Responsibilities of the Department of Human Services and Regional Human Services Centers - TPR Children 624-05-15-30-20

(Revised 10/15/12 ML #3341)

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PI 17-24

 

 

  1. Authorize releases of information where disclosure is controversial or required by another agency.
  2. Authorize treatment for medical emergencies, surgeries, and hospitalizations, including unplanned psychiatric hospitalizations.
  3. Approve participation in events with life changing consequences (marriage, enlistments, etc.).
  4. Authorize participation in high-risk activities (horseback riding, hunting, driving farm/yard equipment, operating water equipment, etc.).
  5. Authorize the seeking of licenses, certifications, and permits.

NOTE: The Department is not able to authorize a minor to secure a driver's license. Please refer to NDDHS Service Chapter 622-05 Foster Care for Children Licensing Standards, at 05-55. Motor Vehicle Operation by Youth in Foster Care for a complete discussion of this subject.

  1. Approve participation in significant religious ceremonies, (baptism, confirmation).
  2. Authorize out-of-state trips as well as trips that have unusual circumstances or risk.
  3. Authorize law enforcement interviews including the administration of polygraph tests.
  4. Authorize the child's depiction in any media advertisements or publications including those for adoptive home recruitment.
  5. Approve requests to interview or question a child, including instances where the child is a subject of a sexual abuse investigation.
  6. Approve any loan, credit card applications, or checking accounts by the child.
  7. Act to resolve any issues where a child has an interest in a trust, inheritance, or gift. Approve the commitment of a significant amount of the child's funds, unless there has been a conservator of the child's estate appointed.
  8. Approve Individualized Education Plans if requested by the completing Special Education District.
  9. Through the permanency planning/wraparound process, discuss the child's treatment plan and approve placement level of care.
  10. If concerns arise regarding the current placement, the custodial representative will work with the county case manager and the placement agency to resolve concerns and seek alternatives if needed.
  11. The custodian is responsible for the child through adoption finalization and must concur with the adoptive home selected. Assistance from the Regional Director may be requested when there are differing opinions regarding such placement.
  12. There are times when conflicting opinions will exist on the permanency planning/Foster Care Child & Family team. Our goal is to resolve all conflicts at the lowest possible level. If issues cannot be resolved during the permanency plan/Foster Care Child & Family Team meeting, the county case manager and the HSC/CSS supervisor(s) may be asked to assist in reaching an agreeable resolution. If no resolution can be achieved, the HSC or CSS worker may request to meet with the Regional Director who will facilitate a resolution. If resolution cannot be accomplished on the local level, the case will be referred to Central Office for resolution.

*Further sub-delegation of this role to the county case manager may happen occasionally, on a case-by-case basis and with the knowledge/approval of the DHS representative/Regional Director. Further sub-delegation of this role may happen when a formal adoptive placement is made through the AASK Program.

 

 

Authorization by CSS Director/Designee Permitted

  1. Authorize releases of information to facilitate an agreed upon treatment plan.
  2. Approve routine medical treatment including medication changes for a child under direct care of a physician. Notify custodial representative at next permanency planning/Foster Care Child & Family Team meeting of changes.
  3. Approve planned for psychological or psychiatric testing and evaluation as part of a child's treatment plan (send copy to custodial representative when completed).
  4. Authorize a change in placement (notify custodial representative if less restrictive placement; consult with custodial representative on change if more restrictive).**
  5. Authorize crisis bed or hospitalization that is part of an agreed upon crisis plan/safety plan.**
  6. Manage issues around a family crisis (notify custodial representative if it involves placement outside of the home or change in placement).**
  7. Approve child's involvement in local events, concerts, or family activities (not high risk).
  8. Approve participation in religious education or church sponsored activities.
  9. Approve Individual Education Plans.
  10. Approve school sponsored educational or sports activities.
  11. Approve employment activities.

**Further sub-delegation of this role may happen occasionally on a case-by-case basis and with the knowledge of the DHS representative. Further sub-delegation of this role happens when a formal adoptive placement is made through the AASK Program.

 

Notification of Custodial Representative:

Notification of the Custodial Representative or tribal representative upon a change in placement serves several purposes. First, it assures that the child's custodian or tribe is aware of where the child is placed; second, it can serve as notification in order to complete FRAME tasks; third, it will assure appropriate payment for eligible services; and finally, it can provide notification of special circumstances that may have medical, psychiatric, or legal consequences.

 

Recommendations for notification of change in placement include:

 

Change in Placement:

 

* Foster Care Child & Family Team