V. Case Plan & Disposition

Question 1

DCF prepares a ________________ that serves as the game plan for how the problem can be fixed so that the child can be ____________ with parents or provided another _____________ home, and appropriately cared for while under DCF supervision.

Answer 1

Case plan
Reunified
Permanent

Question 2

The case plan must be developed in a meeting with all of the key players, including:

Answer 2

Parents,
Guardian ad litem,
Temporary caregiver, and
Child.

Question 3

What is included in the case plan?

Answer 3

1. Problem(s) to be addressed
2. Permanency goal: Where should the child live for the rest of childhood?
3. Serviced to be provided to the parent and tasks parent must complete to fix the problem
4. Parent responsibility for financial support
5. Role of the foster parents or caregivers
6. Information and services for child’s care
7. Time limit: shortest time possible to achieve goals (see page 10)
8. Notice that is parents do not comply with the case plan their parental rights may be terminated
9. Signatures: All parties are expected to sign the case plan. Signing means party agrees to the terms but is not an admission to allegations.

Question 4

The underlying idea is that the DCF intervention should be ______________, and the best place for children is with their own ___________ or another “forever” __________.

Answer 4

Temporary
Family
Family

Question 5

What are the possible permanency goals for the case (overall goals for the entire dependency process)? In what priority? What must DCF do to move down the list?

Answer 5

1. Reunification with the parents
2. Adoption (can be by relative)
3. Permanent Guardianship (can be with relative)
4. Permanent Placement with a fit and willing relative (long-term custody order; easier to undo)
5. Placement in another planned permanent living arrangement (foster care; last resort)
6. Extended foster care (allows children to stay after 18)

In order to move down the list, DCF must be able to justify why higher priority goal is not in the child’s best interest.

Question 6

______________ planning is when DCF has a second goal as a back up plan.

Answer 6

Concurrent

Question 7

The next hearing after adjudication (trial) is ________________ where the court approves the ____________________ and decides where the child will live during the case.

Answer 7

Disposition

Case plan

Question 8

Disposition must be held within ______ days after adjudication.

Answer 8

30

Question 9

The parties may present ___________ to challenge the case plan, placement, services or _______________ goals.

Answer 9

Evidence

Permanency

Question 10

The next hearing after adjudication (trial) is ________________ where the court approves the ____________________ and decides where the child will live during the case.

Answer 10

Disposition

Case plan

Question 11

Disposition must be held within ______ days after adjudication.

Answer 11

30

Question 12

The parties may present ___________ to challenge the case plan, placement, services or _______________ goals.

Answer 12

Evidence

Permanency