Voluntary Parental Placement Policy 623-05-15-65

(Revised 1/26/07 ML #3051)

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PI-13-04

 

1. Voluntary parental placements are discouraged.  In the event that such an agreement is necessary to protect the rights and needs of a child, a voluntary placement agreement between the parents and the agency, and with the prior authorization of the regional supervisor can be entered into for up to 45 days. At the end of that time, the child must either be returned to his parents or guardian or a court order secured. The parental placement agreement can be renewed for an additional 45-day period only upon the written approval of the regional foster care supervisor.

 

Voluntary Placement Guidelines

1. Other alternatives to placement must have been tried and explored, such as:

1. Homemaker/Parent Aid
2. Home based services
3. Other Family Preservation Services

2. There must be a good chance that the child will return home in a reasonable time, taking into account the age and circumstances of the child. Voluntary placements are short-term.
3. There must be a clear case plan to accomplish return of the child. The case plan must include, at a minimum the following items:

1. Identification of the specific problems causing removal.
2. Specific parental actions/changes needed for return of the child.
3. Services to be offered or arranged by the agency.
4. Visitation terms.

(Focus on problems causing removal.) (If parents are unwilling to enter into a reasonable case plan, voluntary placement may not be appropriate.)

 

Voluntary placements should be rarely used. If deprivation is an issue, it is important to have the protection of court involvement; as well as to have the court documented intervention upon which to build in planning for the child.

 

Regional review and prior approval. Prior review and authorization of a voluntary placement by a panel chaired by the Regional Supervisor and including persons (caseworkers) not previously involved with the case, is required. Final authorization for approval rests with the regional supervisor. The regional supervisor will forward a copy of the voluntary placement prior authorization letter/form to the Foster Care Administrator, Children and Family Services. (Child and Family Team  may be utilized.)

2. Exception: An exception to the above voluntary placement policy is the continuation in foster care of an 18 year old youth whose court order expires and who applies on his/her own behalf to remain in foster care to complete an educational or vocational program. This arrangement must be part of the permanency plan for the youth.
3. State Financial Participation in Voluntary Placements: Effective January 5, 1990, the State will not participate in payment for voluntary placements into foster care. Any voluntary placements taking place after that date will not receive state financial reimbursement, and must be paid for 100% with non-state, non-federal funds.

 

The court order must be in place at the time of placement of the child in order for the state to participate in foster care payment.

 

The only exception to the above policy is for continuation in foster care on a voluntary placement basis beyond age 18 for those youth who have been in court ordered foster care placements prior to age 18.