Placement
When the Caseworker or County Representative has identified a qualified kinship/kin-like
family,the caseworker will do as follows:
1. Complete all required background checks as required by CDHS Code of Colorado
Regulations- Volume 7.300.
a) National Crime Information Center(NCIC)background check must be requested,
completed and approved for all adults in the home,prior to placing the child(ren).
b) All background checks must be completed prior to placing the child in the Emergency
Kinship Home; except, CBI/FBI and out-of-state background checks (If the family
has not resided in Colorado for the past 5 consecutive years).
c) Affirm checks are completed,reviewed, and there are no disqualifying factors for all
adults, 18 years of age and older, (7.300).
2. If there are any adults in the home with disqualifying factors, a child cannot be placed in
an Emergency Kinship Placement Home; unless, one (1) of the following were to occur
(Reference: Volume 7.000.2):
a) When Disqualifying Factor(s) are identified, the caseworker will notify the courts at
the time of the emergency placement hearing, through the Verbal Order request of
custody or notification of WCDHS Director,using WCDHS Disqualifying Factors
form; or
b) Per Rule, WCDHS Director must review and approve the Disqualifying Factor(s);
unless, the Court has been notified and has ordered the placement of the child into the
home.
c) All adults must complete fingerprint cards and return them to WCDHS for processing
within the timeframe outlined in Code of Colorado Volume 7.304.21(E).
d) If an urgent circumstance exists, the caseworker will complete an Urgent
Circumstance form and submit this request to the Child Welfare Administrator for
review and approval.
e) If an extension is granted, the Caseworker will document the request and approval in
TRAILS, for audit purposes.
3. If a Kinship family is approved for placement,the caseworker will do as follows:
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Department of Human Services Policies
a) Assess the family and the home at the time of placement; including but not limited to,
persons living in the home, environmental safety, and ability to provide a stable and
safe home environment for the children.
b) Provide the family with additional information and an opportunity to ask questions
regarding the child's current needs, behaviors, background,protective orders,
concerns, etc., to help the family better protect and care for the child.
c) Complete a Kinship Placement form within 48 hours (excluding weekends and
holidays) from the date of placement and submit to HS-Placement for review and
processing.
4. The Kinship Unit will do as follows:
a) Upon receipt of the Kinship Placement form, contact the kinship family within 5 days
(excluding weekends and holidays) to schedule a home visit/assessment and complete
all required documents per Volume 7.300.
b) Enter the provider in TRAILS and update the child's Service Authorization
Placement Screen.
c) Assist the family with services and supports that the family may be eligible to apply
for and receive.
d) The Kinship Coordinator will attend any/all meetings requested by the kinship family
and treatment team, to answer questions or offer additional support.
e) Provide monthly contact with the kinship family, unless the family has specifically
requested to NOT be contacted.
K. Non-Emergency Kinship Care Home Placements
1. The Kinship Care Home Placement allows the worker time to find the most appropriate
kinship family placement and to work with the family members, to develop a healthy and
smooth transition into the home.
a) All background checks must be completed prior to the child can be placed with the
kinship family. CBI/FBI fingerprints for all adults in the home must be returned to
Weld County Depai tinent of Human Services for processing,prior to placement.
b) NCIC checks are not required for a Non-Emergency Placement.
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Department of Human Services Policies
2. If there are any adults in the home with Disqualifying Factors,the following process will
be completed prior to placement:
a) Supervisor to review and affirm background checks for all adults, eighteen (18) years
of age and older;
b) If there are disqualifying factors identified, the caseworker will complete the
disqualifying factors form;
c) The supervisor will notify the Weld.County Department of Human Services Child
Welfare Division Head using the Disqualifying Factors Form within the next business
day. Per rule, the Human Services Director must review and approve the
Disqualifying Factor;
d) All cases involving disqualifying factors, court ordered or not,must be staffed with
the Child Welfare Division Head;
e) The Caseworker will notify the court at the time of the emergency placement hearing
or through the verbal order requesting custody;
f) The Child Welfare Division Head, will review all Disqualifying Factor forms with the
Human Services Director within 48 hours for final approval.
g) Further reviews with the Human Services Director may be required.
URGENT CIRCUMSTANCE
If an urgent circumstance exists, the caseworker will complete an Urgent Circumstance Form
and submit this request to the Child Welfare Administrator for review and approval within 24
hours.
a) If an extension is granted the caseworker will document the request and approval in
TRAILS for audit purposes.
b) The caseworker will monitor extension time and report back to supervisor; within 24
hours of extension expiring.
3. If a kinship family is approved for placement,the caseworker will do as follows:
a) Assess the family and the home at the time of placement; including but not limited to,
persons living in the home, environmental safety, and ability to provide a stable and
safe home environment for the children.
b) Provide the family with additional information and an opportunity to ask questions
regarding the child's current needs,behaviors,background,protective orders,
concerns, etc., to help the family better protect and care for the child.
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Department of Human Services Policies
c) Complete a Kinship Placement form within forty-eight (48) hours (excluding
weekends and holidays)from the date of placement and submit the form to
HSPlacement for review and processing.
4. The Kinship Unit will do as follows:
a) Upon receipt of the Kinship Placement form, contact the kinship family within five
(5) days (excluding weekends and holidays)to schedule a home visit/assessment and
complete all required documents per Volume 7.300.
b) Enter the provider information in TRAILS and update the child's Service
Authorization-Placement Screen.
c) Assist the family with services and supports that the family may be eligible to apply
for and receive.
d) The Kinship Coordinator will attend any/all meetings requested by the kinship family
and treatment team, to answer questions or offer additional support.
e) Provide monthly contact with the kinship family.
L. Kinship Certified Homes
A kin family who has an open Dependency and Neglect and/or a voluntary case may apply to
become a Certified Kinship Home.
1. To initiate the certification process, the family will notify a representative of WCDHS of
their desire to apply for certification.
2. The representative will contact the Foster Care Resource Licensing Specialist of the
family's intention to certify.
3. A Foster Care Licensing Specialist will contact and assist the family during the
certification process.
4. The family has the right to apply for certification and must meet all other certification
requirements for the State of Colorado and Weld County to be approved.
5. If the family does not qualify for certification, the licensing specialist will notify the
family immediately.
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