Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 18 - HUMAN SERVICES › Part 6 - Division of Family and Children's Services › Chapter 1 - DFCS Policy Manual › Section 18-6-1-D - Foster Care Policy › Section 18-6-1-D-XI - CASE CLOSING AND AFTERCARE

Current through June 25, 2024
A.
Introduction
Although it is sometimes not possible for various reasons,
					 it is always preferable for a child to be removed from foster care through
					 prior planning by the Worker and ASWS.
The child (if age appropriate) and family should be
					 engaged in this planning and be kept informed of the progress toward meeting
					 the established goals in order for the child to leave foster care. After
					 receiving proper approval from the court holding jurisdiction the child may be:
* Reunified with Parent or Primary Caregiver (from whom
					 the child was removed);
* Custody with a relative;
* Durable legal custody/guardianship with relative or
					 guardian;
* Adopted; or
* Reached the age of 20.
B.
Trial Home Visit
For each child who has a permanency goal of reunification
					 and who is, in fact, placed in the home for the purpose of reunification, DFCS
					 shall provide, subject to the approval of the youth court, such child with a
					 90-day trial home visit, unless that child had been in custody for less than
					 ninety (90) days.
During any trial home visit period, a Worker shall meet
					 with the child in the home at least two times per month, and each meeting shall
					 occur without the parent or caretaker present.
C.
Approval by ASWS
Prior to any child leaving foster care, except through
					 death or if the child is involved in an unauthorized absence, either by their
					 own actions or actions of others, the COR Worker should discuss the plans with
					 the ASWS. After ASWS approval is obtained, careful planning for the departure
					 shall be implemented. The ASWS shall be kept informed of each step and
					 additional approval obtained, as necessary, in order to assure a smooth
					 transition.
D.
Notification to the Courts
Prior to the actual return or trial return to the parents,
					 the Worker must also seek approval of the court.
The Worker shall request a review hearing with the judge
					 and recommend a trial return home with DFCS maintaining custody and
					 supervision. The resulting court order shall be filed in the case record.
E.
Planning for
				  Youth Age 18 to Leave Custody
If a youth leaves custody after attaining the age of
					 eighteen (18), the following criteria shall be met.
a. Youth has a safe place to live, whether
				  with others or alone.
b. Youth has
				  a means of supporting himself or herself after release.
c. Youth has been notified in writing, at
				  least thirty (30) calendar days in advance, that emancipation will be sought.
d. Youth has a mentor and/or a
				  Resource Family.
In such cases, the following steps should be taken:
Worker shall staff with the ASWS and discuss the specific
					 discharge plans. A Review Hearing shall be requested in order to present this
					 placement option to the court. The Worker shall submit a written report to the
					 Youth Court with the following information included:
* A detailed explanation of services that will be provided
					 to the child, Resource Family (if applicable), relatives or other support
					 systems identified by DFCS;
* A detailed plan for a 90-day trial placement. During any
					 trial visit period, the COR/COS Worker shall meet with the child in the
					 placement at least two times per month, and each meeting shall occur without
					 the parent or caretaker present.
* Before the end of any trial home visit, there shall be a
					 final family team meeting, which shall include the child's Worker, the Worker's
					 ASWS, the child, and the parent or relative assuming custody, to determine the
					 appropriateness of a final discharge.