Caregiver Core Training – Trainer Manual Session 2: Working as a Member of the Team Session Flow Welcome 5 minutes Working as a Member of the Team 45 minutes “ReMoved” Video Clip Serena Activity Communication 30 minutes Caregiver’s Voice Communicating with the Social Worker Chain of Command The Role of Caregivers 50 minutes “Characteristics of Successful Resource Parents” Video Caregivers As Advocates I Feel / I Need Activity (Optional) Confidentiality 25 minutes Prudent Parenting 10 minutes Wrap-Up 5 minutes Total: 3 hours With a 10-min break Session 2: Working as a Member of the Team
The social worker may be unable to respond for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with their opinion of you or their level of competence. For example, they may have had several crises develop on their case load and your request or need was just moved down the priority list. Narrative Always give the social worker the benefit of the doubt. When you loop in the supervisor, always include the worker in the email on the CC line. Since you have the last email you sent the social worker in your email folder, forward the email string and state something like, “I know Sandy must very busy. I need help resolving the following things… Are you able to assist? I need this by the end of the week if at all possible… Thank you.” If that is not successful, although it almost always is, then follow up again. If it is still not successful, then go to the next level and CC both the supervisor and the social worker, continuing to give them the benefit of the doubt. It is very rare that one has to go beyond the Area Administrator, but if you do, then simply repeat the process, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, and take it up to the Regional Administrator with a CC to everyone else. You may also get assistance from the Foster Parent Liaison who can help you navigate the system as well. Note that may be others in the chain of command who are able to help. For example, some offices have a Deputy Regional Administrator. There is also the Office of Constituent Relations and the Ombudsman Note to Trainer In small offices, you can give participants names of the AA/RA for their reference. The Role of Caregivers 50 minutes Note to Trainer Show the video: “Characteristics of Successful Resource Parents” (24 minutes)
Caregiver Staffing Notice Form (DSHS 15-311) if written notification is provided Advance notice (5 days) given to caregivers unless emergent. Recommendations and reports resulting from all assessments and screenings Within 5 days of receiving report and recommendations Social Worker Moving notice 5 days prior to moving when the child has been in the home at least 90 consecutive days Social Worker Court Hearing Notice-ISSP Cover Letter form (DSHS Individual Service and Safety Plan (ISSP) (DSHS 15-209) 10 days prior to Dependency hearings 10 days prior to Dependency hearings or 60th day of placement episode, 180th day of placement, 6 month intervals Social Worker Information Sharing Reference, Continued Supervision Plan (DSHS Developed with the caregiver, the Supervision Plan is required for any youth identified as SAY or PAAY. The Supervision Plan is developed and provided prior to or soon after initial placement (within 24-72 hours) When the child changes placement When new information is known about the child’s needs Social Worker Health and Safety Visits Monthly social worker visits, not to exceed 40 days between visits Social Worker
Sample Emails, Continued Sample Emails Sample Emails, Continued I Feel / I Need The social worker has asked me to attend a Family Team Decision Meeting (FTDM) where the child’s family will be present. The child in my home shared with me about his/her day at school for the first time. The social worker is expecting that parent-child visits will be done in my home. My social worker kept me up to date on court progress, even with hard-to-hear news. The visitation schedule that has been set for the baby in my care is during nap time. We attended a local cultural activity and felt welcomed. The social worker has given my home phone number to the biological parents. We took our adopted daughter to her biological sister’s birthday party so she could see her biological family. The child in my home is taken out of school twice a week for visits with parents. The biological mom asked my advice and I was able to help. I emailed the social worker about which doctor and dentist to take the child to, but I have gotten no response.