Out-Of-County Placements

0100-510.46 | Revision Date: 02/27/19

Overview

This procedural guide outlines the guidelines and procedures for placing children and NMDs outside of Los Angeles County, as well as the guidelines and procedures for courtesy supervision of children and NMDs from other California Counties.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Policy

Out-Of-Home Care Placement Considerations

Placing a Child or NMD Out-Of-County

Placement in Non-Adjacent Counties

Inter-county Transfer of NMD Cases

Courtesy Supervision Requests

Procedure

Planning for a Home Evaluation for Out-of-County Supervision

CSW Responsibilities

SCSW Responsibilities

RFRAD CSW Responsibilities

Out-of-County Placement Due to an Emergent Situation 

CSW Responsibilities

SCSW Responsibilities

Out-Of-County Placement Due to a Non-Emergent Situation

CSW Responsibilities

SCSW Responsibilities

ARA Responsibilities

Another County is Providing Courtesy Supervision for Los Angeles County

CSW Responsibilities

A Request Is Received From another County For Courtesy Supervision

Out-Of-County Services CSW Responsibilities

CSW Responsibilities

Emergency Request from another County is Made by Telephone

RA, ARA, SCSW, CSW Responsibilities

Approvals

Helpful Links

Attachments

Forms 

Referenced Policy Guides

Statutes

Version Summary

This policy guide was updated from the 07/01/2014 version to reflect a revised law that requires that a notice be provided to the child’s attorney, Indian custodian, the child’s tribe, and to a child 10 years and over when placing a child out of county, and that permits the child to object to the out-of-county placement. It was also updated to reflect current procedures related to approving resource families including the use of LA County RFA-approved homes; and to reference the new law that shifts the responsibility for providing or arranging services under Medi-Cal from the county of origin to the county where the child resides.

POLICY

Out-Of-Home Care Placement Considerations

When a child is in jeopardy of being placed in out-of-home care, the CSW must consult with the parent(s) on involving his or her faith-based practitioner or other community support person to assist in locating a community-based placement

When the decision has been made to place a child in out-of-home care, every attempt should be made to maintain the child’s physical, emotional and psychological ties to his or her family, including extended family, friends and any organizations (e.g., remaining in school of origin, Boy/Girl Scouts, sports teams, school/neighborhood friends, etc.) to which they belong. The selection of a placement is always based on the child’s needs and best interest, in the least restrictive environment within his or her community whenever possible.

A careful evaluation of the best interests of the child and best social work practices should be conducted before placing a child out of county, whether it be an adjacent or nonadjacent county, that does not provide courtesy supervision. Unless warranted by case-specific circumstances, LA County-approved RFA homes and LA County-contracted FFA homes in LA County should first be considered before RFA homes approved by another county. The following are types of situations that require consideration of placement of a child in another California County:

• The court ordered the placement of a child with a person living in another county.

• The current caregiver, with which the child is living, is moving to another county.

• Relatives or Nonrelative Extended Family Members (NREFM) residing in another California county are willing and able to care for the child.

• The special circumstances of the case plan make an out-of-county placement the best viable option for substitute care; For example, a family reunification case plan requires family involvement (e.g. the family resides in Pomona and there is no suitable foster home in that area of Los Angeles County. However, a foster home has been found in San Bernardino County)

• An American Indian child’s tribe is located in another State of California county and has a licensed foster home or approved relative or NREFM home available.

• Lack of resources in Los Angeles County, following an exhaustive search, to meet the specific needs of the child.

• A Nonminor Dependent (NMD) working or attending school outside of Los Angeles County, or receiving out-of-county Transitional Housing Services.

• A child’s special needs can be more fully met by a specific caregiver out-of-county.

• The unique circumstance of the child or the family warrant an out-of-county placement.

When a CSW must change a child’s placement, and there is a lack of suitable placement options within the county necessitating a placement outside the county, the parent/guardian, the child's attorney, Indian custodian, the child’s tribe and a child 10 years of age or older must receive written notice at least fourteen (14) days prior to the placement, unless such warning should affect the child’s well-being or health, or endanger the child in any way. This applies even if the child is already in an out-of-county placement and needs to be moved to another out-of-county placement.

The notice must state the reasons why it is necessary to place the child outside the county. The child, Indian custodian, the child’s tribe, parent or guardians are granted seven (7) calendar days after receipt of the notice to object to the placement. Upon objection, the court must hold a hearing within five (5) calendar days. Juvenile Court Services staff will contact the Clerk’s Office to obtain a court date and contact the CSW with the date. Upon review, the court must order out-of-county placement if it finds that the child's particular needs require placement outside the county.

The notice may be waived if the Child and Family Team (CFT) has determined that the identified placement is in the best interest of the child, no member of the CFT objects to the placement, and the child’s attorney has been informed of the intended placement and has no objection, and, where applicable, the Indian custodian or child’s tribe has been informed of the intended placement and has no objection. If this waiver requirement is not met but the child is transitioning from a temporary shelter care facility, the CSW shall provide oral notice to the child’s parents, guardian, Indian custodian, the child’s tribe, the child’s attorney, and, if the child is 10 years of age or older, to the child no later than one business day after the determination that out-of-county placement is necessary and that there is an objection to the placement. The oral notice shall state the reasons that require placement outside the county and shall be immediately followed by written notice stating the reasons. The child, parent, guardian, Indian custodian, the child's tribe may object to the placement no later than seven days after oral notice is provided and, upon objection, the court shall hold a hearing no later than two judicial days after the objection is made. The court may authorize that the child remains in the temporary shelter care facility pending the outcome of the hearing.

If it is determined that the child's health or well-being is endangered by delaying the placement of the child in an out-of-county placement, it is not necessary to provide written notice to the parent or guardian, the Indian custodian, the child’s tribe, the child’s attorney, and a child 10 years of age or older, prior to making the placement

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Placing a Child or NMD Out-Of-County

Absent any exceptions as established by the law, the responsibility for providing or arranging for specialty mental health services shall promptly transfer from the county of original jurisdiction to the county in which the foster child resides. The presumptive transfer of this responsibility can be found in this policy.

In accordance with California State Regulations, the sending county is responsible for providing direct supervision and services or for arranging for the receiving county to provide supervision and services, except as noted above regarding mental health services. Using the case plan, the sending county must specify how the service needs of the child, including social worker contact requirements, are to be met while the child is placed out-of-county. The sending county is responsible for services to the child’s parents(s)/guardian(s) and continued case plan updates.

When a receiving county agrees to provide supervision and services, Los Angeles County must develop a formal agreement between the two counties specifying the following:

• Agreement to provide supervision and services and outlining respective responsibilities of each county.

• The receiving county must provide timely written reports on the child’s condition and progress in order to facilitate required case plan updates.

• The receiving county must be in agreement that the proposed placement meets the child’s needs.

• The sending county must provide consultation and advice on the case, as needed.

All contact requirements for courtesy supervision must meet California State Regulations. Use this link to obtain the Courtesy Supervision County List developed and maintained by the Child Welfare Directors Association (CWDA).

The CSW must continue to supervise the child in the following adjacent counties: Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura.

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Placement in Non-Adjacent Counties

If a child is placed in a non-adjacent county that does not have a reciprocal courtesy supervision agreement with Los Angeles County, then Los Angeles County remains responsible for providing services and supervision for that child.

If the court orders a child’s placement in a non-adjacent county that does not provide courtesy supervision, the CSW must notify the court immediately that the required supervision of the child will not be met and that the court ordered services may or may not be available. If the court issues an order contrary to the DCFS recommendation, DCFS must request that County Counsel review the matter to determine the next legal steps. In the interim, the CSW must comply with the court order.

Los Angeles County must pay the host county rate (if different) when a child is placed into a relative, NREFM, foster home, small family home, group home or STRTP in another county. If a child requires a specialized rate in another county, the child will receive the host county rate plus the appropriate specialized care increment of the host county. Los Angeles County’s specialized increment must be used only when the host or receiving county does not have the appropriate specialized care increment. The CSW must contact the Eligibility Worker/Technical Assistant in their office who can assist them with determining the correct “Host County Rate” for arelative, NREFM foster family, small family or group home. Under the Continuum Care Reform, the set basic rate and the applicable Level of Care (LOC) rate is paid.

Per the Statewide Intercounty Protocol for Resource Family Approval (RFA) and Emergency Placements, contiguous counties will do their own RFA approvals and emergency placements, unless those contiguous counties have an alternative agreement in place. The approving county shall provide courtesy notification of the home approval to the host county Single Point of Contact (SPOC). Individual counties may establish their own reciprocity agreements with other, non-contiguous counties that supersede the statewide Intercounty Approval Agreement.

• Once a relative or NREFM is approved as a Resource Family that home shall be available to be considered for placement of relative or non-relative foster child(ren) under the jurisdiction of any county. Approval of a Resource Family does not guarantee initial or continued placement of a foster child.

• Any county intending to place with a Resource Family that is being assessed/approved by another county will contact the assessing/approving county Single Point of Contact (SPOC) prior to placement to discuss their intention.

• A family approved by the host county may accept additional placements as a resource family for that host county, unless the family has a child-specific approval.

All assessments of prospective Relative/NREFMs will be completed by the Resource Family Recruitment and Approval Division (RFRAD). If the out-of-county placement being considered is the home of a relative or NREFM the CSW must follow the guidelines and procedures for evaluating a prospective caregiver, including those that pertain to placements prior to an RFA. Additionally, if the placement is to be with a relative the CSW must request a Youakim eligibility determination from the Technical Assistant/Eligibility Worker.

When a child is placed outside of Los Angeles County, the CSW is responsible for informing the foster caregiver about the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP).

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Inter-county Transfer of NMD Cases

The county that had jurisdiction over the Nonminor Dependent (NMD) immediately prior to the youth exiting foster care maintains payment and case management responsibility/court jurisdiction for the youth upon re-entry. This is also the county that maintains general jurisdiction over the NMD.

If a NMD is under Dependency Court supervision for twelve (12) months and wants his/her case transferred,the Intercounty Transfer (ICT) criteria and procedures must be met and followed:

The AB12 County Contact list for Re-Entries can be obtained here .

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Courtesy Supervision Requests

All incoming out-of-county inquiries must be sent to:

Supervising Children’s Social Worker (SCSW)

Out-of-County Services Unit

L. A. County Department of Children and Family Services

1933 S. Broadway

Los Angeles, CA 90007

Telephone: 1-888-303-5111, Fax: (213) 742-7070

Additionally, any incoming out-of-county inquires that are sent directly to the regional offices must be forwarded by the regional office to the Out-of-County Services Unit prior to provision of courtesy supervision.

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PROCEDURE

Planning a Home Evaluation for Out-Of-County Supervision

CSW Responsibilities

1. If no placement in Los Angeles County can be located and it is determined that a specific out-of-county placement will meet the child’s needs:

• Contact the SCSW of the Out-of-County Services Unit at 1-888-303-5111, with questions about whether or not a county has agreed to provide courtesy supervision services.
  

2. As appropriate, contact the relative/NREFM to inquire if they are interested in having the child placed in their home.

3. If they are interested, initiate the RFA Assessment by scanning the signed Authorization for Release of Information for Resource Family Approval (RFA) Intake (DCFS 6086) and the completed RFA Intake Request Form (DCFS 6087) to the RFA Intake mailbox at RFA_Intake@dcfs.lacounty.gov (Outlook search: DCFS RFA Intake).

• The RFA Division, Out-of-County Single Point of Contact will forward the out-of-county RFA referrals to the county in which the applicant resides (Host County). With regards to these intercounty referrals, the county of residence will have the applicant live scan and they will complete the criminal exemptions per the written directives.

4. If the home is approved and the county where the caregiver resides does not provide courtesy supervision, the CSW must provide services directly according to established procedures.

5. If the county where the caregiver resides does provide courtesy supervision, the CSW must inform the county of what information is needed in reports, as well as the dates those reports are needed.

6. Complete the DCFS 280 and document in section II that the “Host County Rate” has been obtained from Foster Family Home Development and Support Services.

7. At least fourteen (14) days prior to the placement, provide written notification to the parent or guardian, the child's attorney, Indian custodian, or the child’s tribe and a child 10 years of age and older of the plan to place the child in another county unless, the child’s health or well-being is endangered by delaying the action or would be endangered if prior notice were given.

8. After the courtesy supervision placement plan is established, approved by the parent(s)/guardian(s) or the Juvenile Court, and documented in the Case Plan, submit the Case Plan to the SCSW for approval.

SCSW Responsibilities

1. Review the courtesy supervision placement plan and approve the Case Plan if appropriate.

2. If corrective action is needed, provide instruction to the CSW.

RFRAD CSW Responsibilities

1. Upon receipt of an RFA assessment request, complete an evaluation of the prospective caregiver according to established procedures.

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Out-Of-County Placement Due to an Emergent Situation

CSW Responsibilities

If the intent is to place with an out-of-county resource family being approved or already approved by another county, the CSW is to immediately contact the DCFS SPOC who, if appropriate, will then contact the approving county’s SPOC regarding the intent to place. The DCFS SPOC will confirm whether or not the resource home is available for placement.

A child may be placed with a relative or NREFM at any time during a child’s case by the CSW completing the required preliminary assessments: the inspection of the home and grounds and the following clearances (CLETS, CACI and CWS/CMS). Live Scan clearance is not required for emergency placements. The RFA Division, Out-of-County Single Point of Contact will forward the out-of-county RFA referrals to the county in which the applicant resides (Host County). With regards to these intercounty referrals, the county of residence will have the applicant live scan and they will complete the criminal exemptions per the written directives Prospective caregivers do not live scan until the RFA application is received. The Regional Administrator or designee is allowed to approve an emergent placement if the prospective caregiver, any other adult residing in the home, and any persons having significant contact with the child meet certain criteria. Once an emergency placement is approved:

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1. Notify the child’s parent(s) by telephone prior to making the placement.

• If that is not possible, notify them by telephone no later than one (1) business day after the placement.

2. Notify the child’s sibling(s) and/or relative(s) of the placement, if appropriate.

3. Notify the child’s attorney Indian custodian, and the child’s tribe of the planned placement.

4. Convene a CFT meeting, as necessary.

5. If the youth is being replaced, follow established procedures for replacement.

6. Complete and submit the DCFS 280 and DCFS 709 and other documentation/forms to the SCSW for review and approval.

7. Document the need for an out-of-county placement in CWS/CMS on the Placement Notebook ID Page in the “Explanation if child was not placed in proximity of school” field.
   
   

8. Immediately upon emergency placement, but no later than 5 calendar days from placement date, initiate the RFA Assessment by scanning the signed DCFS 6086, Authorization for Release of Information for Resource Family Approval (RFA) Intake and the completed DCFS 6087, RFA Intake Request Form to the RFA Intake mailbox (Outlook search: DCFS RFA Intake).
   
   
9. If it is determined that the child's health or well-being is endangered by delaying the placement of the child in an out-of-county placement, it is not necessary to provide written notice to the parent or guardian, Indian Custodian, child's tribe, the child’s attorney, and a child 10 years of age or older, prior to making the placement.
   
   
10. The notice may also be waived if the Child and Family Team (CFT) has determined that the identified placement is in the best interest of the child, no member of the CFT objects to the placement, and the child’s attorney has been informed of the intended placement and has no objection, and, where applicable, the Indian custodian or child’s tribe has been informed of the intended placement and has no objection.
    
    

• If this waiver requirement is not met but the child is transitioning from a temporary shelter care facility, provide oral notice

• In the oral notice, state the reasons that require placement outside the county.

• Immediately follow up with a written notice stating those reasons.

• The child, parent, guardian, Indian custodian, or the child's tribe may object to the placement no later than seven days after oral notice is provided and, upon objection, the court shall hold a hearing no later than two judicial days after the objection is made. The court may authorize that the child remains in the temporary shelter care facility pending the outcome of the hearing.

SCSW Responsibilities

1. Review the DCFS 280,DCFS 6087 and DCFS 709 and other documentation/forms for completeness, justification and documentation that the placement priorities and any special needs of the child have been met.

2. If not approved, return the DCFS 280, DCFS 6087and DCFS 709 and the other documentation/forms to the CSW for corrective action.

3. If appropriate, approve the DCFS 280 and return it and the other documents to the CSW.

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Out-Of-County Placement Due to a Non-Emergent Situation

CSW Responsibilities

1. If the intent is to place with an out-of-county resource family being approved or already approved by another county, contact the DCFS SPOC who, if appropriate, will then contact the approving county’s SPOC regarding the intent to place.

2. Once confirmation is received from the SPOC that the resource home is available for placement, send the parent(s) the Notice of Planned Placement of Child outside Los Angeles County child 10 years and over, child's attorney and Indian custodian and the child’s tribe by certified mail return receipt or deliver in person at least fourteen (14) days prior to the planned placement.

3. If the parent(s), child 10 years and over, child's attorney, Indian custodian and the child’s tribe does not object to the planned placement proceed with the placement per established procedures.

4. If the parent, child 10 years and over, Indian custodian and the child’s tribe objects to the planned placement within the allowable seven (7) days of receipt of the notice, immediately contact the child's attorney; if the child's attorney has not scheduled the hearing, contact Juvenile Court Services Liaison and notify them of the situation and request that the matter be set for a hearing on the proposed placement within five (5) calendar days.

• Juvenile Court Services staff will contact the Clerk’s Office to obtain a court date and contact the CSW with the date.

5. Contact the parent(s), Indian Custodian, the child's tribe and a child 10 years of age or older and inform them of the court date.

6. Ensure that the child age four (4) or older be present at the hearing.

7. Notify the child’s attorney of the scheduled hearing by telephone.

8. Prior to creating the Ex Parte Application and Order, review the on-line case record to ensure that all identifying information (i.e., names, addresses, etc.) is recorded and current. If necessary, update the case record.

9. Create the Ex Parte Application and Order at least (3) days prior to the hearing.

10. Complete all appropriate fields on the Ex Parte Application and Order not populated by the database, see Attachment 1.

11. If ARA approval is necessary, create an additional signature line for the ARA.

12. Request on-line approval for the Ex Parte Application and Order and print it. Sign and date the hard copy.

13. Submit the hard copy of the court report and, if applicable, any supporting documents (e.g., therapist’s reports, etc.), and a copy of Notice of Planned Placement of Child outside Los Angeles County to the SCSW for approval.

14. If the report was not approved, take necessary corrective action.

15. When the report is approved, route the Ex Parte Application and Order with any attachments to support staff for final preparation and delivery to court.

16. If the court approves the placement:

• Complete and submit the DCFS 280 and DCFS 709 and other documentation/forms to the SCSW for review and approval.

• Convene a CFT meeting, as necessary.

• Place the child, upon SCSW approval.

17. If the court does not approve the placement, continue efforts to locate an appropriate placement that will meet the child’s needs.

18. Document the need for an out-of-county placement in CWS/CMS on the Placement Notebook ID Page in the “Explanation if child was not placed in proximity of school” field.

SCSW Responsibilities

1. Review the report and any supporting documents.

2. If not approved, request corrective action and return the packet to the CSW.

3. If approved and ARA approval is not required, sign and date the Ex Parte Application and Order. Approve the Ex-Parte Application and Order on-line and return the packet to the CSW.

4. If approved and ARA approval is required, sign and date the report and send the packet to the ARA without approving the Ex Parte Application and Order on-line.

• If approved by the ARA, approve the Ex Parte Application and Order on-line and return the packet to the CSW.

• If the report was not approved, take necessary corrective action or, if necessary, return the packet to the CSW for corrective action.

5. Review the DCFS 280 and DCFS 709 and other documentation/forms for completeness, justification and documentation that the placement priorities and any special needs of the child have been met.

6. If not approved, return the DCFS 280 and DCFS 709 and the other documentation/forms to the CSW for corrective action.

7. If appropriate, approve the DCFS 280 and return it and the other documents to the CSW.

ARA Responsibilities

1. Review the Ex Parte Application and Order and any supporting documents.

2. If approved, sign and date the report and return the Ex Parte Application and Order to the SCSW for on-line approval.

3. If not approved, return the packet to the SCSW for corrective action.

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Another County is Providing Courtesy Supervision for Los Angeles County

CSW Responsibilities

1. Provide the caregiver with a copy of the court order, a Medi-Cal card, a Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program brochure and other essential information.

• For NMD cases, provide the host-county with the following:

• SAWS 1,

• FC 2,

• SOC 163,

• SOC 158 A,

• JV 466,

• JV 468,

• Current case plan, and

• Transition Independent Living Plan (TILP).

2. Using the Contact Notebook, document all contacts and information from the host county.

3. Maintain monthly phone contact with the child’s caregiver and document these contacts in the Contact Notebook.

4. In the event of an emergency placement/replacement, pick up the child from the host-county within forty-eight (48) hours unless arrangements to maintain out-of-county placement for the child have been made.

5. If family reunification services are ordered, provide services to the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) as appropriate to the case plan.

6. For NMD cases, when providing supportive transition services, provide services to the NMD as appropriate to the case plan and TILP.

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A Request Is Received From another County for Courtesy Supervision

Out-of County Services CSW Responsibilities

1. Inform the caller that Los Angeles County will provide courtesy supervision to counties that are not adjacent to Los Angeles County.

• If the request is for an emergency placement and/or approval of a Resource Family Home in LA County, refer them to the RFRAD Division.

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2. Review the information received from the other county. The packet should include signed copies of the SOC 815, 817, 818 or RFA-05A: Resource Family Approval Certificate or an equivalent certificate.

• If a criminal waiver has been granted, ensure that a signed copy is attached, as well as any corrective action plans.

• Ensure the packet contains a copy of the current minute order for the placement and any visitation order.

• For NMD cases, the packet should include the following:

• SAWS 1,

• FC 2,

• SOC 163,

• SOC 158 A,

• JV 466,

• JV 468,

• Current case plan, and

• Transition Independent Living Plan (TILP).

3. Contact the CSW/SCSW in the sending county to determine when the placement is to be made.

4. Obtain secondary assignment after confirming the child/NMD has been placed.

• If no response is received within five (5) business days, contact the sending county’s liaison listed on the County Contact list for assistance.

5. Once secondary assignment has been received, assign the case to the appropriate Regional Office using RAVs. Once this is complete, remove Out of County Services (OCS) from the secondary assignment.

6. Assemble and send all necessary documentation to the appropriate Regional Office with a cover letter outlining the case plan requirements of the sending county, the frequency of written reports, where they are to be sent and the frequency of required face-to-face contacts per CDSS.

7. Forward all received documents to the Regional Office within three (3) business days.

8. During the transition period, provide services such as assisting the foster caregiver in preparing for the child’s arrival and communicate with the sending county to coordinate activities.

CSW Responsibilities

1. Maintain contact with the child/NMD in accordance with CDSS visitation requirements.

2. In the event that the supervision established by the sending county conflicts with Los Angeles County exception waiver policy, CSWs may follow the sending county’s policy since the child is not under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Dependency Court.

3. Perform all activities necessary to carrying out the child’s/NMD’s case plan and the NMD’s TILP.

4. Document all contacts with child/NMD and case activities.

5. Provide the sending county quarterly written reports regarding the child’s/NMD’s condition and progress in order to facilitate required case plan updates.

6. Using the Contact Notebook, document all contacts and information from the host county.

7. If necessary, provide emergency placement/ replacement services until the sending county either picks up the child/NMD (emergency placement not to exceed 48 hours) or arranges to maintain an out-of-county placement for the child per established requirements.

• If emergency placement/replacement is provided, the sending county must reimburse Los Angeles County for the cost of placement.

8. Upon notification from the sending county that courtesy supervision is no longer needed, end date the secondary assignment.

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Emergency Request from another County Is Made By Telephone

RA, ARA, SCSW, CSW Responsibilities

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APPROVALS

SCSW Approval

• Out-Of-County Placement

• Ex Parte Application and Order

• DCFS 709

• DCFS 280

• DCFS 6087

ARA Approval

• Placement of Children Six (6) Years of age or Younger in Congregate care

• DCFS 6087

HELPFUL LINKS

Attachments

Ex Parte Application and Order

RFA Written Directives

Statewide Intercounty Protocol for Resource Family Approval and Emergency Placements

Forms

CWS/CMS

Ex Parte Application and Order

Notice of Planned Placement of Child Outside Los Angeles County

DCFS 280, Technical Assistance Action Request

DCFS 709, Foster Child’s Needs and Case Plan Summary

JV 466, Request to Return to Juvenile Court Jurisdiction and Foster Care must be completed and filed in court

JV 468, Confidential Information-request to return to Juvenile Court Jurisdiction and Foster Care

SOC 163, Voluntary Re-entry Agreement for Extended Foster Care

SAWS 1

LA Kids

DCFS 280, Technical Assistance Action Request

DCFS 709, Foster Child’s Needs and Case Plan Summary

DCFS 6086, Authorization for Release of Information for Resource Family Approval (RFA)

DCFS 6087, RFA Intake Request

EA 1, Emergency Assistance Application

FC 2, Statement of Facts Supporting Eligibility for AFDC – Foster Care

Notice of Planned Placement of Child Outside Los Angeles County

RFA-05A, Resource Family Approval Certificate

SOC 158A, Foster Child’s Data Record and AFDC-FC Certification

SOC 163, Voluntary Re-entry Agreement for Extended Foster Care

Back to Helpful Links

Referenced Policy Guides

0070-548.01,Child and Family Teams

0070-559.10, Clearances

0100-510.35, Non-DCFS Contracted Placements

0100-510.50, Placing Children Six Years of Age or Younger in Congregate Care

0100-510.61, Placement Responsibilities

0100-520.10, Evaluating a Prospective Caregiver

0100-520.05, Placement Prior to Resource Family Approval

0100-520.30, Relative Caregiver Financial Eligibility (Youakim)

0100-520.70, Exemptions for Criminal History Records

0100-535.25, Extended Foster Care

0300-503.97, Notice of Replacement Report

0300-506.05, Communication with Attorneys, County Counsel, and Non-DCFS Staff

0300-507.05, Adverse Court Order

0400-503.10, Contact Requirements and Exemptions

1000-504.75, Inter-county Transfer (ICT)

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Statutes

ACL 17-81 - Out of County Placements of Dependents in Foster Care

ACL 17-77, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services (MHSUDS) Information Notice No. 17-032

Welfare and Institutions Code Section 36l.2(g)(2) – In the event that there are no appropriate placements available in the parent's or guardian's county of residence, a placement may be made in an appropriate place in another county, preferably a county located adjacent to the parent's or guardian's community of residence.

WIC Section 36l.2(g)(4) – When it has been determined that it is necessary for a child to be placed in a county other than the child's parent's or guardian' s county of residence, the specific reason the out-of-county placement is necessary shall be documented in the child's case plan. If the reason the out-of-county placement is necessary is the lack of resources in the sending county to meet the specific needs of the child, those specific resource needs shall be documented in the case plan.

WIC Section 36l.2(g)(5) – When a child is to be placed out-of-county either in a group home or with a foster family agency for subsequent placement in a certified foster family home and the sending county is to maintain responsibility for supervision and visitation of the child, the sending county shall develop a plan of supervision and visitation that specifies the supervision and visitation activities to be performed. In addition, the sending county must document information regarding any known or suspected dangerous behavior of the child that indicates the child may pose a safety concern in the receiving county. All of the above information must be made available to the receiving county upon placement of the child in the receiving county.

WIC Section 36l.2(g)(6) – When a child is to be placed out-of-county and the sending county plans for the receiving county to be responsible for the supervision and visitation of the child, the sending county shall develop a formal agreement between the sending and receiving counties. The formal agreement shall specify the supervision and visitation to be provided the child, and shall specify that the receiving county is responsible for providing the supervision and visitation. The formal agreement shall be approved and signed by the sending and receiving counties prior to placement of the child in the receiving county. The sending county must provide a copy of the completed case plan to the receiving county.

WIC Section 36l.2 (h) – Whenever the social worker must change the placement of the child and is unable to find a suitable placement within the county and must place the child outside the county, the placement shall not be made until he or she has served written notice to the parent or guardian, the child's attorney, Indian Custodian or child's tribe and a child 10 years of age or older at least 14 days prior to the placement, unless the child's health or well-being is endangered by delaying the action or would be endangered if prior notice were given. The child or parent or guardian may object to the placement not later than seven days after receipt of the notice and, upon objection, the court shall hold a hearing not later than five days after the objection and prior to the placement.

WIC Section 36l.2 (h)(2)(A) - The notice required prior to placement, as described in paragraph (1), may be waived if the child and family team has determined that the identified placement is in the best interest of the child, no member of the child and family team objects to the placement, and the child’s attorney has been informed of the intended placement and has no objection, and, where applicable, the Indian custodian or child’s tribe has been informed of the intended placement and has no objection.

WIC Section 36l.2 (h)(2)(B) – sets forth the out-of-county placement notice requirements if child is transitioning from a temporary shelter care facility.

WIC Section 14717 - Absent any exceptions as established by the law, the responsibility for providing or arranging for specialty mental health services shall promptly transfer from the county of original jurisdiction to the county in which the foster child resides.

California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Manual of Policies andProcedures (MPP) Division 31-505.121 – The sending county shall be responsible for providing direct supervision and services or arranging for the provision of supervision and services by the receiving county in accordance with Section 31-505.123.

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