Determination of Type of Placement 624-05-15-40

(Revised 7/1/2023 ML #3737)

View Archives

 

 

Foster care is a safety service and is an appropriate out of home plan for an agency to consider when there are concerns that cannot be eliminated through safety planning in the home. If the child must be placed out-of-home, agencies must seek a relative placement. If a relative is not identified, then a foster care provider may be utilized. ND definition of relatives includes blood relatives, step relatives, siblings, and individuals known to the child from the community (neighbor, teacher, coach, etc.).

 

Case managers are frequently called upon to respond to family situations where a number of children must be removed from a home. Special consideration must be given to meeting the needs of sibling placements, with the emphasis on placing the entire sibling group in the same home if possible.

 

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 added a requirement that states "consider giving" preference to adult relative caregivers over non-relative caregivers when considering placement of a child. This is consistent with the philosophy of placing a child in the "least restrictive environment."

 

ND created the Level of Care document, which guides case managers in determining placement for a child. NDCC 50-06-06.14. requires the public agency to explore the option of kinship care if a child is unable to return home due to safety concerns. The ND law generated from the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 requiring states "consider giving" preference to adult relative caregivers over non-relative caregivers when seeking placement of a child. This is consistent with the philosophy of placing a child in the "least restrictive environment and in the child’s home community."

 

 

Placement Guidelines:

1. Child’s desired placement. If age appropriate and able to communicate, ask the child who they would like to temporarily live with.

2. Parent’s desired placement. Ask the parent who they would like the child/ren to temporarily live with.

3. Relative Search – Initial and ongoing

4. ICWA application. If the child is a tribal member or eligible for enrollment, ICWA placement preferences must be followed.

5. Sibling size and efforts to keep siblings together.

6. Child’s home community and familiar school setting.

7. Child’s needs.

8. Child’s current symptoms and behaviors.

9. Additional services, supports and provider training needed to meet the child’s needs

 

Case managers and supervisors are cautioned to carefully review and follow the requirements of HHS 624-05-05-15-50-15. Multiethnic Placement Act/Interethnic Adoption Provision (MEPA/IEP) in any foster care or adoption placement activity. MEPA/IEP compliance is a civil rights issue (Title VI).