Johnson Children Services Johnson Children Services ORIENTATION

Johnson Children Johnson Children ServicesServices

ORIENTATIONORIENTATION

RIGHTS OF THE NATURAL RIGHTS OF THE NATURAL PARENTSPARENTS• Natural Parents retain certain rights Natural Parents retain certain rights

while their child is in care except while their child is in care except where the order of the Child Protection where the order of the Child Protection Court has removed these rights Court has removed these rights

• (a)(a) the right to direct the education of the right to direct the education of the childthe child

• (b)(b) the right to direct the religious the right to direct the religious upbringing of the childupbringing of the child

• (c)(c) the right to give or refuse consent the right to give or refuse consent to medical treatment.to medical treatment.

RIGHTS OF THE FOSTER CHILDRIGHTS OF THE FOSTER CHILD (A) speak in private with, visit and (A) speak in private with, visit and

receive visits from members of his/her receive visits from members of his/her family regularly, unless prohibited by family regularly, unless prohibited by court order (e.g. crown warship, court order (e.g. crown warship, conditions of society warship);conditions of society warship);

• (B) speak in private. with, and receive (B) speak in private. with, and receive visits from, his/her solicitor, another visits from, his/her solicitor, another person representing the child, (e.g. person representing the child, (e.g. advocate from office of Child and advocate from office of Child and Family Service Advocacy), the Family Service Advocacy), the Provincial Ombudsman and his staff; Provincial Ombudsman and his staff; and a member of the Provincial or and a member of the Provincial or Federal Parliament;Federal Parliament;

RIGHTS OF THE FOSTER CHILDRIGHTS OF THE FOSTER CHILD

• (C) send and receive mail that is not (C) send and receive mail that is not read, examined, or censored, subject read, examined, or censored, subject to certain conditions, (see section on to certain conditions, (see section on Correspondence and Correspondence and Communication)Communication)

CHILD'S PURCHASE CHILD'S PURCHASE ANDAND POSSESSIONPOSSESSION OF GOODSOF GOODS

• Personal belongings are particularly Personal belongings are particularly important to a child separated from important to a child separated from his/her natural parents and home his/her natural parents and home

• The child should be encouraged to The child should be encouraged to bring belongings that are important bring belongings that are important to him/her to the foster home to him/her to the foster home

CHILD'S PURCHASE CHILD'S PURCHASE ANDAND POSSESSIONPOSSESSION OF GOODSOF GOODS

• Restrictions on what a child can take Restrictions on what a child can take to the foster home should be limited to the foster home should be limited to consideration of what is in the best to consideration of what is in the best interest of the child, of safety, health interest of the child, of safety, health and size of the item. and size of the item.

• Allowing the child to surround Allowing the child to surround him/herself with familiar personal him/herself with familiar personal items or to arrange a room to suit items or to arrange a room to suit his/tier needs can reduce the trauma his/tier needs can reduce the trauma of separation.of separation.

CHILD'S PURCHASE CHILD'S PURCHASE ANDAND POSSESSION POSSESSION OFOF GOODS Cont.GOODS Cont.

• Many of the decisions regarding Many of the decisions regarding purchases are made by or for the purchases are made by or for the child fall within the discretion of the child fall within the discretion of the Foster Parents. Foster Parents.

• This includes the areas of toys, This includes the areas of toys, electronic games/equipment, hobby electronic games/equipment, hobby supplies, and recreational supplies supplies, and recreational supplies

• The use or possession of cell phones The use or possession of cell phones by foster children in the Johnson by foster children in the Johnson Children’s Services program is Children’s Services program is prohibited unless written the Johnson prohibited unless written the Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor and Children’s Services Supervisor and Placing Agency have made approval. Placing Agency have made approval.

CHILD'S PURCHASE CHILD'S PURCHASE ANDAND POSSESSION POSSESSION OFOF GOODS Cont.GOODS Cont.

• Children are not allowed to purchase or Children are not allowed to purchase or possess weapons, (fire arms, air rifles, possess weapons, (fire arms, air rifles, bows and arrows, etc.). bows and arrows, etc.).

• Motorized vehicles (cars, snowmobiles, Motorized vehicles (cars, snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, go-carts, tractors, motorcycles, ATVs, go-carts, tractors, etc) may not be driven or purchased for etc) may not be driven or purchased for or by a child unless specific permission or by a child unless specific permission is granted by the Placing Agencyis granted by the Placing Agency

DAILY CHORES, EMPLOYMENT, & USEDAILY CHORES, EMPLOYMENT, & USE OF MONEYOF MONEY

• In the event that a foster child In the event that a foster child indicates an interest in earning money indicates an interest in earning money through work performed either inside through work performed either inside or outside the foster home, there must or outside the foster home, there must be guidelines jointly established be guidelines jointly established between Johnson Children’s Services between Johnson Children’s Services and the Placing Agency as to what and the Placing Agency as to what types of work or chores are acceptable types of work or chores are acceptable and appropriate for a particular child. and appropriate for a particular child.

• These guidelines should be These guidelines should be established prior to the child established prior to the child beginning any work, and clearly beginning any work, and clearly explained to the child. explained to the child.

DAILY CHORES, EMPLOYMENT, & USEDAILY CHORES, EMPLOYMENT, & USE OF MONEYOF MONEY

• Money that is earned by the child, Money that is earned by the child, including allowances, should be kept including allowances, should be kept securely at the foster home or securely at the foster home or deposited in a bank account, and not deposited in a bank account, and not withheld from the child, If the child withheld from the child, If the child needs to repay stolen money or pay needs to repay stolen money or pay other damages or losses that the child other damages or losses that the child is responsible for, the amount of is responsible for, the amount of money withheld and how the money is money withheld and how the money is being redirected needs to be properly being redirected needs to be properly documented in the Allowance Log by documented in the Allowance Log by the Foster Parents.the Foster Parents.

Acceptable Disciplinary PracticesAcceptable Disciplinary Practices

• (a) positive reinforcement and (a) positive reinforcement and praise, use of rewards;praise, use of rewards;

• (b) modeling;(b) modeling;• (c) clear expectations, routines and (c) clear expectations, routines and

boundaries, with consistent following boundaries, with consistent following through with consequences; through with consequences;

• (d) prompting and reminders;(d) prompting and reminders;• (e) redirecting attention or (e) redirecting attention or

distraction from unacceptable focus;distraction from unacceptable focus;

Acceptable Disciplinary PracticesAcceptable Disciplinary Practices

• (f)(f) verbal disapproval;verbal disapproval;• (g)(g) withholding of privileges;withholding of privileges;• (h)(h) repayment for damages. thefts, etc;repayment for damages. thefts, etc;• (i)(i) grounding or time-outs;grounding or time-outs;• (j)(j) allowing natural consequences or allowing natural consequences or

logical consequences to logical consequences to occur, within occur, within reason;reason;

• (k)(k) negotiating, problem solving, negotiating, problem solving, choices;choices;

Unacceptable Disciplinary PracticesUnacceptable Disciplinary Practices

• All persons working within Johnson All persons working within Johnson Children’s Services must fully understand Children’s Services must fully understand that the following forms of discipline are that the following forms of discipline are not permitted.not permitted.

• (a)(a) harsh or degrading responses that harsh or degrading responses that could result in the humiliation of a child or could result in the humiliation of a child or the undermining of a child's self-respect, the undermining of a child's self-respect, examples of this could include but are not examples of this could include but are not limited to:limited to:


• -requiring that a child maintain an -requiring that a child maintain an uncomfortable positionuncomfortable position

• -forcing the repetition of physical -forcing the repetition of physical movementsmovements

• -forcing the consumption of food;-forcing the consumption of food;• (b)(b) deprivation of basic needs including deprivation of basic needs including

food, shelter, clothing bedding, or food, shelter, clothing bedding, or medication;medication;

• (c)(c) placing or keeping a child in a locked placing or keeping a child in a locked room;room;


• (d)(d) threatening removal of a child threatening removal of a child from the home in an attempt to from the home in an attempt to control behavior;control behavior;

• (e)(e) corporal punishment by the corporal punishment by the parents or by another child or group parents or by another child or group of children condoned by the parents, of children condoned by the parents, including but not limited to:including but not limited to:

• -striking (directly or with a physical -striking (directly or with a physical object)object)


• -shacking, shoving, spanking, or other -shacking, shoving, spanking, or other forms of aggressive physical contact;forms of aggressive physical contact;

• (f) deliberate destruction of a (f) deliberate destruction of a child's property in retaliation for child's property in retaliation for undesirable behavior;undesirable behavior;

• (g) restricting, threatening to forbid, or (g) restricting, threatening to forbid, or forbidding visits with the natural forbidding visits with the natural parents in retaliation for undesirable parents in retaliation for undesirable behavior.behavior.

CRITERIA FOR CRITERIA FOR PLACEMENTPLACEMENT SELECTION SELECTION

• Prior to ensuring a placement for a Prior to ensuring a placement for a foster child, Johnson Children’s foster child, Johnson Children’s Services requires a preliminary Services requires a preliminary assessment of the child from the assessment of the child from the Placing Agency that sets out:Placing Agency that sets out:

• a statement of the child’s immediate a statement of the child’s immediate needs in care;needs in care;

CRITERIA FOR CRITERIA FOR PLACEMENTPLACEMENT SELECTION SELECTION

• the probable duration of foster the probable duration of foster care placement and the plans for care placement and the plans for parental contact and/or visitation;parental contact and/or visitation;

• identifying information on the identifying information on the child (full name, sex, date of birth, child (full name, sex, date of birth, home address, etc.);home address, etc.);

•child’s legal status;child’s legal status;

CRITERIA FOR PLACEMENT SELECTIONCRITERIA FOR PLACEMENT SELECTION

• the child’s family background the child’s family background information, including family size, information, including family size, birth birth

• order, cultural, racial, linguistic, order, cultural, racial, linguistic, religious and socio-economic religious and socio-economic background and kinship ties;background and kinship ties;

• school information, including name school information, including name and address of school, name of and address of school, name of

• teacher, grade in school, current teacher, grade in school, current performance level, special performance level, special programming or needs;programming or needs;

CRITERIA FOR PLACEMENT SELECTIONCRITERIA FOR PLACEMENT SELECTION

• medical information including name and medical information including name and address of family doctor and/or address of family doctor and/or

• hospital used, medical problems such as hospital used, medical problems such as physical handicaps or limitations on physical handicaps or limitations on physical activity, allergies, current physical activity, allergies, current medications, history of illness, and medications, history of illness, and immunization records;immunization records;– the child’s developmental and the child’s developmental and

emotional needs, including anyemotional needs, including any• psychological assessments or psychological assessments or

psychotherapy reports;psychotherapy reports;– a description of the child’s interests, a description of the child’s interests,

abilities, strengths and problems;abilities, strengths and problems;

EMERGENCY PLACEMENTEMERGENCY PLACEMENT

• There are times when Placing There are times when Placing Agencies will contact Johnson Agencies will contact Johnson Children’s Services with an Children’s Services with an emergency placement. emergency placement.

• Johnson Children’s Services requires a Johnson Children’s Services requires a minimum of 24 hours from time of minimum of 24 hours from time of contact by Placing Agency till time of contact by Placing Agency till time of placement in order to gather placement in order to gather appropriate information, negotiate appropriate information, negotiate contracts, and prepare the foster contracts, and prepare the foster family for the placementfamily for the placement..

COMPLAINT AGAINST FOSTER PARENT -COMPLAINT AGAINST FOSTER PARENT -DISCIPLINEDISCIPLINE

• Johnson Children’s Services will conduct Johnson Children’s Services will conduct a full investigation into any complaint a full investigation into any complaint (verbal or written) regarding Foster (verbal or written) regarding Foster Parents using unacceptable methods of Parents using unacceptable methods of discipline within 24 hours of receiving the discipline within 24 hours of receiving the complaint complaint

• The investigation will follow the protocols The investigation will follow the protocols outlined in the Policy and Procedureoutlined in the Policy and Procedure

COMPLAINT AGAINST FOSTER PARENT -COMPLAINT AGAINST FOSTER PARENT -DISCIPLINEDISCIPLINE

• A concern or complaint may be expressed A concern or complaint may be expressed verbally, without fear of repercussion, and verbally, without fear of repercussion, and should follow the order of:should follow the order of:

• I.I. dealing directly with the person of issue; dealing directly with the person of issue; if not resolved, thenif not resolved, then

• 2.2. dealing with the person Supervisor (if dealing with the person Supervisor (if applicable); if not resolved, thenapplicable); if not resolved, then

• 3.3. dealing with the Program Director.dealing with the Program Director.

FOSTER PARENT COMPLAINT FOSTER PARENT COMPLAINT PROCEDUREPROCEDURE

• The Foster Parents may choose to make a The Foster Parents may choose to make a written statement of complaint, or may be written statement of complaint, or may be requested by the Program Director to do requested by the Program Director to do so. so.

• This written complaint should be This written complaint should be forwarded to the Program Director of forwarded to the Program Director of Johnson Children’s Services.Johnson Children’s Services.


• Grounds for a complaint could include:Grounds for a complaint could include:

• foster parents will be advised of the foster parents will be advised of the complaint and appeal procedures at the complaint and appeal procedures at the orientationorientation

• failure of Johnson Children’s Services to failure of Johnson Children’s Services to provide proper support to the Foster provide proper support to the Foster Parents;Parents;


• Improper Supervision of a foster home;Improper Supervision of a foster home;

• failure to pay per diems, or to reimburse failure to pay per diems, or to reimburse approved expenses according to agreed approved expenses according to agreed upon schedule;upon schedule;

• failure to notify Foster Parents of any failure to notify Foster Parents of any meeting regarding a foster child placed in meeting regarding a foster child placed in their home;their home;

• --


• failure to notify Foster Parents of any failure to notify Foster Parents of any training session, annual review meeting, or training session, annual review meeting, or any other meeting requiring the any other meeting requiring the attendance of the Foster Parents;attendance of the Foster Parents;

• a violation of any rights of a Foster Parent a violation of any rights of a Foster Parent as provided for in this manual.as provided for in this manual.

FOSTER PARENT COMPLAINT FOSTER PARENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURE Cont.PROCEDURE Cont.

•Any complaint made or received by Any complaint made or received by Johnson Children’s Services shall Johnson Children’s Services shall receive an initial response within receive an initial response within 24 hours, shall be investigated (if 24 hours, shall be investigated (if necessary) within 5 days, and all necessary) within 5 days, and all parties shall be informed in writing, parties shall be informed in writing, of a decision or outcome of the of a decision or outcome of the investigation within 5 working days investigation within 5 working days of the conclusion. of the conclusion.

•A record of the complaint process A record of the complaint process shall be placed in the files of all shall be placed in the files of all those involved with the complaint. those involved with the complaint.

FOSTER PARENT COMPLAINT FOSTER PARENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURE Cont.PROCEDURE Cont.

• Any written record of a complaint should Any written record of a complaint should include the following: the name of the include the following: the name of the complainant, the nature of the complaint, complainant, the nature of the complaint, the date and time the complaint is the date and time the complaint is received, the determination of the received, the determination of the seriousness of the incident and risk to any seriousness of the incident and risk to any child involved, interviews with any child involved, interviews with any persons involved with the complaint, the persons involved with the complaint, the conclusion of the investigation, any conclusion of the investigation, any recommended action to be taken and the recommended action to be taken and the results of the action taken.results of the action taken.

FOSTER PARENT HOME CLOSUREFOSTER PARENT HOME CLOSURE

• Request by Foster Parent for Request by Foster Parent for closure.closure.

• The Foster Parents should advise The Foster Parents should advise Johnson Children’s Services, inJohnson Children’s Services, in

writing, at least sixty (60) days writing, at least sixty (60) days in advance of the projected closing in advance of the projected closing date so arrangements can be made date so arrangements can be made for the care of the children in their for the care of the children in their home and the process of separation home and the process of separation can be initiated.can be initiated.

FOSTER PARENT HOME FOSTER PARENT HOME CLOSURECLOSURE• Johnson Children’s Services will send a Johnson Children’s Services will send a

letter to the Foster Parents Advising them letter to the Foster Parents Advising them that any agreements they have entered that any agreements they have entered into with the Foster Parents are into with the Foster Parents are terminated (other than confidentiality) as terminated (other than confidentiality) as of the closing date.of the closing date.

• (c) The Foster Parents shall return any (c) The Foster Parents shall return any written information they have concerning written information they have concerning children who have been in their care, to children who have been in their care, to Johnson Children’s Services.Johnson Children’s Services.

• Where appropriate, Johnson Children’s Where appropriate, Johnson Children’s Services will provide the Foster Parents Services will provide the Foster Parents with a letter of reference (upon request).with a letter of reference (upon request).

Closure by Johnson Children’s ServicesClosure by Johnson Children’s Services

- - When the Foster Parents are no longer When the Foster Parents are no longer willing or able to carry out the policies willing or able to carry out the policies & procedures of Johnson Children’s & procedures of Johnson Children’s Services, a decision to end their Services, a decision to end their association with Johnson Children’s association with Johnson Children’s Services will be made.Services will be made.

– The decision to close a Foster Parent The decision to close a Foster Parent home following a complaint, home following a complaint, investigation or other reason that investigation or other reason that concern the adequacy of the care and concern the adequacy of the care and treatment of children in the home, treatment of children in the home, shall be made jointly by the Johnson shall be made jointly by the Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor, Children’s Services Supervisor, Program Director and Executive Program Director and Executive Director.Director.


– There will be a minimum of one There will be a minimum of one interview with the Foster Parents by interview with the Foster Parents by the Johnson Children’s Services staff the Johnson Children’s Services staff to advise them of the decision to close to advise them of the decision to close the home and the reasons for it.the home and the reasons for it.

– A letter will also be sent to the Foster A letter will also be sent to the Foster Parent advising them of the decision Parent advising them of the decision and the reasons, and any agreement and the reasons, and any agreement they have entered into with Johnson they have entered into with Johnson Children’s Services and its staff are Children’s Services and its staff are terminated (Except confidentiality).terminated (Except confidentiality).


• The Foster Parents have ten (10) The Foster Parents have ten (10) business days from the date they business days from the date they

receive letter from Johnson Children’s receive letter from Johnson Children’s Services to inform the Executive Services to inform the Executive Director, in writing, that they wish to Director, in writing, that they wish to appeal the decision and the reason's) appeal the decision and the reason's) why the appeal should be heard.why the appeal should be heard.

• If the appeal is accepted the Foster If the appeal is accepted the Foster Parents will be able to present their Parents will be able to present their reason(s) to the Johnson Children’s reason(s) to the Johnson Children’s Services Executive Director.Services Executive Director.

Closure by Johnson Children’s Closure by Johnson Children’s ServicesServices

• A decision from the appeal will be A decision from the appeal will be made and the family will be notified made and the family will be notified of this decision in writing. This of this decision in writing. This decision is final.decision is final.

• Once a home is terminated all Once a home is terminated all information and documents information and documents regarding foster children in the regarding foster children in the Foster Parents care must be returned Foster Parents care must be returned to Johnson Children’s Services.to Johnson Children’s Services.

SERIOUS OCCURRENCESSERIOUS OCCURRENCES

•All Johnson Children’s Services All Johnson Children’s Services Foster Parents, CYWs and other Foster Parents, CYWs and other staff will report any serious staff will report any serious occurrence involving a foster child occurrence involving a foster child to a Johnson Children’s Services to a Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor, Program Director or Supervisor, Program Director or Executive Director as soon as Executive Director as soon as possible and within 24 hours of the possible and within 24 hours of the occurrence. occurrence.


• Emergency telephone numbers shall be Emergency telephone numbers shall be provided to Foster Parents and staff to provided to Foster Parents and staff to call to report a serious occurrence that call to report a serious occurrence that takes place after office hours. Johnson takes place after office hours. Johnson Children’s Services is responsible to Children’s Services is responsible to train Foster Parents and staff to identify, train Foster Parents and staff to identify, respond and report a serious respond and report a serious occurrence, occurrence,

• Johnson Children’s Services shall report the Johnson Children’s Services shall report the serious occurrences listed from “a” to “l” to the serious occurrences listed from “a” to “l” to the Placing Agency and Ministry as soon as Placing Agency and Ministry as soon as possible and within 24 hours.possible and within 24 hours.

Serious occurrences that shall be reported Serious occurrences that shall be reported include:include:

• (a)(a) all deaths of children in foster care;all deaths of children in foster care;• (b)(b) serious illness, injury, or unplanned serious illness, injury, or unplanned

hospitalization of ahospitalization of a child;child;• (c)(c) all allegations and accusations of all allegations and accusations of

abuse* or mistreatment of a child in care;abuse* or mistreatment of a child in care;• (d)(d) abuse* or mistreatment of a child;abuse* or mistreatment of a child;


• (e)(e) absence of the child from the absence of the child from the home without permission for a home without permission for a significant** period of time, or child is significant** period of time, or child is missing the Foster Parent and missing the Foster Parent and Johnson Children’s Services Johnson Children’s Services considers the matter to be serious;considers the matter to be serious;

• (f)(f) apprehension by the police apprehension by the police and/or a charge under the Young and/or a charge under the Young Offender Act or Provincial Offences Offender Act or Provincial Offences Act;Act;

Serious occurrences that shall be reported include:Serious occurrences that shall be reported include:

• (g)(g) significant** alcohol or drug significant** alcohol or drug abuse;abuse;

• (h)(h) any complaint made by or any complaint made by or about the foster child that is about the foster child that is considered by Johnson Children’s considered by Johnson Children’s Services to be of a Serious natureServices to be of a Serious nature

• (I)(I) any complaint concerning the any complaint concerning the operational, physical or safety operational, physical or safety standards of service that is standards of service that is considered by Johnson Children’s considered by Johnson Children’s Services to be of a serious nature;Services to be of a serious nature;

Serious occurrences that shall be reported Serious occurrences that shall be reported include:include:

• (j)(j) any disaster, such as fire, or any any disaster, such as fire, or any other serious occurrences concerning other serious occurrences concerning the foster child, that is considered by the foster child, that is considered by Johnson Children’s Services to be of a Johnson Children’s Services to be of a serious nature,serious nature,

• (k)(k) Physical restraintsPhysical restraints• (l)(l) contaminated water for homes contaminated water for homes

on a wellon a well

RECORDSRECORDSFoster Child FilesFoster Child Files

• Johnson Children’s Services shall Johnson Children’s Services shall maintain a written case file for each foster maintain a written case file for each foster child in care. Included, but not limited to, child in care. Included, but not limited to, in the Foster Child file are the following:in the Foster Child file are the following:

• (a)(a) admission and placement admission and placement documentationdocumentation

• identifying information and family identifying information and family background information;background information;

RECORDSRECORDSFoster Child FilesFoster Child Files

• the assessment report; as specified in the assessment report; as specified in Regulation 111(0. Reg. 70/90); health Regulation 111(0. Reg. 70/90); health care, medical and dental history and care, medical and dental history and reports;reports;

• school information including copies of school information including copies of all school reports;all school reports;

• (b)(b) recording of plan of cares and recording of plan of cares and reviews, where applicable:reviews, where applicable:

• the foster care plan and placement the foster care plan and placement reviews;reviews;

RECORDSRECORDS

• psychological, psychiatric, educational psychological, psychiatric, educational and other reports pertaining to the and other reports pertaining to the functioning and/or care of the foster child;functioning and/or care of the foster child;

• a copy of evaluations made and plans a copy of evaluations made and plans provided by any professional, school, provided by any professional, school, clinic or hospital service;clinic or hospital service;

• plans made with the natural parentsplans made with the natural parents• (c)(c) recording of any serious occurrences recording of any serious occurrences

reported by the Foster Parents or other reported by the Foster Parents or other persons or agencies involved with the persons or agencies involved with the care of the child including a description of care of the child including a description of the incident, who reported it, the date the incident, who reported it, the date and the time.and the time.

Foster Parent FilesFoster Parent Files

• Johnson Children’s Services maintains Johnson Children’s Services maintains a file for every Foster Parent family a file for every Foster Parent family and respite care provider who has and respite care provider who has been approved as a placement for been approved as a placement for children. Included, but not limited to, children. Included, but not limited to, in the Foster Parent file are the in the Foster Parent file are the following:following:

• (a)(a) The initial assessment of the The initial assessment of the Foster Parent family and their home7 Foster Parent family and their home7 including medical information, including medical information, references, criminal record check, etc;references, criminal record check, etc;

Foster Parent FilesFoster Parent Files

• (b)(b) A copy of the Foster Care Service A copy of the Foster Care Service Agreement(s);Agreement(s);

• (c)(c) A copy of the annual foster home A copy of the annual foster home reviews, evaluations, updated house and reviews, evaluations, updated house and car insurance, etc;car insurance, etc;

• (d)(d) A record of any complaints made by A record of any complaints made by the Foster Parents;the Foster Parents;

• (e) A record of any investigations (e) A record of any investigations regarding complaints against the Foster regarding complaints against the Foster Parent family.Parent family.

Foster Parent and foster child Foster Parent and foster child filesfiles• Johnson Children’s Services shall keep Johnson Children’s Services shall keep

all Foster Parent and foster child files all Foster Parent and foster child files in a locked, fireproof cabinet at the in a locked, fireproof cabinet at the main office. Any file removed from the main office. Any file removed from the cabinet must be signed out. Extreme cabinet must be signed out. Extreme care must be taken to ensure that care must be taken to ensure that records are not left unattended or records are not left unattended or placed where others placed where others

may indiscriminately view them. may indiscriminately view them.

ACCESS TO INFORMATIONACCESS TO INFORMATIONFoster Child FilesFoster Child Files

• Johnson Children’s Services maintains a Johnson Children’s Services maintains a file for every Foster Parent family and file for every Foster Parent family and respite care provider who has been respite care provider who has been approved as a placement for children. approved as a placement for children. Included, but not limited to, in the Foster Included, but not limited to, in the Foster Parent file are the following:Parent file are the following:

• (a)(a) The initial assessment of the Foster The initial assessment of the Foster Parent family and their home7 including Parent family and their home7 including medical information, references, criminal medical information, references, criminal record check, etc;record check, etc;

ACCESS TO INFORMATIONACCESS TO INFORMATIONFoster Child FilesFoster Child Files

• (b)(b) A copy of the Foster Care Service A copy of the Foster Care Service Agreement(s);Agreement(s);

• (c)(c) A copy of the annual foster home A copy of the annual foster home reviews, evaluations, updated house and reviews, evaluations, updated house and car insurance, etc;car insurance, etc;

• (d)(d) A record of any complaints made by A record of any complaints made by the Foster Parents;the Foster Parents;

• (e) A record of any investigations (e) A record of any investigations regarding complaints against the Foster regarding complaints against the Foster Parent family.Parent family.

Foster Parents FilesFoster Parents Files

• All information in the Foster Parent file is All information in the Foster Parent file is confidential and will be used solely for the confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of assisting Johnson Children’s purpose of assisting Johnson Children’s Services in the appropriate placement of Services in the appropriate placement of the children, in the maintaining of the children, in the maintaining of adequate supervision of the care provided adequate supervision of the care provided for the home, and for assessing the Foster for the home, and for assessing the Foster Parents need for support, training and Parents need for support, training and development. The right to privacy of every development. The right to privacy of every Foster Parent and their family must be Foster Parent and their family must be protected.protected.

Foster Parents FilesFoster Parents Files

• Information in the file is accessible to:Information in the file is accessible to:• I.I. the Foster Parents, except for the Foster Parents, except for

references and other information given to references and other information given to Johnson Children’s Services in Johnson Children’s Services in confidence:confidence:

• 2.2. authorized persons in the employ of authorized persons in the employ of Johnson Children’s Services;Johnson Children’s Services;

• 3.3. other agencies, professionals, or other agencies, professionals, or hospitals when authorization has been hospitals when authorization has been given in written form by the Foster Parents given in written form by the Foster Parents for the release of this information.for the release of this information.

SAFETY AND HOUSING STANDARDSSAFETY AND HOUSING STANDARDS

• A Foster Parent home is required to A Foster Parent home is required to comply with the building, health, fire, and comply with the building, health, fire, and other codes in effect in the jurisdiction other codes in effect in the jurisdiction where it is located. where it is located.

• The Johnson Children’s Services The Johnson Children’s Services Executive Director or designate will visit Executive Director or designate will visit the home of an applicant to ensure that it the home of an applicant to ensure that it is maintained in a safe condition, free of is maintained in a safe condition, free of hazards to health and physical safety hazards to health and physical safety

• The following are basic requirements The following are basic requirements Johnson Children’s Services seeks to Johnson Children’s Services seeks to meet in terms of housing standards:meet in terms of housing standards:

SAFETY AND HOUSING STANDARDSSAFETY AND HOUSING STANDARDSCont.Cont.

• 1.1. Designated spaces for informal living, Designated spaces for informal living, dining, food preparation and storage, and dining, food preparation and storage, and separate rooms for sleeping and bathing;separate rooms for sleeping and bathing;

• 2.2. Ability to provide and maintain a Ability to provide and maintain a supply of heat to habitable rooms;supply of heat to habitable rooms;

• 3.3. Maintained in a condition free of Maintained in a condition free of hazards to physical safety, and garbage, hazards to physical safety, and garbage, refuse, other wastes are disposed of in refuse, other wastes are disposed of in such a way as not to constitute a health such a way as not to constitute a health hazard;hazard;

• 4.4. Sleeping accommodations that meet Sleeping accommodations that meet the following requirements:the following requirements:

• (a)(a) no room without a window is used as no room without a window is used as a bedroom,a bedroom,

SAFETY AND HOUSING STANDARDSSAFETY AND HOUSING STANDARDSCont.Cont.• (b)(b) no bedroom is in a building detached no bedroom is in a building detached

from the home, an unfinished attic or from the home, an unfinished attic or unfinished basement, or a stairway hall,unfinished basement, or a stairway hall,

• (c)(c) each Foster child has a bed and a each Foster child has a bed and a clean mattress suitable for the age of the clean mattress suitable for the age of the child together with bedding that is child together with bedding that is appropriate according to the weather and appropriate according to the weather and climate,climate,

• (d)(d) no foster child shares a bed or no foster child shares a bed or sleeping room with an adult couple or sleeping room with an adult couple or adult of the opposite sex, andadult of the opposite sex, and

• (e)(e) no foster child over six years of age no foster child over six years of age shares a room with another foster child of shares a room with another foster child of the opposite sex.the opposite sex.

EMERGENCY. FIRE SAFETY. AND EMERGENCY. FIRE SAFETY. AND HEALTH PROTECTIONHEALTH PROTECTION

• The following are Johnson Children’s The following are Johnson Children’s Services minimum required standards:Services minimum required standards:

• (a)(a) single station smoke detector single station smoke detector between the bedrooms and the remainder between the bedrooms and the remainder of the house and of the house and tested monthly;tested monthly;

• (b)(b) fire extinguishers in kitchen and on fire extinguishers in kitchen and on the master bedroom level, Fire the master bedroom level, Fire extinguishers to be inspected annually;extinguishers to be inspected annually;


• (c)(c) carbon monoxide detector properly carbon monoxide detector properly installed if a home has any natural gas installed if a home has any natural gas appliances, furnaces, water heaters or appliances, furnaces, water heaters or fireplaces, or a wood burning fireplace or fireplaces, or a wood burning fireplace or stove;stove;

• Johnson Children’s Services will ensure Johnson Children’s Services will ensure before a foster child is placed, that the foster before a foster child is placed, that the foster parents have a procedure for evacuating the parents have a procedure for evacuating the home in case of fire. The foster parent shall home in case of fire. The foster parent shall inform each foster child of the exit to use inform each foster child of the exit to use and how to use it in case of fire;and how to use it in case of fire;


• before a Child can sleep in a Basement before a Child can sleep in a Basement bedroom, this request must be approved bedroom, this request must be approved by the Ministry of children services on a by the Ministry of children services on a case-by-case basis in any approved case-by-case basis in any approved foster home; foster home;

• food must be stored separately from food must be stored separately from cleaning fluids, chemicals, etc;cleaning fluids, chemicals, etc;

• first aid kit available and kept in a first aid kit available and kept in a known, readily available location; known, readily available location;

• space for storage of hazardous products space for storage of hazardous products (cleaners, chemicals, paints) inaccessible (cleaners, chemicals, paints) inaccessible to childto child

• locked storage for drugs and medication;locked storage for drugs and medication;

EMERGENCY. FIRE SAFETY. AND EMERGENCY. FIRE SAFETY. AND HEALTH PROTECTION HEALTH PROTECTION ContCont

• no electrical space heaters in bathroomsno electrical space heaters in bathrooms• friction stickers/rubber mats in bathtub/shower friction stickers/rubber mats in bathtub/shower • home must be kept warm (minimum 17-20 home must be kept warm (minimum 17-20

degrees) from October 1 to May31; degrees) from October 1 to May31; • halls kept clear at all times;halls kept clear at all times;• all weapons, including firearms, air rifles, bows all weapons, including firearms, air rifles, bows

and hunting slings shots shall be made and hunting slings shots shall be made inoperable and inaccessible to children at all inoperable and inaccessible to children at all times. Firearms are to be stored unloaded and times. Firearms are to be stored unloaded and separately from the ammunition in a locked case separately from the ammunition in a locked case or area according to the Storageor area according to the Storage

EMERGENCY. FIRE SAFETY. AND HEALTH EMERGENCY. FIRE SAFETY. AND HEALTH PROTECTION PROTECTION ContCont

• Requirements of current Gun Laws;Requirements of current Gun Laws;

• procedure for evacuating the home in case procedure for evacuating the home in case of fire. Each child to be informed of the exit of fire. Each child to be informed of the exit to use and how to use it;to use and how to use it;

• home must have a telephone or access to home must have a telephone or access to a telephone, except in communities where a telephone, except in communities where phone service is not available to the phone service is not available to the community.community.

Placement for a ChildPlacement for a Child

• Prior to ensuring a placement for a foster child, Prior to ensuring a placement for a foster child, Johnson Children’s Services requires a preliminary Johnson Children’s Services requires a preliminary assessment of the child from the Placing Agency assessment of the child from the Placing Agency that sets out:that sets out:– a statement of the child’s immediate needs in a statement of the child’s immediate needs in

care;care;• the probable duration of foster care placement the probable duration of foster care placement

and the plans for parental contact and/or visitation;and the plans for parental contact and/or visitation;• identifying information on the child (full name, sex, identifying information on the child (full name, sex,

date of birth, home date of birth, home • address, etc.);child’s legal status; the child’s family address, etc.);child’s legal status; the child’s family

background information, including family size, birth background information, including family size, birth order, cultural, racial, linguistic, religious and socio-order, cultural, racial, linguistic, religious and socio-economic background and kinship ties;economic background and kinship ties;

• school information, including name and address of school information, including name and address of school, name of school, name of

Placement for a ChildPlacement for a Child

• teacher, grade in school, current teacher, grade in school, current performance level, special programming or performance level, special programming or needsneeds

• medical information including name and medical information including name and address of family doctor and/or address of family doctor and/or

• hospital used, medical problems such as hospital used, medical problems such as physical handicaps or limitations on physical physical handicaps or limitations on physical activity, allergies, current medications, activity, allergies, current medications, history of illness, and immunization records;history of illness, and immunization records;– the child’s developmental and emotional the child’s developmental and emotional

needs, including anyneeds, including any• psychological assessments or psychological assessments or

psychotherapy reports;psychotherapy reports;– a description of the child’s interests, a description of the child’s interests,

abilities, strengths and problems;abilities, strengths and problems;

CLOTHINGCLOTHING

• Johnson Children’s Services will ensure Johnson Children’s Services will ensure that while in care, the child has a supply of that while in care, the child has a supply of clothing suitable to the child's size' age, clothing suitable to the child's size' age, activities, the climate conditions and in activities, the climate conditions and in keeping with the family norms. keeping with the family norms.

• It is the Foster Parents responsibility to It is the Foster Parents responsibility to provide appropriate storage space for the provide appropriate storage space for the foster child's clothing. foster child's clothing.

• Foster Parents are expected to guide the Foster Parents are expected to guide the child in the selection of daily clothing and child in the selection of daily clothing and of new clothing on the basis of need and of new clothing on the basis of need and quality, with consideration for the child's quality, with consideration for the child's preferences in style of dress. preferences in style of dress.

FOOD AND NUTRITIONFOOD AND NUTRITION

• Johnson Children’s Services uses the Johnson Children’s Services uses the "Canada's Food Guide" as its standard to "Canada's Food Guide" as its standard to ensure the provision of well-balanced, ensure the provision of well-balanced, nutritious meals nutritious meals

• However, occasions may arise where a However, occasions may arise where a child placed in a Johnson Children’s child placed in a Johnson Children’s Services family will have dietary Services family will have dietary restrictions for medical, cultural, or restrictions for medical, cultural, or religious reasonsreligious reasons

• In cases such as these1 Johnson In cases such as these1 Johnson Children’s Services will inform the Foster Children’s Services will inform the Foster Parents of the child's eating habits or Parents of the child's eating habits or preferences. preferences.

FOOD AND NUTRITIONFOOD AND NUTRITION

• Meals should be an important and Meals should be an important and predictable part of the daily routine of the predictable part of the daily routine of the child, serving as one of the anchor points child, serving as one of the anchor points of each day of each day

• The child should eat with the family, The child should eat with the family, except where school, recreation or work except where school, recreation or work activities prevent this from happening. activities prevent this from happening.

• Where a licensed physician prescribes a Where a licensed physician prescribes a special diet, Foster Parents will receive special diet, Foster Parents will receive instructions from Johnson Children’s instructions from Johnson Children’s Services in the preparation of such a diet Services in the preparation of such a diet or the handling of the special feeding or the handling of the special feeding arrangements.arrangements.

SCHOOL AND EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSPROGRAMS• In order to promote a successful school In order to promote a successful school

experience for the child, the following experience for the child, the following procedures and practices will be observed:procedures and practices will be observed:

• I.I. prior to placement, the child's educational prior to placement, the child's educational history will be reviewed with appropriate history will be reviewed with appropriate School Board Officials to ensure an appropriate School Board Officials to ensure an appropriate school placement can be obtained;school placement can be obtained;

• 2.2. Foster Parents will participate in initiating Foster Parents will participate in initiating the registration of a newly placed child into the registration of a newly placed child into school;school;

• 3.3. the Johnson Children’s Services the Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor and/or Foster Parents will plan with Supervisor and/or Foster Parents will plan with the school to ensure that remedial or tutoring the school to ensure that remedial or tutoring help is available to the child in placement as help is available to the child in placement as required;required;

SCHOOL AND EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSPROGRAMS

• 4.4. Foster Parents will communicate Foster Parents will communicate regularly with the child's teacher and/or regularly with the child's teacher and/or school representative to assess the child's school representative to assess the child's adjustment and progress in school. adjustment and progress in school. Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor will Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor will contact the school quarterly for each contact the school quarterly for each foster child, to assess the child's foster child, to assess the child's adjustments and progress in school;adjustments and progress in school;

• 5.5. school personnel will be invited to school personnel will be invited to Plan of Care reviews on the child in care as Plan of Care reviews on the child in care as deemed necessary;deemed necessary;

• 6.6. school reports on academic progress school reports on academic progress and social adjustment will be apart of the and social adjustment will be apart of the child's record kept on file;child's record kept on file;

SCHOOL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSSCHOOL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

• The child in care can realize a successful school The child in care can realize a successful school experience if the appropriate program is experience if the appropriate program is selected, if the Foster Parents maintain positive selected, if the Foster Parents maintain positive and regular contact with the school and if the and regular contact with the school and if the child's academic and social status is closely child's academic and social status is closely monitored.monitored.

• Success at school is not to be equated with Success at school is not to be equated with academic achievement, although that is one academic achievement, although that is one component of the total picture. Measures of component of the total picture. Measures of success include, but are not limited to:success include, but are not limited to:

• regular attendance,regular attendance,• positive interaction with peers,positive interaction with peers,• compliant, non-disruptive behavior,compliant, non-disruptive behavior,• completion of assigned work,completion of assigned work,• development of good work/study habits,development of good work/study habits,• involvement in extra-curricular activities, etc.involvement in extra-curricular activities, etc.

TravelTravel

• In instances where travel outside of In instances where travel outside of the province or country is planned, the province or country is planned, Foster Parents must have in their Foster Parents must have in their possession a letter of permission and possession a letter of permission and medical consent from the Placing medical consent from the Placing Agency for each child in care Agency for each child in care traveling with them. traveling with them.

• The Johnson Children’s Services The Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor will initiate obtaining this Supervisor will initiate obtaining this letter from the Placing Agency. letter from the Placing Agency.

TravelTravel

• Foster Parents must advise the Johnson Foster Parents must advise the Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor whenever Children’s Services Supervisor whenever a foster child travels well in advance of a foster child travels well in advance of the planned departure date in order that the planned departure date in order that the arrangement can be made. the arrangement can be made.

• The Poster Parents must also inform The Poster Parents must also inform their Supervisor of any extended travel their Supervisor of any extended travel plans prior to leaving, including phone plans prior to leaving, including phone numbers and itinerary, which would only numbers and itinerary, which would only be used in the event of an emergency. be used in the event of an emergency.

• Extended medical insurance and Extended medical insurance and documents (passports, birth certificates, documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.) must be obtained prior to leaving etc.) must be obtained prior to leaving the country.the country.

PLACEMENT CHANGE (Discharge and PLACEMENT CHANGE (Discharge and TransferTransfer))• A transfer is the termination of a A transfer is the termination of a

placement in one foster home and moving placement in one foster home and moving the child to another foster home within the the child to another foster home within the Johnson Children’s Services program Johnson Children’s Services program whereas, a discharge is when the whereas, a discharge is when the placement is terminated and the child placement is terminated and the child moves to another program.moves to another program.

• 1.1. A request for a change in placement A request for a change in placement made by the Foster Parents or the child, made by the Foster Parents or the child, will be responded to within five (5) days by will be responded to within five (5) days by the Johnson Children’s Services the Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor, to determine the cause of the Supervisor, to determine the cause of the problem and whether a change in problem and whether a change in placement is needed.placement is needed.

• 2.2. When a child is objecting to When a child is objecting to placement, Residential Placement placement, Residential Placement Advisory Committee shall inform him Advisory Committee shall inform him of his/her rights to a review, if the of his/her rights to a review, if the child is over 12 years of age. child is over 12 years of age. Otherwise the decision to move the Otherwise the decision to move the child shall be made by Johnson child shall be made by Johnson Children’s Services in conjunction Children’s Services in conjunction with the Placing Agency.with the Placing Agency.

PLACEMENT CHANGE (Discharge and PLACEMENT CHANGE (Discharge and TransferTransfer))

• 3.3. The Johnson Children’s Services The Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor, in consultation with the Supervisor, in consultation with the Johnson Children’s Services Program Johnson Children’s Services Program Director, and Executive Director, may Director, and Executive Director, may recommend a change in placement, based recommend a change in placement, based on various factors including on various factors including unmanageable child behavior, unsuitable unmanageable child behavior, unsuitable environment to meet the needs of the environment to meet the needs of the child, personality conflicts, major child, personality conflicts, major changes/crisis in the Foster Parent home, changes/crisis in the Foster Parent home, (death, family breakdown,) etc,(death, family breakdown,) etc,

PLACEMENT CHANGE (Discharge and PLACEMENT CHANGE (Discharge and TransferTransfer))• 4.4. Any decision regarding a change in Any decision regarding a change in

placement of the child will be made in placement of the child will be made in conjunction with the Placing Agency. A conjunction with the Placing Agency. A decision regarding a placement change should decision regarding a placement change should also involve the child (depending on the age also involve the child (depending on the age and functioning) and the Foster Parents.and functioning) and the Foster Parents.

• 5.5. Preparation of the child and Foster Preparation of the child and Foster Parents for a change in placement will begin Parents for a change in placement will begin as soon as the decision is made. The process as soon as the decision is made. The process will include at least one meeting involving the will include at least one meeting involving the child, the Foster Parents and the Johnson child, the Foster Parents and the Johnson Children’s Services Supervisor before the Children’s Services Supervisor before the move is made,move is made,


• 6.6. A record of the process by which the A record of the process by which the child and the Foster Parents were child and the Foster Parents were prepared for the placement change 'will be prepared for the placement change 'will be made in the child's file.made in the child's file.


• 8.8. Foster families with whom children Foster families with whom children have resided for thirty (30) days or more have resided for thirty (30) days or more prior to the child's departure must be prior to the child's departure must be interviewed and provided the opportunity interviewed and provided the opportunity to talk about their experience of foster care to talk about their experience of foster care with the child who has left. This interview with the child who has left. This interview must he conducted within thirty (30) days must he conducted within thirty (30) days of the child's departure from the foster of the child's departure from the foster family home and the information is to be family home and the information is to be used to assist in future placement decisions used to assist in future placement decisions and matching children and families.and matching children and families.

• 7.7. All children, seven (7) years of age or All children, seven (7) years of age or older, who have been in placement with a older, who have been in placement with a specific Johnson Children’s Services foster specific Johnson Children’s Services foster family for thirty (30) days or more, must be family for thirty (30) days or more, must be interviewed and provided with the interviewed and provided with the opportunity to talk about their foster care opportunity to talk about their foster care experience within that home. Whenever experience within that home. Whenever feasible, this interview must be conducted feasible, this interview must be conducted within thirty (30) days of the child's departure within thirty (30) days of the child's departure from that home; if it is not feasible to from that home; if it is not feasible to interview the child “post-discharge", the child interview the child “post-discharge", the child must be interviewed within the five (5) must be interviewed within the five (5) working days prior to the child's pending working days prior to the child's pending discharge. A child or youth has the right to discharge. A child or youth has the right to refuse contact about a completed placement. refuse contact about a completed placement. Their refusal or any other reason why an Their refusal or any other reason why an interview did not take place must be interview did not take place must be recorded in the child's file.recorded in the child's file.

FOSTER PARENT APPLICATIONFOSTER PARENT APPLICATION

• It is of vital importance that a careful It is of vital importance that a careful screening of applicants be screening of applicants be undertaken because the parents are undertaken because the parents are the primary therapists for a child. the primary therapists for a child.

• (A) not less than two (2) interviews (A) not less than two (2) interviews will take place, one of which must be will take place, one of which must be held at the applicant’s home involve held at the applicant’s home involve all household (family and other) all household (family and other) members. Individual and joint members. Individual and joint interviews will be conducted with the interviews will be conducted with the parents of the family. All members parents of the family. All members of the household over the age so six of the household over the age so six (6) must be interviewed;(6) must be interviewed;

FOSTER PARENT APPLICATIONFOSTER PARENT APPLICATION

• (B) a complete home inspection to (B) a complete home inspection to determine suitability and safety of the determine suitability and safety of the home for placement of a child. This home for placement of a child. This process may include a fire and health process may include a fire and health inspection;inspection;

• (C) receiving the names of at least three (C) receiving the names of at least three (3) character references from non-related (3) character references from non-related people and contacting these, by people and contacting these, by telephone, in person, or by letter telephone, in person, or by letter regarding the applicants suitability as regarding the applicants suitability as Foster Parents;Foster Parents;

FOSTER FOSTER PARENTPARENT APPLICATIONAPPLICATION• (D)(D) receiving a written statement from a receiving a written statement from a

physician regarding the general health of physician regarding the general health of the applicants and their family and the applicants and their family and whether of not it may interfere with the whether of not it may interfere with the provision of foster care to children;provision of foster care to children;

• (E) a criminal record check is mandatory (E) a criminal record check is mandatory of the applicants and all individuals who of the applicants and all individuals who have reached the age of majority (18 have reached the age of majority (18 years old), who are regularly involved in a years old), who are regularly involved in a significant* way with the family, whether significant* way with the family, whether living in the home or not;living in the home or not;

• (F) contacting any previous foster care (F) contacting any previous foster care provider with whom the applicants have provider with whom the applicants have been involved in the past ten (10) years been involved in the past ten (10) years for purpose of a background check.for purpose of a background check.

VERIFIED OR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSEVERIFIED OR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

• It is Johnson Children’s Services It is Johnson Children’s Services responsibility to determine, during the responsibility to determine, during the assessment process of an applicant or assessment process of an applicant or anyone else in the applicant’s home has anyone else in the applicant’s home has been suspected of, or is verified as having been suspected of, or is verified as having committed child abuse or neglect committed child abuse or neglect

• All applicants will be requested to sign a All applicants will be requested to sign a release form for Johnson Children’s Services release form for Johnson Children’s Services to investigate any reports with the local to investigate any reports with the local Children’s Aid Societies Children’s Aid Societies

• It will be the judgment of Johnson Children’s It will be the judgment of Johnson Children’s Services management to determine the Services management to determine the suitability of an application based on the suitability of an application based on the information available. information available.

VERIFIED OR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSEVERIFIED OR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

• The following points will be considered The following points will be considered when determining the suitability of the when determining the suitability of the applicant:applicant:

• if a suspected of verified abuser has if a suspected of verified abuser has access to the applicant’s home at any access to the applicant’s home at any timetime

• the type of suspected of verified abuse the type of suspected of verified abuse or neglect that has been reportedor neglect that has been reported

• the time that has elapsed since the last the time that has elapsed since the last reported occurrencereported occurrence

• circumstances of abuse of neglectcircumstances of abuse of neglect• any other known factors pertaining to any other known factors pertaining to

the applicant’s situationthe applicant’s situation

VERIFIED OR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSEVERIFIED OR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE• any other changes in the applicant’s any other changes in the applicant’s

situation or circumstances that would situation or circumstances that would preclude any reoccurrence of abuse or preclude any reoccurrence of abuse or neglectneglect

• If an applicant is rejected as a result of If an applicant is rejected as a result of Johnson Children’s Service’s opinion that Johnson Children’s Service’s opinion that there is an unacceptably high risk due to there is an unacceptably high risk due to suspected of verified child abuse, Johnson suspected of verified child abuse, Johnson Children’s Services will inform the applicant, Children’s Services will inform the applicant, in writing, within five (5) working days of in writing, within five (5) working days of the decision. the decision.

• The applicant would be able to appeal this The applicant would be able to appeal this decision only if new information is provided decision only if new information is provided to Johnson Children’s Services. However, it to Johnson Children’s Services. However, it is at the discretion of Johnson Children’s is at the discretion of Johnson Children’s Services to consider or reject the appeal.Services to consider or reject the appeal.


• Orientation training is to ensure that Orientation training is to ensure that the new Foster Parents are ready to the new Foster Parents are ready to receive and maintain a placement, receive and maintain a placement, with a minimum amount of disruption with a minimum amount of disruption to their home or to the foster child. to their home or to the foster child. Orientation will happen prior to the Orientation will happen prior to the placement of the first child in the placement of the first child in the home. Orientation training will home. Orientation training will include the following:include the following:

• a minimum of two, 10 hour individual a minimum of two, 10 hour individual or group sessions will be held in order or group sessions will be held in order


• new Foster Parents with the treatment new Foster Parents with the treatment components of Johnson Children’s components of Johnson Children’s Services (roles, responsibilities, rights Services (roles, responsibilities, rights of parents, Placing Agency, child, of parents, Placing Agency, child, natural family, as well as Johnson natural family, as well as Johnson Children’s Services treatment policies, Children’s Services treatment policies, procedures and practices, including procedures and practices, including administrative procedures, forms administrative procedures, forms documentations, etc.);documentations, etc.);

• written information on policies & written information on policies & procedures will be distributed at the procedures will be distributed at the time of Orientation;time of Orientation;


• There are times when Placing Agencies There are times when Placing Agencies will contact Johnson Children’s Services will contact Johnson Children’s Services with an emergency placement. with an emergency placement.

• Although there are times when Johnson Although there are times when Johnson Children’s Services can be Children’s Services can be accommodating to this situation it will accommodating to this situation it will not be a common practice. not be a common practice.

• Johnson Children’s Services requires a Johnson Children’s Services requires a minimum of 24 hours from time of minimum of 24 hours from time of contact by Placing Agency till time of contact by Placing Agency till time of placement in order to gather placement in order to gather appropriate information, negotiate appropriate information, negotiate contracts, and prepare the foster family contracts, and prepare the foster family for the placementfor the placement


• an emergency placement would be an emergency placement would be when there is only a couple of hours when there is only a couple of hours notice given by a Placing Agency for notice given by a Placing Agency for Johnson Children’s Services and the Johnson Children’s Services and the Foster Parents to prepare for a Foster Parents to prepare for a placement placement

• Assessments by Johnson Children’s Assessments by Johnson Children’s Services Foster Parents and staff will be Services Foster Parents and staff will be taken into consideration to ensure that taken into consideration to ensure that proper supports are available and can be proper supports are available and can be provided to the child in a timely fashion. provided to the child in a timely fashion.


• Johnson Children’s Services shall Johnson Children’s Services shall maintain an up-to-date list of maintain an up-to-date list of beds available for emergency beds available for emergency placements, including the placements, including the number and location of beds number and location of beds

•This list will be available at the This list will be available at the Johnson Children’s Services Johnson Children’s Services office to all intake workers.office to all intake workers.

PLAN OF CARE AND REVIEWSPLAN OF CARE AND REVIEWS

• The purpose of the Plan of Care and The purpose of the Plan of Care and Plan of Care Reviews is to keep all Plan of Care Reviews is to keep all persons actively involved with the persons actively involved with the child, informed of the child's progress child, informed of the child's progress and ensure that the therapeutic and ensure that the therapeutic treatment goals continue to meet the treatment goals continue to meet the child's needs.child's needs.

• It is Johnson Children’s Services It is Johnson Children’s Services policy to hold a 7-day visit with a policy to hold a 7-day visit with a foster child, Foster Parents and foster child, Foster Parents and Placing Agency's social worker. Placing Agency's social worker.


• This visit will be conducted in a Plan This visit will be conducted in a Plan of Care forum to discuss the child's of Care forum to discuss the child's immediate needs and the immediate immediate needs and the immediate objectives of the provision of care. objectives of the provision of care.

• It is Johnson Children’s Services It is Johnson Children’s Services responsibility to ensure that a Plan of responsibility to ensure that a Plan of Care is developed within thirty (30) Care is developed within thirty (30) days of placementdays of placement


• A Plan of Care will be held every A Plan of Care will be held every ninety (90) days and whenever there ninety (90) days and whenever there is a change in placement.is a change in placement.

• 1.1. The review will be carried out The review will be carried out with the involvement of the Placing with the involvement of the Placing Agency, the child (if the child is 12 Agency, the child (if the child is 12 years of age and older and is years of age and older and is developmentally and emotionally developmentally and emotionally capable), the Foster Parents, the capable), the Foster Parents, the child's parents (where applicable) child's parents (where applicable) and any other persons actively and any other persons actively involved in the child's life (ex. involved in the child's life (ex. Teacher, CYW, Therapist, etc).Teacher, CYW, Therapist, etc).

PLAN OF CARE AND REVIEWSPLAN OF CARE AND REVIEWS• 2.2. A Plan of Care Review report will be A Plan of Care Review report will be

written and copies sent to the Placing written and copies sent to the Placing Agency, Foster Parents, professionals Agency, Foster Parents, professionals involved with the child and kept in the involved with the child and kept in the child's file.child's file.

• 3.3. Where a review is carried out without Where a review is carried out without it the involvement of one of the persons it the involvement of one of the persons referred to in #1, the reason shall be noted referred to in #1, the reason shall be noted on the child's file,on the child's file,

• 44 A Program Director must examine the A Program Director must examine the child's file at the time of each review to child's file at the time of each review to ensure that required documents and ensure that required documents and recordings have been carried out and must recordings have been carried out and must sign and date the record.sign and date the record.

Documents

Johnson Children Services Johnson Children Services ORIENTATION