43051A. Trial Return Home

Original Date: 2007

Revised Date: May 20, 2021

Sunset Review Date: May 31, 2025

Approved by: Jody Becker, Deputy Secretary

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to support dependent children and youth to achieve a safe and successful transition home and permanent reunification with their parents or guardians.

Scope

This policy applies to child welfare employees.

Laws

RCW 13.34.130 Order of disposition for a dependent child, alternatives-Petition seeking termination of parent-child relationship-Placement with relatives, foster family home, group care facility, qualified residential treatment program, or other suitable persons-Placement of an Indian child in out-of-home care-Contact with siblings

RCW 13.34.136 Permanency Plan of Care

RCW 13.34.138 Review hearings - Findings - Duties of parties involved - In-home placement requirements - Housing assistance

Policy

Caseworkers must:

Prior to returning dependent children or youth to their parents or guardians or when the court orders them to return home immediately:
1. Follow the Reasonable Efforts policy.
2. Identify and assess parents or guardians and all adults in the home who may act as a caregiver for the child or youth and determine whether they need services to address the safety of the child or youth, regardless of whether they are a party to the dependency.
After returning dependent children or youth to parents or guardians:
1. Monitor the safety, permanency, and well-being of each child or youth before closing the case.
2. Fully assess any new adults in the home who are acting as a caregiver for the child or youth and determine whether they need services to address the safety of the child or youth, regardless of whether they are a party to the dependency.
Obtain court approval for any case to remain open beyond six months.

Procedures

Caseworkers must:

Prior to children or youth’s return home on a TRH or when the court orders them to return home immediately, assess their safety, permanency, and well-being and fully assess their parents or guardians and any adult residing in the home acting as a caregiver for services by completing the following:
1. A Safety Assessment DCYF 15-259 form in FamLink per the Safety Assessment policy.
2. A background check for all adults in residing in the home. This includes adult parents or guardians residing in the home, per the Background Checks policy, as early as possible prior to the TRH.
3. Offer referrals for any needed services.
After children or youth are on a TRH:
1. Monitor their safety, permanency, and well-being and fully assess their parents or guardians and any adult residing in the home and acting as a caregiver for services by:
  1. Completing a Safety Assessment DCYF 15-259 form and updating the Safety Plan DCYF 15-259 form if safety threats are identified, per the Safety Assessment policy.
  2. Completing monthly health and safety visits and monthly visits with parents per the Health and Safety Visits with Children and Youth and Monthly Visits with Parents and Caregivers policy.
  3. Completing background checks on any adult who moves into the home that did not previously receive a background check, per the Background Checks policy.
  4. Completing the following if services are needed:
    1. Offer referrals to services.
    2. Notify the court:
      1. Of any referrals made during a regular court review hearing.
      2. If the child or youth or any parent or guardian or adult fail to engage in or follow through with the services as soon as the information is known.
  5. Updating the Comprehensive Family Evaluation DCYF 10-480 and the Court Report DCYF 09-095 forms in FamLink based on information gathered during health and safety visits with children and youth and monthly visits with parents and caregivers, shared planning meetings, and information obtained from service providers about the:
    1. Parent’s or guardian’s progress.
    2. Child’s or youth’s safety, permanency, and well-being.
2. Dismissal of Dependency
  1. Recommend dismissal of the dependency when the parents or guardians have completed the TRH requirements and demonstrated the ability to safely resume parenting and have custody of their children or youth.
  2. Consult with the assigned assistant attorney general prior to court hearings if it is in the child or youth’s best interest to request an extension of the TRH beyond six months.
3. Document all TRH activities and completed services in FamLink for:
  1. Parents or guardians as required in the following forms as applicable:
    1. Comprehensive Family Evaluation DCYF 10-480
    2. Court Report DCYF 09-095
  2. Adults residing in the home who are acting as a caregiver, in a case note.