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STATE 

STATUTES

Current Through

April 2014

Case Planning for Families 

Involved With Child 

Welfare Agencies

Since the passage of the Adoption Assistance 

and Child Welfare Act (P.L. 96-272) in 1980, 

Federal law requires the development of a written 

case plan for any child receiving foster care 

maintenance payments under title IV-E (42 U.S.C. 

671(16)).1

1 American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands do not participate in the title 

IV-E program and do not have provisions for case planning in their statutes.

 A review of statutes and administrative 

codes shows that States are using a variety of 

approaches to address the issue of case planning.

 Approximately 15 States, the District of 

Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico address the 

issue entirely within their statutes 2

.

2 The word “approximately” is used to stress the fact that States frequently amend 

their laws. As of April 2014, California, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, 

New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West 

Virginia, and Wisconsin provided for case planning in State statute.

 Twenty-five States and the U.S. Virgin Islands 

address the issue in part in statute, with 

supplementary information in regulation 3

.

3 Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, 

Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New 

York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia, and 

Wyoming.

 Ten States address the issue entirely in 

regulation.4

4 Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, North 

Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.

WHAT’S INSIDE

When case plans are 

required

Participants in the 

process

Contents of a case plan

Summaries of State laws

To find statute 

information for a 

particular State, 

go to 

https://www.childwelfare.

gov/systemwide/

laws_policies/state/
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When Case Plans Are Required

States require a case plan when a child welfare agency 

places a child in out-of-home care, including foster care, 

placement with a relative, group homes, and residential 

placement. Twenty-five States and the District of 

Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands also require a 

case plan when a child and his or her family are receiving 

any kind of in-home services to prevent placement or 

when the child has been placed in the legal custody of the 

State agency.5

5 Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, 

Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New 

Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, 

South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

 Most States impose a specified number of 

days for completing a case plan, as follows:

 From the date the child was placed in out-of-home 

care6

6 Five days (in Delaware), 10 days (in Arizona), 30 days (in Alabama, Arkansas, 

Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, 

North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Tennessee), 45 days (in Illinois, 

Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Virginia), 55 days (in Massachusetts), or 60 days 

(in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, 

Maryland, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming).

 From the date the case was first opened for services7

7 Fourteen days (in Missouri), 30 days (in Alaska, Arkansas, and Mississippi), or 

60 days (in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, 

and Vermont).

 From the date the child was adjudicated by the court 

as abused or neglected8

8 Ten days (in South Carolina), 30 days (in Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, 

Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and West Virginia), or 60 days (in California, Indiana, 

and Washington). 

Participants in the Process 

The department or agency in each State that has the 

responsibility for providing child welfare services must 

formulate a case plan for each child placed in its care 

or custody. In 43 States, Guam, and Puerto Rico, the 

department must include the parents, guardians, or other 

caregivers in the case-planning process unless compelling 

circumstances prevent their participation.9

9 States must seek the participation of the parents in Alabama, Alaska, 

Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, 

Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, 

Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, 

Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, 

Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South 

Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. 

Compelling circumstances include the parent cannot be found, refuses to 

participate, or has had his or her parental rights terminated. 

 In 29 States, 

if the child is of an appropriate age, he or she must be 

included in case planning efforts.10

10 In Alabama, Alaska, Arizona (age 12 or older), Arkansas, California, 

Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, 

Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York (age 10 or older), North Carolina, 

Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island (age 12 or older), South 

Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

 Approximately seven 

States require that a representative of the child’s Tribe be 

invited to participate when the child receiving services is 

an Indian child.11

11 Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Oregon.

Other persons who may be invited to participate include 

foster parents, guardians ad litem, court-appointed 

special advocates, and other members of the child’s 

family if they have significant ties to the child.12

12 The foster parents may participate in 17 States (Arizona, Arkansas, 

Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, 

New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, 

and Wyoming). The child’s guardian ad litem may participate in 12 States 

(Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, 

Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming). In seven States (Alabama, Arizona, 

Colorado, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, and Vermont), members of the child’s 

extended family may be invited to participate.

 In 

15 States, participation is open to service providers, 

therapists, educators, and other professionals who have 

direct knowledge of the child and family’s needs.13

13 In Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, 

Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and 

Wyoming.

 In 

nine of these States, statutes or regulations specifically 

require that the State agency consider the use of some 

form of a family group decision-making approach when 

appropriate.14

14 The approaches used include case-planning conferences (Kansas), family 

team meetings (Mississippi), family support team meetings (Missouri), 

permanency planning child and family teams (North Dakota), family decisionmaking meetings (Oregon), interdisciplinary teams (Utah), case conferences 

(Washington), and multidisciplinary teams (West Virginia and Wyoming).

Contents of a Case Plan 

Federal law under title IV-E (in 42 U.S.C. 675(1)) requires 

that the case plan describe specifics of a child’s care while 

in placement, including, at a minimum, the following:

 A description of the type of home or institution in 

which the child is to be placed

 A plan for ensuring that the child receives safe and 

proper care and that appropriate services are provided 

to the parents, child, and foster parents:

» To improve the conditions in the parents’ home
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» To facilitate the child’s return to his or her own safe 

home or the alternative permanent placement of 

the child

» To address the child’s needs while in foster care

 Efforts to maintain the child’s educational stability 

while in foster care, including continuing the child’s 

enrollment in his or her current school whenever 

possible

 To the extent available, the child’s health and 

education records 

 Where appropriate, for a child age 16 years or older, a 

description of programs and services that will help the 

child prepare for independent living

 If the permanency goal for the child is adoption, 

documentation of the steps being taken to find an 

adoptive family

State requirements for case plans typically include goals 

and objectives that the parent(s) must meet in order to 

achieve a safe home for the child and timeframes for 

achieving those goals. Approximately 39 States and the 

District of Columbia also require that the case plan state a 

permanency goal for the child.15

15 Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, 

Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, 

Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, 

New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, 

Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, 

Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

 In addition, 36 States and 

Puerto Rico require that, for a child who is in out-of-home 

care, the plan include a schedule of visits between the 

child and his or her parent and between the child and any 

siblings that have been separated during placement.16

16 Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, 

Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, 

Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New 

Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, 

Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West 

Virginia, and Wisconsin.

This publication is a product of the State Statutes 

Series prepared by Child Welfare Information 

Gateway. While every attempt has been made 

to be complete, additional information on these 

topics may be in other sections of a State’s code 

as well as agency regulations, case law, and 

informal practices and procedures.

Suggested citation:

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2014). Case 

planning for families involved with child welfare 

agencies. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.
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Alabama 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-28-.06

A written case plan must be developed for the child within 30 days from the time of placement. For children in foster care or related 

care less than 30 days, this case plan requirement is waived. A brief case plan statement will suffice. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-28-.06

The parents or other relatives and the child, if of appropriate age, may participate in the development of the plan. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Ala. Admin. Code r. 660-5-28-.06

The case plan must include the following: 

• A description of the type of home or child care facility in which the child is to be, or has been, placed 

• Justification of the appropriateness of the placement as to whether it is:

» In the least restrictive, familylike setting available, with relative placement to be given first consideration, after which foster 

family care, group home care, and institutional care are to be considered, in that order

» In close proximity to the parent’s or family home 

» Consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child 

• An analysis of the circumstances that necessitate the child’s placement, together with a statement of: 

» What efforts were made and what services were provided to prevent the child’s placement 

» What conditions in the child’s own home need improving before the child can be returned 

» What services are to be provided to improve these conditions 

• A statement of the plan for ensuring that the child receives proper care while in placement that encompasses: 

» Placement in a duly licensed facility or approved home, together with appropriate supervision

» Services to the providers to facilitate and support the child’s adjustment in placement 

» Services to the child to address his or her needs and a discussion of the appropriateness of the services provided

» A statement of the transitional independent living plan based upon an assessment of the needs of each child age 16 or 

older

• A statement of the child’s permanent plan, developed in conjunction with the child’s family and the child, as appropriate 

• A description of the extent to which the parents or other relatives and, if of appropriate age, the child participated in the 

development of the permanent plan for the child 

• A statement of the requirements of the court or the recommendations of the administrative review panel in connection with 

the required 6-month case review and how the department will meet those requirements and recommendations

• An estimated date by which a decision will be made to return the child to the parents or seek an alternative permanent 

placement 

• A summary of what efforts will be or have been made and what services will be or have been provided to reunite the child with 

his or her family 

• The health and education records of the child, to the extent available and accessible 

Alaska 

When Case Plans Are Required 

CPS Policy Manual § 2.9.1

Case planning will occur for all families who have an open case (in-home or out-of-home). 

Case plans will be created and distributed to all appropriate parties within 60 days of assuming custody. For Family Services cases 

without custody, case plans will be created and distributed to all appropriate parties within 30 days of opening the case for services 

or no later than 30 days from the case transfer date. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

CPS Policy Manual §§ 2.9.3; 2.9.4

The agency will develop a case plan using the Family Services Assessment (FSA) process for each parent, legal guardian, or Indian 

custodian who is subject to an open Office of Child Services (OCS) case, with or without custody, in-home or out-of-home.

The agency will work with each parent/guardian/custodian individually in developing his or her own case plan. Each case plan will be 

written using language that the parent/guardian/custodian can understand and include services they request to meet their identified 

needs.

In order to develop the case plan for a child, the Protective Services (PS) Specialist must meet with the child at least one time faceto-face, or more frequently as the child needs. The PS Specialist also must collect information about the child from various other 

sources to learn enough about the child to form the child’s case plan. The child’s guardian ad litem and/or court-appointed special 

advocate and the child’s Tribe should be invited to participate in the development of the child’s case plan, if appropriate.

The PS Specialist will develop the case plan document after meeting with the child and parents, collecting collateral information, 

reviewing documents, and completing the trauma screening. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

CPS Policy Manual §§ 2.9.1; 2.9.4

Case planning will encompass the issues of child safety, well-being, permanency, cultural continuity, and Indian Child Welfare Act 

(ICWA) compliance. Each case plan will have the following components:

• A primary and secondary permanency goal

• A description of efforts to prevent out-of-home placement for the child and efforts to involve parents, children, and the Tribe 

in the case planning process

• A description of the safety threats and/or high-risk factors that required OCS to open a case with the family

• The parent/caregiver’s perception regarding the safety and risk factors and his or her understanding of why OCS is involved

• A description of the parent’s strengths related to the way he oe she feels, thinks, or acts protectively towards his or her child

• A description of the behaviorally specific goals established between the parent and PS Specialist

• The activities, tasks, and services that will help the parent achieve his or her case plan goals to enhance protective capacities

• How OCS will help the parent achieve the goals, who is responsible for what, and reasonable timelines by which to participate 

in the required services

The child’s portion of the case plan will include services to ensure safety, permanency, and well-being and to facilitate the child’s 

permanency goal. This may include mental health services, medical services, early periodic screening, developmental services, 

educational services, family contact with each parent and with siblings, and cultural continuity. The plan also will include strategies 

for ensuring the educational stability of the child while in foster care, including:

• Assurances that the child can remain enrolled in the same school, if possible

• If remaining in such school is not in the child’s best interests, assurances by the agency and the local school district to provide 

immediate and appropriate enrollment in a new school, with all of the educational records of the child provided to the school

American Samoa 

These issues are not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Arizona 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Children’s Services Manual, Ch. 2, § 9

Every child and family receiving ongoing services from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families shall have an individualized 

family-centered case plan, consistent with the requirements of Federal and State law. The department shall conduct a case plan 

staffing within 60 days of case opening for all cases open for more than 60 days or within 10 working days of a child’s placement into 

voluntary foster care. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Children’s Services Manual, Ch. 2 § 9

The department shall encourage the participation of parents, children, out-of-home care providers, and when appropriate, extended 

family members in the case planning process.

All members of the service team shall be invited to participate in the case plan staffing. Parents, children age 12 or older, and outof-home care providers shall be members of the service team. To every extent possible, and when appropriate, extended family 

members may also participate as members of the service team. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Children’s Services Manual, Ch. 2, §§ 9; 9.1

The family-centered case plan shall be a discrete document that includes the following components:

• The child’s safety plan, specifying ongoing actions that will be taken to ensure the child’s continued safety at home and 

demonstrating that the child’s health and safety are of paramount concern

• The permanency goal for the child and expected date of achievement 

• The family intervention plan, specifying for all parents (whose parental rights have not been terminated) and guardians the 

kinds of services and supports that will be offered to the family in order to achieve the case plan permanency goal

• The out-of-home care plan, specifying for every child in out-of-home care the most recent information available regarding:

» The child’s special needs

» The name and address of the child’s school

» The child’s educational status 

» How the placement type meets those needs

» Services provided to the child 

» Services provided to the caregiver to help meet the child’s needs

» Actions the CPS Specialist will take to ensure safety in the out-of-home setting

» When applicable, tasks and services to achieve a concurrent permanency goal or a permanency goal other than family 

reunification

» For any child placed substantially distant from the parent’s home or out-of-State, the reason the placement is in the best 

interests of the child

• The health-care plan, specifying for each child the most recent information available regarding the child’s health status

• The contact and visitation plan, specifying for every child in out-of-home care the plan for frequent and consistent visitation 

between the child and the child’s parents, siblings, family members, other relatives, friends, and any former (family) resource 

family, especially those with whom the child has developed a strong attachment

• Specific documentation of how the family and other team members actively participated in the development of the plan

Permanency goal options include reunification, adoption, legal guardianship, and another planned living arrangement. A concurrent 

permanency plan is included for children who have been assessed as unlikely to reunite with their parent within 12 months of the 

child’s initial removal. 

Arkansas 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code §§ 9-27-402; 9-28-111 

A case plan shall be developed in all dependency-neglect cases or any case involving an out-of-home placement. The Department 

of Human Services shall be responsible for developing case plans in all dependency-neglect cases and in family in need of services 

or delinquency cases when custody is transferred to the department. 

The Department of Human Services shall be responsible for developing case plans in all dependency-neglect cases and in family-inneed-of-services cases when custody is transferred to the department. The case plan shall be developed and filed with the court no 

later than 30 days after the date the petition was filed or the child was first placed out of home, whichever is sooner.

If the department does not have sufficient information before the adjudication hearing to complete all parts of the case plan, the 

department shall complete those parts for which information is available. All parts of the case plan shall be completed and filed with 

the court 30 days after the adjudication hearing. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code § 28-111

The case plan shall be developed in consultation with the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian and, if appropriate, the child, the 

child’s foster parents, the court-appointed special advocate, the child’s attorney ad litem, and all parties’ attorneys.

If the parents are unwilling or unable to participate in the development of the case plan, the department shall document the parents’ 

unwillingness or inability to participate and provide a copy of the written documentation to the parent, if available. The department 

shall then prepare a case plan conforming as nearly as possible to the requirements set forth in this section.

A parent’s incarceration, by itself, does not make a parent unavailable to participate in the development of a case plan. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code § 28-111 

When the child is receiving services at home, the case plan shall include, at minimum, descriptions of:

• The problems being addressed

• The services to be provided to the family and child

• Any reasonable accommodations made to the parents in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to assure 

meaningful access to services

• How the child’s health and safety will be protected

When the child is in an out-of-home placement, the case plan also must include:

• A description of the permanency goal

• The specific reasons for the out-of-home placement

• A description of the type of out-of-home placement selected for the child, including a discussion of the appropriateness of 

the placement

• A plan for addressing the child’s needs while in the placement

• The specific actions to be taken by the parent to correct the identified problems or conditions

• The visitation rights and obligations of the parent

• The services to be provided to the parent, and a timetable for providing the services, to strengthen family life and promote 

reunification

• The child’s health and education records

• The parent’s support obligation, including health insurance

• A description of the location of siblings, with documentation of the efforts to:

» Place siblings removed from their home in the same placement, unless the department documents that a joint placement 

would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings

» Provide for frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction between the siblings in the case of siblings removed from their 

home who are not placed together, unless the department documents that frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction 

would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings

• When appropriate for a child age 16 and older, the programs and services that will help the child prepare for the transition to 

independent living

• A written notice to the parent that failure to comply substantially with the case plan may result in the termination of parental 

rights

The plan for a child in foster care must take into account the appropriateness of the current educational setting and the proximity of 

the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement. The department will coordinate with local educational agencies to 

ensure that the child remains in the same school, whenever possible, or to provide immediate and appropriate enrollment in a new 

school.

The department shall provide the juvenile with assistance and support in developing a transition plan that is personalized at the 

direction of the juvenile and includes specific options on housing, health insurance, educational opportunities, local opportunities 

for mentors and continuing support services, and workforce supports and employment services, and is as detailed as the juvenile 

may elect. 
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California 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Welf. & Inst. Code § 16501.1

A written case plan shall be completed within a maximum of 60 days of the initial removal of the child, or of the inperson response 

required under § 16501(f) if the child has not been removed from his or her home, or by the date of the dispositional hearing, 

whichever occurs first.

The case plan shall be updated as the service needs of the child and family dictate. At a minimum, the case plan shall be updated 

in conjunction with each status review hearing conducted pursuant to §§ 364, 366, 366.3, and 366.31, and the hearing conducted 

pursuant to § 366.26, but no less frequently than once every 6 months. Each updated case plan shall include a description of the 

services that have been provided to the child under the plan and an evaluation of the appropriateness and effectiveness of those 

services. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Welf. & Inst. Code § 16501.1

Parents and legal guardians shall have an opportunity to review the case plan, sign it whenever possible, and then shall receive a 

copy of the plan. In any voluntary service or placement agreement, the parents or legal guardians shall be required to review and 

sign the case plan. Whenever possible, parents and legal guardians shall participate in the development of the case plan.

Commencing January 1, 2012, for nonminor dependents who are receiving foster care assistance up to age 21 pursuant to § 11403, 

the transitional independent living case plan, as set forth in subdivision (y) of § 11400, shall be developed with, and signed by, the 

nonminor.

A child shall be given a meaningful opportunity to participate in the development of the case plan and state his or her preference for 

foster care placement. A child who is age 12 or older and in a permanent placement shall also be given the opportunity to review the 

case plan, sign the case plan, and receive a copy. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Welf. & Inst. Code § 16501.1

The case plan shall include:

• An assessment of the circumstances that required child welfare intervention

• Specific goals and the appropriateness of the planned services in meeting those goals

• The allegations of abuse or neglect or the conditions cited as the basis for declaring the child a dependent of the court

• The schedule of the social worker contacts with the child and the family or other caregivers

• When out-of-home services are used, the frequency of contact between the parents or legal guardians and the child

• When out-of-home placement is made, the provisions for the development and maintenance of sibling relationships

• If out-of-home placement is made in a foster family home, group home, or other child care institution that is either a 

substantial distance from the home of the child’s parent or out of State, the reasons why that placement is in the best interests 

of the child

• An assurance that the plan ensures the educational stability of the child while in foster care, including:

» An assurance that the placement takes into account the appropriateness of the current educational setting and the 

proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement

» An assurance that the placement agency has coordinated with the person holding the right to make educational decisions 

for the child and appropriate local educational agencies to ensure that the child remains in the same school or, if remaining 

in that school is not in the child’s best interests, assurances that steps are taken to provide immediate and appropriate 

enrollment in a new school and to provide all of the child’s educational records to the new school

• If out-of-home services are used, or if parental rights have been terminated and the case plan is placement for adoption, a 

recommendation regarding the appropriateness of unsupervised visitation between the child and any of the child’s siblings 

• If out-of-home services are used and the goal is reunification, a description of the services to be provided to assist in 

reunification and the services to be provided concurrently to achieve legal permanency if efforts to reunify fail

• If out-of-home services are used, the child has been in care for at least 12 months, and the goal is not adoptive placement, 

documentation of the compelling reason or reasons why termination of parental rights is not in the child’s best interests

• If the case plan has as its goal for the child a permanent plan of adoption or placement in another permanent home, 

documentation of the steps the agency is taking to find an adoptive family or other permanent living arrangement for the 

child; to place the child with an adoptive family, an appropriate and willing relative, a legal guardian, or in another planned 

permanent living arrangement; and to finalize the adoption or legal guardianship

• When appropriate, for a child who is age 16 or older, the transitional independent living plan, which is a written description 

of the programs and services that will help the child, consistent with the child’s best interests, prepare for the transition from 

foster care to independent living 

• For youth age 16 or older, documentation that a consumer credit report was requested annually from each of the three major 

credit reporting agencies at no charge to the youth and that any results were provided to the youth

• When a child who is age 10 or older has been in out-of-home placement in a group home for 6 months or longer, an 

identification of individuals, other than the child’s siblings, who are important to the child and actions necessary to maintain 

the child’s relationship with those individuals, provided that those relationships are in the best interests of the child
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Colorado 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rev. Stat. § 19-3-209; Code of Regs. 12 CCR 2509-4 (7.301.21)

An individual case plan, developed with the input or participation of the family, is required to be in place for all abused and 

neglected children and the families of such children in each case that is opened for the provision of services beyond the investigation 

of the report of child abuse or neglect, regardless of whether the child or children involved are placed out of the home or under 

court supervision. 

In regulation: The Family Service Plan document must be completed:

• Within 60 calendar days of opening an assessment in the automated case management system for children in their own 

homes, including Core Services program cases in which the children are not in out-of-home placement. There may be one 

Family Services Plan for the family in these cases.

• Within 60 calendar days of opening an assessment in the automated case management system for children in out-of-home 

placement, including those cases in which the children are receiving Core Services. There may be one Family Services Plan 

for the family; however, discrete sections in the treatment plan and in the placement information are required for each child in 

placement.

• For children age 16 and older in out-of-home placement, the plan for transition to independent living/emancipation shall be 

completed within 60 calendar days of the child’s 16th birthday or of case opening.

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Rev. Stat. § 19-3-209; Code of Regs. 12 CCR 2509-4 (7.301.22)

The family may participate in the development of the individual case plan.

In regulation: The county shall ensure that the following parties participate in the development of the Family Services Plan:

• The caseworker

• The parents or legal guardians

• The child

• Immediate and extended family members as appropriate to the family and child’s service needs

• Service providers, including kin caregivers and other out-of-home caregivers

All parties shall sign the plan and the caseworker’s supervisor shall approve and sign the plan. The caseworker shall provide all 

parties with a copy of the signed plan. The reasons for any absence of signatures shall be documented on the plan. If the caseworker 

is unable to involve both parents, the child, or the provider, the efforts to do so and the reasons for the inability to do so shall be 

documented on the plan. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Code of Regs. 12 CCR 2509-4 (7.301.23; 7.301.24; 7.301.241)

The Family Services Plan shall document that the services provided:

• Are directed at the areas of need identified in the assessment

• Are designed to ensure that the child receives safe and proper care

• Are culturally and ethnically appropriate, including, but not limited to, consideration of the child’s family, community, 

neighborhood, faith or religious beliefs, school activities, friends, and primary language

Outcomes to be achieved as a result of the services provided will be described in terms of specific, measurable, agreed-upon, 

realistic, time-limited objectives to be accomplished by the parents, child, service providers, and county staff.

For children in out-of-home placement, the plan shall document:

• That the child meets out-of-home placement criteria

• That when the child is part of a sibling group and the sibling group is being placed out of the home, it shall be presumed that 

placing the siblings together is in the best interests of the children

• The problems to be resolved in order to facilitate reunification of the child and family

• A description of the type of facility in which the child is placed and why the placement is appropriate and safe for the child

• For children placed a substantial distance from the home of the parents or an out-of-State placement, how the placement 

meets the best interests of the child

• A description of how the home is in reasonable proximity to the home of the parents or relatives and to the school the child 

has attended, including requirements regarding planning for educational stability

• That the placement is the least restrictive, safe, and most appropriate setting available consistent with the best interests and 

specific needs of the child

• Documentation of initial and ongoing efforts to place the child with kin

• Health and educational information

• Specific plans for how the county will carry out any court orders concerning the child 

• A description of the services and resources needed by the foster parents or kinship providers to meet the needs of the child 

and how those services and resources will be provided

• A description of the services provided to reunite the family, including the plan for visitation, or to accomplish another 

permanency goal

• For youth under age 16, a description of services and a plan for accomplishing tasks to prepare youth to be age-appropriately 

self-sufficient, when independent living services are provided

• For youth age 16 and older, a description of services and a plan for accomplishing tasks to assist the youth in preparation 

for self-sufficiency and independent living, as early in placement as possible but no later than 60 days after the youth’s 16th 

birthday

• That reasonable efforts have been made to maintain the child in the home, prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the 

child from home, or make it possible for the child to return home

• The specified permanency goal for the child, based on the individual needs and best interests of the child, including one of 

the following:

» Remain home

» Return home

» Permanent placement with a relative through adoption

» Permanent placement with a relative through legal guardianship or permanent custody

» Adoption by a nonrelative

» Legal guardianship/permanent custody with a nonrelative

» Other planned permanent living arrangement through emancipation, relative long term-foster care, or nonrelative longterm foster care

County departments shall coordinate with local school districts to ensure there is a plan for educational stability. The family services 

plan shall document:

• Efforts to maintain the child in the same school attended prior to the out-of-home placement

• If remaining in the same school is not in the child’s best interests, efforts to enroll the child in a new school, including timely 

transfer of the educational records
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Connecticut 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Gen. Stat. § 17a-15; Pol. Man. § 36-1

The commissioner of the Department of Children and Families shall prepare and maintain a written plan for care, treatment, and 

permanent placement of every child and youth under the commissioner’s supervision. 

In policy: Initial and ongoing family case plans shall be developed for:

• All families with an open case 

• Families with a child in placement whose permanent or concurrent plan is reunification

• Families with a child in placement (regardless of the child’s permanency plan) for whom the department is providing services 

(other than visitation) to address a parent’s or guardian’s identified needs

Initial and ongoing child in placement (CIP) case plans shall be developed for:

• Children who are at home but committed to the department

• Youth age 18 and older while their case remains open

• Children in out-of-home care regardless of age or placement type when the legal basis for the placement is:

» A Voluntary Services Program placement

» A court order 

» A voluntary placement agreement

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Gen. Stat. § 17a-15; Pol. Man. § 36-1

The child and his or her parent or guardian may request a hearing to contest any provision in the plan. 

In policy: The goal of case planning shall be to assess and address the family’s needs in a culturally and linguistically responsive 

manner through engagement and partnership with family members and service providers. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Gen. Stat. § 17a-15; Pol. Man. § 36-1

The plan shall include, but not be limited to: 

• A diagnosis of the problems of each child or youth 

• The proposed plan of treatment services and temporary placement 

• A goal for permanent placement of the child or youth that may include reunification with the parent, long-term foster care, 

independent living, transfer of guardianship, or adoption 

The child or youth’s health and safety shall be the paramount concern in formulating the plan.

In policy: All of the following elements shall be included and discussed in the child’s case plan:

• A description of the conditions and safety factors that resulted in the child’s placement

• A description of the child, including the date of birth; race, ethnicity, and gender; languages spoken; immigration status; 

physical description; and strengths, skills, and interests

• The child’s emotional or behavioral status, including current diagnoses and medication and any unresolved issues

• The child’s educational development, including:

» Grade level and performance

» Special education needs, if applicable

» Proximity to the school of origin from home at the time of removal

» If applicable, the reason the child did not remain in school of origin

• A description of child’s social support, including family and community resources

• A description of the child’s current placement

• The rationale for visitation or other contact with parents, siblings, and others who have a significant role in the life of the child

• A discussion of the child’s physical health, including medical, dental, and vision information; immunizations and medications; 

and any diagnoses

• An assessment of adult relatives and other potential permanency resources, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, 

cousins, and step- and half-relatives

The plan for a child who is age 13 or older shall include, but not be not limited to, the following topics:

• The child’s need to develop life skills and knowledge to enable self-sufficient living

• The need for an assessment to determine the child’s educational or vocational interests and level of ability, and/or post-high 

school educational interests

• Whether the child has taken a career interest assessment/learning style inventory

• Issues of sexual orientation

• Issues of cultural awareness

• The need for future referral to adult services

• Medical coverage

• Housing

• Finances (including any ongoing sources of income and any survivor benefits)

• Parenting issues

• Independent Living Passport and essential documents

• The identification of workforce supports or employment services
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Delaware 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code Tit. 29, § 9003; Pol. Man. #3, C-1; #4, E-1, E-3

A written case plan must be prepared for each child under the supervision or custody of the Department of Services for Children, 

Youth, and Their Families.

In policy: All families active with the Division of Family Services (DFS) have a right to a written family service plan that clearly spells 

out goals and objectives in positive, measurable terms.

DFS is responsible for planning and meeting the child’s needs while in out-of-home care. A plan for a child in care must be 

completed for every child within 5 days of placement. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code Tit. 29, § 9003; Pol. Man. #3, C-1; #4, E-5

The department must prepare and maintain the written case plan. 

In policy: Caseworkers must make attempts to develop written service plans with each parent for each child, including the 

nonresidential parent. Case plans must be individualized for each parent and should take into account the parents’ relationship with 

their child. Caseworkers must involve the parents in the development of the family service plan, and it must be written in language 

that the parents can understand.

Until the court terminates parental rights, parents must be included in the development and review of the plan for a child in care. 

They also must be given the opportunity to review and sign all plans related to the child. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code Tit. 29, § 9003; Tit. 31, § 3813; Pol. Man, #3, C-3; #4, E-1, E-3

The case plan shall include, but not be limited to: 

• A description of the child’s problems 

• The care and treatment of the child 

• Any other services to be provided to the child and the child’s family 

• A goal to achieve any placement of the child outside of the child’s home in the least restrictive setting available and in close 

proximity to the child’s home, consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child 

The permanent placement plan for a child must include, but is not limited to: 

• A description of the type of home or institution in which the child is presently placed, including a discussion of the safety and 

appropriateness of the placement 

• The identification of specific goals for the responsible placement or contract agency and for the child and/or the child’s family 

that need to be accomplished in order to alleviate or mitigate the causes necessitating placement of the child 

• The identification of specific services to be provided and of the requirements on the placement agency, parents, legal 

guardian, foster parents, contract agency, and/or child to achieve the desired outcome 

• The projected date by which the child may be safely returned home or maintained in an alternate permanent home 

• A permanent placement goal 

• The date and signature by each necessary person accepting the plan or an explanation for the lack of a signature 

In policy: When the child has not been removed from the home, the family service plan is used to outline the activities that the 

caseworker, client, and others undertake to resolve the problems that place the child at risk. At all points of service delivery, including 

assessment, selection of services, case planning, and closure, the safety of the child is the primary focus. 

A plan for a child in care must be completed whenever DFS obtains custody of a child, regardless of the placement the child may be 

in. The plan has two main components, as follows:

• For a child in care 5 to 30 days, the Child Placement Plan addresses circumstances surrounding the placement and the child’s 

immediate needs. The plan identifies the child’s medical conditions and current medications, if any, health provider, and 

current school information, including grade and educational classification. This must be completed within 5 working days of 

the child’s placement. 

• For a child in placement 30 days or more, the Child Service Plan addresses the child’s needs while in placement and until 

permanency is achieved. The areas specifically addressed are medical, dental needs, educational/vocational needs, social/

emotional needs, behavior management, preparation for independent living, court requirements, visitation, and activities to 

locate a permanent home. This plan must be completed within 30 days every time a child moves to a new placement and be 

updated annually.

District of Columbia 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code § 4-1301.09

If there is a substantiated report, the agency responsible for the social investigation shall, as soon as possible, prepare a plan for 

each child and family for whom services are required on more than an emergency basis and shall take steps to ensure the protection 

of the child and the preservation, rehabilitation, and, when safe and appropriate, reunification of the family. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code § 4-1301.02

The Child and Family Services Agency is responsible for preparing the case plan. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code § 4-1301.02

The case plan is a written document that includes at least the following:

• A description of the type of home or institution in which the child is to be placed, including a discussion of the safety and 

appropriateness of the placement and how the agency that is responsible for the child plans to carry out the voluntary 

placement agreement or judicial determination made with respect to the child

• A plan for ensuring that the child receives safe and proper care and that services are available to the parents, child, and foster 

parents in order to improve conditions in the parents’ home, facilitate return of the child to his or her own safe home or to 

the child’s permanent placement, and address the child’s needs while a committed child, including the appropriateness of 

services provided to the child under the plan

• To the extent available and accessible, the child’s health and education records

• Where appropriate, for a child age 16 or older, a written description of the programs and services that will help the child 

prepare for the transition from being a committed child to independent living

• If the child’s permanent plan is adoption or placement in another permanent home, documentation of the steps (including 

child-specific recruitment efforts) taken to accomplish the following:

» Find an adoptive family or other permanent living arrangement, such as with a legal custodian, with a kinship caregiver, or 

in independent living

» Place the child with an adoptive family, a kinship caregiver, a legal custodian, or in another planned permanent living 

arrangement

» Finalize the adoption or legal custody or guardianship

• In the case of a child for whom the permanency plan is placement with a relative and receipt of kinship guardianship assistance

payments under § 16-2399, a description of: 

» The steps taken to determine that it is not appropriate for the child to be returned home or adopted

» The reasons for any separation of siblings during placement

» The reasons a permanent placement with a fit and willing relative through a kinship guardianship-assistance arrangement 

is in the child’s best interests

» The ways in which the child meets the eligibility requirements for a kinship guardianship-assistance payment

» The efforts made to discuss adoption by the child’s relative foster parent as a more permanent alternative to legal 

guardianship and, in the case of a relative foster parent who has chosen not to pursue adoption, documentation of the 

reasons for that decision

» The efforts made to discuss with the child’s parent the kinship guardianship-assistance arrangement, or the reasons the 

efforts were not made

• A plan for ensuring the educational stability of the child while in foster care, including:

» Assurances that the placement of the child in foster care takes into account the appropriateness of the current educational 

setting and the proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement

» An assurance that the agency has coordinated with appropriate local educational agencies to ensure that the child remains 

in the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement or, if remaining in the same school is not in the child’s 

best interests, assurances by the agency and the local educational agencies to provide immediate and appropriate 

enrollment in a new school, with all of the educational records of the child provided to the new school
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Florida 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 39.6011

The Department of Children and Family Services shall prepare a draft of the case plan for each child receiving services under this 

chapter. A parent of a child may not be threatened or coerced with the loss of custody or parental rights for failing to admit in the 

case plan of abusing, neglecting, or abandoning a child. Participating in the development of a case plan is not an admission to any 

allegation of abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and it is not a consent to a finding of dependency or termination of parental rights.

A case plan must be prepared, but need not be submitted to the court, for a child who will be in care no longer than 30 days unless 

that child is placed in out-of-home care a second time within a 12-month period.

In each case in which a child has been placed in out-of-home care, a case plan must be prepared within 60 days after the department 

removes the child from the home and shall be submitted to the court before the disposition hearing for the court to review and 

approve.

The case plan must be filed with the court and copies provided to all parties, including the child, if appropriate, not less than 3 

business days before the disposition hearing. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 39.6011

The case plan must be developed in a face-to-face conference with the parent of the child, any court-appointed guardian ad litem, 

and, if appropriate, the child, and the temporary custodian of the child.

The parent may receive assistance from any person or social service agency in preparing the case plan. The social service agency, 

the department, and the court, when applicable, shall inform the parent of the right to receive such assistance, including the right to 

assistance of counsel.

If a parent is unwilling or unable to participate in developing a case plan, the department shall document that unwillingness or 

inability to participate. The unwillingness or inability of the parent to participate in developing a case plan does not preclude the 

filing of a petition for dependency or for termination of parental rights.

The parent, if available, must be provided a copy of the case plan and be advised that he or she may, at any time before the filing of a 

petition for termination of parental rights, enter into a case plan and that he or she may request judicial review of any provision of the 

case plan with which he or she disagrees at any court hearing set for the child. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 39.6011

The case plan must be written simply and clearly in English and, if English is not the principal language of the child’s parent, to the 

extent possible in the parent’s principal language. Each case plan must contain:

• A description of the identified problem being addressed, including the parent’s behavior or acts resulting in risk to the child 

and the reason for the intervention by the department

• The permanency goal

• If concurrent planning is being used, a description of the permanency goal of reunification with the parent or legal custodian 

in addition to a description of an alternate permanency goal, as described in § 39.01, with the following conditions:

» If a child has not been removed from a parent, but is found to be dependent, even if adjudication of dependency is 

withheld, the court may leave the child in the current placement with maintaining and strengthening the placement as a 

permanency option.

» If a child has been removed from a parent and is placed with a parent from whom the child was not removed, the court may 

leave the child in the placement with the parent from whom the child was not removed with maintaining and strengthening 

the placement as a permanency option.

» If a child has been removed from a parent and is subsequently reunified with that parent, the court may leave the child with 

that parent with maintaining and strengthening the placement as a permanency option.

• The date the compliance period expires

• A written notice to the parent that failure of the parent to substantially comply with the case plan may result in the termination 

of parental rights, and that a material breach of the case plan may result in the filing of a petition for termination of parental 

rights sooner than the compliance period set forth in the case plan

The case plan must be signed by all parties, except that the signature of a child may be waived if the child is not of an age or capacity 

to participate in the case planning process. Signing the case plan constitutes an acknowledgement that the case plan has been 

developed by the parties and that they are in agreement as to the terms and conditions contained in the case plan. The refusal of a 

parent to sign the case plan does not prevent the court from accepting the case plan if the case plan is otherwise acceptable to the 

court. 

The case plan must describe:

• The role of the foster parents or legal custodians when developing the services that are to be provided to the child, foster 

parents, or legal custodians 

• The responsibility of the case manager to forward a relative’s request to receive notification of all proceedings and hearings 

• The minimum number of face-to-face meetings to be held each month between the parents and the department’s 

family services counselors to review the progress of the plan, to eliminate barriers to progress, and to resolve conflicts or 

disagreements

• The parent’s responsibility for financial support of the child, including, but not limited to, health insurance and child support

When the permanency goal for a child is adoption, the case plan must include documentation of the steps the agency is taking to 

find an adoptive family or other permanent living arrangement for the child. 

Georgia 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rules & Regs. r. 290-9-2-.07

A plan of care, or case plan, for the foster child and the foster family shall be developed within 30 days from the date of placement. 

The case plan shall be reevaluated for appropriateness in a case review conference at least every 6 months. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Rules & Regs. r. 290-9-2-.07

In developing the plan, the involvement of the child, foster parent, agency representative, and, when appropriate, the legal custody 

holder, shall be documented in the case plan. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code §§ 15-11-2; 15-11-231; Rules & Regs. r. 290-9-2-.07

A case plan is designed to ensure that a child receives protection, proper care, and case management and may include services for 

a child; his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian; and other caregivers. The permanency plan is a specific written plan prepared 

by the Division of Family and Children Services (DCFS) designed to ensure that a child is either reunified with his or her family or 

quickly attains a substitute long-term home when return to his or her family is not possible or is not in his or her best interests.

The permanency plan shall include, but not be limited to:

• The date on which the child was placed in care

• The location and type of home or facility in which such child is placed

• The basis for the decision to place the child outside of his or her home

• A statement as to the availability of a safe and appropriate placement with a fit and willing relative or other persons who have 

demonstrated an ongoing commitment to a child or a statement as to why such placement is not safe or appropriate

• If as a result of the placement the child has been or will be transferred from the school in which the child is or most recently 

was enrolled, documentation that a placement that would maintain the child in that school is unavailable, inappropriate, or 

that the child’s transfer to another school would be in the child’s best interests

• A plan for ensuring the safety and appropriateness of the placement and a description of the services provided to meet the 

needs of the child and his or her family

• The goal of the permanency plan, including, if applicable, one of the following:

» Return to his or her parent

» Referral for termination of parental rights and adoption

» Placement with a permanent guardian

» In the case in which DFCS has documented a compelling reason that none of the above options would be in the best 

interests of the child, placement in another planned permanent living arrangement

• If the child is age 14 or older, a description of the programs and services that are or will be provided to assist the child in 

preparing for the transition from foster care to independent living

• When the recommended permanency plan is referral for termination of parental rights and adoption or placement in another 

home, a description of specific recruitment efforts, such as the use of State, regional, and national adoption exchanges, 

including electronic exchange systems, to facilitate orderly and timely in-State and out-of-State placements

In regulation: The case plan shall include, but not be limited to:

• The reason for foster care placement

• A statement of preliminary plans for discharge

• Statements of any special care and services that will be arranged for or provided directly

• Statements of time-limited goals and objectives for the child and family and methods of achieving them and evaluating them, 

including:

» Designation of responsibility for carrying out objectives with the child, birth parents, foster parents, and agency 

representative

» A method for evaluating and changing goals as needed

• A visitation plan, with any changes to the plan documented, that includes:

» Provisions for visits between parents and children, except when the parental rights have been terminated or when it is 

documented that visits are detrimental to the child

» Provisions for informing the parents and the child of the visitation plan

Guam 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13301

Upon completing its investigation of a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, Child Protective Services may seek to enter into a 

service plan without filing a petition in court. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13301

Child Protective Services shall enter into a service plan with such members of the child’s family and such other authorized agencies 

as Child Protective Services deems to be necessary to the success of the service plan, including, but not limited to, the member or 

members of the child’s family who have legal custody of the child. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13304

A service plan is a specific written plan prepared by Child Protective Services. The service plan should set forth:

• The steps that will be necessary to facilitate the return of the child to a safe family home, if the proposed placement of the 

child is in foster care or in alternate placement outside of the child’s home

• The steps that will be necessary for the child to remain in a safe family home with the assistance of a service plan, if the 

proposed placement of the child is in a family home under Child Protective Services’ supervision

• The steps that will be necessary to make the family home a safe family home and to terminate intervention of Child Protective 

Services into the family and eliminate, if possible, the necessity for the filing of a petition with the court

• The specific services or treatment that the parties will be provided, the specific actions the parties must take, or specific 

responsibilities that the parties must assume

• The timeframes during which such services will be provided, such actions must be completed, and such responsibilities must 

be assumed

• The specific consequences that may be reasonably anticipated to result from the parties’ success or failure in complying 

with, performing, and completing, if possible, the terms and condition of the service plan, including, but not limited to, the 

consequence that, unless the family is willing and able to provide the child with a safe family home within the reasonable 

period of time specified in the service plan, their respective parental and custodial duties and rights shall be subject to 

termination 

• Such other terms and conditions as Child Protective Services deems to be necessary to the success of the service plan 

Hawaii 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rev. Stat. § 587A-27

A service plan is a specific written plan prepared by an authorized agency and child’s family. 

After each term and condition of the service plan has been thoroughly explained to and is understood by each member of the child’s 

family whom the appropriate authorized agency deems to be necessary to the success of the service plan, the service plan shall be 

agreed to and signed by each family member. 

A copy of the service plan shall be provided to each family member who signed the service plan. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Rev. Stat. § 587A-27

The plan will be prepared by:

• An authorized agency 

• Members of the child’s family who have legal custody, guardianship, or permanent custody of the child at the time that the 

service plan is being formulated or revised 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Rev. Stat. § 587A-27

The service plan shall provide:

• The specific steps necessary to facilitate the return of the child to a safe family home if the proposed placement of the child is 

in foster care 

• Treatment and services that will be provided, actions completed, specific measurable and behavioral changes that must be 

achieved, and responsibilities assumed

• Whether an ohana conference will be conducted for family finding and family group decision-making

• The respective responsibilities of the child, the parents, legal guardian or custodian, the department, other family members, 

and treatment providers

• A description and expected outcomes of the services required to achieve the permanency goal

• The required frequency and types of contact between the social worker, child, and family

• The timeframes for providing services, completing actions, and discharging responsibilities

• Notice to the parents that their failure to substantially achieve the objectives of the service plan within the timeframes 

established may result in termination of their parental rights

• Notice to the parents that if the child has been in foster care for a total of 15 out of the most recent 22 months from the child’s 

date of entry into foster care, the department is required to file a motion to set a termination of parental rights hearing, and 

the parents’ failure to provide a safe family home within 2 years from the date when the child was first placed under foster 

custody may result in the parents’ parental rights being terminated

• Any other terms and conditions that the court or the authorized agency deem necessary to the success of the service plan

Idaho 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code § 16-1621; Admin. Code 16.06.01.422

In every case in which the child is determined to be within the jurisdiction of the court, and there is no judicial determination that 

aggravated circumstances were present, the Department of Health and Welfare shall prepare a written case plan, including in cases 

in which the parent is incarcerated. The court shall schedule a case plan hearing to be held within 30 days after the adjudicatory 

hearing. The case plan shall be filed with the court no later than 5 days prior to the case plan hearing. 

In regulation: The department must complete a written alternate care plan within 30 days after a child has been placed in alternate 

care and at least every 6 months thereafter. A copy of the alternate care plan will be provided to the child’s parent, legal guardian, 

foster parent, Indian custodian, Tribe, and to the child if he or she is older than age 12. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code § 16-1621; Admin. Code 16.06.01.011

Copies of the case plan shall be delivered to the parents and other legal guardians, the prosecuting attorney or deputy attorney 

general, the guardian ad litem, and attorney for the child. 

Notice of the case plan hearing shall be provided to the parents and other legal guardians, the prosecuting attorney or deputing 

attorney general, the guardian ad litem, attorney for the child, the department, and foster parents.

Although foster parents are provided notice of this hearing, they are not parties to the child protective action. 

In regulation: The family case plan, also referred to as a family service plan, is a written document that serves as the guide for 

provision of services. The plan, developed with the family, clearly identifies who does what, when, how, and why. The family plan 

incorporates any special plans made for individual family members. If the family includes an Indian child, then the child’s Tribe, Tribal 

elders, or leaders should be consulted early in the plan development. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code § 16-1621

If the child is placed in the legal custody of the department, the case plan shall set forth reasonable efforts that will be made to make 

it possible for the child to return home. The case plan also shall:

• Identify the services to be provided to the child, including services to identify and meet any special educational, emotional, 

physical, or developmental needs the child may have and services to assist the child in adjusting to the placement or to ensure 

the stability of the placement

• Address options for maintaining the child’s connection to the community, including individuals with a significant relationship 

to the child

• Include a goal of reunification and a plan for achieving that goal

• Include a concurrent permanency goal and a plan for achieving that goal

The reunification plan shall identify all issues that need to be addressed before the child can safely be returned home without 

department supervision. The plan shall specifically identify the tasks to be completed by the department, each parent, or others to 

address each issue, including services to be made available by the department to the parents and in which the parents are required 

to participate, as well as deadlines for completion of each task. The case plan shall state with specificity the role of the department 

toward each parent. When appropriate, the plan should identify terms for visitation, supervision of visitation, and child support.

The concurrent permanency goal may be one of the following: termination of parental rights and adoption, guardianship, or another 

planned permanent living arrangement. The concurrent plan shall:

• Address all options for permanent placement of the child, including consideration of options for in-State and out-of-State 

placement

• Address the advantages and disadvantages of each option and include a recommendation as to which option is in the child’s 

best interests 

• Identify the actions necessary to implement the recommended option

• Set forth a schedule for accomplishing the actions necessary to implement the concurrent permanency goal

• Address options for maintaining the child’s connection to the community, including individuals with a significant relationship 

to the child, and organizations or community activities with which the child has a significant connection

• In the case of a child who has reached age 16, include the services needed to assist the child to make the transition from foster 

care to independent living

• Identify further investigation necessary to identify or assess other options for permanent placement, to identify actions 

necessary to implement the recommended placement, or to identify options for maintaining the child’s significant 

connections

If the child has been placed under protective supervision of the department, the case plan shall:

• Identify the services to be provided to the child, including services to identify and meet any special educational, emotional, 

physical, or developmental needs the child may have

• Address options for maintaining the child’s connection to the community, including individuals with a significant relationship 

to the child, and organizations or community activities with which the child has a significant connection

• Identify all issues that need to be addressed to allow the child to remain at home without department supervision

• Identify the tasks to be completed by the department, the parents, or others to address each issue, including services to 

be made available by the department to the parents and in which the parents are required to participate, and deadlines for 

completion of each task
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Illinois 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Comp. Stat. Ch. 705 § 405/2-10.1; Admin. Code Tit. 89, § 315.80

Whenever a minor is placed in shelter care with the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency, 

the department or agency, as appropriate, shall prepare and file with the court, within 45 days of placement, a case plan that 

complies with the Federal Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 and is consistent with the health, safety, and best 

interests of the minor. 

In regulation: The permanency planning process begins when the first contact is made with the child and family. The permanency 

planning process continues until the health and safety of the child are ensured and department-funded services terminated. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Admin. Code Tit. 89, § 315.130

Based on the information gathered during the assessment process described in § 315.100 and through negotiation during the 

caseworker’s contacts, visits, and at the initial family meeting, the caseworker and family shall develop a plan of intervention that is 

based on the family’s strengths and needs and that addresses how the children’s needs for health and safety will be met. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Admin. Code Tit. 89, § 315.130

Service plans shall contain the following information:

• The names of the children for whom the department is providing services

• The health and safety factors that have resulted in placement of the children away from the family home and the problems that 

are causing continued placement 

• The outcomes that would be considered a resolution to these problems and the strengths the family possesses to achieve 

those outcomes

• The reasons the child has been put in his or her current placement, the resources that will be necessary to maintain the 

placement, and, where a residential placement has been deemed necessary, a description of how and when a plan for moving 

the child to the least restrictive, most homelike placement can be developed

• The services to be provided to the parents, to each child while in care, and to the foster parents, if necessary, when the child is 

in foster care that may best resolve the problems

• The health care to be provided to the child and the mental health care to be provided to address the child’s serious mental 

health needs as well as a description of the child’s physical, developmental, educational, or mental disability and any 

noneducational specialized services the child is receiving or should receive for each disability

• To the extent available and accessible, the health records of the child

• A description of the educational program/services the child is receiving or needs to receive

• To the extent available and accessible, the education records of the child

• Who will provide the services, how often they will be provided, and an explanation of why these services will meet the needs 

of the child

• If the child is placed more than 150 miles from the home of the parents or in a different State, the reasons why the placement is 

in the best interests of the child 

• If the child is placed in a different State, a requirement that the child be visited no less frequently than every 12 months by a 

caseworker of the department or of the State in which the child has been placed, and that the caseworker submit a report on 

the visit to the department

• If siblings are placed apart from one another, the reasons why they are placed apart and what efforts are being made to find a 

joint placement for the sibling group

• The permanency goal for each child and the reason for selecting the goal

• In the case of a child for whom the permanency plan is adoption or other permanent living arrangement, documentation of 

the steps the department is taking to find an adoptive family or other permanent living arrangement

• In the case of a child for whom the permanency plan is independence or for a child age 16 or older, as appropriate, a written 

description of the programs and services that will help such a child prepare for the transition from foster care to independent 

living 

• The responsibilities of the family and the child in fulfilling the service plan

• The responsibilities of the department and service providers to assist the family in fulfilling the service plan

• When children and families are separated, the parent-child and/or sibling visitation plan developed with the family, including 

the time, frequency, and length of visits, and who shall be present at the visits

• The timeframes for achieving the permanency goal, the objectives identified to resolve problems, and the consequences to 

the child and family if the timeframes are not met

• A statement that the parents or children may disagree with the service plan and that they may have their disagreement 

recorded 

• An explanation of how parents or children may request an appeal and fair hearing 

Indiana 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code §§ 31-34-15-1; 31-34-15-2 

In accordance with Federal law, a case plan is required for each child in need of services who is under the supervision of the 

Department of Child Services as a result of an out-of-home placement or the issuance of a dispositional decree. The department 

shall complete a child’s case plan no later than 60 days after the date of the child’s first placement or the date of a dispositional 

decree, whichever comes first. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code § 31-34-15-2

The department, after negotiating with the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian, shall complete the child’s case plan. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code § 31-34-15-4 

The case plan must include a description and discussion of the following: 

• A permanent plan for the child and an estimated date for achieving the goal of the plan 

• The appropriate placement for the child based on the child’s special needs and best interests

• The least restrictive familylike setting that is close to the home of the child’s parent, custodian, or guardian if out-of-home 

placement is recommended

• Family services recommended for the child, parent, guardian, or custodian 

• Efforts already made to provide family services to the child, parent, guardian, or custodian 

• Efforts that will be made to provide family services that are ordered by the court 

• A plan for ensuring the educational stability of the child while in foster care that includes assurances that:

» The placement of the child in foster care considers the appropriateness of the current educational setting of the child and 

the proximity to the school where the child is presently enrolled.

» The department has coordinated with local educational agencies to ensure the child remains in the school where the child 

is enrolled at the time of removal unless immediate, appropriate enrollment of the child is needed in a different school, 

including arrangements for the transfer of the child’s school records to the new school, if remaining in the same school is 

not in the best interests of the child.

If an out-of-home placement is appropriate, the local office or department shall consider whether the child should be placed with 

the child’s suitable and willing blood or adoptive relative caregiver, including a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling, before 

considering other out-of-home placements for the child. 

Iowa 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 232.2; Admin. Code 441-202.15(234)

A case permanency plan is required when the child has entered care due to a voluntary placement agreement or a judicial 

determination. The plan is designed to achieve placement in the most appropriate, least restrictive, and most familylike setting 

available and in close proximity to the parent’s home, consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child, and that 

considers the placement’s proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement. 

In regulation: The department worker shall ensure that a case permanency plan is developed for each child who is placed in foster 

care if the department has agreed to provide foster care through a voluntary placement agreement, if a court has transferred 

custody or guardianship to the department for the purpose of foster care, or if a court has placed the child in foster care and ordered 

the department to supervise the placement.

In all cases, the case permanency plan shall be completed within 60 days of the date the child entered foster care. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 232.2; Admin. Code 441-202.15(234) 

The plan shall be developed by the Department of Human Services or the agency involved and the child’s parent, guardian, or 

custodian. 

In regulation: The department worker shall develop the case permanency plan with the child’s parents, unless the child’s parents are 

unwilling to participate in the plan’s development, and with the child, unless the child is unable or unwilling to participate. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 232.2 

The plan shall specifically include all of the following:

• Plans for carrying out the voluntary placement agreement or judicial determination that placed the child in care 

• The type and appropriateness of the placement

• The services that will be provided to the child, birth parents, and foster parents

• How the services will meet the needs of the child while in care and will facilitate the child’s return home or other permanent 

placement 

• The most recent information available regarding the child’s health and education records

• When a child is age 16 or older, a written transition plan of services that, based upon an assessment of the child’s needs, 

would assist the child in preparing for the transition from foster care to adulthood

• The actions expected of the parent, guardian, or custodian in order for the department or agency to end its involvement with 

the child and the child’s family

• If reasonable efforts to place a child for adoption or with a guardian are made concurrently with reasonable efforts to reunify, 

identification of the concurrent goals and timelines

• A provision that a designee of the department or other person responsible for placement of a child out-of-State shall visit the 

child at least once every 6 months

• If it has been determined that the child cannot return to the child’s home, documentation of the steps taken to make and 

finalize an adoption or other permanent placement

• Information on the child’s personal history, especially if it is known that the child has behaved in a manner that threatened 

the safety of another person, has committed a violent act causing bodily injury to another person, or has been a victim or 

perpetrator of sexual abuse

• The provisions involving sibling visitation or interaction

• Documentation of the educational stability of the child while in foster care, including, but not limited to, the following: 

» Evidence there was an evaluation of the appropriateness of the child’s educational setting while in placement and of the 

setting’s proximity to the educational setting in which the child was enrolled at the time of placement

» An assurance either that the department coordinated with appropriate local educational agencies to identify how the 

child could remain in the same educational setting or, if it was determined it was not in the child’s best interests to remain 

in that setting, that the affected educational agencies would immediately and appropriately enroll the child in another 

educational setting during the child’s placement and ensure that the child’s educational records were provided for use in 

the new educational setting

For a child who is age 16 or older, the transition plan and needs assessment shall be developed with a focus on the services, other 

support, and actions necessary to facilitate the child’s successful entry into adulthood. The transition plan shall be personalized 

at the direction of the child and shall be developed with the child present, honoring the goals and concerns of the child, and shall 

address the following areas of need:

• Education

• Employment services and other workforce support

• Health and health-care coverage

• Housing

• Relationships, including local opportunities to have a mentor

• If the needs assessment indicates the child is reasonably likely to need or be eligible for services or other support from the 

adult service system upon reaching age 18, provision for the child’s application for adult services
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Kansas 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 38-2263; Pol. & Proc. Man. § 3200

Whenever a child is subject to the jurisdiction of the court pursuant to the code, an initial permanency plan shall be developed for 

the child and submitted to the court within 30 days of the initial order of the court.

From the Children and Family Services Policy and Procedure Manual: The initial case plan is developed within 20 calendar days of 

the date the services are initiated. The date services are initiated is defined as either the date the family agrees to work with the 

Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (beyond 30 days) or the date of referral to a child welfare case management 

provider. 

A child/family case planning conference shall be completed with the family when: 

• There is an open family services case and the child is not in the custody of the department.

• There is an open family preservation case and no child in the family is in department custody.

• A youth, no longer in department custody, requests self-sufficiency/independent living services.

• A child is in department custody, regardless of placement setting.

Each child requires his or her own case plan. A case plan is required for all cases open for services. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 38-2263; Pol. & Proc. Man. § 3207

If the child is in the custody of the secretary or receiving services, the secretary shall prepare the plan. Otherwise, the plan shall be 

prepared by the person who has custody or, if directed by the court, by a court services officer.

From the Policy and Procedure Manual: Participants in the case planning process are selected based upon their involvement in the 

life of the child. Efforts shall be made to involve both parents when possible.

The following persons must be invited to participate in all case planning conferences:

• Parents or legal guardians

• The child, if age 7 or older, providing the child has the ability to understand the process

• The case management provider or social worker

In addition, if a child or children are in the custody of the secretary, the following persons shall be invited:

• The DCF staff assigned to the case

• The guardian ad litem

• The resource family, including relative and nonrelated kin providers, for a child in out-of-home placement

• The court-appointed special advocate, if applicable

• The Tribal representative for children when the Indian Child Welfare Act applies

Other persons who should be invited may include:

• Residential or institutional setting treatment staff, if applicable

• The prospective custodian, if permanent custodianship is the permanency plan

• The prospective adoptive parents

• Teachers

• The education advocate assigned to the child

• The youth’s positive adult connection

• Any other individuals important to the family or the child who can contribute to the case planning process

• The case management provider of a parent with a disability, if applicable

• The corrections counselor for an incarcerated parent or parole officer for a paroled parent

• The independent living coordinator for all youth in out-of-home placement starting at age 16, to begin preparation for selfsufficiency services if needed
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 38-2263; Pol. & Proc. Man. §§ 3200; 3230

The permanency plan:

• Describes the permanency goal that, if achieved, will most likely give the child a permanent and safe living arrangement

• Describes the child’s level of physical health, mental and emotional health, and educational functioning

• Provides an assessment of the needs of the child and family

• Describes the services to be provided the child, the child’s parents, and the child’s foster parents, if appropriate

• Includes a description of the tasks and responsibilities designed to achieve the plan and to whom assigned

• Includes measurable objectives and time schedules for achieving the plan

In addition to the requirements above, if the child is in an out-of-home placement, the permanency plan shall include:

• A plan for reintegration of the child’s parent or parents, or if reintegration is determined not to be a viable alternative, a 

statement for the basis of that conclusion and a plan for another permanent living arrangement

• A description of the available placement alternatives

• A justification for the placement selected, including a description of the safety and appropriateness of the placement

• A description of the programs and services that will help the child prepare to live independently as an adult

From the Policy and Procedure Manual: The plan contains specific services to be provided to meet the needs of the family. It 

identifies specific steps to be taken by the family, the social worker, child welfare case management provider, and any other service 

providers involved. The plan documents this participation for purposes of meeting the child’s protection objective of the plan, 

the goals for the family, and/or young adult working toward self-sufficiency, timeframes to meet goals, criteria for success, and 

permanency goals. 

Case plans shall:

• Be relevant to the critical issues in the family situation

• Be realistic in terms of the emotional, physical, and intellectual capabilities of the family members

• Be written in language that is clear and understandable to the family and youth

• Address the issues identified in the family-based assessment

• Describe how success shall be determined

• Specify the timelines and review dates

• Describe possible outcomes as the case plan is implemented

• Have the signature of all case plan participants 

• Document the participation of the family in family meetings

• Include any relevant orders from the court

• Include actions likely to be taken if conditions of the agreement are not carried out

A case plan shall:

• Contain timelines for reintegration or other permanency goal, or self-sufficiency, child protection objectives, and measurable 

tasks needed to be accomplished

• Include the visitation/interaction plan

• Document service delivery 

• Document reasonable efforts made to make it possible for a child to safely return home

• Document if the court has found such efforts not to be a viable alternative 

• Document steps taken to finalize the permanent custodianship
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Kentucky 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rev. Stat. § 620.230

For each child placed in the custody of the cabinet by an order of commitment, the cabinet shall file a case permanency plan for the 

child with the court and send a copy to the Administrative Office of the Courts Citizen Foster Care Review Board Program as soon as 

the plan is prepared, but no later than 30 days after the effective date of the order. 

If a child remains in the temporary custody of the cabinet for longer than 45 days and if a request is submitted by the Administrative 

Office of the Courts Citizen Foster Care Review Board Program, the cabinet shall provide a copy of the case permanency plan for the 

child. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Rev. Stat. § 620.230; Admin. Regs. Tit. 922, § 1:430

The cabinet must file a case permanency plan for each child placed in the custody of the cabinet. 

In regulation: As part of the case planning process, the cabinet will work with the family and other involved parties to identify 

conditions within a family that may cause the threat of harm to a child and that need to be changed and the services necessary to 

bring about familial changes in order to facilitate a child’s safety and well-being in the home environment. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Rev. Stat. § 620.230

The case permanency plan shall include, but need not be limited to: 

• A concise statement of the reasons why the child is in the custody of the cabinet 

• The actions that have been taken with regard to the child 

• The proposed actions that may be taken with regard to the child during the next 6 months and during the entire duration of 

the time the child is in the custody of the cabinet 

• Contemplated placements for the child 

• If the child is placed outside of the home, reasons why the child cannot be protected adequately in the home, the harms the 

child may suffer if left in the home, factors that may indicate when the child can be returned to the home, and efforts the 

cabinet or others are making to return the child to the home 

• If the child is placed outside of the home, the steps that the cabinet will take to minimize the harm to the child as a result, both 

at the time of removal and on a long-term basis 

• A description of the type of home or child care facility in which the child is to be placed or has been placed, and why the 

placement is appropriate for the child 

• If the placement is outside of the child’s county of residence, documentation that no closer placement is appropriate or 

available, and why the placement was chosen 

• A description of the services to be provided for the child and his or her family to facilitate the return of the child to his or her 

own home or to another permanent placement 

• A list of objectives and specific tasks, together with specific timeframes for each task, that the parents have agreed to assume, 

including a schedule of regular visits with the child 

• A projected schedule of time intervals by which each of the services, objectives, and tasks outlined in the plan should be 

accomplished and a schedule of time intervals that have already been accomplished or are in the process of accomplishment 

• If the child is to remain at home, reasons why he or she cannot be placed in foster care or why such care is not needed 

Louisiana 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Children’s Code Art. 673; Admin. Code Tit. 67, § 3701

A case plan shall be developed within 60 days after a child enters the custody of a child care agency. 

In regulation: Effective April, 1991, a case permanency plan shall be filed with the court when a child enters into custody of the 

Department of Social Services or into foster care, pursuant to or pending a child in need of care proceeding. The case permanency 

plan shall be filed no later than 60 days after the child comes into care. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Children’s Code Art. 673; 676

The custodian shall develop a case plan detailing the custodian’s efforts toward achieving a permanent placement for the child. The 

health and safety of the child shall be the paramount concern in the development of the case plan. 

Any party may file a written response to the case plan as submitted. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Children’s Code Art. 675

The case plan shall be designed to achieve placement in the least restrictive, most familylike, and most appropriate setting available, 

and in close proximity to the parents’ homes, consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child. The health and safety 

of the child shall be the paramount concern in the development of the case plan.

The case plan shall include at least the following: 

• A description of the type of home or institution in which the child is placed, including a discussion of the child’s health and 

safety, the appropriateness of the placement, and the reasons why the placement, if a substantial distance from the home of 

the parents or in a different State, is in the best interests of the child

• A plan for ensuring that the child receives safe and proper care and that services are provided to the parents, child, and foster 

parents in order to improve the conditions in the parents’ home, facilitate the safe return of the child to his own home or 

other permanent placement of the child, or both, and address the needs of the child while in foster care, including a plan for 

visitation

• A discussion of the appropriateness of the services that have been provided to the child

• If the child has been committed to the custody of a person other than the parents, a recommendation as to an amount the 

parents are obligated to contribute for the cost of care and treatment of their child

• For a child age 15 or older, a written, individualized, and thorough transitional plan, developed in collaboration with the child 

and any agency, department, or individual assuming his or her custody, care, or responsibility, including: 

» Identifying the programs and services that will be used to assist the child in achieving a successful transition, including but 

not limited to education, health, permanent connections, living arrangements, and, if appropriate, independent living skills 

and employment

» Ensuring that all records in department files relevant to securing needed services for the child are immediately transmitted 

to the appropriate service provider

• Documentation of the efforts the agency is making to safely return the child home or to finalize the child’s placement in an 

alternative safe and permanent home in accordance with the child’s permanent plan

• Assessment of the child’s relationships with his or her parents, grandparents, and siblings, including a plan for ensuring that 

continuing contact with any relative by blood, adoption, or affinity with whom the child has an established and significant 

relationship is preserved while the child is in foster care

• Documentation of the compelling reasons for determining that filing a petition for termination of parental rights would not be 

in the best interests of the child, when appropriate

For children whose permanent plan is adoption or placement in another permanent home, the documentation shall include childspecific recruitment efforts such as the use of State, regional, and national adoption exchanges, including electronic exchange 

systems, to facilitate orderly and timely in-State and interstate placements.

For children whose permanent plan is guardianship, the documentation shall include the facts and circumstances supporting 

guardianship, including the reasons that the plan is in the best interests of the child and that reunification with a parent and adoption 

are not appropriate permanent plans. The documentation shall also address the suitability and commitment of the proposed 

guardian to offer a wholesome, stable home for the child throughout minority. 

Maine 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4041

When a child is considered to have entered foster care, a plan for reunification and rehabilitation of the family must be developed. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4041

The Department of Health and Human Services shall develop a rehabilitation and reunification plan as provided in this 

subparagraph. In developing the rehabilitation and reunification plan, the department shall make good faith efforts to seek the 

participation of the parent. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4041

Information that must be included in developing the plan includes the problems that present a risk of harm to the child, the services 

needed to address those problems, provisions to ensure the safety of the child while the parent engages in services, a means to 

measure the extent to which progress has been made, and visitation that protects the child’s physical and emotional well-being.

The rehabilitation and reunification plan must include the following: 

• The reasons for the removal of the child from the home 

• The changes that are necessary to eliminate jeopardy to the child while in the care of a parent 

• Rehabilitation services that will be provided and must be completed satisfactorily prior to the child’s returning home 

• Services that must be provided or made available to assist the parent in rehabilitating and reuniting with the child, as 

appropriate to the child and family, including, but not limited to, reasonable transportation for the parent for visits and 

services, child care, housing assistance, assistance with transportation to and from required services, and other services that 

support reunification 

• A schedule of and conditions for visits between the child and the parent designed to provide the parent and child time 

together in settings that provide a parent-child interaction as positive as can practicably be achieved while ensuring the 

emotional and physical well-being of the child when visits are not detrimental to the child’s best interests

• Any use of kinship support, including, but not limited to, placement, supervision of visitation, in-home support, or respite care 

• A reasonable time schedule for proposed reunification, reasonably calculated to meet the child’s needs 

• A statement of the financial responsibilities of the parent and the department during the reunification process 

Maryland 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Code of Md. Reg. § 07.02.11.13

Within 60 days after placement, a written case plan shall be developed for each child in out-of-home placement. 

The case plan shall be reassessed within 120 days of the initial plan and every 180 days after that. The local department shall amend 

the case plan, as necessary, in light of the child’s situation and of any court orders that affect the child. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Code of Md. Reg. § 07.02.11.13

The local department, together with the child’s parent or legal guardian, shall develop the written case plan.
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Code of Md. Reg. § 07.02.11.13

The case plan shall:

• Describe the circumstances that make placement necessary

• State with whom the child was living before placement and their relationship to the child

• Describe the efforts that were made but were unsuccessful in preventing or eliminating the need for removal from the child’s 

home, including the consideration of both in-State and out-of-State placement options, or why such efforts were not possible

The local department shall:

• Identify and develop a concurrent permanency plan, as appropriate

• Prioritize permanency plan options using the following order of preference:

» Reunification with the parent or legal guardian

» Placement with a relative for adoption or custody and guardianship

» Adoption by a nonrelative

» Guardianship by a nonrelative

» Another planned permanent living arrangement

• Project the date when the concurrent permanency plans shall be achieved

• Describe the specific service and behavioral objectives that shall be achieved before the return of the child to the parents if 

one of the concurrent permanency plans is reunification

• Identify the services to be provided to the parents and the child in order to achieve the permanency goals

• Include consideration of the least restrictive setting appropriate to the child’s safety and care needs, and when determining a 

permanency plan, consider the following in descending order of priority:

» The local jurisdiction where the child’s parent resides

» Placement in another jurisdiction in the State, based on a compelling reason that it is in the child’s best interests because:

à The child has strong ties to family, a placement resource, or other community resources in another jurisdiction in the 

State.

à Necessary specialized services are not available to the child in the local jurisdiction but are available in another 

jurisdiction in the State. 

à There are no placements available in the jurisdiction to meet the individualized special placement needs of the child. 

• Describe the type of home or institution in which the child has been or is to be placed and discuss the safety and 

appropriateness of the placement

• Discuss how the local department plans to carry out specific court orders, if any, pertaining to the child

• Include a plan for ensuring that the child receives safe and appropriate care

• Include a plan for working to ensure that services are provided to the child, parents, and resource parents to improve the 

conditions in the parents’ home and to facilitate the child’s return to his or her own safe home or other safe and appropriate 

permanent placement

• Include a plan for working to ensure that services are provided to the child and foster parents to address the needs of the 

child while in foster care

• Discuss the appropriateness of the services that have been provided to the child

• For a child age 14 or older, include a written description of the life skills training that will help the child prepare for 

independent living

• To the extent available and accessible, include the most recent health and education records of the child, including:

» The names and addresses of the child’s health and educational providers

» The child’s grade-level performance

» The child’s school record

» Assurances that the child’s placement in out-of-home care takes into account the appropriateness of the current 

educational setting and the proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement

» A record of the child’s immunizations, known medical problems, and medications

» Any other relevant health and education information
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Massachusetts 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Code of Mass. Reg. Tit. 110, §§ 6.02; 6.05

Every family receiving services from the Department of Children and Families shall have a service plan. 

A service plan shall be completed within the following time periods:

• For all cases within 10 working days after a comprehensive assessment is completed, but in no event later than 55 working 

days after the opening of the case

• For a placement made on an emergency basis to ensure the immediate safety of a child, where there is no service plan, a 

service plan shall be completed within 30 working days after the placement

Except in an emergency, every family shall have a service plan prior to placing a child in substitute care.

For purposes of developing a service plan the opening of the case occurs upon one of the following:

• The decision to support a [chapter 119, section] 51A report [of abuse or neglect] after an investigation

• The decision to open a case for services after an initial assessment

• The receipt of an application for voluntary services

• A court order giving custody to the department

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Code of Mass. Reg. Tit. 110, §§ 6.02; 6.06

The service plan should include both parents, including the nonresident parent when possible. If either parent is not included in the 

service plan, an explanation should be included in the case record.

A service plan shall be, to the maximum extent possible, jointly developed by the department and the family receiving services from 

the department. If the parties are in agreement about the service plan, it shall be signed by all parties, and a copy shall be provided 

to the family.

If the parties are not in agreement about the service plan, the department shall prepare the service plan, and a copy shall be 

provided to the family. The department also shall inform the family that they may seek a review of the service plan by using the 

department’s grievance procedure. 

If the parties are in agreement about some but not all of the service plan, the family member has the option of noting and initialing 

the sections he/she does agree with, or adding services he/she would like the department to offer, and signing the service plan with 

reservations. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Code of Mass. Reg. Tit. 110, §§ 6.01; 6.03; 6.04

A service plan is a written document that describes in detail the tasks to be undertaken and the services to be provided to: 

• Strengthen a family unit 

• Reunify a family unit for a child who has been removed from his or her home

• Provide an alternative permanent home for a child who has been removed from his or her home

The service plan shall provide a basis for assessing the progress of family members in meeting the goal of the service plan. 

Each service plan shall contain the following elements:

• A statement indicating whether the goal of the service plan is to:

» Strengthen the family unit

» Reunify the family unit

» Provide an alternative permanent home for a child who has been removed from his or her home

• A statement of the strengths of the family, the areas needing improvement, and behavioral changes family members need to 

make to achieve the goal of the service plan and close the case

• A statement of each task the family member must complete to achieve the goal of the service plan and the time by which or 

the frequency at which the task is to be completed

• A statement of the tasks the department and other parties must complete and the time by which or the frequency at which the 

task is to be completed

• A listing of the services to be provided to family members and the time by which or the frequency at which the service is to be 

provided

A service plan for a family with a child in substitute care shall contain the elements listed above and each of the following additional 

elements about the child: 

• The type of placement (foster care, intensive foster care, congregate care, etc.) 

• The history of any previous placements 

• The reason for the child’s current placement 

• Efforts made by the department and the family to prevent the need for placement 

• The visiting schedule between the family and the child, or, if no visits are to be scheduled, an explanation why 

• The visiting schedule between siblings who are not placed together, or if no visits are to be scheduled, the reason why visits 

are not in the child’s best interests

• The identification of the permanent plan for the child, which can be any of the following: 

» Permanency through stabilization

» Permanency through reunification 

» Permanency through adoption

» Permanency through guardianship

» Permanency through living with kin

» Alternative permanency planned living arrangement

• The projected date by which the child may return home or be placed in another permanent living situation 

• A description of the child’s specific health, dental, and educational needs while in placement

Michigan 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Comp. Laws § 712A.18f

Before the court enters an order of disposition, the agency shall prepare a case service plan that shall be available to the court and 

all the parties to the proceeding. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Comp. Laws § 712A.13a; Foster Care Pol. Man. § 722-06

The case service plan shall be developed by an agency and shall include services to be provided by and responsibilities and 

obligations of the agency, as well as activities, responsibilities, and obligations of the parent.

The case service plan may be referred to using names different from ‘case service plan’ including, but not limited to, a parent/agency 

agreement, a parent/agency treatment plan, or a service agreement. 

In policy: Casework service requires the engagement of the family in development of the case service plan. This engagement must 

include an open conversation between all parents/guardians and the caseworker in:

• Discussing needs and strengths

• Establishing the case service plan

• Reaching an understanding of what is required to meet the goals of the case service plan

• Discussing concurrent permanency planning

Parental participation in case service plan development is required. Parental engagement is an invaluable tool for achieving an 

early return home for children in foster care. Parents must be encouraged to actively participate in developing the Parent-Agency 

Treatment Plan and Service Agreement section of the case service plan. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Comp. Laws § 712A.18f; Foster Care Pol. Man. § 722-06

The case service plan shall provide for placing the child in the most familylike setting available and in as close proximity to the child’s 

parents’ home as is consistent with the child’s best interests and special needs. The case service plan shall include, but is not limited 

to, the following:

• The type of home or institution in which the child is to be placed and the reasons for the selected placement 

• Efforts to be made by the child’s parent to enable the child to return to his or her home 

• Efforts to be made by the agency to return the child to his or her home 

• The schedule of services to be provided to the parent, the child, and if the child is to be placed in foster care, the foster 

parent, to facilitate the child’s return to his or her home or to facilitate the child’s permanent placement 

• Unless parenting time, even if supervised, would be harmful to the child as determined by the court, a schedule for regular 

and frequent parenting time between the child and his or her parent, which shall not be less than once every 7 days 

• Conditions that would limit or preclude placement or parenting time with a parent who is required by court order to register 

under the sex offenders registration act

In policy: The Parent-Agency Treatment Plan and Service Agreement section of the case service plan must state specifically what the 

parents will need to do to achieve reunification and what the agency will do in support of parental objectives. The parent-agency 

treatment plan and service agreement must be:

• Specific to the individual needs of the family and children

• Inclusive of the family’s viewpoint

• Written in a manner that is easily understood by all parties

There must be a plan for ensuring that each child who is placed out of his or her own home receives safe and proper care and 

services. The plan must include documentation of all of the following:

• The services provided to the parents, child, and foster parent or relative caregivers in order to improve the conditions in the 

parent’s home to facilitate a safe return of the child to his or her own home or the permanent placement of the child

• The needs of the children while in foster care

• The services to the children and foster parents or relative caregivers to meet those needs

• The appropriateness of the services that have been provided to the child

• A statement that safe and proper care and services must be provided
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Minnesota 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 260C.212

An out-of-home placement plan shall be prepared within 30 days after any child is placed in foster care by court order or a voluntary 

placement agreement between the responsible social services agency and the child’s parent. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 260C.212

An out-of-home placement plan means a written document that is prepared by the responsible social services agency jointly with the 

parent(s) or guardian of the child and in consultation with the child’s guardian ad litem, the child’s Tribe if the child is an Indian child, 

the child’s foster parent, or representative of the foster care facility, and, where appropriate, the child. For a child in voluntary foster 

care for treatment under chapter 260D, preparation of the out-of-home placement plan shall additionally include the child’s mental 

health treatment provider. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 260C.212

The plan shall set forth:

• A description of the foster care home or facility including how the out-of-home placement plan is designed to achieve a safe 

placement for the child in the least restrictive, most familylike setting available, and is in close proximity to the home of the 

parent when the case plan goal is reunification

• How the placement is consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child

• The specific reasons for the placement of the child in foster care

• When reunification is the plan, a description of the problems or conditions in the home that necessitated removal of the child 

from home and the changes the parent must make in order for the child to safely return home

• A description of the services offered and provided to prevent removal of the child from the home and to reunify the family, 

including: 

» The specific actions to be taken by the parent or parents of the child to eliminate or correct identified problems or 

conditions and the time period during which the actions are to be taken

» The reasonable efforts, or in the case of an Indian child, active efforts to be made to achieve a safe and stable home for the 

child, including social and other supportive services to be provided or offered to the parent or guardian of the child, the 

child, and the residential facility during the period the child is in the residential facility

• A description of any services or resources that were requested by the child or the child’s parent, guardian, foster parent, or 

custodian since the date of the child’s placement, and whether those services or resources were provided

• The visitation plan for the parent(s), guardian, other relatives, and siblings of the child if the siblings are not placed together in 

foster care, and whether visitation is consistent with the best interests of the child 

• Documentation of steps to finalize the adoption or legal guardianship of the child if the court has issued an order terminating 

parental rights

• Efforts to ensure the child’s educational stability while in foster care, including:

» Efforts to ensure that the child in placement remains in the same school in which the child was enrolled prior to placement, 

including efforts to work with the local education authorities to ensure the child’s educational stability

» If it is not in the child’s best interests to remain in the same school, efforts to ensure immediate and appropriate enrollment 

for the child in a new school

• The educational records of the child

• The efforts by the local agency to ensure the oversight and continuity of health-care services for the foster child

• The health records of the child, including information available regarding:

» The names and addresses of the child’s health-care and dental-care providers

» A record of the child’s immunizations 

» The child’s known medical problems, including any known communicable diseases 

» The child’s medications

» Any other relevant health-care information such as the child’s eligibility for medical insurance or medical assistance

• An independent living plan for a child age 16 or older, including, but not limited to, the following objectives:

» Educational, vocational, or employment planning

» Health-care planning and medical coverage 

» Transportation including, where appropriate, assisting the child in obtaining a driver’s license

» Money management

» Planning for housing

» Social and recreational skills 

» Establishing and maintaining connections with the child’s family and community

• For a child in voluntary foster care for treatment, diagnostic and assessment information, specific services relating to meeting 

the mental health-care needs of the child, and treatment outcomes
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Mississippi 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Code of Miss. Rules, 18-006-14, Part VII, Sec. B

The case plan for each child is developed within 30 calendar days from the date of removal from the home. Within 30 calendar days 

of a child’s entrance into foster care, the DFCS caseworker shall convene a family team to develop service plans and visitation plans 

for both the child and the parents with the participation of all team meeting participants. The family service plan is developed and 

submitted to the supervisor within 30 calendar days of the custody date, unless the court determines otherwise. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Code of Miss. Rules, 18-006-14, Part VII, Sec. B

Family engagement is an ongoing process of involving the family from the initial investigation throughout the life of the case. The 

caseworker must engage the family, extended family members, and formal and informal support networks through family team 

meetings to help them make a permanent plan for the child. The caseworker will work with the family to develop an adult and child 

individualized service plan, listing tasks and goals needing achievement to facilitate the permanent plan.

The case plan for each child is developed jointly with the parent or guardian of the child.

The family team meeting includes the caseworker, the caseworker’s direct supervisor, the foster caregiver (if applicable), the child’s 

parent or guardian, other family members (if appropriate), and the child unless there is justification for excluding the child from the 

planning process. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Code of Miss. Rules, 18-006-14, Part VII, Sec. B

The case plan for each child:

• Includes a description of the services offered and provided to prevent removal of the child from the home and to reunify the 

family

• Includes a description of the type of home or institution in which the child is placed

• Includes a discussion of the safety and appropriateness of the placement

• Includes a plan for ensuring that the child receives safe and proper care and that services are provided to the parents, child, 

and foster parents in order to facilitate the child’s return home or for permanent placement

• Includes a plan for ensuring that appropriate services are provided to the child and foster parents in order to address the 

needs of the child while in foster care

• When appropriate for a child age 16 or older, includes a written description of the programs and services to help the child 

prepare for the transition from foster care to independent living

• In the 90-day period immediately prior to the child’s 18th birthday, addresses the assistance and support needed in 

developing a transition plan that is personalized and includes specific options on housing, health insurance, education, local 

opportunities for mentors and continuing support services, and work force supports and employment services

• Includes information about the importance of designating another individual to make health-care treatment decisions on 

behalf of the child if the child becomes unable to participate in such decisions, and the child does not have, or does not want, 

a relative who would otherwise be authorized under State/Tribal law to make such decisions

• Provides the child with the option to execute a health-care power-of-attorney, health-care proxy, or other similar document 

recognized under State/Tribal law

• Documents the steps to finalize a placement when the case plan goal is or becomes adoption or placement in another 

permanent home

When the case plan goal is adoption, at a minimum the documentation shall include child-specific recruitment efforts such as the use 

of Tribal, State, regional, and national adoption exchanges, including electronic exchange systems, to facilitate orderly and timely 

placements.

The family service plan (FSP) should be individualized, strengths-based, family-focused, and culturally responsive. In a case in which 

the child in custody has a permanent plan of reunification, an FSP between the caseworker and the parents, caregivers and child is 

required. The FSP should be used as a means of facilitating the child’s return home.

The parents will have a 6-month period in which to complete the tasks in the FSP. At the end of 6 months, the court may direct DFCS 

to: (1) continue to work with the parents for return of the child to their home, (2) begin procedures to terminate parental rights, or (3) 

pursue another permanency plan.

Each FSP and revision of the plans shall include the following: 

• Service goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them

• Service and supports to be provided, and by whom

• The signatures of the parents, with whom reunification is planned, and when appropriate, the child or youth

• Unmet services and support needs that impact safety, permanency, and well-being

• Efforts to maintain and strengthen relationships

• Educational needs and goals

• The need for culturally responsive services and the support of the family’s informal social network

The goals and tasks set forth within the FSP shall be a direct reflection of the decisions made within the family team meeting. 
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Missouri 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 210.112; Code of State Regs. Tit. 13, § 40-30.010 

Contracts [for services] shall require that a case management plan consistent with all relevant Federal guidelines be developed for 

each child at the earliest time after the initial investigation, but in no event longer than 14 days after the initial investigation or referral 

for services by the division. The case management plan shall be presented to the court and be the foundation of service delivery to 

the child and family. 

In regulation: Every child in the care and custody of, or receiving social services from, the Division of Family Service of the 

Department of Social Services shall have a case plan developed for the purpose of preventing removal of the child from the care 

of the parents, reuniting a child separated from parents, or securing a permanent placement for a child if it is determined the child 

cannot be reunited with his or her parents.

Every case plan must be developed within 30 days from the date that it has been determined a child should receive protective 

services or from the date that a judicial determination has been made that the child should be placed in the care and custody of the 

division. Thereafter, each case plan shall be reviewed and modified, as necessary, every 6 months. The purpose of the review is to 

determine the extent of compliance with the case plan and determine what changes, if any, should be made. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 210.110

A family support team meeting [will be] convened by the division or children’s services provider on behalf of the family and/or 

child for the purpose of determining service and treatment needs, determining the need for placement, developing a plan for 

reunification or other permanency options, determining the appropriate placement of the child, evaluating case progress, and 

establishing and revising the case plan. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 210.112; Code of State Regs. Tit. 13, § 40-30.010 

The case management plan shall, at a minimum, include: 

• An outcome target based on the child and family situation achieving permanency or independent living, where appropriate

• Services authorized and necessary to facilitate the outcome target

• Timeframes in which services will be delivered 

• Necessary evaluations and reporting

In addition to any visits and assessments required under case management, services to be provided by a public or private children’s 

services provider under the specific case management plan may include family-centered services, foster and adoptive parent 

recruitment and retention, residential care, in-home services, foster care services, adoption services, relative care case services, 

planned permanent living services, and family reunification services. In all cases, an appropriate level of services shall be provided to 

the child and family after permanency is achieved to ensure a continued successful outcome.

In regulation: A case plan is a written document that describes social and child welfare services and activities to be provided by the 

division and other local community agencies for the purpose of achieving a permanent familial relationship for the child. This case 

plan shall include, at a minimum, the following information:

• Identifying information about the child and his or her immediate and extended family

• A description of the factors and conditions, including the psychological needs of the child, that caused the division to 

determine that protective or alternative care services were needed or a copy of the judicial determinations made regarding 

the child’s placement in the custody of the division

• A description of what efforts were made to prevent removal from the custody of the parents, to reunify the family, or to 

achieve a permanent placement for the child

• A statement of the intended plan for permanency for the child, which shall consist of one of the following: 

» Maintain the child with the parents

» Reunite child with his or her family if a judicial determination has been made for the child to be removed from the custody 

of the parents and placed in an alternate care facility

» Place the child for the purpose of adoption

» For a child age 16 or older, maintain child in a long-term separation from his or her parents with an agreed-upon plan with 

the care provider

• A description of how the plan is designed to maintain or reunite the child with his or her parent or achieve a permanent 

substitute placement for the child including:

» A description of the social services to be provided and a description of the services needed to carry out any requirements 

of a judicial determination proceeding or order with a designation of the responsible parties for the provision of any 

services

» A description of the responsibilities of the parents

» A description of parental behaviors that determine that services are no longer necessary or that alternative care is no 

longer needed

• A description of the appropriateness and necessity for placement away from the parents if the court has ordered placement, 

including at a minimum, the following:

» The least restrictive characteristics of the alternate care placement facility correlated to the condition and best interests of 

the child

» The degree of proximity of the alternate care placement facility to the location of the parents’ residence

» A description of how the needs of the child will be met while in placement

» A parental visitation schedule including frequency, location, arrangements, and a method of documentation for actual 

visits

• An evaluation of case plan achievement by all parties, including a time period for case plan achievement
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Montana 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Pol. Man. § 402-2

A case plan must be completed within 30 days for a child placed under a voluntary placement agreement and within 60 days for a 

child placed under a court order.

The plan must be updated or a new plan developed when a child moves to a new placement setting. The case plan also must be 

updated whenever a change in the permanent plan for the child occurs. At a minimum, the case plan must be updated at least every 

6 months. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Pol. Man. § 402-2

The case plan must:

• Be developed jointly with the parents or guardian of the child

• Offer parents or guardians the opportunity to participate in the development of the case plan

If the parents or guardians are unwilling or unable to participate in the development of the case plan, the reason for the lack of 

participation must be noted in the plan. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Pol. Man. § 402-2

The case plan must:

• Describe the placement setting of the child and the plan for ensuring that the child receives safe and appropriate care in that 

setting

• Demonstrate that the child’s placement is the least restrictive, most familylike setting available and in close proximity to the 

home of the parents when the case plan goal is reunification

• Demonstrate that the placement is in the best interests of the child and that the special needs of the child are being met

• Describe the services offered and provided to prevent removal of the child from his or her home, the services offered and 

provided to improve the conditions in the parents’ home and facilitate the safe return home of the child, or the permanent 

placement of the child

• Describe the services that are being provided to the child and his or her foster parents and why these services are appropriate 

to address the needs of the child while in foster care

• Include, when reunification is not possible, documentation of the steps that are being taken to find an adoptive family, a 

fit and willing relative, a legal guardian, or another planned permanent living arrangement, and to finalize the adoption or 

establish legal guardianship

• Include the most recent health and education records of the child, including:

» The names and addresses of the child’s health providers

» The child’s educational status, including:

à The services already provided and to be provided to the child or out-of-home caregiver to address the child’s 

educational needs

à Assurances that each placement of the child in foster care takes into account the appropriateness of the current 

educational setting, the proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement, and an 

assurance that the division has coordinated with the appropriate school officials to ensure that the child remains in the 

same educational setting 

à If remaining in the current educational setting is not in the child’s best interests, document the reasons why moving the 

child out of the current school district is in his or her best interests and assurances that the division and the local school 

officials will provide immediate and appropriate enrollment in a new school, with all of the educational records of the 

child provided to the school

» A record of the child’s immunizations, known medical problems, and medications

» Any other relevant health and education information concerning the child determined to be appropriate by the State 

agency

• For a youth age 16 or older, include:

» A written transitional living plan that describes the programs and services that will help the youth prepare for the transition 

from foster care to independent living

» A copy of any consumer credit report on the youth for each year until discharged from foster care, and assistance in 

interpreting the credit report and resolving any inaccuracies

• In the 90 days immediately prior to youth’s 18th birthday, describe efforts made to:

» Offer the youth assistance and support in development and implementation of a personalized transitional plan, including 

options such as housing, health insurance, education, mentors, support services, workforce supports, and employment

» Offer the youth information about the importance of designating another individual to make health-care treatment 

decisions for him or her if he or she becomes unable to participate in such decisions and he or she does not have, or does 

not want, a relative who would otherwise be authorized under State law to make such decisions

» Provide the youth with the option of designing and executing a health-care power-of-attorney, proxy, or similar document
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Nebraska 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rev. Stat. § 43-1312; Admin. Code Tit. 390, §§ 5-004.02, 02A

Following the investigation conducted pursuant to § 43-1311 and immediately following the initial placement of the child, a safe and 

appropriate plan shall be established for the child. 

In regulation: A written case plan will be developed following the assessment of the family or child’s needs. Case plan evaluation and 

revision will then occur at least every 6 months. A written court report incorporating the elements of the case plan will be submitted 

to the court at least 3 days before, or as dictated by local court protocol, the initial dispositional hearing or any subsequent review 

hearing.

When a child is placed in the custody of the department, Federal regulations require that a case plan be developed within 60 days 

of the date of placement. When there is insufficient time to develop a case plan within this time frame for the child welfare cases, the 

safety plan will serve as the case plan. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Rev. Stat. § 43-1312; Admin. Code Tit. 390, § 5-004.02B

The person or court in charge of the child shall cause to be established a safe and appropriate plan for the child. 

In regulation: Case planning is the responsibility of the caseworker with the active involvement of the child and family and the 

members of the team supporting services to the family. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Rev. Stat. § 43-1312; Admin. Code Tit. 390, §§ 5-004.02A; .02B; .02D

The plan shall contain at least the following: 

• The purpose for which the child has been placed in foster care 

• The estimated length of time necessary to achieve the purposes of the foster care placement 

• A description of the services to be provided in order to accomplish the purposes of the foster care placement 

• The person or persons who are directly responsible for the implementation of such plan 

• A complete record of the previous placements of the foster child

• The name of the school the child shall attend, as provided in § 43-1311 

In regulation: The department will include in the plan for a ward who is age 16 or older a written proposal describing programs and 

services designed to assist the ward in acquiring independent living skills. A ward whose goal is independent living or is determined 

to be at a greater risk of failure will receive a proportionately greater emphasis on these services. The specific case plan will be based 

on an assessment of the ward’s readiness for independent living. 

The case planning process will:

• Focus on the problems identified in the assessment of the family and youth

• Identify a permanency objective

• Establish and prioritize goals

• Identify the action steps needed to reunite the family or to prevent out-of-home placement

• Use the family’s resources

• Build upon the family’s and child’s strengths

• Develop or maintain family responsibility

• Identify who is responsible for tasks

• Establish timeframes for achieving case goals, projected discharge, and case closure

• Establish an evaluation process to assess whether outcomes are being achieved

Department staff will use Tribal social services whenever possible when working with Native American parents and children. Case 

planning and service provision will be based upon the social and cultural standards of the Tribe. Active efforts will be made to 

provide culturally relevant remedial and rehabilitative services to prevent the breakup of the family and to reunify the family. 

Nevada 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rev. Stat. § 432B.540; Admin. Code § 432B.400 

If the agency that provides child welfare services believes that it is necessary to remove the child from the physical custody of his 

or her parents, it must submit [to the court] a plan designed to achieve a placement of the child in a safe setting as near to the 

residence of his or her parent as is consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child.

In regulation: The agency that provides child welfare services shall develop a written case plan for a child within 45 days after the 

date on which the child is removed from his or her home. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Admin. Code § 432B.400 

The case plan must: 

• If possible, be developed jointly with a parent or guardian of the child who is receiving foster care 

• Be developed with input from the child if the agency that provides child welfare services determines it is appropriate, based 

on the age and stage of development of the child

• Be developed with input from the foster parent caring for the child 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Rev. Stat. § 432B.540; Admin. Code § 432B.400 

The plan must include, without limitation:

• A description of the type, safety, and appropriateness of the home or institution in which the child could be placed; a plan for 

ensuring that the child would receive safe and proper care; and a description of his or her needs

• A description of the services to be provided to the child and to a parent to facilitate the return of the child to the custody of 

his or her parent or to ensure his or her permanent placement

• The appropriateness of the services to be provided under the plan

• A description of how the order of the court will be carried out

In regulation: The case plan must include:

• The long-term goals of the plan, including reunification of the child and his or her family, or permanent placement of the child 

with a relative, for adoption, into a legal guardianship, or into another permanent independent living arrangement

• A projected time by which these goals should be achieved

• A description of the current strengths of the family and the needs that must be satisfied to achieve these goals 

• A description of the services offered or provided to prevent removal of the child from his or her home and to reunify the family 

of the child

• A description of the type of home or institution in which the child is placed

• A description of the safety and appropriateness of the placement to ensure that the child receives proper care

• A description of how the agency will ensure that services are provided to the child and the foster parents that address the 

needs of the child while in foster care, including the appropriateness of services that have been provided pursuant to the case 

plan

• A description, as applicable, of the programs and services that will assist a child in foster care who is age 16 or older prepare 

for the transition from foster care to independent living

• If the goal of the case plan is adoption or placement in another permanent home, a description of the steps that will be taken 

to finalize the adoption or placement

• A description of the manner in which a placement will be made and the reasons that such a placement will be in the best 

interests of the child, with particular consideration given to a placement that is safe and in the least restrictive familial 

environment available 

• If the goal of the case plan is reunification of the family, a description of how particular consideration will be given to a 

placement for the child that is in close proximity to the home of the parent of the child

• If the child will be placed in a family foster home or institution for child care that is located a substantial distance from or in a 

different State than where the family of the child resides, the reasons that such a placement will be in the best interests of the 

child

• If a child is placed in a family foster home or institution for child care that is located in a different State than where the parents 

of the child reside, a description of the frequency with which a caseworker from an agency that provides child welfare services 

and that is located in the State where the child is placed or the State where the parents reside will visit the foster home or 

institution and submit a report to the agency that provides child welfare services in the State where the parents reside

• A description of the efforts that will be made to place siblings together

• A plan for family visitation, including, without limitation, visiting siblings if the siblings are not residing together

• A statement indicating that the proximity of the school in which the child was enrolled at the time that he or she was placed in 

foster care was considered as a factor in the selection of the placement for foster care

• The health and education records of the child to the extent those records are available, including:

» The names and addresses of the providers of health care and education of the child

» The grade level at which the child performs

» Documentation of the child’s immunizations, any known medical or psychological problems, and any prescribed 

medications

» Any other health or educational information concerning the child as the agency that provides child welfare services 

determines is necessary
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New Hampshire 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rev. Stat. § 170-G:4

A comprehensive service plan will be developed for each child and youth who is or would be served by the department in 

accordance with title IV-E of the Social Security Act.

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Rev. Stat. § 170-G:4; N.H. Admin. Rules, He-C 6446.16

The Department of Health and Human Services shall develop the case plan. 

In regulation: Foster parents shall have the opportunity to participate in the development of the case plan for children in care.

Foster parents shall implement their portion of the case plan for the child in care and work cooperatively with department staff, the 

parents of the child in care, and service providers when implementing the case plan for the child. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

N.H. Admin. Rules, He-C 6339.03

The case plan is a written document prepared by the Division for Children, Youth and Families or the Division or Juvenile Justice 

Services that, pursuant to statute § 170-G:4(III), describes the service plan for the child and family and addresses outcomes, tasks, 

responsible parties, and timeframes for correcting problems that led to abuse, neglect, delinquency, or child in need of services 

(CHINS). 

New Jersey 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 30:4C-55; Admin. Code § 10: 133D-1.4

A placement plan must be prepared for each child placed outside of his or her home. 

In regulation: A case plan shall be developed with each family for whom services will be provided. The representative of the 

Department of Children and Families shall prepare the case plan:

• Within 60 calendar days of receipt of a report of abuse or neglect or a child welfare services referral or application

• Within 30 calendar days of a child entering or reentering out-of-home placement

The department representative also shall prepare the case plan at least once every 6 months after the previous case plan. The case 

plan shall be revised more often if the case situation shows significant change. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 30:4C-55; Admin. Code § 10: 133D-1.5

The department shall prepare the plan in consultation with the child’s parents or legal guardian and, when appropriate, the child. 

In regulation: The department representative shall develop the case plan with the child’s parent, unless he or she is unwilling to 

participate, any person appointed by the court for this purpose, and the child, if the division representative determines that the child 

is willing and able to participate in the development of the case plan. Other interested parties or service providers may be invited to 

participate. 

In addition to the above, when the child lives in an out-of-home placement, the department representative shall develop the case 

plan in consultation with the child’s out-of-home placement provider. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 30:4C-55; Admin. Code § 10: 133D-1.7

The placement plan shall include: 

• The goal for the permanent placement or return home of the child and anticipated date that goal will be achieved

• The intermediate objectives for achieving the goal

• The duties and responsibilities of the department, the parents or legal guardian, and the temporary caregiver, including the 

services to be provided by the department 

• The services to be provided to the parent or legal guardian or an exception to the requirement to provide reasonable efforts 

toward family reunification 

• A permanency plan for the child and the department’s reasonable efforts to achieve that plan, if the department has 

established an exception to the requirement to provide reasonable efforts toward family reunification or the child has been in 

placement for 12 months

The permanency plan shall include whether and, if applicable, when:

• The child shall be returned home, if the child can be returned home without endangering the child’s health or safety.

• The department has determined that family reunification is not possible, and the department shall file a petition for the 

termination of parental rights for the purpose of adoption.

• The department has determined that termination of parental rights is not appropriate, and the child shall be placed in an 

alternative permanent placement. 

In regulation: The written case plan for a family with the child living at home shall include:

• The reasons for the department’s involvement

• The underlying needs of each family member

• The case goal for each family member receiving services

• The schedule for contacts between the department and family members

• The supports and services offered to, provided to, and used by the family

• The behavioral and other changes expected from each person

• The services or activities that are intended to facilitate the changes and who will accomplish or provide them 

• Progress toward achieving the case goal by each family member

The case plan for a child in an out-of-home placement shall include:

• The efforts made to prevent placement, the reasons for the placement, efforts made to reunify the family, and the impact of 

those efforts

• The case goal for each child, the progress toward its achievement, and any obstacles to reaching it

• An assessment of the safety and appropriateness of the current placement

• The efforts made to find a missing mother and father or relative

• The schedule for contacts between the department and the family members

• The plan for visits between the child and parents, siblings, and other relatives

• The needs of the child, the parent, and the child’s care provider in order to meet the case goal

• The behavioral and other changes expected from each person

• The services or actions intended to meet the identified needs and who is responsible to provide the services and complete 

the activities, with projected timeframes, as well as the appropriateness of the services for the child

• A description of the type of out-of-home placement

• How the placement is safe, near the parent’s home, and the least restrictive and most familylike available, consistent with the 

best interests and special needs of the child

• Documentation of the appropriateness of the child’s current educational setting 

• Why the child was placed a substantial distance from his or her parents or out-of-State, when applicable

• The child’s health and education records

• For a child age 14 or older, programs and services to help the child transition from out-of-home placement to self-sufficiency 

skills

The case plan for a child whose case goal is either adoption or kinship legal guardianship shall include the steps the department is 

taking to finalize a placement with an adoptive family a relative or caregiver who is willing to become a kinship legal guardian. 
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New Mexico 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 32A-3B-15

Prior to the dispositional hearing, a written family services plan must be prepared for submission to the court. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 32A-3B-15

The department shall prepare the family services plan. A copy of the plan shall be provided by the department to all parties at least 5 

days before the dispositional hearing. 

When the child is an Indian child, contact shall be made with the child’s Indian Tribe for the purpose of consultation and exchange of 

information, and the plan shall indicate the person contacted in the child’s Indian Tribe and the results of that contact. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 32A-3B-15

The plan for family services shall contain the following information: 

• A statement of the problem 

• The needs of the child and the family 

• A description of the specific progress needed to be made by both the parent and the child, the reasons why the plan is likely 

to be useful, the availability of any proposed services, and the department’s overall plan for ensuring that the services will be 

delivered 

• If removal from the home or continued residence outside of the home is recommended for the child: 

» A statement of the likely harm the child will suffer as a result of removal from the home, including emotional harm resulting 

from separation from the child’s parents 

» A description of any previous efforts to work with the parent and the child in the home and a description of any in-home 

treatment programs that have been considered and rejected 

» A description of the steps that will be taken to minimize any harm to the child that may result if separation from the child’s 

parent occurs or continues 

» For a child age 16 or older, a description of the specific skills the child requires for successful transition into independent 

living as an adult, what programs are necessary to develop the skills, the reasons why the programs are likely to be useful, 

the availability of any proposed programs, and the department’s overall plan for ensuring that the child will be adequately 

prepared for adulthood

New York 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Soc. Serv. Laws § 409-e

Upon completion of any assessment of a family’s needs and circumstances, and no later than 30 days after a child is removed from 

his or her home or is placed in foster care, the local social services district shall establish or update and maintain a family service plan 

based on an assessment of the family’s needs and circumstances. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Soc. Serv. Laws § 409-e; N.Y. Reg. Tit. 18, § 428.3

The family service plan shall be prepared in consultation with the child’s parent or guardian, unless such person is unavailable or 

unwilling to participate or such participation would be harmful to the child; with the child if the child is age 10 or older; and, when 

appropriate, with the child’s siblings. Such consultation shall be done in person, unless such a meeting is impracticable or would 

be harmful to the child. If it is impracticable to hold such consultation in person, such consultation may be done through the use of 

technology, including but not limited to, videoconferencing and teleconference technology. If the parent is incarcerated or residing 

in a residential drug treatment facility, the plan shall reflect the special circumstances and needs of the child and the family.

In regulation: Each family assessment and service plan must document the involvement of or the efforts to involve the parent 

or guardian in the development of the plan, as well as the involvement of or efforts to involve children age 10 or older, when 

appropriate, including children in foster care and their siblings or half-siblings and children placed by a court in the direct custody of 

a relative or other suitable person. Such efforts must include, but are not limited to:

• Encouraging the parents or guardian and the children to participate in the development and review of the plan and 

attempting to obtain the parents’ or guardian’s signatures documenting their review of the plan

• When the parents or guardian and/or children are not able to participate and arrangements cannot be made to allow 

participation, conveying the contents of the service plan and any recommendations to them, and attempting to obtain the 

parents’ or guardian’s comments and signatures documenting their review of the plan 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Soc. Serv. Laws § 409-e; N.Y. Reg. Tit. 18, § 428.6

The plan shall include at least the following:

• Timeframes for periodic reassessment of the care and maintenance needs of each child and the manner in which such 

reassessments are to be accomplished

• Short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals for the child and family and actions planned to meet the needs of the child and 

family and each goal

• Identification of necessary and appropriate services and assistance to the child and members of the child’s family

• Any alternative plans for services where specific services are not available, and any viable options for services considered 

during the planning process

• Where placement in foster care is determined necessary, specification of the reasons for such determination, the kind and 

level of placement, any available placement alternatives, an estimate of the anticipated duration of placement, and plan for 

termination of services under appropriate circumstances

In regulation: Each family service plan must include, but is not limited to, the following:

• A program choice or choices for each child receiving services

• A goal and plan for child permanency

• A description of legal activities and their impact on the case

• A thorough and comprehensive assessment or reassessment and analysis of the family members’ strengths, needs, and 

problems

• Immediate actions or controlling interventions that must be taken or have been provided

• The family’s view of its needs and concerns 

• A plan of services and assistance made in consultation with the family and each child over age 10, whenever possible, that 

utilizes the family’s strengths and addresses the family members’ needs and concern 

• The status of the service plan including service availability and a description of the manner of service provision

• The family’s progress toward plan achievement

• Essential data relating to the identification and history of the child and family members and a summary that documents the 

involvement of the parent(s) or guardian, child(ren) and any others in the development of the service plan

• Safety assessments in all cases

• Risk assessments in child protective services cases 

• Assessments of family functioning

For children placed in foster care, the plan also must include:

• A description of the reasonable efforts made to prevent or eliminate the need for placement or the justification for the 

determination that reasonable efforts were not necessary

• Identification of all available placement alternatives and the specific reasons why they were rejected

• Efforts made to locate any absent parents 

• Documentation that continuity in the child’s environment has been maintained or the reasons why this is not practicable or in 

the best interests of the child

• Information about whether the child will be placed with the child’s siblings and, if not, the reasons why and the arrangements 

made for contact with the siblings

• An estimate of the anticipated duration of the placement and the circumstances and conditions that must be met to safely 

discharge the child from placement

• A visiting plan for the child with his or her parent(s), guardian, siblings, and other significant family members

• A description of the reasons identified for not filing a petition to terminate parental rights for any child in foster care for at 

least 15 of the most recent 22 months

• Where concurrent planning is determined through assessment to be warranted in the case, a description of the alternate plan 

to achieve permanency for the child if the child cannot be safely returned home
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North Carolina 

When Case Plans Are Required 

N.C. Admin. Code, Tit. 10A, § 70G.0504; Pol. Man. § 1201(II)

The Department of Social Services shall develop a written out-of-home family services agreement within 30 days of admission of a 

child in a family foster home. 

In policy: An out-of-home family services agreement is implemented for all families when the child is placed in the custody of the 

department, whether or not the child is removed from the home. For children in the legal custody of the department, the agreement 

shall be completed within 30 days of removal of the child from the home. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

N.C. Admin. Code, Tit. 10A, § 70G.0504; Pol. Man. § 1201(II)

The out-of-home family services agreement shall be developed in cooperation with the child, parents, guardian or legal custodian, 

and foster parents when possible.

In policy: The social worker is responsible for immediately engaging the family, both maternal and paternal, in the planning process, 

which is focused on correcting the conditions that caused the department to be involved in the family. Whether or not the child 

enters custody or placement responsibility, the planning process shall involve the family and children (appropriate to their age and 

ability) and placement providers. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

N.C. Admin. Code, Tit. 10A, § 70G.0504; Pol. Man. § 1201(II)

The out-of-home family services agreement shall be based upon an assessment of the needs of the child, parents, or guardian. 

The agreement shall include goals stated in specific, realistic, and measurable terms and plans that are action-oriented, including 

responsibilities of staff, parents or guardian, other family members, legal custodian, foster parents, and the child.

In policy: The out-of-home family services agreement is used to define the primary permanency plan, identify the family’s strengths 

and needs, set objectives and case activities to assist the family in resolving those issues that place the child at risk, specify 

consequences if the plan does or does not succeed, and to establish the alternative permanency plan if the primary plan does not 

succeed. 

North Dakota 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Cent. Code § 27-20-02

A permanency hearing will be conducted with respect to a child who is in foster care to determine the permanency plan for the child. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

N.D. Admin. Code § 75-03-14-06 

Every county social service board must have a county permanency planning child and family team. The supervising agency must 

invite the child’s parents, the foster parents, and the guardian ad litem to participate in the permanency planning meeting for the 

foster child unless good cause exists to exclude any person from the planning meeting. 

The foster parents shall participate in the permanency planning child and family team for the child. The foster parents shall 

cooperate in carrying out the objectives and goals of the permanency plan for the foster child in their care. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Cent. Code § 27-20-02

The plan must include:

• Whether and, if applicable, when the child will be returned to the parent 

• Whether and, if applicable, when the child will be placed for adoption, and the State will file a petition for termination of 

parental rights 

• Whether and, if applicable, when a fit and willing relative or other appropriate individual will be appointed as a legal guardian

• Whether, if applicable, to place siblings in the same foster care, relative, guardianship, or adoptive placement, unless it is 

determined that the joint placement would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings

• Whether, if applicable, in the case of siblings removed from their home who are not jointly placed, to provide for frequent 

visitation or other ongoing interaction between the siblings, unless it is determined to be contrary to the safety or well-being 

of any of the siblings

• In cases where there is a compelling reason that it would not be in the child’s best interests to return home, to have parental 

rights terminated, to be placed for adoption, to be placed with a fit and willing relative, or to be placed with a legal guardian, 

whether and, if applicable, when the child will be placed in another planned permanent living arrangement

• In the case of a child who has been placed in foster care outside of the State where the home of the parents is located, or if 

the parents maintain separate homes outside of the State where the home of the parent who was the child’s primary caregiver 

is located, whether out-of-State placements have been considered, and if the child is currently in an out-of-State placement, 

whether the placement continues to be appropriate and in the child’s best interests 

• In the case of a child who has attained age 16, the services needed to assist the child to make the transition from foster care to 

independent living

Northern Mariana Islands 

These issues are not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Ohio 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rev. Code § 2151.412

Each public children services agency and private child-placing agency shall prepare and maintain a case plan for any child to whom 

the agency is providing services and to whom any of the following applies:

• The agency filed a complaint alleging that the child is an abused, neglected, or dependent child.

• The agency has temporary or permanent custody of the child.

• The child is living at home subject to an order for protective supervision.

• The child is in a planned permanent living arrangement.

Each public children services agency shall prepare and maintain a case plan or a family service plan for any child for whom the 

agency is providing in-home services pursuant to an alternative response.

The case plan must be filed with the court prior to the child’s adjudicatory hearing, but no later than 30 days after the earlier of the 

dates on which the complaint in the case was filed or the child was first placed into shelter care.

All parts of the case plan shall be completed by the earlier of 30 days after the adjudicatory hearing or the date of the dispositional 

hearing for the child. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Rev. Code § 2151.412

Any agency that is required to prepare a case plan shall attempt to obtain an agreement among all parties, including, but not limited 

to, the parents, guardian, or custodian of the child, and the guardian ad litem of the child regarding the content of the case plan. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Admin. Code § 5101:2-39-11

For a child who is in his or her own home or an out-of-home care placement, the case plan shall include, but not be limited to, the 

following elements:

• The parties involved in the case plan and their individual responsibilities

• A statement of the goals and objectives to be achieved and the conditions in the home that must be improved to ensure the 

child will be safe and will receive proper care

• Anticipated timeframes for attainment of the goals and objectives

• Identification of services requested by, or that have been or will be offered or provided to, the child or his or her parent, 

guardian, or custodian to achieve the identified goals

• A discussion of the appropriateness of supportive services that will be or have been offered and provided under the court 

order for protective supervision to prevent removal of the child from his or her home

• Specification of case management, casework services, and/or if appropriate, therapeutic counseling

For each child placed in out-of-home care, the case plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following elements:

• Identification of the type of out-of-home care placement 

• An explanation of the appropriateness and safety of the placement 

• A statement of the reasonable efforts that were made or will be made to make it possible for the child to return to his or her 

home or a statement that reasonable efforts are not required 

• An explanation of the steps to be taken to ensure services are provided to the child and his or her parent, guardian, or 

custodian to do one of the following:

» Facilitate the return of the child to his or her parent, guardian, or custodian

» Locate a safe, planned permanent living arrangement for the child

• An explanation of the steps to be taken to ensure services are provided to the child and substitute caregiver to address the 

needs of the child while the child is in placement

• A schedule for regular and frequent visitation, including an explanation of the reason for any restrictions on location of visits 

or the need for supervision of visits, between the child and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian for children in temporary 

custody

• If the case plan goal is adoption or another planned permanent living arrangement, a discussion of the steps the agency is 

taking to do one of the following:

» Place the child with an adult relative who expresses an interest in adopting the child and meets all relevant State child 

protection standards

» Find an adoptive family for the child through child-specific recruitment efforts

» Identify a planned permanent living arrangement for the child

» Finalize the adoption or guardianship

• A discussion of why parental rights shall not be terminated 

• For a child age 16 or older, identification of the programs and services to assist the child to prepare for transition to 

independent living, if appropriate

Oklahoma 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-4-704

An individualized service plan shall be filed with the court within 30 days after a child has been adjudicated to be deprived. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-4-704

The treatment and service plan shall be based upon a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the child and family. The plan 

shall be developed with the participation of the parent, legal guardian, or custodian of the child; the attorney and guardian ad litem 

of the child, if any; the child’s Tribe, if applicable; and the child, if appropriate. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-4-704

The individualized service plan shall include, but not be limited to:

• A history of the child and family

• Identification of the problems or conditions leading to the deprived child adjudication

• The changes the parent must make in order for the child to safely remain in or return home

• Identification of time-limited reunification services to be provided to family members

• Identification of the specific services to be provided to the child

• The most recent available health and educational records of the child

• A schedule of the frequency of services and the means for delivery of those services

• Performance criteria that will measure the progress of the child and family toward completion of the plan, including 

timeframes for achieving objectives and addressing identified problems

If the child is placed outside the home, the individualized service plan shall further provide:

• The sequence and timeframe for services to be provided to facilitate the child’s return home or to another permanent 

placement

• A description of the child’s placement and whether the placement is the least restrictive, most familylike setting available and 

in as close proximity as possible to the home of the child’s family when the case plan is reunification, and how the placement is 

consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child

• Any services or resources that were requested by the child or the parent since the date of the child’s placement, and whether 

those services or resources were provided

• Efforts to be made by the parent of the child and the department to enable the child to return to his or her home 

• The independent living plan for a child age 16 or older that includes planning for education, employment, health care, medical 

coverage, transportation, money management, housing, social and recreational skills, and establishing and maintaining 

connections with the child’s family and community

• For a child in placement due to the child’s behavioral health or medical health issues, diagnostic and assessment information, 

specific services relating to meeting the behavioral health and medical care needs of the child, and desired treatment 

outcomes

• A plan and schedule for regular and frequent visitation for the child and the child’s parents and siblings, unless the court has 

determined that visitation, even if supervised, would be harmful to the child

• A plan for ensuring the educational stability of the child while in out-of-home placement, including: 

» Assurances that the placement of the child considers the appropriateness of the current educational setting and the 

proximity to the school in which the child was enrolled at the time of placement

» Where appropriate, an assurance that the department has coordinated with appropriate local educational agencies to 

ensure that the child remains in the school in which the child was enrolled at the time of placement

» If remaining in the school in which the child was enrolled at the time of placement is not in the best interests of the child, 

assurances by the department and the local educational agencies to provide immediate and appropriate enrollment in a 

new school with all of the educational records of the child provided to the school

• The permanency plan for the child, the reason for selection of that plan, and a description of the steps being taken by the 

department to finalize the plan
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Oregon 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 417.368; Admin. Rules § 413-040-0010

The Department of Human Services shall consider the use of a family decision-making meeting in each case in which a child is placed 

in substitute care for more than 30 days. When the department determines that the use of a family decision-making meeting is 

appropriate, the meeting shall be held, whenever possible, before the child has been in substitute care for 60 days. If the department 

elects not to conduct a family decision-making meeting, the reasons for that decision shall be clearly documented in the written 

service plan of the child developed by the department. 

In regulation: The caseworker must develop the case plan within 60 days of a child’s removal from home or within 60 days of the 

completion of the Child Protective Services (CPS) assessment, in cases where the child remains in the home of a parent or legal 

guardian. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 417.371; Admin. Rules § 413-040-0010

If the department determines that the use of a family decision-making meeting is appropriate, the department shall conduct and 

document reasonable inquiries to promptly locate and notify the parents, grandparents, and any other family member who has had 

significant, direct contact with the child in the year prior to the substitute care placement.

All family members notified by the department may attend the meeting unless the department determines that the safety of any 

attendee will be compromised by the attendance of any family member. 

The term ‘family member’ includes any person related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption, including, but not limited to, 

parents, grandparents, stepparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, cousins, or great-grandparents. ‘Family member’ also includes a 

child age 12 or older, or a child younger than age 12 when appropriate. 

In regulation: The persons involved with the department in the development of the case plan include the parents or legal guardians 

unless their participation threatens or places other participants at risk. Other participants may include the child, young adult, 

adoptive parents, an Indian custodian when applicable, other relatives, persons with significant attachments to the child or young 

adult, the substitute caregiver, and other professionals when appropriate. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 417.375; Admin. Rules § 413-040-0010

If the department conducts a family decision-making meeting, the meeting shall result in the development of a written family 

plan that may include a primary permanent plan, concurrent permanent plan, placement recommendations, and service 

recommendations. The family plan or service agreement also shall include:

• The expectations of the parents of the child and other family members

• Services the department will provide

• Timelines for implementation of the plan

• The benefits of compliance with the plan

• The consequences of noncompliance with the plan

• A schedule of subsequent meetings, if appropriate

The department shall incorporate the family plan developed at the family decision-making meeting into the department’s service 

plan for the child to the extent that the family plan protects the child, builds on family strengths, and is focused on achieving 

permanency for the child within a reasonable time.

If the family plan is not incorporated in the department’s service plan for the child, the department shall document the reasons in the 

service plan. 

In regulation: The case plan must include all of the following information:

• Family composition

• Safety threats identified in the CPS assessment

• The ongoing safety plan

• The findings of the protective capacity assessment

• Expected outcomes and actions that each parent is taking to achieve the expected outcomes

• Services to the child that include:

» The identified needs and services provided to any child placed in substitute care and the reasons the substitute care 

placement is the least restrictive placement to meet the child’s needs

» The child’s health information

» The child’s education services, education history, high school credits earned by a child older than age 14, and any special 

educational needs

» Services to transition the child to independent living in all cases when the child is age 16 or older

• Services the department will provide including:

» Case oversight and routine contact with the parents and the child

» Appropriate and timely referrals to services and service providers suitable to address identified safety threats or 

strengthen parental protective capacity

» Appropriate and timely referrals to services and service providers suitable to address the needs of the child

» Timely preparation of reports to the court or other service providers

» The date that the progress of the parents in achieving expected outcomes will be reviewed

When the child is in substitute care, the case plan must also include:

• Current placement information including:

» The location of the child and the substitute caregiver, except when doing so would jeopardize the safety of the child or 

substitute caregiver, or the substitute caregiver will not authorize release of the address

» Documentation that the child is receiving safe and appropriate care in the least restrictive environment able to provide 

safety and well-being for the child

• The child’s record of visits with his or her parents and siblings

• The permanency plan

• The conditions for return

• The concurrent permanent plan and the progress the department has made in implementing the concurrent permanent plan

As applicable, the caseworker must also include in the case plan:
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 417.375; Admin. Rules § 413-040-0010 (cont’d)

• The goals and activities required for an Indian child under the Indian Child Welfare Act or for a refugee child under the 

Refugee Act

• Recommendations of expert evaluations requested by the department whenever the recommendations may impact parental 

protective capacities or treatment services for the child 

• Diligent efforts to place the child with relatives and with siblings who are also in substitute care, maintain sibling connections, 

and keep siblings together 

• Orders of the court

Pennsylvania 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Admin. Code Tit. 55, § 3130.61 

Within 60 days of accepting a family for service, a written family service plan shall be developed for each family receiving services 

through the county agency. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Admin. Code Tit. 55, § 3130.61 

The county agency shall prepare the family service plan. The agency shall provide family members, including the child, his or her 

representatives, and service providers, the opportunity to participate in the development and amendment of the service plan if the 

opportunity does not jeopardize the child’s safety. The method by which these opportunities are provided shall be recorded in the 

plan. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Admin. Code Tit. 55, §§ 3130.61; 3130.67 

The service plan shall be a discrete part of the family case record and shall include: 

• Identifying information pertaining to both the child and other family members 

• A description of the specific circumstances under which the case was accepted 

• The service objectives for the family, identifying changes needed to protect children in the family in need of protection from 

abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to prevent their placement 

• The services to be provided to achieve the objectives of the plan 

• The actions to be taken by the parents, children, the county agency, or other agencies, and the dates when these actions will 

be completed 

• The results of family service plan reviews and placement reviews

If the child must be placed out of the home, the service plan also shall include: 

• A description of the circumstances that make placement necessary 

• To the extent available and accessible, health and educational information on the child that includes:

» The names and addresses of the child’s health and educational providers 

» The child’s school records and grade-level performance

» Assurances that the child’s placement in foster care takes into account proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled 

at the time of placement 

» A record of the child’s immunizations and medications 

» The child’s known medical problems, including the identification of known physical, mental, or emotional disabilities 

» Other relevant health and educational information concerning the child determined to be appropriate by the county 

agency

• An identification of the type of home or facility in which the child will be placed and the appropriateness of the placement, 

including how the placement setting is the least restrictive, most familylike setting available for the child, consistent with the 

best interests and special needs of the child

• A description of the service objectives that shall be achieved by the parents or child prior to reunification

• For every child age 16 or older, the appropriateness of providing programs and services to help the child prepare for transition 

from foster care to independent living

• An identification of services to be provided to the family, the child, and, if applicable, the foster family to achieve the goal for 

the child in placement and to ensure that the child receives proper care 

• An identification of the steps the county agency shall take to ensure that the service plan is implemented, including a 

schedule for a review of the status of each child 

• The schedule for visits between the child and parents, including frequency, location, and participants 

• A description of the services actually provided to the child and the parents to implement the plan and achieve the goal 

established for the child in placement 

• The results of placement reviews 

Puerto Rico 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Laws Tit. 8, §§ 444i; 447s 

A permanency plan must be drafted for each minor placed in a physical facility outside of his or her parental home according to 

his or her specific needs and situation, subject to review by the review board. The plan must be established immediately after the 

removal of the child from his or her home. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Laws Tit. 8, § 444i

The Department of the Family is responsible for drafting the plan. The father, mother, or person responsible for the welfare of the 

minor must be allowed to attend the meetings and to participate when the case is reviewed. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Laws Tit. 8, §§ 444; 447s

The term ‘permanency plan’ means the design and implementation of activities with the minor and his or her family geared to 

achieve the stability, safety, and best interests of the minor, taking into account the resources available.

The term ‘service plan’ means the systematic organization of the goals, objectives, and activities, expressed within a timeframe that 

results from a process of information gathering and evaluation based on the strong points of the family to meet their needs and that 

gives direction to the social care of the minor and his or her family. 

Department personnel shall make use of resources for the support of individuals, families, and the community, as well as internal and 

external resources of the department and other public and nongovernmental agencies, to improve the living conditions of families 

that may endanger the life and safety of a minor. The following elements may be included in the plan: 

• Services offered or provided by the department

• Support services offered to facilitate the willingness of the family to receive the services to which they were referred

• Visitation plan set up for the father and/or mother and the minor

• Timeframes for compliance with the service plan

Rhode Island 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Gen. Laws § 42-72-10; Code of Rules 03-007-001, Policy 700.0075

A written service plan for care and treatment shall be prepared for each child under the supervision of the Department of Children, 

Youth, and Families. 

In regulation: A written service plan is required for the care and treatment of each child under the department’s supervision. The 

service plan must be submitted within 30 days when there is a court finding of dependency, neglect, or abuse on a petition filed by 

the department.

Subsequent service plans are completed by the assigned primary service worker at 6 month intervals or within 30 days of a change in 

the permanency goal. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Code of Rules 03-007-001, Policy 700.0075

The primary service worker will obtain signatures on the service plan to confirm that all parties participated in the development, 

review, and revision of the plan and were provided the opportunity to agree or disagree with the content. The following individuals 

must sign the service plan:

• Parents or guardians

• Children age 12 or older (with capacity to participate)

• Primary service workers and supervisors

• Foster parents or provider agency representatives who are involved in the development of the service plan and are directly 

responsible to provide the services prescribed in the plan

• Department staff persons, other than the primary service worker, who are involved with the family

• Preadoptive parents in cases in which parental rights have been terminated and the child is in a preadoptive home in which 

the foster parents have initiated the adoption process
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Gen. Laws § 42-72-10; Code of Rules 03-007-001, Policy 700.0075

The service plan shall include, but not be limited to, a statement of the needs of each child and the proposed treatment and 

placement. If the plan is adoption or placement in another permanent home, the plan shall include documentation of the steps the 

department is taking to find an adoptive family or other permanent placement and to finalize permanency.

In regulation: A written service plan is required for the care and treatment of each child under the department’s supervision. The plan 

for the child must include information to determine the appropriateness of for out-of-home placement. In addition, the State must 

make reasonable efforts to place siblings removed from their home in the same foster care, adoption, or guardianship placement or 

facilitate visitation or ongoing contacts with those that cannot be placed together, unless it is contrary to the safety or well-being of 

any of the siblings. The plan must include:

• A plan for ensuring that the child receives safe and proper care and that appropriate services are provided

• To the extent available and accessible, the child’s health and education records

• When appropriate, for a child age 16 or older, a written description of the program and services that will help prepare the 

youth for the transition toward a self-sufficiency

• In the case of a child with respect to whom the permanency plan is adoption, guardianship, or another planned permanent 

living arrangement, documentation of the steps the agency is taking to find an adoptive family or other permanent living 

arrangement

The service plan is time-limited, individualized, and strength-based and addresses:

• How the family will mobilize their strengths and protective capacities to mitigate behaviors that contributed to child 

maltreatment

• The behavior changes needed to ensure the child’s safety, permanency, and well-being

• Action steps that will assist the family to reach the behavior change goal

Each plan includes an educational/medical statement that contains information that must be provided to the foster care provider 

when a child enters placement. Required information includes:

• Name and address of health and educational providers

• Grade-level performance

• School record

• A plan for educational stability, as follows:

» Assurances that the child’s placement takes into account the appropriateness of the current educational setting and the 

proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement

» Assurances that the department has coordinated with appropriate local educational agencies to allow the child to remain 

in the same school or, if remaining in that school is not in the child’s best interests, assurances that the department and the 

local educational agencies provide immediate and appropriate enrollment in a new school

• Records of the child’s immunizations, known medical problems, and medications

• Any other relevant health and education information concerning the child

Each plan includes a permanency goal specific to the family’s situation, including a projected date for achieving the identified 

permanency goal. For a child remaining at home, the permanency goal is maintenance of the child at home. For a child in placement, 

the initial permanency goal is reunification in nearly all situations with specific exceptions as approved by the court.

For each child age 16 or older, where appropriate, the service plan must include a written description of the programs and services 

that will help the youth prepare for the transition from foster care to independence. The plan must address the following:

• Housing

• Financial support

• Health care

• Education and vocation planning

• Procurement of necessary documents and a credit report

• Personal community support systems
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South Carolina 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Laws §§ 63-7-1670; 63-7-1680

Upon a finding that the child shall remain in the home and that protective services shall continue, a treatment plan must be prepared 

that is designed to alleviate any danger to the child and to aid the parents so that the child will not be endangered in the future. 

If the court orders that a child be removed from the custody of the parent or guardian, the court must approve a placement plan. A 

plan must be presented to the court for its approval at the removal hearing or within 10 days after the removal hearing. If the plan is 

presented subsequent to the removal hearing, the court shall hold a hearing on the plan if requested by a party. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Laws §§ 63-7-1670; 63-7-1680

The plan must be prepared by the department. To the extent possible, the plan must be prepared with the participation of the 

parents or guardian of the child, the child, and any other agency or individual that will be required to provide services in order to 

implement the plan. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Laws § 63-7-1680

The first section of the plan shall set forth the changes that must occur in the home and family situation before the child can be 

returned. These changes must be reasonably related to the reasons justifying removal of the child from the custody of the parents or 

guardian. This section of the plan must contain a notice to the parents or guardian that failure to make the indicated changes within 6 

months may result in termination of parental rights.

The second section of the plan shall set forth:

• Specific actions to be taken by the parents or guardian of the child

• Social or other services to be provided or made available to the parent or guardian of the child

This section of the plan must include timeframes for commencement or completion of specific actions or services. It must contain a 

notice to the parents or guardian that completion of the indicated actions will not result in return of the child unless the changes set 

forth in section one of the plan have occurred.

The third section of the plan shall set forth rights and obligations of the parents or guardian while the child is in custody, including, 

but not limited to:

• The responsibility of the parents or guardian for financial support of the child during the placement

• The visitation rights and obligations of the parents or guardian during the placement

This section of the plan must include a notice to the parents or guardian that failure to support or visit the child as provided in the 

plan may result in termination of parental rights. 

The fourth section of the plan must address matters relating to the placement of the child including, but not limited to, the following:

• The nature and location of the placement of the child unless there are compelling reasons for concluding that disclosure of the 

location of the placement to the parents, guardian, or other person would be contrary to the best interests of the child

• Visitation or other contact with siblings, other relatives, and other persons important to the child

• Social and other supportive services to be provided to the child and the foster parents, including counseling or other services 

to assist the child in dealing with the effects of separation from the child’s home and family

• The minimum number and frequency of contacts that a caseworker with the department will have with the child, which must 

be based on the particular needs and circumstances of the individual child but which must not be less than once a month for a 

child placed in this State

The placement must be as close to the child’s home as is reasonably possible unless there are compelling reasons for concluding 

that placement at a greater distance is necessary to promote the child’s well-being. In the absence of good cause to the contrary, 

preference must be given to placement with a relative or other person who is known to the child and who has a constructive and 

caring relationship with the child. 
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South Dakota 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Admin. Code §§ 67:42:09:17; 67:42:01:01

A case plan is to be developed within 30 days after the child’s placement in foster care. A ‘case plan’ is a written plan that explains 

the client’s social, psychological, medical, or economic problems; contains solutions to the problems; and describes the necessary 

steps and schedule to resolve the problems. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Admin. Code §§ 67:42:09:17; 67:42:01:01

The agency shall develop the service plan. The case plan is written in cooperation with a client. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Admin. Code § 67:42:09:17

The plan shall include:

• A statement of where the child is being placed and assurances that this placement is the least restrictive setting available for 

the child

• A statement regarding the necessity of the foster care placement

• A description of the services that are to be provided to the child and the child’s family to facilitate a permanent plan for the 

child

• Projected dates for attaining the established goals

The plan shall provide for:

• Continuing casework services to the child’s parents and to the child to prepare them for the child’s eventual return or to 

prepare them for other permanent plans being made for the child

• Continuing casework services to the child and the child’s foster parents as indicated in the child’s case plan

• A plan for the child’s social worker to visit the child and the child’s foster parents at least once a month

• Continuing contacts between the child’s parents and their children, unless parental rights have been terminated or either the 

court that has jurisdiction over the child or the child-placing agency that has been assigned care, custody, and control of the 

child has determined that the contacts would be detrimental to the child’s welfare

• Regular educational instruction for children of school age

• Closure of the case after a permanent plan has been established and services are no longer required

Tennessee 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code § 37-2-403

Within 30 days of the date of foster care placement, an agency shall prepare a plan of care or a permanency plan for each child in its 

foster care. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code § 37-2-403 

The agency shall prepare the plan. The plan shall be presented to the parent or guardian and approved by the court. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code § 37-2-403

The plan shall include a goal for each child of:

• Return of the child to his or her parent

• Permanent placement of the child with a fit and willing relative or relatives of the child

• Adoption, giving appropriate consideration to § 36-1-115(g), when applicable

• Permanent guardianship

• A planned permanent living arrangement

The permanency plan for any child in foster care shall include a statement of responsibilities between the parents, the agency, 

and the caseworker of such agency. Such statements shall include the responsibilities of each party in specific terms and shall be 

reasonably related to the achievement of the goal. 

In cases involving child abuse or child neglect, with such child being placed in foster care, the statement of responsibilities shall 

stipulate that the abusing or neglecting parent shall receive appropriate rehabilitative assistance through mental health consultation 

if so ordered by the court. 

The plan for a child who remains in foster care for 1 year may be modified to a long-term agreement between a foster parent and the 

agency charged with the care and custody of the child. Such agreements with foster parents shall include: 

• Appropriate arrangements for the child 

• Procedures for the termination of the agreement by either party when in the best interests of the child 

The statement of responsibilities on a permanency plan that is ordered by the court shall empower the State agency to select 

any specific residential or treatment placement or programs for the child according to the determination made by the agency, its 

employees, agents, or contractors. 

Texas 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Fam. Code § 263.101

A service plan must be filed no later than the 45th day after the date the court renders a temporary order appointing the department 

as temporary managing conservator of a child.

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Fam. Code § 263.102; Admin. Code Tit. 40, § 700.1321

The service plan shall be prepared by the department or other agency in conference with the child’s parents. 

In regulation: Child Protective Services must ask the following individuals to participate in developing the child’s service plan:

• The child’s caseworker in the conservatorship unit

• The caseworker supervising the placement, if different from the caseworker in the conservatorship unit

• The child, unless he or she is too young to participate

• The child’s parents, unless they:

» Cannot be located, despite due diligence

» Have had their parental rights terminated

» Refuse to participate

• The substitute caregiver (e.g., a relative, the foster parent, or a representative of the general residential operation in which the 

child is placed)

• Each person appointed by the court to serve as the child’s attorney ad litem, guardian ad litem, or court-appointed special 

advocate

• A prospective adoptive family with whom the child has been placed for adoption

• When appropriate, other family members, professionals, and volunteers who are or will be providing services to the child or 

the child’s family
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Fam. Code § 263.102

The service plan must:

• Be written in a language that the parents understand

• State appropriate deadlines

• State whether the goal of the plan is:

» The return of the child to the child’s parents

» The termination of parental rights and placement of the child for adoption

» Because of the child’s special needs or exceptional circumstances, the continuation of the child’s care out of the child’s 

home

• State the steps that are necessary to:

» Return the child to the child’s home if the placement is in foster care 

» Enable the child to remain in the child’s home with the assistance of a service plan if the placement is in the home under 

the department’s or other agency’s supervision 

» Provide a permanent safe placement for the child 

• State the actions and responsibilities that are necessary for the child’s parents to take to achieve the plan goal during the 

period of the service plan and the assistance to be provided to the parents from the department or other authorized agency 

toward meeting that goal 

• State any specific skills or knowledge that the child’s parents must acquire or learn, as well as any behavioral changes the 

parents must exhibit, to achieve the plan goal

• State the actions and responsibilities that are necessary for the child’s parents to take to ensure that the child attends school 

and maintains or improves the child’s academic compliance

• State the name of the person with the department or other agency whom the child’s parents may contact for information 

relating to the child if other than the person preparing the plan 

• Prescribe any other term or condition that the department or other agency determines to be necessary to the service plan’s 

success 

• Include a statement to the parent that failure to provide a safe environment for the child may result in termination of parental 

rights 

Utah 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code § 62A-4a-205

No more than 45 days after a child enters the temporary custody of the division, a child and family plan shall be finalized for the child. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code § 62A-4a-205

The Division of Child and Family Services may use an interdisciplinary team approach in developing each child and family plan. The 

interdisciplinary team shall include representatives from the following fields: 

• Mental health 

• Education 

• Law enforcement, if appropriate

The division may involve all of the following in the development of the child and family plan:

• Both of the child’s natural parents, unless the whereabouts of a parent are unknown

• The child

• The child’s foster parents 

• The child’s stepparent, if appropriate

• The child’s guardian ad litem, if one has been appointed by the court
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code § 62A-4a-205

Each child and family plan shall: 

• Specifically provide for the safety of the child in accordance with Federal law 

• Clearly define what actions or precautions will or may be necessary to provide for the health, safety, protection, and welfare of 

the child

The plan shall set forth, with specificity, at least the following: 

• The reason the child entered into the custody of the division 

• Documentation of the reasonable efforts made to prevent placement of the child in the custody of the division, or the 

emergency situation that existed and prevented reasonable efforts from being made 

• The primary permanency goal for the child and the reason for selection of that goal 

• The concurrent permanency goal for the child and the reason for the selection of that goal 

• If the plan is for the child to return to the child’s family: 

» Specifically what the parents must do to enable the child to be returned home 

» Specifically how those requirements may be accomplished 

» How those requirements will be measured 

• The specific services needed to reduce the problems that necessitated placing the child in the division’s custody 

• The name of the person who will provide and be responsible for case management 

• A schedule of parent time between the natural parent and the child, unless such parent-time is detrimental to the child

• The health and mental health care to be provided to address any known or diagnosed mental health needs of the child 

• If residential treatment rather than a foster home is the proposed placement, a requirement for a specialized assessment of 

the child’s health needs, including an assessment of mental illness and behavior and conduct disorders 

• Social summaries that include case history information pertinent to case planning 

The case plan shall address specific problems that keep a child in placement and keep a child from achieving permanence in his or 

her life. It shall be designed to minimize disruption to the normal activities of the child’s family, including employment and school. 

The division shall consider visitation with their grandparents for children in State custody if the division determines visitation to be in 

the best interest of the children and:

• There are no safety concerns regarding the behavior or criminal background of the grandparents.

• Allowing visitation would not compete with or undermine reunification goals.

• There is a substantial relationship between the grandparents and children.

• The visitation will not unduly burden the foster parents.

Vermont 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Family Services Div. Policies, Policy #69 and #125

When a social worker has been assigned to provide ongoing services to an intact family, he or she will complete an initial case plan 

with the family within 60 days of the date the family risk assessment was completed.

When the child’s custody has been transferred to the Department of Children and Families, the initial case plan must be completed 

within 6 weeks of custody. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 5121 

The department shall actively engage families, and solicit and integrate into the case plan the input of the child, the child’s family, 

relatives, and other persons with a significant relationship to the child. Whenever possible, parents, guardians, and custodians shall 

participate in the development of the case plan. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Code of Rules § 13-171-001; Family Services Div. Policies, Policy #125

The case plan is a written document developed by a family services social worker that identifies the family needs; sets forth goals to 

preserve, rehabilitate, or reunify the family; and documents goal progress.

In policy: The department offers a variety of services, both directly and by contract, designed to keep families together and meet 

important goals, including:

• Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the child

• Reinforcing or establishing a set of stable, nurturing relationships between the child and his or her primary family

• Preserving the primary family

When the child must be placed out of his or her home, a placement setting should be selected that is appropriate to the child’s 

needs. Whenever it meets the child’s or youth’s needs, and to the extent possible, the setting should be: 

• Familylike 

• In close proximity to the child’s family

• Within the child’s school district

• With siblings

• Consistent with the child’s cultural background

Virgin Islands 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code Tit. 5, § 2536; Code of Rules 05-201-000, § 2506-31

A plan for rehabilitative or ameliorative treatment shall be prepared within 90 days of receipt of the initial report of alleged child 

abuse or neglect.

In regulation: When necessary in the best interests of the child, the agency will suggest a plan for the child’s care and recommend 

that the court place the child in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code Tit. 5, § 2536

The Department of Social Welfare shall prepare the plan. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code Tit. 5, § 2536; Code of Rules 05-201-000, § 2506-31

The plan shall include services offered, accepted, or refused and the present status of the case. 

In regulation: The plan may include placement of the child in his or her own home under close agency supervision, placement in a 

foster home, or placement in any children’s institutions that may exist. 

Virginia 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code § 16.1-281

A foster care plan shall be prepared for a child in any case in which:

• A local board of social services places a child through an agreement with the parents or guardians where legal custody 

remains with the parents or guardian.

• Legal custody of a child is given to a local board of social services, a child welfare agency, or the local department of social 

services.

The individual family service plan developed by the family assessment and planning team pursuant to § 2.2-5208 may be accepted by 

the court as the foster care plan if it meets the requirements of this section. 

The plan must be filed with the juvenile and domestic relations district court within 45 days following the transfer of custody or the 

board’s or public agency’s placement of the child unless the court, for good cause shown, allows an extension of time that shall not 

exceed an additional 60 days. 
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Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code § 16.1-281

The local Department of Social Services or child welfare agency shall prepare the foster care plan.

The representatives of the department or agency shall involve the child’s parent(s) in the development of the plan, except when 

parental rights have been terminated or the local department or child welfare agency has made diligent efforts to locate the 

parent(s) and the parent(s) cannot be located, and any other person or persons standing in loco parentis at the time the board or 

child welfare agency obtained custody or the board placed the child.

The representatives of the department or agency shall involve the child in the development of the plan, if such involvement is 

consistent with the best interests of the child.

If either the parent or child is not involved in the development of the plan, the reasons why must be documented. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Code § 16.1-281

The foster care plan shall describe in writing: 

• The programs, care, services, and other support that will be offered to the child and his or her parents and other prior 

custodians 

• The participation and conduct that will be sought from the child’s parents and other prior custodians 

• The visitation and other contacts that will be permitted between the child and his or her parents and other prior custodians, 

and between the child and his or her siblings

• The nature of the placement or placements that will be provided for the child

• For school-age children, the school placement of the child

• For a child age 14 and older, the child’s needs and goals in the areas of counseling, education, housing, employment, and 

money management skills development, along with specific independent living services that will be provided to the child to 

help him or her reach these goals

In cases in which a foster care plan approved prior to July 1, 2011, identifies independent living as the goal for the child, and in 

cases involving children admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees who are age 16 or older and for whom the goal is 

independent living, the plan shall also describe the programs and services that will help the child prepare for the transition from 

foster care to independent living.

If consistent with the child’s health and safety, the plan shall be designed to support reasonable efforts to return the child to his or 

her parents or other prior custodians within the shortest practicable time, which shall be specified in the plan. The child’s health and 

safety shall be the paramount concern of the court and the agency throughout the placement, case planning, service provision, and 

review process. If the department or child welfare agency concludes that it is not reasonably likely that the child can be returned to 

his or her prior family within a practicable time, consistent with the best interests of the child, in a separate section of the plan the 

department, child welfare agency, or team shall (a) include a full description of the reasons for this conclusion; (b) provide information 

on the opportunities for placing the child with a relative or in an adoptive home; (c) design the plan to lead to the child’s successful 

placement with a relative if a subsequent transfer of custody to the relative is planned, or in an adoptive home within the shortest 

practicable time, and if neither of such placements is feasible; (d) explain why permanent foster care is the plan for the child or 

independent living is the plan for the child in cases involving children admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees who are 

age 16 or older and for whom the goal is independent living.
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Washington 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Rev. Code §§ 13.34.067; 13.34.136 

Following the shelter care hearing and no later than 30 days prior to the fact-finding hearing, the Department of Social and Health 

Services or supervising agency shall convene a case conference as required in the shelter care order to develop a written service 

agreement.

Whenever a child is ordered removed from the home, a permanency plan shall be developed no later than 60 days from the time 

the supervising agency assumes responsibility for providing services, including placing the child, or at the time of the disposition 

hearing, whichever occurs first. The permanency planning process continues until a permanency planning goal is achieved or 

dependency is dismissed. The planning process shall include reasonable efforts to return the child to the parent’s home. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Rev. Code § 13.34.067 

The case conference shall include the parent, counsel for the parent, caseworker, counsel for the State, guardian ad litem, counsel for 

the child, and any other person agreed upon by the parties.

If a case conference is convened and the parent is unable to participate in person due to incarceration, the parent must have the 

option to participate through the use of a teleconference or videoconference. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Rev. Code §§ 13.34.067; 13.34.136 

The written service agreement shall specify the expectations of the department or supervising agency and the parent regarding 

voluntary services for the parent. The expectations in the service agreement must correlate with the court’s findings at the shelter 

care hearing. The agreement must set forth specific services to be provided to the parent.

The permanency plan shall include:

• A permanency plan of care that shall identify one of the following outcomes as a primary goal and possible additional 

outcomes as alternative goals:

» Return of the child to his or her home

» Adoption

» Guardianship

» Permanent legal custody

» Long-term relative or foster care until the child is age 18, with a written agreement between the parties and the care 

provider

» Successful completion of a responsible living skills program

» Independent living, if appropriate and if the child is age 16 or older

• Unless the court has ordered that a termination petition be filed, a specific plan for where the child will be placed, what steps 

will be taken to return the child home, what steps the supervising agency or the department will take to promote existing 

appropriate sibling relationships and/or facilitate placement together or contact in accordance with the best interests of each 

child, and what actions the department or supervising agency will take to maintain parent-child ties

• The services the parents will be offered to enable them to resume custody, the requirements the parents must meet to resume 

custody, and a time limit for each service plan and parental requirement, including: 

» If the parent is incarcerated, how the parent will participate in planning meetings; receive treatment that reflects the 

resources available at the facility where the parent is confined; and have visitation opportunities 

» If a parent has a developmental disability, the reasonable efforts needed to consult with the Developmental Disabilities 

Administration to create an appropriate plan for services

• A plan for visitation between the child and the parent, in cases in which visitation is in the child’s best interests

• A plan to place the child as close to the child’s home as possible, preferably in the child’s own neighborhood, unless the court 

finds that placement at a greater distance is necessary to promote the child’s or parents’ well-being

• A statement as to whether both in-State and, where appropriate, out-of-State placement options have been considered by the 

department

• Whenever practical, a plan to ensure the child remains enrolled in the school the child was attending at the time the child 

entered foster care, unless it is not in the child’s best interests

• A statement that the supervising agency or department will provide all reasonable services that are available within the 

department or the community, or those services that the department has existing contracts to purchase

• If the court has ordered that a termination petition be filed, a specific plan as to where the child will be placed, what steps will 

be taken to achieve permanency for the child, services to be offered or provided to the child, and, if visitation would be in the 

child’s best interests, a recommendation to the court regarding visitation between parent and child pending a fact-finding 

hearing on the termination petition

The department or supervising agency shall not be required to develop a plan of services for the parents or provide services to the 

parents if the court orders a termination petition be filed. However, reasonable efforts to ensure visitation and contact between 

siblings shall be made unless there is reasonable cause to believe the best interests of the child or siblings would be jeopardized. 
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West Virginia 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Code § 49-6D-3 

The Department of Health and Human Resources shall develop a unified child and family case plan for every family wherein a person 

has been referred to the department after being allowed an improvement period or where the child is placed in foster care. The case 

plan must be filed within 60 days of the child coming into foster care or within 30 days of the inception of the improvement period, 

whichever occurs first. The department also may prepare a case plan for any person who voluntarily seeks child abuse and neglect 

services from the department or who is referred to the department by another public agency or private organization. The case plan 

provisions shall comply with Federal law and the rules of procedure for child abuse and neglect proceedings. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Code § 49-6D-3 

The department shall convene a multidisciplinary treatment team, which shall develop the case plan. Parents, guardians, or 

custodians shall participate fully in the development of the case plan, and the child also shall fully participate if he or she is 

sufficiently mature and the child’s participation is otherwise appropriate. 

Contents of a Case Plan 

Foster Care Policy § 4.3 

The case plan requires the following information:

• A description of the type of home or facility where the child is to be placed

• A discussion of the safety and appropriateness of the placement

• A discussion of whether the placement is the least-restrictive, most familylike available and in the close proximity to the 

parent’s home

• If the child is placed a substantial distance from the home of the parents or in a different State, a discussion of why the 

placement is in the child’s best interests

• A description of how the child will receive safe and proper care in this placement

• A description of the child’s educational plan, whether he or she has remained in the same school he or she was attending at 

the time of removal, and how educational stability will be achieved

• A description of the services that are to be provided to the parents, child, and foster parents in order to improve the 

conditions in the parents’ home to facilitate the return of the child to his or her home or to secure a permanent placement for 

the child

• A discussion of the services that will be provided to the child while in foster care in order to address the specific needs of the 

child

• A discussion of the appropriateness of the services that have been provided to the child

• A listing of the child’s siblings and their locations and the date of the court order sanctioning separation, if applicable

• A description of the parents’ ability to contribute to the cost of placement

• The recommended visitation plan

• Documentation of the efforts to ensure that the child is returned home within the approximate time lines set out in the plan

• Documentation of the concurrent efforts to achieve permanency should the services designed to achieve reunification be 

deemed unsuccessful 

• If return home is not the permanency plan for the child, a statement of why reunification is not appropriate that specifies 

in detail the alternative placement for the child, including approximate time lines for when such placement is expected to 

become a permanent placement

• In the case of a child whose permanency plan is adoption or placement in another permanent home, documentation of the 

steps being taken to find a permanent living arrangement, including child specific recruitment efforts

• A written description of the programs and services that will help children age 14 and older prepare for the transition from 

foster care to independence

• Documentation of an age-appropriate plan for the child that educates him or her about family planning, pregnancy 

prevention, sexually transmitted infections, and other issues related to healthy sexual development

• For a child who self-identifies as being sexually active, documentation of the supportive counseling offered to the child on the 

issues of abstinence and healthy sexual development

• Documentation of the child’s health and education background and progress, including all medical appointments, counseling, 

individual education plans, school conferences, etc.
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Wisconsin 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 48.38

A permanency plan is required for each child living in a foster home, group home, residential care center for children and youth, 

juvenile detention facility, shelter care facility, or supervised independent living arrangement.

A plan is required if any of the following conditions exists:

• The child is being held in physical custody under §§ 48.207, 48.208, or 48.209.

• The child is in the legal custody of the agency.

• The child is under the supervision of an agency under § 48.64(2), under a consent decree under § 48.32(1)(b), or under a court 

order under § 48.355.

• The child was placed under a voluntary agreement between the agency and the child’s parent under § 48.63(1)(a) or (5)(b).

• The child is under the guardianship of the agency.

• The child’s care would be paid for under § 49.19.

• The child’s parent is placed in a foster home, group home, residential care center for children and youth, juvenile detention 

facility, shelter care facility, or supervised independent living arrangement, and the child is residing with that parent.

The agency shall file the permanency plan with the court within 60 days after the date on which the child was first removed from his 

or her home, except that if the child is held for less than 60 days in a juvenile detention facility, juvenile portion of a county jail, or a 

shelter care facility, no permanency plan is required if the child is returned to his or her home within that period. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 48.38

The agency that placed the child or arranged the placement or the agency assigned primary responsibility for providing services to 

the child under § 48.355(2)(b)6g shall prepare a written permanency plan. 
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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 48.38

The permanency plan shall include the following:

• The date on which the child was removed from his or her home and was placed in out-of-home care

• A description of the services offered and provided to prevent the removal of the child from home and to achieve the goal of 

the permanency plan

• The basis for the decision to place the child outside of his or her home

• A statement as to the availability of a safe and appropriate placement with a fit and willing relative of the child or why such 

placement is not safe or appropriate

• If the child has one or more siblings who also have been removed from home, a description of the efforts made to place the 

siblings in a joint placement and, if a decision is made not to place the siblings in a joint placement, a statement as to why 

a joint placement would be contrary to the safety or well-being of the child or any of those siblings and a description of the 

efforts made to provide for frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction between the child and those siblings

• The location and type of facility in which the child is currently placed or will be placed

• If the child is living more than 60 miles from home, documentation that placement within 60 miles of the child’s home is either 

unavailable or inappropriate or that placement more than 60 miles away is in the child’s best interests

• Information about the child’s education, including: 

» The name and address of the child’s current school 

» Any special education programs in which the child is or was previously enrolled

» The child’s grade level and grade-level performance

» A summary of all available education records

• If the child must change schools as a result of the placement, documentation that a placement that would maintain the child in 

that school is either unavailable or inappropriate or that a transfer to another school would be in the child’s best interests 

• Medical information relating to the child, including the child’s immunization record, medications, and any known allergies

• A description of the services that will be provided to the child, the child’s family, foster parent, or relative caregiver, including 

services planned to accomplish all of the following:

» Ensure proper care and treatment of the child and promote safety and stability in the placement

» Meet the child’s physical, emotional, social, educational, and vocational needs

» Improve the conditions of the parents’ home to facilitate the safe return of the child

• The goal of the permanency plan

• If the goal of the permanency plan is to place the child for adoption, with a guardian, with a fit and willing relative, or in some 

other alternative permanent placement, the efforts made to achieve that goal

• The conditions, if any, upon which the child will be returned safely home, including any changes required in the parents’ 

conduct, the child’s conduct, or the nature of the home

• If the child is age 15 or older, an independent living plan describing the programs and services that are or will be provided to 

assist the child in preparing for the transition to independent living

• If the child is an Indian child who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian, all of the following:

» The name, address, and telephone number of the Indian child’s Indian custodian and Tribe

» A description of the remedial services and rehabilitation programs offered in an effort to prevent the breakup of the Indian 

child’s family

» A statement as to whether the Indian child’s placement is in compliance with the order of placement preference under 

§ 48.028 and, if the placement is not in compliance with that order, a statement as to whether there is good cause for 

departing from that order
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Wyoming 

When Case Plans Are Required 

Ann. Stat. § 14-3-427; Code of Rules 049-240-002, § 7

The Department of Family Services shall develop a case plan for a child when there is a recommendation to place the child outside of 

the home. 

No later than 5 business days prior to the dispositional hearing, the multidisciplinary team shall file with the court the 

multidisciplinary team report that shall include the team’s recommendations and the department case plan. 

In regulation: A written case plan shall be completed within 60 days of out-of-home placement or 30 days of the conclusion of 

the investigation or assessment, whichever occurs first, on all cases that remain open for services. A concurrent plan also may be 

developed. 

Who May Participate in the Case Planning Process 

Ann. Stat. § 14-3-427

After a petition is filed alleging a child is neglected, the court shall order the department to make a predisposition study and 

report. While preparing the study, the department shall consult with the child’s school and school district to determine the child’s 

educational needs. 

Within 10 days after a petition is filed alleging a child is neglected, the court shall appoint a multidisciplinary team. The 

multidisciplinary team shall include the following: 

• A representative of the school district who has direct knowledge of the child and, if the child receives special education, is a 

member of the child’s individualized education plan team 

• The child’s psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health professional 

• The district attorney or his or her designee 

• The child’s attorney or guardian ad litem, if one is appointed by the court 

• The volunteer lay advocate, if one is appointed by the court 

• The foster parent 

In addition to the persons above, the court may appoint one or more of the following persons to the multidisciplinary team: 

• The child 

• A relative 

• If the predispositional study indicates a parent or child has special needs, an appropriate representative of the Department of 

Health’s Substance Abuse, Mental Health, or Developmental Disabilities Division who has knowledge of the services available 

in the State’s system of care that are pertinent to those identified needs 

• Other professionals or persons who have particular knowledge relating to the child or his or her family, or expertise in 

children’s services and the child or parent’s specific disability or special needs, including linguistic and cultural needs 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

Administration for Children and Families 

Administration on Children, Youth and Families 

Children’s Bureau

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Contents of a Case Plan 

Ann. Stat. § 14-3-427; Code of Rules 049-240-002, § 7

The study and report of the Department of Family Services shall cover: 

• The performance of the child in school, including whether the child received special education service and how his or her 

goals and objectives might be affected by the court’s disposition 

• The presence of child abuse and neglect or domestic violence histories, past acts of violence, learning disabilities, cognitive 

disabilities, or physical impairments, and the necessary services to accommodate the disabilities and impairments 

• The presence of any mental health or substance abuse risk factors, including current participation in counseling, therapy, or 

treatment 

• Other matters relevant to treatment of the child, including any pertinent family information, or proper disposition of the case, 

including any information required by § 21-13-315(d) 

The multidisciplinary team shall review the child’s personal and family history, school records, mental health records, the records 

maintained by the department, and any other pertinent information, for the purpose of making case planning recommendations. To 

the extent appropriate, the team shall involve the child in the development of the recommendations.

In regulation: The case plan shall be based on:

• The safety assessment and plan

• Risk assessment

• The service needs of the child and family

The department shall provide services consistent with the case plan.