Arkansas Administrative Code › Agency 016 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES › Division 15 - Children and Family Services › Rule 016.15.10-003 - Changes to Policy and Publications

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 6, June, 2024
Why am I here?
Being separated from your home and family is a big deal. But
				it's important for you to know that it's not your fault. You have the right to
				be healthy and safe in your home. Your parents have a responsibility to take
				good care of you. When this isn't happening, people from the Division of
				Children and Family Services (DCFS) (check the glossary) and the Courts will
				get involved to help you and your family. While you're away from your home, you
				will live with a temporary family who will take care of you. This is called
				foster care.
Is it normal to feel this way?
It can be difficult being separated from your family, moving to
				a new place, meeting new people, changing schools-even under the best of
				circumstances. You might be confused, relieved, angry, sad, scared, or you
				might not even know how you feel. All of these are completely natural. In fact,
				these are the same ways that youth all over the country say they felt on their
				first days in foster care, too.
If things weren't very good in your old home-if you were abused
				or neglected-it can be easy to feel like you somehow deserved it, or that
				there's something wrong with you. Nothing could be further from the truth.
You, just like everybody else, are loved and deserve to be safe and
				happy.
Some of these feelings will go away, or change. Some will take
				longer than others to work through and figure out. The important thing is not
				to worry about it! Remember, you don't have to handle everything by yourself.
				Talking about how you're feeling can help a lot, so be sure to share what
				you're going through with your therapist, your caseworker, or anyone else you
				trust. And if you want to talk with other youth in foster care who've gone
				through some of the same things you have, don't forget about FosterClub.com and
				your Youth Advisory Board. We'll talk more about them later.
When I first entered into foster care I was five years old. I
				had no idea about what was going to happen or even if I was going to see my
				parents again. I can tell you if you're scared, it's normal and it's ok. I also
				want you to know that it will get better. Enjoy it as much as you can. You're
				only in foster care because they want to help you.
[DIAMOND]Alyssa, Morrilton[DIAMOND]
Who's here to help me?
While the reasons for your removal can be complicated, there
				are a lot of people who are here to help.
Your
caseworker
is the DCFS person whose job it is
				to look out for you. If you are placed in a different county from your "home"
				county, you may also have a
secondary caseworker
. Both your
				primary and secondary caseworkers will help you understand why you are here.
				Every situation is different so you should talk to your caseworker about why
				you are in foster care. In your first month in foster care or when you move to
				a new foster home, your caseworker must visit you each week. After the first
				month, your caseworker must visit you once a month in your foster home. Your
				caseworker must also contact you every week by person or by phone. He or she
				will work with you and your family to make a case plan (look in the glossary
				for more info). The goal of the
case plan
is to make your home
				safe and healthy again so that you can return. Sometimes, though, this isn't
				possible, and your caseworker will work to find another permanent family for
				you. This can be with a relative or someone else who will love and care for
				you.
Your
attorney ad litem
(AAL) is the person who
				will represent you in court. It is their job to make sure that your legal
				rights are protected. They will help you better understand your rights and the
				legal process.
Sometimes, you may also have a
CASA
volunteer.
				CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. This is a person from the
				community who volunteers to help you while you are in foster care. They will
				spend time with you and get to know you so they can help the judge understand
				how you feel and what you want. Every case is different, so not everyone has a
				CASA. But if you don't have one and you think you'd like one, be sure to ask
				the judge if it's possible.
You may also have a
therapist
. This person is here
				to listen to you and talk with you. They are specially trained to help you deal
				with your emotions in a healthy way.
You will also have a
Transitional Services
				Coordinator
who will help you with your transitional plan (which we will
				talk about later). It's your coordinator's job to help prepare you for life as
				an adult.
Young teens coming into foster care need to realize that it
				will be very difficult in the beginning, but I promise, it does get better.
				When I came into foster care I was very upset and didn't want to cooperate with
				anybody. But after a couple months living with my foster parents, I have grown
				to love them as if they were my own Mom and Dad. In my situation, I chose to
				stay in foster care and hopefully pursue my dreams with them, rather than live
				with my original parents. Teens who just arrive in foster care think it's so
				horrible and they'll never be happy, but if it turned out well for me, it could
				turn out well for anyone.
[DIAMOND]Rachel, Yellville[DIAMOND]
Where will I live?
While you are away from your family, there are different places
				where you might live. These are called placements.
In a
Family Foster Home
, you will live with a
				temporary family who will take care of you. You will have a foster mom or a
				foster dad or both. You may have foster brothers and sisters. You might also
				live in a foster home that is considered
Therapeutic Foster Care
				(TFC)
. TFC foster parents are specially trained to help youth who are
				dealing with emotional and behavioral issues.
If you have a relative who is willing and able to take care of
				you, you have a right to live with them. This is called a
Provisional
				Family Foster Home
. Tell your caseworker if you know of any relatives
				who might want to be your Provisional Foster Family.
When you first come into care, you might stay at an
Emergency Shelter.
These facilities care for youth on a short-term
				basis. You might live in a
Residential Facility
, sometimes called
				a
Group Home
. This is a home or facility where a number of
				unrelated youth live with
house parents
(check the glossary) or
				staff who will care for you. There are different types of group homes. Some are
				Christian. Some are private and some are run by the state. If you have
				emotional and behavioral difficulties, you may be placed in a
Residential
				Treatment Facility
where specially trained staff can help meet your
				needs.
When will I see my family?
You have the right to spend time with your parents every week
				unless the judge decides that it is not in your best interest. You can also
				write them and call them. You have a right to live with your siblings while you
				are in foster care. Sometimes this may not happen because either DCFS or the
				Courts believe that it is not in your best interest or it is not currently
				possible for you and all of your siblings to be placed together. In these
				situations, it is DCFS's job to keep trying to find a place where you and your
				siblings can all live together.
If you and your siblings have been placed in different homes,
				you have the right to spend time with them at least every other week. There are
				some exceptions. If your sibling has been placed in a residential treatment
				facility or in a different state, you may not be able to see them as often. You
				also have the right to spend time with other relatives such as your
				grandparents and great-grandparents as long as the Courts approve. Talk to your
				caseworker about spending time your family.
Will just anyone know I am in foster
				care?
No!
You can tell people but this is your personal
				information and DCFS will protect your right to privacy. Only the people
				involved in your case-including school officials and medical professionals-will
				have access to your personal information.
What are my rights?
Be your own advocate!
(Check the glossary.) The
				most important right you have is to know your rights. When you know your
				rights, you can be a stronger advocate for yourself. Speak up. Voice your
				concerns. Ask questions. Talk to your primary or secondary caseworker, AAL,
				CASA, or therapist. They are here to help you!
Your rights include...
You have the right
to receive love, protection,
				nurturance, and support until you reach adulthood.
You have the right
to live with a willing and
				appropriate relative.
You have the right
to live with your siblings
				(there are some exceptions, though-look in the section
When can I see my family?
)
You have the right
to be free from harm, neglect,
				and abuse.
You have the right
to receive a quality
				education.
You have the right
to receive physical care and
				medical attention.
You have the right
to enjoy life with a
				family.
You have the right
to receive constructive
				discipline.
You have the right
to grow into an independent and
				self-sufficient young adult.
You have the right
to appeal a change in placement
				and request assistance from your AAL or CASA.
You have the right
to speak with your
				caseworker.
You have the right
to be represented by legal
				counsel.
You have the right
to choose your own religion and
				beliefs.
You have the right
to choose your own friends and
				participate in activities that are important to you.
You have the right
to privacy.
You have the right
to be involved in your case
				plan.
You have the right
to understand what's going on
				in your life.
You have the right
to have a childhood and "be a
				kid."
What laws protect me and other youth in foster
				care?
The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of
				1997
-This is a federal law that puts emphasis on the importance of the
				health and safety of children and youth in foster care. It also helps make it
				easier for children with special needs to be adopted.
Fostering Connection to Success and Increasing Adoptions
				Act of 2008
-This is a federal law that is helping children and youth in
				foster care by promoting permanent families for them through relative
				guardianship and adoption and improving education and health care. The law also
				extends federal support for youth to age 21 and increases their opportunities
				for success when they finally leave care.
Act 391 of 2009
-This is an Arkansas law that
				created the
Transitional Plan
which is a way for youth in foster
				care to be involved in planning for their future. It also allows youth to stay
				in care past the age of 18 if they are in an educational program or if they are
				employed for a certain number of hours.
Act 1311 of 2009
-This is an Arkansas law that
				requires DHS to notify the grandparents and other relatives that a youth has
				been placed in foster care thus giving relatives an opportunity to be involved
				in the case, visit the youth, and/or have the youth live with them.
What do I do when there's a problem?
Sometimes you might get frustrated if you encounter a problem
				and you feel like you aren't getting what you need. Share your frustration with
				your primary or secondary caseworker and give them a chance to address your
				concerns. If the problem continues and you feel like you're not being heard,
				call the DCFS Client Advocate at 501.683.2735.
This is my second time back in foster care and I've been in
				care for a year and ten months. My first moments were scary. I didn't know what
				to think, where I would go, or how things were going to be. I thought I was
				going to be in a world where people hurt and let you down. But that's not
				always the case. You will be taken care of. Be more open. Speak up. Voice your
				opinions. It was hard for me, but I encourage you to not be scared and voice
				how you feel.
[DIAMOND]Raven, Little Rock[DIAMOND]
What if I need something?
Ask.
Your foster family receives a monthly board
				payment to help meet your needs, like food, clothing, and school supplies. This
				also goes to providing you with an allowance. In addition, in November you will
				be given some extra money to buy holiday gifts for your family and friends. If
				you need extra money for something special like camp or a field trip, your
				foster parents can ask DCFS to help you pay for it. You can go to the doctor or
				dentist when you need to.
The most important thing to remember is that you can talk to
				your foster parents and caseworker about what you want or need.
Never forget yesterday, but always live for today because you
				never know what tomorrow can bring or what it can take away.
[DIAMOND]Amanda, Benton[DIAMOND]
Who else is here to help?
While DCFS and the Courts have an official responsibility to
				you, there are lots of other organizations with lots of people who can help
				you, too, with whatever you need.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
				1-800-273 -TALK (8255)/
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Are you feeling desperate, alone or hopeless? Call the National Suicide
				Prevention Lifeline. It's
a free, 24-hour hotline
available to
				anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call will be routed to
				the nearest crisis center to you. Call for yourself or someone you care about.
				It's free and confidential.
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
				1-800-799 -SAFE (7233)/
www.nvdh.org
Help is available to callers
24 hours a day, 365 days a
				year
. Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on
				their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and
				referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
				Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more
				than 170 languages through interpreter services. If you or someone you know is
				frightened about something in your relationship, please call the National
				Domestic Violence Hotline.
National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-RUNAWAY
/
www.1800runaway.org
Call if you are a teenager who is thinking of running from
				home, if you have a friend who has run and is looking for help, or if you are a
				runaway ready to go home. The
24-hour crisis line
has an
				experienced front-line team member ready to help you now. They provide crisis
				intervention and travel assistance to runaways. They provide information and
				local referrals to adolescents and families. They give referrals to shelters
				nationwide. They also relay messages to, or set up conference calls with,
				parents at the request of the youth.
National Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-442-HOPE
				(4673)
Provides counseling and referrals to local drug treatment
				centers, shelters, and counseling services. Responds to youth dealing with
				pregnancy, molestation, suicide, and child abuse.
Operates 24 hours,
				seven days a week.
Boys Town/Girls Town National Hotline
:
1-800-448-3000
/
www.boystown.org
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
this hotline
				is staffed by specially trained counselors who can help with suicide
				prevention, sexual abuse, parenting troubles, anger, physical abuse, school
				issues, chemical dependency, relationship problems, depression, emotional
				abuse, and runaways.
Nationwide RAINN National Rape Crisis Hotline:
				800-656-4673/
www.rainn.org
This nationwide partnership of more than 1,100 local rape
				treatment hotlines provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential
				services around the clock.
BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse):
www.bacausa.com
BACA is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide aid,
				comfort, safety, and support for children who have been sexually, physically,
				and emotionally abused. BACA is dedicated to the principle that one of the
				basic rights of childhood is to be safe and protected. When the child's family
				and environment have failed them, BACA stands ready to provide it for them.
				BACA is a strong organization of dedicated individuals who are willing to
				sacrifice any and all to protect and secure a child's basic right to a happy
				childhood.
FosterClub
FosterClub is the national network for young people in foster
				care-a place to turn for advice, information, and hope.
Being placed in foster care can be a chaotic and anguishing
				experience for a young person. FosterClub is dedicated to providing a peer
				support network for children and youth in foster care. Further, FosterClub
				believes that the experiences young people have in foster care place them in a
				position to effect change within the system, inform and motivate their peers,
				build public awareness and create public will for improved care for abused and
				neglected children.
FosterClub is about providing youth a voice within the system
				that so heavily impacts their lives. Whether advocating on their own behalf, in
				concern for siblings or family members, or speaking out on behalf of their
				513,000 peers currently in the system, FosterClub's websites, publications and
				events provide a youth-friendly network which helps the voices of young people
				to be heard.
FosterClub is dedicated to providing the tools, training and
				forum to help young people secure a brighter future for themselves and the
				foster care system. Join today at
www.fosterclub.com
!
Helpful suggestions from Toby at FosterClub
Friends.
Don't lose connection! Some of the best
				people that I knew, I lost connections with because I don't speak to them
				anymore. I miss them a lot. I regret not keeping communication with some of
				them.
Moving.
Many foster youth tend to move very often.
				At times they are unable to take everything they want with them on such a short
				notice. It really sucks that people have to think in a mind setting where they
				could be moved any day. But realistically, if you know you might be moving,
				think of the stuff that you want to take with you, wherever you may go.
School.
I know that personally I moved from school
				to school very often. Let your voice be heard, and talk about staying in the
				same school district! I, on occasion, moved from school district to school
				district, and I was very lucky to graduate on time.
Documents.
DOCUMENTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT! Your
				State ID, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, etc. are very important
				wherever you are in life. If you have them in your possession, great! Don't
				lose them.
Employment.
If you have a job, try to stay with
				it! I know personally that on many times in my life I had to quit a job because
				of my foster care situation. Don't bury yourself in that hole!
Keep a positive attitude!
In general, life can get
				you down. This is especially true for foster youth and/or anyone aging out of
				the system. Keeping a positive attitude will make things run a bit smoother.
				Promise!
Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
The Arkansas Youth Advisory Board (aka YAB) is made up of a
				group of foster youth between the ages of 16-21 who have been in Arkansas's
				foster care system for any length of time. The current and former foster youth
				are a responsible, mature, and respectful group of youth who represent your
				wants, goals, and needs.
Our goal is to better the foster care system as a whole in the
				State of Arkansas. We advocate, mentor, and represent youth in foster care not
				only in Arkansas, but also on a national level.
A board member will be available to talk to you upon your
				request-just ask your transitional services coordinator. Anything said to a
				board member is strictly confidential unless it is going to harm you or someone
				else. If the board member feels that what you have shared would benefit you, he
				or she may ask your permission to share it with your coordinator.
If you would like to know more about the Youth Advisory Board,
				or you would like to know more about how you can get involved just ask your
				case worker or your coordinator.
What are DCFS's responsibilities to me?
It's DCFS's job to:
1.
			 Find the best place for you to live while you are in foster care. This means
			 finding a family foster home, relative foster home, or other care facility that
			 best meets your needs in the least restrictive environment and is close to your
			 family to make it easier to stay in contact (as long as you can still be
			 safe).
2. Make sure you have
			 planned, regular visits with your family and relatives.
3. Provide you with the opportunity to
			 practice your faith and participate in the religious activities of your
			 choice.
4. Give you honest
			 information regarding your case and any DCFS or Court decision affecting
			 you.
5. Protect your rights (check
			 out the section
What are my rights?
).
6. Involve you in your case planning,
			 conferences, staffings, and court hearings whenever possible.
7. Keep a record of your legal documents such
			 as birth certificate, social security card, and court orders for you while
			 you're in care.
8. Communicate with
			 your school about what's going on in your life to make sure you're getting what
			 you need while you're in school.
9.
			 Help you return to your family if it is in your best interest or find a new
			 family with relatives or adoptive parents if you cannot safely return
			 home.
10. Support you as you grow
			 up, and help you learn skills you need to live a productive and satisfying
			 life.
What are DCFS's responsibilities to my
				bio-family?
1. Offer and
			 provide services that will help keep your family together.
2. Let you and your parents know why it was
			 necessary to temporarily move you and place you with a foster family.
3. Not judge or criticize your family.
			 Acknowledge that your family is part of your life.
4. Let your family know how they can still be
			 involved in your life while you are in foster care.
5. Let your family know what they must do to
			 have you return home.
6. Include
			 your family when creating the case plan.
7. Give your family every possible support
			 and service for achieving the goals of your case plan to help you return
			 home.
8. Return you to your family
			 if and when the necessary changes or conditions required by the court have been
			 made.
What responsibilities does my bio-family
				have?
1. Provide any and all
			 important information about you and your family to DCFS.
2. Tell your caseworker about any special
			 needs you have, including health conditions, school information, and important
			 family customs or cultural practices.
3. Participate in staffings and court
			 hearings.
4. Work with your
			 caseworker to create a plan that will help you return home.
5. Participate in the services to support the
			 case plan goals and work on achieving the goals.
6. Be involved, as often as possible, in your
			 medical appointments or social or religious activities.
7. Keep in contact with your caseworker and
			 keep them updated on what they are doing to achieve the goals of the case
			 plan.
8. Maintain contact and
			 communication with you and keep appointments to visit with you.
9. Talk to your caseworker or lawyer if they
			 have any concerns.
10. Provide
			 financial support for you. The court will decide how much they need to
			 pay.
11. Let DCFS know as soon as
			 possible if they wish to give up their rights as a parent and end their
			 relationship with you.
Some tips to help you through foster
				care...
Be calm and respectful. It will pay off!
Know that you are not alone!
Find out who your case worker is and get his or her contact
				info.
Be patient and try to ask lots of questions.
Try to be positive and be very honest!
[DIAMOND]Shady, Fort Smith[DIAMOND]
Court Process
Because the Court makes most of the decisions regarding you and
				your family, it is important that you understand the court process, which will
				include multiple court hearings. If, at any time, you have questions regarding
				the court process, talk to your caseworker, AAL, or CASA.
Reports and Investigation -
The Arkansas State
				Police (ASP) investigate all reports of severe maltreatment and are required by
				law to initiate these investigations within 24 hours of receiving a report.
				Severe maltreatment includes things such as sexual abuse, broken bones, and
				internal injuries. DCFS investigates all other types of maltreatment reports
				and must do so within 72 hours.
Emergency Removal -
DCFS and ASP have the right to
				remove a youth from his or her home for up to 72 hours without notifying the
				parents if they believe the youth's health or safety are at risk. Most
				emergency removals occur as a result of a report to the Child Abuse Hotline.
				During this time, a youth will stay with a foster family.
Emergency (Probable Cause) Hearing -
The emergency
				hearing must be held within five working days after an emergency removal to
				determine if DCFS or ASP acted correctly in removing the youth.
Adjudication Hearing (Trial) -
The adjudication
				hearing is held within 30 days after the probable cause hearing unless the
				court finds good cause to extend the hearing for an additional 30 days. The
				purpose of the adjudication hearing is for the judge to determine whether the
				allegations are substantiated by the proof (found true). In order to be found
				true, DHS/DCFS must prove that, due to parental unfitness or child
				maltreatment, the youth is at great risk for serious harm.
Disposition Hearing -
The disposition hearing
				usually occurs immediately after the adjudication hearing if the judge has
				determined the youth
dependent-neglected
(see glossary). The
				purpose of the disposition hearing is to determine what action will be taken.
				The judge will determine whether it is safe for a youth to return home or
				whether the youth must remain under the care of DHS/DCFS. The judge will also
				order services to reunify and/or preserve the family. If the court determines a
				youth must remain away from home, the court will approve a plan for the youth
				and parents to visit each other as well as a plan to help the youth safely
				return home.
Review Hearings -
The first review hearing must be
				held within six months of the emergency removal. Review hearings must be held
				every six months for as long as the youth is in care. The purpose of a review
				hearing is for the judge to reexamine the situation, determine whether the
				court orders and approved plan are being followed, and determine whether each
				party is working to achieve the goals of the plan.
Permanency Planning Hearing -
The permanency
				planning hearing must be held no later than 12 months from the emergency
				removal. The purpose is for the judge to decide where the youth should
				permanently live. These options may include 1) Return the youth to his or her
				family, 2) Continue working on the plan to return the youth to his or her
				family 3) Approve a plan to terminate the parental rights of the parents, 4)
				Approve a plan to allow the youth to be adopted.
Termination of Parental Rights -
Termination of
				parental rights (TPR) can be voluntary or court-ordered. TPR is a permanent,
				legal action in which a parent gives up all rights and responsibilities and
				ends the relationship with his or her child. After TPR, another family can
				adopt the youth.
Transition
If you enter foster care when you turn 14 or if you come into
				care after the age of 14, DCFS will give you an opportunity to be actively
				involved in planning for your future. Your caseworker will help you complete a
Transitional Plan
and a
Life Plan
. He or she will
				also help you develop and maintain healthy relationships with adults you trust
				who will be a resource to you after you leave foster care.
What is a Transitional Plan?
The Transitional Plan includes all the
life skills
(check the glossary), resources, and future-planning for your successful
				transition into a self-sufficient life. It is a way for you to be involved in
				planning for your future. There are a lot of parts to your transitional plan.
				It will include plans about your
education
,
employment
,
health
,
housing
, and
lifelong connections
as well as other things.
As part of your transitional plan, your caseworker will help
				you get your
credit report
. You are entitled to a free credit
				report every year from each of the three national credit reporting companies
				(Experian, TransUnion, Equifax). You can access your credit report by going to
www.annualcreditreport.com
.
				This is the
only
website where you can get your report for
free
!
Your caseworker will also help you get the life skills training
				you need, complete an application for health insurance, apply to a college or
				vocational program, and apply for financial aid. (Check out the section on the
Arkansas ETV Program
.)
You will also create a
Life Plan
which is a
				detailed to-do list that you will make along with your caseworker, AAL, foster
				parents, transitional services coordinator, and anyone else who is important to
				you such as teachers,
mentors
(check the glossary), coaches, etc.
				It will include the goals you have and the activities you will complete in the
				areas of education, employment, health, housing, and lifelong
				connections.
If you are 14-18, you will take something called the
Ansell-Casey Assessment
(more info in the Glossary) that will help
				determine what kinds of life-skills classes would be most helpful to you. In
				addition to the life skills training, you may also receive tutoring and other
				services.
After-Care Services
You may choose to stay in care past the age of 18 (until you
				are 21) if you are enrolled in college or a vocational program or if you are
				working at least eighty hours a month toward gaining self-sufficiency. If you
				choose to stay in care, you may receive help to pay for room and board,
				start-up assistance, and life skills classes. You should strongly consider
				staying in care until you are 21. Otherwise you could be missing out on major
				benefits such as money to help you pay for housing, college, health care,
				transportation, and more.
Lifelong Connections and Permanence
Placement in foster care is meant to be a temporary solution.
				At some point you will no longer be in foster care. You might reunite with your
				family. You might get a
legal guardian
(check the glossary). You
				might be adopted by a relative or another family who will love you. Or you
				might "
age out
" (check the glossary) of foster care at age 18 or
				21. No matter what your situation is, it is important that you develop
				meaningful relationships with caring adults that will last a lifetime. These
				lifelong connections are called
permanence
(check the
				glossary).
Getting adopted or getting a legal guardian does not mean that
				you are losing your original family. It means you are gaining more family. You
				can have a safe and permanent adoptive family and keep connections to past
				families who are important to you.
Take time to think about who is important to you and who you
				want to be in your life forever-even after you leave foster care. Your
				caseworker can help you get connected and stay connected with the important
				people in your life.
Consider asking an adult you trust to adopt you. You might
				think you don't want to be adopted now, but having someone you are permanently
				and legally connected to will become more important as you get older. It's
				never too late to be adopted!
Look at the questions listed below and see just a few of the
				reasons why having supportive, caring adults in your life is important!
[DIAMOND] Where will you go for the holidays?
[DIAMOND] Where will you do laundry?
[DIAMOND] Who will you turn to for health and legal
				advice?
[DIAMOND] Who will you talk to about your problems?
[DIAMOND] Who will you call in an emergency? Where will you
				stay if you have an emergency?
[DIAMOND] Who will make medical decisions for you if you become
				sick or seriously injured?
[DIAMOND] When you have children, who will they call grandma
				and grandpa?
Talk to you caseworker if you have more questions about
				lifelong connections and permanency.
Don't ever forget how important you are! Remember to
				always speak up, ask questions, and
BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!
Never forget yourself. Never forget that you are somebody and
				that you matter. Never forget that a future lies ahead better and brighter than
				the past. Never forget that the world can be yours and happiness waits for you
				to take it.
[DIAMOND]Andrew Bridge, former youth in foster care, and author
				of
Hope's Boy
[DIAMOND]
Arkansas ETV Program
The Education Training Voucher (ETV) program awards grants to
				current and former foster youth to help pay for college or vocational training
				programs. ETV grants are funded by the federal government and administered by
				the states. Students may receive up to $5,000 a year based on their cost of
				attendance.
What are the Eligibility Requirements?
1. You must be a current or former foster
			 student who:
* was in foster care on your 18th birthday and aged out at that
				time. OR
* was adopted from foster care with the adoption finalized
				AFTER your 16th birthday. OR
* remains in foster care and have completed a secondary
				education. OR
* will have your foster care case closed between the ages of 18
				and 21.
2. You must be a
			 U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
3. Your personal assets (bank account, car,
			 home, etc.) are worth less than $10,000.
4. You must be at least 18 but younger than
			 21 to apply for the first time. You may reapply for ETV funds, if you have a
			 current grant, up to the age of 23.
5. You must have been accepted into or be
			 enrolled in a degree, certificate, or other accredited program at a college,
			 university, technical, vocational school. To remain eligible for ETV funding,
			 you must show progress toward a degree or certificate.
How do I use the funds?
Funds can be used to pay for tuition, balances due at school,
				on-campus room and board, meal cards, books and school supplies (such as
				uniforms, tools, equipment), one computer package, federal student loans, and
				study abroad through qualifying schools.
Once the above expenses have been addressed, ETV funds can pay
				for other items, including rent, food, transportation, health insurance
				premiums, disability services, and dependent child care expenses to licensed
				child care providers.
Funds may not be used for educational or vocational courses
				shorter than one year in duration and/or which do not lead to a degree or
				certification, coursework at non Title-IV schools, cell phone bills, personal
				loan repayments, banking late fees, bounced check fees or lost/stolen debit
				card transactions, computer games or DVDs , and dorm room or apartment
				damages.
If you have any other questions about the ETV program, please
				email Arkansas@statevoucher.org
To apply, go to
www.statevoucher.org
,
click on
				Arkansas, and follow the instructions.
Click here to view
				image
Area 1 County Supervisors
:
Benton:
				479-273-9011
Carroll:
				870-423-3351
Madison:
				479-738-2161
Washington:
				479-521-1270
Area 2 County Supervisors
:
Crawford:
				479-474-7595
Franklin:
				479-667-2379
Johnson:
				479-754-2355
Logan
				479-963-2783
Scott:
				479-637-4141
Sebastian:
				479-782-4555
Yell:
				479-495-2723
Area 3 County Supervisors
:
Clark:
				870-246-9886
Garland:
				501-321-2583
Hot Spring:
				501-332-2718
Howard:
				870-845-4334
Montgomery:
				870-867-3184
Perry:
				501-889-5105
Pike:
				870-285-3111
Polk:
				479-394-3100
Saline:
				501-315-1600
Area 4 County Supervisors
:
Columbia:
				870-234-4190
Hempstead:
				870-777-8656
Lafayette:
				870-921-4283
Little River:
				870-898-5155
Miller:
				870-773-0563
Nevada:
				870-887-6626
Ouachita:
				870-836-2591
Sevier:
				870-642-2623
Union:
				870-862-6631
Area 5 County Supervisors:
Baxter:
				870-425-6011
Boone:
				870-741-6107
Conway:
				501-354-2418
Faulkner:
				501-730-9900
Marion:
				870-446-2237
Newton:
				870-446-2237
Pope:
				479-968-5596
Searcy:
				870-448-3153
Van Buren:
				501-745-4192
Area 6 Supervisors:
Pulaski South:
				501-682-9330
Pulaski North:
				501-682-0141
Pulaski Southwest:
				501-371-1121
Pulaski East:
				501-371-1309
Pulaski Jacksonville:
				501-371-1260
Area 7 County Supervisors
:
Bradley:
				870-226-5879
Calhoun:
				870-798-4201
Cleveland:
				870-325-6218
Dallas:
				870-352-5115
Grant:
				870-942-5151
Jefferson:
				870-534-4200
Lincoln:
				870-628-4105
Lonoke:
				501-676-3113
Prairie:
				870-998-2581
Area 8 County Supervisors
:
Clay:
				870-598-2282
Craighead:
				870-972-1732
Fulton:
				870-895-3309
Greene:
				870-236-8723
Izard:
				870-368-4318
Lawrence:
				870-886-2408
Mississippi:
				870-763-7093
Randolph:
				870-886-2408
Sharp:
				870-856-1053
Area 9 County Supervisors
:
Cleburne:
				501-362-3298
Crittenden:
				870-732-5170
Cross:
				870-238-8553
Independence:
				870-698-1876
Jackson:
				870-523-9828
Poinsett:
				870-578-5491
Stone:
				870-269-4321
White:
				501-268-8696
Woodruff:
				870-347-2537
Area 10 County Supervisors
:
Arkansas:
				870-946-4519
Ashley:
				870-853-9816
Chicot:
				870-265-3821
Desha:
				870-222-4144
Drew:
				870-367-6835
Lee:
				870-295-2597
Monroe:
				870-747-3329
Phillips:
				870-338-8391
St. Francis:
				870-633-1242
Glossary
Aging Out-
When a youth leaves foster care because
				they turn a certain age, usually 18 or 21. Aging out usually results in loss of
				support from the state for things such as foster care payments, housing, living
				costs, and health services. Consider staying in care as long as possible so you
				can receive these important benefits!
Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment-
This is a test
				that all youth in foster care ages 14 and older will take to help evaluate
				their life skills in the following nine areas: career planning, communication,
				daily living, home life, housing and money management, self care, social
				relationships, work life, and work and study skills. Youth will take the test
				every six months to see what progress they have made. When youth get a high
				enough grade to show that they have the necessary life skills, they no longer
				have to take the test.
Advocate-
A person who speaks up on behalf of
				themselves or someone else in an effort to ensure that their rights are
				protected and/or to gain services or other benefits.
Case Plan
-This is a written plan that a youth and
				his or her family along with foster parents, caseworker, and AAL will make. The
				goal of a case plan is to help find a permanent placement for a youth, either
				with bio-parents or someone else who will love and care for the youth.
DCFS
-The Division of Children & Family
				Services is the state agency whose job is to keep children and youth safe. DCFS
				is just one of 10 divisions within the Department of Human Services.
DHS
-The Department of Human Services is the bigger
				agency of which DCFS is a part. In addition to DCFS, DHS includes the following
				divisions: Aging & Adult Services (DAAS), Behavioral Health Services
				(DBHS), Child Care & Early Childhood Education (DCCECE), County Operations
				(DCO), Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS), Medical Services (DMS),
				Services for the Blind (DSB), Youth Services (DYS), and Volunteerism
				(DOV).
Dependency-Neglect
-When a child or youth is at
				substantial risk of harm as a result of the following: abandonment, abuse,
				sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect or parental unfitness or being
				present in a dwelling or structure during the manufacture of methamphetamine
				with the knowledge of a parent, guardian, or custodian.
House Parents
-People who supervise and provide
				care to young people in a group home or residential facility.
Life Skills
-Important abilities and skills for a
				young person to possess so they can successfully transition to adulthood. These
				include skills and knowledge about taking care of daily life, relationships,
				employment, housing and home life, money management, health and self
				care.
Legal Guardianship-
Placement with a person who is
				charged with the legal responsibility for the care and management of a child or
				youth. A legal guardian will be under the supervision of the court and will be
				required to appear in court to give periodic reports about the youth's
				status.
Mentor
-Somebody, usually older and with more
				experience, who provides advice and support to a young person.
Permanence
-For a child or youth in foster care, to
				have an enduring family-like relationship that is safe and meant to last a
				lifetime.
Who can I contact?
Who is my
Primary
				Caseworker
?________________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________
Who is my
Secondary
				Caseworker
?______________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________
Who is my
attorney ad litem
				(AAL)
?_____________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________
Who is my
CASA
				worker
?_____________________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________
Who is my
therapist
?_____________________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________
Who is my
County
				Supervisor
?__________________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________
Who is my
Area
				Director
?_____________________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________
What's Up about Foster Care
1. Foster care provides a substitute family
			 life for a child who needs care for a short or long period of time. The child
			 will be placed in a home approved by the Division of Children and Family
			 Services (DCFS) or in a licensed facility.
2. The goal of foster care is to work toward
			 a permanent placement for the child, preferably, return to the birth/legal
			 parents.
3. Foster care is a team
			 effort involving DCFS, the family foster parents, the foster child and the
			 birth/legal parents.
This handbook is developed to provide the child with
				information he/she will need while in foster care. This book is only a
				reference guide. Contact the Foster parent or DCFS for any questions or further
				explanations.
"You tolerate my trivia, laugh at my lunacy and care when I
				cry. That's what I call (TLC) tender loving care."
Niki
				J.
Why a Child is Placed in Care
A child is in foster care because the birth/legal family does
				not function well due to social, emotional, economic and/or physical reason, or
				does not exist. Foster care provides a safe place for the child while the
				conditions, which caused the placement away from home, are cleared up. DCFS has
				legal custody of all children placed in foster care.
When a youth is placed in foster care, he/she has been
				determined by the court as being a:
* Dependent Neglected Juvenile - any child who (as a result of
				being abandoned, abused, or neglected), is at substantial risk of serious harm,
				or
* Dependent Juvenile - a child whose parent is under the age of
				eighteen (18) and is in the custody of the Department of Human Services. A
				dependent juvenile can also be an infant given up for adoption or a child whose
				parent or guardian is incapacitated, died or incarcerated, or
* Family In Need of Services (FINS) - if a child is habitually
				disobedient to reasonable and lawful commands of his parents, the family may be
				adjudicated as a Family In Need of Services. If it is necessary to protect the
				health and safety of the child, a FINS case can result in a child being placed
				in foster care.
The court is the only one that can order that a child be placed
				in foster care, and also must issue a court order for DCFS to close any foster
				care case.
"Hello! My name is Rosanna and I am from California. I got put
				into foster care in 1999 because my mother neglected me when I was born because
				she was on drugs and my two sisters and brother are no where to be found. I
				wish I knew them but I don't. My dad got shot selling drugs when he was 24
				years old and I wish I knew him. Foster care is not that bad if you look at it.
				They really think that they help you if you really want them to."
Rosanna H.
Placement Options for Youth in Care
There are four options for placing a child who is in the
				custody of DHS.
1. Family foster home
			 - An approved private residence of one or more family members who cares for a
			 child who is in DHS custody.
2.
			 Kinship care foster home - An approved private residence of one or more family
			 members who are related to the child who is in DHS custody.
3. A licensed facility.
4. Adoption
As a foster child, you learn to use your past or your current
				situation as your stepping stone instead of your downfall.
bemond B.
Visitation Policy
Parent/Child
				Visitation
Unless the courts orders otherwise, a child in foster care will
				have weekly visits with their parents. If the child objects to visits with the
				parents, then the visits may be stopped.
A child can write and/or telephone their parents, also.
Siblings (brothers and sisters of a child)
				Visitation
Siblings visits shall take place at least once every two weeks,
				unless it is not in the best interest of the child or a situation exists where
				it is not possible for visits to take place every two weeks, for example, a
				sibling lives in another state or a sibling is institutionalized. In these
				situations a visitation schedule will be developed as appropriate to meet the
				family's needs.
There is always hope; things are never hopeless.
Nicki J.
Rights of the Child
Children have the right to:
* Live with their birth/legal family, if appropriate,
* Receive love, protection and support until they are grown
				up,
* Be free from harm, neglect and abuse,
* Receive an education,
* Have physical care and medical attention,
* Enjoy family life,
* Receive discipline,
* Receive religious and moral training,
* Grow into independent adults,
* Appeal a change in placement and request assistance from the
				. Attorney ad litem,
* Speak with your worker as needed,
* A private conversation, if age-appropriate, during the weekly
				visits with the Family Service Worker to discuss the quality of care being
				provided to the child.
When the right to live with the child's own birth/legal family
				is in jeopardy, the child has the right to:
* Be represented by legal counsel;
* Have their legal rights protected in any judicial procedure
				for custody or guardianship.
If you don't stand up for yourself, no one else will. Golden
				Rule
Niki J.
Responsibilities Of
1.
DCFS to the child are:
* To place the child in a family foster home, kinship
				(relative) foster home, or other substitute care facility that can best serve
				the child's needs;
* To place the child close to birth/legal parents to allow
				frequent contact;
* To have regular visits for the child with birth/legal
				parents, siblings, and others with whom there is a significant relationship,
				unless restricted by court order;
* To have a weekly visit with the child in the foster home and
				include a private conversation with the age-appropriate child to assess the
				quality of care being provided;
* To give the child honest information regarding all
				decisions;
* To allow the child to participate in case planning,
				conferences, staffing, and court hearings, whenever possible and age
				appropriate, to assure services are provided to meet the child's needs.
* To keep a record for each child that includes legal documents
				(for example, birth certificate, Social Security card, court orders);
* To help the child return to the birth/legal parents' home at
				the earliest possible time or to be legally freed to form new family ties with
				relatives or adoptive parents; and
* To prepare the child for independence.
2.
DCFS to the birth/legal parents
			 are:
* To offer and provide services to avoid foster care if at all
				possible;
* To inform the birth/legal parents of the reason for removing
				the child if foster care is necessary;
* To advise birth/legal parents what conditions must be met in
				order to have the child returned to the home;
* To return the child to the parent's home when the necessary
				changes or conditions required by the court or DCFS have been made and the
				circumstances that caused the child to be removed from the home have been
				eliminated.
3.
Birth/legal parents are:
* To participate in staffings and court hearings;
* To keep appointments for visits and returning calls; i
* To help develop the case plan;
* To make necessary changes or correct conditions which
				prevents the child from returning home;
* To provide financial support for the child. The court will
				determine the amount of child support the parents should pay.
Complaint Process for the Youth
To resolve a complaint, the child should ask for a discussion
				of the problem with your Family Service Worker. If the problem is not solved,
				the child may ask to speak with the County Office Supervisor for
				guidance.
When things seem bad realize they are, but live day by day and
				make the best of your situation.
Kira G.
Money to Foster Parents
Foster care maintenance payments for a child in foster care may
				cover the costs of (and the cost of providing) food, clothing, shelter, daily
				supervision, school supplies, a child's personal incidentals, liability
				insurance with respect to the child, and reasonable travel to the child's home
				for visitation with family or other caretakers. The amount of the child's
				allowance is decided by the foster parent, based on the child's age.
Foster parents shall receive a monthly board rate according to
				the following chart; these rates are effective for board payments of November
				2009 and after:
Birth through 5 years
$410.00 Monthly
Board and Care
350.00
Clothing
45.00
Personal Needs
15.00
6 through 11 years
$440.00 Monthly
Board and Care
365.00
Clothing
50.00
School and Personal Needs
25.00
12 through 14 years
$475.00 Monthly
Board and Care
380.00
Clothing
60.00
School and Personal Needs
30.00
15 through 17* years
$500.00 Monthly
Board and Care
395.00
Clothing
70.00
School and Personal Needs
35.00
*Refer to Policy VIII-B for requirements to continue board
				payments for youth age 18-20 (board payments must end the day the youth elects
				to leave foster care or the end of the month of his 21st
				  birthday).
How DCFS is Set UP
Children and Family Services (CFS) is the Division within the
				Department of Human Services (DHS) that is responsible for child welfare
				programs. These programs include child protection, family preservation, foster
				care, adoptions, Interstate Compact on Placement of Children, Interstate
				Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance and Child Welfare Agency
				Licensing.
The Director of the Department of Human Services appoints the
				DCFS Director. The DCFS Director has an Executive Staff, which consists of four
				(4) Assistant Directors over program and administrative offices.
Direct and contract services are provided through the Office of
				Community Services. The state is divided into ten (10) multi-county or
				multi-office areas, each of which is managed by an Area Manager. The Area
				Manager oversees the County Supervisors, who each manage one county with one or
				more county offices. The Area Manager also supervises some area-wide staff that
				delivers services or support across the entire Area.
Three other DCFS Offices support the Office of Community
				Services:
* The Office of Finance and Administrative Support is organized
				into the following units - Personnel, Financial Support, Contracts Management,
				and Medicaid & IV-E Eligibility.
* The Office of Community Support consisting of the following
				units - Foster Care, Adoptions, Behavioral Treatment, Independent Living,
				Interstate Compact (ICPC), CAPTA and Central Registry.
* The Office of Legislative Analysis, Research and Planning
				consisting of the Policy Unit, Planning Unit, Quality Assurance Unit, Training
				/ Professional Development Unit, Child Welfare Agency Licensing and COA
				Accreditation.
Foster Care Services are provided by Family Service Worker
				(FSW) Trainees, FSW Workers, and FSW Specialists along with FSW Supervisors who
				monitor the everyday activities of the foster children.
County and area staff are responsible for weekly visits to the
				foster homes, monthly visits to the residential facilities and therapeutic
				foster homes, medical appointments, providing transportation to foster children
				and parents, and ensuring all educational, mental, health and emotional needs
				are being met. County and area staff are responsible for case planning,
				staffings, attending court hearing, helping families with housing,
				transportation, cash assistance, visitation between parents and sibling visits,
				and Family Preservation Services. County and area staff are also responsible
				for making referrals for child care services, Intensive Family Services,
				respite care, health assessments, and Therapeutic Foster Home and group home
				referrals.
Don't Quit
When things go wrong
as they sometimes will,
When the road you're
trudging seems all uphill.
When the funds are low,
and the debts are high,
And you want to smile,
but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing
you down a bit-
Rest if you must
but don't you quit.
Success is failure
turned inside out,
The silver tint of
the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell
how close you are
it may be near when
it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight
when you're hardest hit-
It is when things go wrong
That you mustn't quit.
Submitted by Cindy W.
DIVISION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES STAFF
				DIRECTORY
DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY
				SERVICES..............................................................(501)682-8772
Assistant Director, Office of Community Services..(501)
				682-8771
Assistant Director, Office of Community Support.....501)
				682-8541
Administrator, Program Support In-Home Services (501)
				682-8992
Field Representative (501) 682-8439
Program Coordinator (501)682-2447
Manager, Central Registry (501)682-0404
Manager, Interstate Compact (501) 682-0402
Administrator, Program Support Out of Home
				Services.........................................(501) 682-8440
Manager, Adoption Services Unit (501) 682-8473
Manager, Behavioral Treatment Unit (501) 682-8441
Manager, Independent Living Program (501) 682-8453
Manager, Foster Care Unit (501) 682-1569
Assistant Director, Office of Legislative Analysis, Research
				and Planning.....................(501) 682-8544
Manager, Policy Unit (501) 682-8750
Manager, Mental Health Services (501) 683-2045
Manager, Child Welfare Agency Licensing Unit (501)
				321-2583
Manager, Professional Development Unit (501) 683-2041
Manager, Planning and Research (501) 682-1554
Manager, Quality Assurance Unit (501) 682-9975
COA Coordinator (501)683-2648
Assistant Director, Office of Financial and Administrative
				Support..................................................(501) 682-8432
Manager, Accounts Payable (501) 682-8846
Manager, Contracts Management (501) 682-8435
Manager, Personnel (501)682-8754
DHS "Hotline" Phone Numbers
ARKids FIRST
				1-888-474 -8275
Child Abuse Hotline
				1-800-482 -5964 TDD
				1-800-843 -6349
Medicaid Questions 1 -
				800-482-5431
Medicaid Transportation Questions
				1-888-987 -1200
Mailing Address
Arkansas Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 1437, Slot S 560
700 Main Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1437
Phone (501) 682-8770
Fax (501) 682-6968
TDD (501) 682-1442
_______________OTHER HELPFUL
				NUMBERS_____________
SUICIDE HOTLINE: If you are SUICIDAL
Please dial 1-800-SUICIDE
(1-800-784
				-2433)
Hours: 24 hours
1. Alcoholics Anonymous 1 -
			 800-923-8722
2. Drug Abuse Information and Referral Line
			 (800) 662-HELP (1-800-662 -4357)
3. Girl's and Boy's Town National Hotline
			 1-800-448 -3000 (English/Spanish)
			 Hours: 24 hrs
4. National Domestic
			 Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233
5.
			 State Health Dept. prenatal care and teen pregnancy hot line: (800)
			 235-0002
6. Planned Parenthood for
			 birth control, emergency contraception, anonymous HIV testing, and prenatal
			 care: 1-501-666 -7526
7. Rape Crisis Inc.
			 1-877-432 -5368
8. Runaway Hotline (800) 231-6946
9. Shoplifters Anonymous (800)
			 848-9595
10. Youth Crisis Hotline
			 (800) 448-4663
How Children Can Speak Up for Themselves
1. Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
Mission Statement:
The Arkansas Youth Advisory Board (YAB) are responsible youth
				in foster care, volunteering to help link youth to government and public
				agencies to better care for and provide services to youth in foster care. YAB
				provides inspiration to children and young adults in Arkansas Foster
				Care.
YAB members are in contact with other youth in their area each
				month to discuss issues, concerns and suggestions for sharing with Area DCFS
				staff and DCFS Central Office Staff. The items for discussion may be collected
				during life-skills training sessions held in the areas each month or YAB
				members meet quarterly to bring information, ideas and concerns to DCFS staff
				and other interested groups and individuals. Contact the ILP State Coordinator
				at (501) 682-8453 to find out who your area YAB member is so you can let them
				know about things you would like to share with other youth and agency
				staff.
2. The Department of
			 Human Services (DHS) county office will inform you of other resources in your
			 community.
Things will get worse before they get better, but never give
				up.
Kristeen J.
Dealing with Grief and Loss
There are five (5) stages of the grief or loss process.
1)
Denial
- In the denial stage
			 a child will refuse to believe what has happened. In his mind the child will
			 tell himself that life is as it was before the loss.
2)
Anger
- Anger is the next
			 stage of grief. A child may blame others or himself for the loss.
3)
Bargaining
- Bargaining can
			 be with yourself or if you are religious, with your god. Often something will
			 be offered to try to take away the truth of what has happened. It is only human
			 to want things as they were before.
4)
Depression
- Depression is
			 likely for all people that grieve for a loss. Some of the feelings are like
			 there is no purpose to life anymore or feeling guilty, like everything is your
			 fault. If there is a feeling of doing yourself any harm, professional
			 counseling should be found immediately.
5)
Acceptance
- The final stage
			 of grief is acceptance. It is when the child realizes that life has to go on.
			 The child can accept his loss. The child should now be able to regain his
			 energy and goals for the future.
An Example of How to Deal with Counseling (A true
				story)
I am a sufferer of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have had
				this disorder from the first days of my childhood. When I was the ages of about
				five and nine I washed my hands (for fear of germs) until they cracked and
				bled. I also had a difficult time performing daily tasks such as getting
				dressed, doing chores, and walking to school. That is when my parents first
				suspected I had a problem. I went to a psychiatrist and they told my parents
				that it was probably nothing and that little kids do weird things. They were
				wrong. During that period of time I possessed so much shame around the fact
				that there was something wrong with me that I could not admit this secret to
				anyone. This denial only added more difficulty to my daily routines because I
				had to focus on believing the lie that I was just like everyone else. This lie
				plagued my life until I was 16 when (with the help of my nighttime prayers to
				God to take this defect away from me) I finally mustered up the courage to tell
				my parents that I was well aware and had been of this continuing problem. If
				felt good to finally admit it.
From that point I began to tell my psychiatrist about this
				secret I had. It was very helpful to me when he assured me that many people
				have this disorder and that I didn't have to live this way. It was especially
				helpful when he let me know in no uncertain terms that I was not crazy.
I enjoyed the meetings with my psychiatrist because he made me
				feel genuinely cared for, not like an interesting case study. He validated my
				feelings about my disorder with hard textbook facts, but still encouraged me to
				be an individual. In other words, I felt less alone because a lot of my
				symptoms had been documented, but I still felt unique. Medication also provided
				me a little rest from my constant daily battle with my brain. It did not cure
				me, but it allowed me a choice between whether or not my compulsions were worth
				my time and energy.
Now that I am 24, I have a little more perspective on what
				worked for me as an adolescent. The most helpful things to me were a supportive
				family, a doctor who truly cared for me, medication, as well as a willingness
				to work with these resources. With supports like these, I don't believe one can
				go wrong.
What did not work for me was the attitudes of certain service
				providers. I felt that I was very lucky in finding people that really cared
				about helping people. As an adult, I can now see that there are a lot of
				service providers (psychiatrists, M.S.W.'s, etc.) who are selfish and look to
				children with mental health disorders as an opportunity to better their
				resumes. I have had experiences with mental health professionals who write you
				a prescription and send you on your way because they are so burned out that
				they have lost the ability to care. I have dealt with mental health
				professionals who believe all a mentally ill person can achieve is to become a
				member of society that does not draw attention to herself. That does not work
				for me.
I was very fortunate for the most part growing up with OCD. But
				I have also seen the stigma that is attached to people like me. I have seen us
				chastised and silenced by "professionals." That is why I am not signing my
				name. In my personal opinion, I am a professional. I am a professional sufferer
				of O.C.D. I am not an animal. I am a person with family, friends, wants, needs,
				dreams, and the ability to carry them out. I am more than another case study. I
				deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. -- Anonymous
Reprinted with permission: Anonymous (2001). I am a sufferer of
				obsessive-compulsive disorder. Focal Point, 15(1), 12.
Note:
If more information is needed concerning
				grief, loss or how to deal with counseling, please contact the local CFCIP
				Coordinator for assistance.
At the end of the road when the light is out, and there is no
				hope in sight, just go a little further.
Charlotte U.
What's Up About a Child's Personal
				Information
DCFS will protect the child's personal information. DCFS will
				not release information that can identify a child in foster care. If any
				information is to be released to the media about the child in foster care, the
				information must be reviewed and approved by DCFS attorneys. A judge can order
				that specific information to a specified office, agency or people be
				released.
DCFS will give consideration to protecting the child's identity
				and release information that will not be distasteful or negative to the
				child.
As long as a child is not identified as a foster child, he/she
				can get their name in the newspaper and at conferences, etc. If the child is
				identified as a foster child, (like for adoption recruitment) then the first
				names only is used, otherwise, permission from everyone (the judge, Attorney Ad
				Litem, child, and parents, if their rights have not been terminated) is needed
				to use the whole name.
Resolutions for avoiding misery:
Choose to love- rather than hate
Choose to smile- rather than frown
Choose to build- rather than destroy
Choose to preserve- rather than quit
Choose to praise- rather than gossip
Choose to heal- rather than wound
Choose to give- rather than grasp
Choose to act- rather than delay
Choose to forgive- rather than curse
Choose to pray- rather than despair
Nicki J.
Definitions
1.
Attorney Ad Litem
- This is
			 the child's attorney who is appointed by the court. This attorney must tell the
			 judge what the child wants.
2.
CASA
- This person is a volunteer advocate that is appointed by
			 the court. This person will tell the judge what he/she feels is in the best
			 interest of the child based on information he/she has gathered from the child
			 and other people who know the child.
3.
Case Plan
- A plan that DCFS
			 makes along with the child and family that includes services provided to the
			 child and family to help them reach the goal of a permanent placement of the
			 child.
4.
Chafee Foster Care
			 Independence Program (CFCIP)
- Works with youth age 14-20 who are
			 interested in furthering their educational goals and who volunteer to be in the
			 program. The program provides life skills training to help prepare the youth to
			 live on their own.
5.
Child
			 Maltreatment
- Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect,
			 sexual exploitation or abandonment of a child.
6.
Foster Care
- A safe place for
			 the child to stay while the conditions which caused the child to be removed
			 from the home are eliminated.
7.
Independence
- A plan for a child who will not be reunited with
			 higher family and no other permanent plan is available and termination of
			 parental rights is not in the best interest of the child.
You can be as happy as you decide.
NickiJ.
Court Procedures and Legal Terminology
When a child is placed in the custody of the State of Arkansas,
				there is a hearing (a meeting at court). Biological parents have the right to
				be represented by attorneys. The child is represented by an Attorney Ad Litem
				who is appointed by the court to act on a minor's behalf in a legal proceeding
				and to protect the youth's interest in court.
Protective Custody
- If
				circumstances of the child or home present an immediate danger of severe
				maltreatment, the child will be taken out of the home.
Permanency Planning Hearing
- A meeting in court to review the options for placing a
				child in a permanent safe placement. The judge may decide that DHS should have
				custody. Later, the judge can make decisions about whether you return home or
				stay in care.
Termination of Parental Rights
- To free a child for adoption, when it has been determined
				that it is not a good option to reunite the child with the family.
No matter what happens today the sun will still come up
				tomorrow and it will be a brand new day.
NikiJ.
New Independent Living Legislation
The Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP), formerly
				the Title IV-E Independent Living Initiative) was established and formally
				funded in 1993 to assist teens who choose to participate in the program
				complete high school, obtain a GED and continue their post-secondary
				educational process. The program is intended to assist those teens referred to
				the program for the acquisition of basic life skills as they transition from
				adolescence to adulthood. The basic premises and intent of the program have
				been expanded by federal legislation.
The 1994 Angela R. Settlement Agreement charged the Division of
				Children and Family Services (DCFS) with the responsibility to provide
				instruction for developing independent living skills for all foster teens age
				14 or older for whom the case goal was not reunification. The program was
				prohibited by federal law from providing Independent Living services to teens
				under age 16 using federal funds. In early 1995, the program began including
				teens age 14-15 in life skills training sessions. That was done without
				expending federal dollars.
Since December 1999, the Chafee program can now provide
				age-appropriate life skills training to all foster teens age 14 or older. The
				program provides or arranges for training for teens on an individual or group
				basis, if needed and as recommended by the case manager. Teens may volunteer
				and be referred to the program to take advantage of additional services
				offered. Services are educational or employment oriented and requires the teen
				to fulfill specific obligations and meet specific standards to maintain
				eligibility for continued Independent Living services. Assistance with
				educational and employment expenses and the initial establishment of living
				quarters are services that are provided beyond the normal scope of expenditures
				of the Division of Children and Family Services. The program may also provide
				limited assistance with room and board expenses to youth age 18-21 that have
				left foster care and have chosen not to pursue post-secondary educational
				goals.
CFCIP
The Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP) provides
				funds directed toward assisting youth that are or were in foster care to become
				independent adults. The program is geared toward youth, who are participating
				in an educational program, providing assistance to youth in completing high
				school or obtaining a GED, and/or continuing in post-secondary educational
				programs. The program also provides temporary, limited assistance to youth that
				have aged out of care by providing room and board and start-up
				assistance.
Assistance is also available to former foster youth who are
				pursuing post-secondary educational goals. The Educational Training Voucher
				Program can provide financial assistance for this goal.
CFCIP provides support for:
1. Children in foster care ages 14-17.
Services for this age group include:
* the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment,
* basic life skills training, and
* other service, such as tutoring that can be approved on a
				case-by-case basis.
2.
			 Children who remain in DHS custody, between the ages of 18 and 21 and are
			 engaged in post-secondary education, including vocational training, are
			 eligible for CFCIP. (See page 25 for information on the Arkansas Education and
			 Training Voucher Program.)
3. If a
			 youth was in foster care on his 18th birthday, and
			 his foster care case is closed, he will be eligible for CFCIP "After Care" and
			 can receive assistance until age 21.
After Care services include:
* limited room and boar
* limited start-up assistance, and
* staff services and life-skills training sessions to acquire
				needed skills.
PUB-404 (Chafee Foster Care Independence Program Handbook)
				provides additional information concerning CFCIP and service
				availability.
Education, Employment, Housing, Health Care
Within the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP),
				Life-skills Training Curriculum, there are fifteen (15) categories and
				sub-categories of curriculum topics that should be available in each DCFS Area
				for teens to attend for life-skills training. The areas of training include:
				Money Management, Food Management Personal Appearance, Health, Housekeeping,
				Transportation, Educational Planning, Job Seeking Skills, Job Maintenance
				Skills, Emergency and Safety Skills, Knowledge of Community Resources,
				Interpersonal Skills, Legal Skills, Housing and other skills, such as
				parenting.
Always try to be patient because as long as you know what you
				want in life and what it takes to get it, then you should be okay.
Demond B.
The Arkansas Education and Training Voucher
				Program
(AR-ETV)
What is AR-ETV?
* A federally funded program that offers students up to $5000 a
				year for college and vocational/technical training.
Who is eligible?
* Young people who are or were in foster care and are ages 18
				to 20
* Young people adopted from foster care after the age of
				16
* Participants must be accepted into or enrolled in an
				accredited college or vocational/technical training program
* Participation is renewable until age 23
Funds can be used for:
* Tuition
* Books/Computers
* School supplies
* Living Expenses (rent, child care, health insurance,
				groceries, and transportation)
How to apply:
* Go to
www.statevoucher.org
click on Arkansas on
				the map
* Fill in an application
* Submit the paperwork
Note: Please direct questions to Orphan Foundation of
				America, ETV Program Director,
ar@statevoucher.org
or
				call 1.800.950.4673. You may also contact Jim Dennis, Arkansas Statewide Chafee
				Foster Care Independence Coordinator at
				1-501-682 -8453.
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Personal Information and Note Space
If you set your mind to do something great, don't let people
				tell you that you can't do it. Go for your goal.
Cindy
				W.
EXCERPT, DIVISION OF CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES,
				PUB-30
Board Payment
DCFS makes a monthly board payment to foster parents. This
				monthly board payment includes payment for room and board, clothing, ongoing
				school and personal supplies, and a small allowance for the child. The amount
				listed below is included in the monthly board payment and must be used for the
				child. If a child in foster care is eligible for Medicaid, foster parents are
				required to use a Medicaid provider for meeting the medical needs of the child.
				Medicaid should be the primary payment source for medical and dental services,
				including hospitalization. If Medicaid cannot cover such expenses, state funds
				may be a secondary payment option.
Generally, foster parents receive the board payment in the
				fourth week of each month. The monthly board payment is for the period starting
				on the 27th of the month and ending the
				26th of the following month. For example, October's
				board payment is for the thirty days that begin September
				27th and end on October
				26th
Other services or supplies needed by the child must be
				authorized and approved per DCFS policy. (See section on additional
				expenses.)
Payment for Medical Services
Medicaid is the primary source of medical payment for children
				in foster care.
If a child in the home does not receive a Medicaid card,
				contact the Family Service Worker. (A card should be received within a week for
				a new child and by the third of the month thereafter.) Although the FSW may
				provide a copy of the Medicaid Card for the foster parent to keep in the
				Medical Passport, and so that they may obtain medical services for the child,
				the actual Medicaid Card will be kept in the child's case record in the county
				office. When there are no Medicaid providers available in cases of emergency,
				the Family Services Worker (with the approval of the DCFS County Supervisor)
				will authorize and bill medical services via DHS-1914 or contract. In the event
				medical services are denied by Medicaid, the child's medical needs may be met
				with Foster Care funds. A child shall not be denied medical services because
				the child is not Medicaid eligible.
EXCERPT, DIVISION OF CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES,
				PUB-30
INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM
The Independent Living Program, also known as the Chafee Foster
				Care Independence Program, assists youths age 14 through 21 who are interested
				in furthering their educational/vocational goals and who voluntarily
				participate in the program's services. The program coordinates and provides
				life-skills training and educational assistance to current and former foster
				care youth in preparation for the transition into adulthood and mainstream
				society. Training is provided in various formats and in accordance with case
				plans. All training is coordinated through the assigned Family Service Workers
				located in one of the ten DCFS service areas. The local DCFS County Office can
				provide more information about this program. DCFS Publication 404,
Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program Handbook,
outlines
				the program's services, policies and forms, and is available at:
https://ardhs.sharepointsite.net/CW/DCFS%20Publications/PUB-404%202-08.pdf
Be Your Own Advocate!
Be Your own Advocate,
DCFS PUB-50, is a
				resource for youth in foster care who are ages 14 through 21. It was developed
				along with the Youth Advisory Board to provide youth with information they will
				need while in foster care. This book is only a reference guide. The youth may
				contact DCFS for any questions or further explanations.
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POLICY Vl-G: INTERSTATE COMPACT ON PLACEMENT OF
				CHILDREN
07/2010
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is
				used to move children in need of a foster or pre-adoptive placement, adoption
				across state lines, or reunification with parents in an orderly and timely
				manner. A child in foster care is defined as a child who has been removed from
				the home of hiparent, guardian, or custodian by a court of competent
				jurisdiction and whose custody has been placed with a private or public
				agency.
When a child requires placement for foster care or a possible
				adoption outside the resident state, DCFS shall use the ICPC process. DCFS will
				ensure all potential out-of-state relative placements are given the same
				opportunity as in-state relative placements to become foster homes. Homes of
				relatives approved under the Articles of ICPC will be considered approved
				foster homes. Unless authorized by the ICPC, all communications with other
				states regarding approval of placement, progress reports, disruption of
				placement, or termination of the ICPC case should process through the Arkansas
				ICPC Central Office, to the ICPC liaisons. For the most up-to-date information
				regarding ICPC articles and regulations, go to
http://icpc.aphsa.org/Home/resources.asp
.
The ICPC process ensures:
A. Proper extensions of authority into the
			 receiving state.
B. The sending
			 agency can obtain home studies for proposed placements, is identified as
			 legally and financially responsible, and does not lose jurisdiction once the
			 child leaves the sending state.
C.
			 The receiving agency can determine the placement is not "contrary to the
			 child's interests" and that all applicable laws and policies have been
			 followed.
D. Supervision is
			 maintained out-of-state and the sending agency receives progress
			 reports.
E. Maximum opportunity for
			 each child to be suitably placed
F.
			 Proper information to authorities in the receiving state.
G. Effective utilization of
			 cross-jurisdictional resources to facilitate timely foster, adoptive, or
			 permanent
DCFS caseworkers should not directly contact the ICPC offices
				in other states, but should direct their communication to the ICPC liaisons in
				their Area. Liaisons will then communicate with Central Office. Interstate
				communication between field staff from the involved states is discouraged,
				except for the routine sharing of information, which is NOT related to case
				approval, progress reports, disruption, or termination of placement.
The Juvenile Division of Circuit Court shall retain
				jurisdiction to issue orders of adoption, interlocutory or final, when a child
				is placed outside the state of Arkansas.
PROCEDURE VI-G1: Types of Placement Covered by
				ICPC
Children placed out-of-state are to go through ICPC when one of
				the following placements occurs:
* Foster care placements
* Pre-adoption placements
* Adoptive placements
* Parent, other relative, or non-agency guardian placements
				(Non-agency guardian is an individual that is not a child welfare agency,
				government entity, or within a certain degree of kinship, that has been
				appointed under the appropriate state guardianship statute.)
If guardianship is established as a prelude to a non-relative
				adoption, the guardian shall comply with this compact. If in doubt, request
				clarification from the Arkansas Interstate Compact Unit, P.O. Box 1437, Slot
				S567 Little Rock, Arkansas, 72203-1437. Phone: (501) 682-8556.
PROCEDURE VI-G2: Types of Placement Not Covered by
				ICPC
Types of placements that are not covered by ICPC
				include:
A. Divorce or custody
			 investigations involving home studies
B. Placement of a probationer, parolee, or
			 aftercare juvenile
C. Interstate
			 placement of children with mental disabilities
D. Placement into a primarily educational
			 institution
E. Runaways from
			 Arkansas to another state or to Arkansas from another state. (See Procedure VI
			 G16 about other compacts).
F.
			 Kidnapped children transported out-of-state
G. Visits that do not extend beyond 30 days
			 and are not pre-placement visits
H.
			 Placement outside the resident state when custody will be transferred to that
			 person
PROCEDURE VI-G3: Responsibilities of the Sending
				State
07/2010
The sending party will:
A. Provide proper notice of the intent to
			 place using the ICPC-100A (ICPC Request) and receive authorization from the
			 receiving state prior to the placement. The 100A must clearly indicate DCFS is
			 the sending party.
B. Document in
			 the case file and ICPC packet that potential out-of-state relative placements
			 were offered the option of becoming a paid foster home.
C. Work with the receiving parties to arrange
			 the placement details (i.e., childcare payment, type of monitoring, frequency
			 of supervisory reports, and transportation) after approval is given.
The sending state shall not recommend that custody be given to
				the placement resource without completion of at least six months of
				supervision, and concurrence of the receiving state. Failure to comply with
				these requirements violates the terms under which the receiving state
				originally gave placement approval. This could result in the child and
				placement resource being without essential medical coverage and a request for
				the child to be returned to the sending state.
D. Provide additional information when
			 requested by the receiving state to ensure the placement is not "contrary to
			 the interests of the child."
Any such report from another state, Indian tribe, or private
				agency under contract with the receiving state, shall meet all requirements
				imposed by the sending state for the completion of the home study before
				placing the child in the home. This will be done unless, within fourteen days
				after receipt of the report, the sending state determines based on specific
				grounds in the report that making a decision based on the report would be
				contrary to the welfare of the child.
E. Notify the receiving state of the
			 placement date and any change in the child's status by using the ICPC-100B
			 (Report on Child's Placement Status).
F. Retain jurisdiction over the child
			 sufficient to determine all matters of custody, supervision, care, and
			 disposition of the child until the child is adopted, reaches majority, becomes
			 self-supporting, or is discharged with concurrence of the appropriate authority
			 in the receiving state.
G. Retain
			 planning and financial responsibility for the duration of the placement and
			 indicate this responsibility on the ICPC-100A.
The one exception comes under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
				Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) requiring that children under title IV-E
				adoption assistance agreements and those receiving title IV-E foster care
				payments will be granted Medicaid coverage in their current resident state.
				(See Medical Services Manual, Section 6600 to 6673.)
H. Return the child to the sending state at
			 the request of the receiving state.
PROCEDURE VI-G4: Responsibilities of the Receiving
				State
07/2010
Within sixty days after receiving a request for a home study
				from another state, the receiving state willdirectly or by contract:
A. Assess and monitor the placement to ensure
			 compliance with applicable laws and policies of the receiving state, and that
			 the placement is "not contrary to the interests of the child."
B. Notify the sending state in writing
			 whether or not the placement is appropriate and in the best interest of the
			 child.
The receiving state is not required to complete those parts of
				the home study within the designated time period that involve the education and
				training of the prospective foster or adoptive parents.
C. Supervise the placement and provide or
			 arrange for necessary services after the child is placed and the ICPC-100B
			 received.
D. Submit quarterly
			 progress reports to the sending party. More frequent reports may be submitted
			 on request.
E. Honor and enforce
			 lawful orders of the court of jurisdiction of the sending state unless it
			 conflicts with Arkansas policies and/or laws.
PROCEDURE VI-G5: Placing Arkansas Children in Another
				State and Requesting Out-of-State Home Studies
07/2010
The following are procedures to use when requesting an
				out-of-state home study for an Arkansas child, including placement into
				residential treatment facilities. Always use the child's name on the
				correspondence.
The sending party (county office, etc.) will follow CFS-6092:
				ICPC Home Study Request Check List and compile an Interstate Compact Placement
				Packet consisting of THREE copies of each of the following (include FIVE copies
				of ICPC-100A):
A. Cover Letter
			 (CFS-6092-COVER LETTER) to explain the placement plans.
B. ICPC-100A: Interstate Compact Placement
			 Request (Retain one copy and include five completed, signed, and dated copies
			 with the packet.)
C. Court order
			 (most recent) showing that DHS has custody or the court has jurisdiction of the
			 child (i.e. adjudication order, recent review order)
D. Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) for
			 an adoptive home study
E. ICPC-101:
			 Priority Home Study Request
F.
			 Current Case Plan (CFS-6010),
G.
			 Social Summary (CFS-6092-SOCIAL SUMMARY) OR an Adoption Summary if requesting a
			 pre-adoptive placement.
H. Medical
			 Records / Reports (PACE evaluation, if available), including Immunization
			 Records
I. School Reports / Records
			 from the past three years, if applicable,
J. Psychological Evaluations/ Reports and
			 Counseling Reports, if applicable
K. Financial/Medical Plan (CFS-592) The form
			 must indicate that DCFS is the sending party and will retain financial and
			 planning responsibility for the child.
L. IV-E Eligibility form (Print screen of
			 CHRIS Foster Care Determination Window.) Financial arrangements should always
			 be discussed with the prospective placement resource before the home study is
			 requested. If a board payment is needed, a foster home study must be
			 requested.
M.
N. Proof of Citizenship-U.S. Birth
			 Certificate or other birth records. If birth records are not available, you can
			 ask if the client has any other citizenship-related documents such as those
			 listed in Sections 6700,6703, & 6705 of the following link:
http://www.arkansas.gov/dhs/webpolicy/Medical%20Services/MS%206700.htm
Proof of Identity-A Social Security Card, completed application for a duplicate
			 card, or school ID with photo (Per DCFS Eligibility Unit, federal authority
			 will determine other acceptable documents of a child's identity "at a later
			 date.")
O. Photo of Child or
			 Children-This is not required, but is strongly suggested
Send packet to ICPC Unit, Donaghey Plaza South, 700 Main
				Street, P.O. Box 1437, Slot S567, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1437.
Financial arrangements should be discussed with the prospective
				placement resource and put in writing before the study is requested. If a board
				payment is needed, a foster home study must be requested.
The Arkansas ICPC Central Office will:
A. Review the packet to determine whether or
			 not it is complete and ready to forward to the receiving state's ICPC
			 office.
B. Coordinate with the
			 sending party if changes in the packet are needed.
C. Send packet to receiving state's compact
			 office.
D. Notify sending party of
			 disposition.
E.
The Family Service Worker and/orArea ICPC Liaison will:
A. Complete and route the ICPC-100B to the
			 ICPC office if the out-of-state placement is approved and made. Show the date
			 of the placement or of the withdrawal of the request.
B. Close the Arkansas Medicaid so that
			 Medicaid services can be pursued in the receiving state.
C. Code the CFS-6013: Application for
			 Emergency Services to show ICPC service using the child's name.
D. Key the case type in CHRIS as "ICPC" for
			 the child placed by the Division in another state.
E. Notify the Adoption Services Unit of a
			 proposed adoptive placement, if appropriate.
F. Coordinate the travel plans with the
			 Family Service Worker if placement is approved (placement must be made within
			 six months of placement approval)
Communication between states regarding approval of placements,
				progress reports, case closures, and disruptions must go through the Arkansas
				ICPC Central Office.
PROCEDURE VI-G6: Children Entering Arkansas
				for
Services to children should not begin without a completed home
				study, placement approval (ICPC-100A) from the receiving state's ICPC office
				AND receipt of placement notification (ICPC-100B) from the sending state's ICPC
				office. Requests from sending state should include the same information as
				described in the Interstate Placement Packet and outlined in Procedure VI-G5.
				Contact the Arkansas ICPC Central Office if additional information is needed
				from the sending state to initiate services. Supervision of a placement will
				not begin until the receiving state obtains ICPC-100B.
PROCEDURE VI-G7: Completion of a Home Study
The Area ICPC Liaison will
A. ensure the completion of
1) Central Registry Check
2) thorough home study, including the results
			 of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check and the FBI Criminal
			 Background Check; if available, with signed recommendation regarding placement
			 within sixty calendar days of a request.
The DCFS Supervisor or Area Director must also make a
				recommendation for or against placement. If the criminal record checks have not
				been received, a copy of the application/request must be included in the packet
				and the results sent when received.