4251. Relative Search and Notification

Applies To:  This policy applies to child welfare (CW) employees and the Relative Search Unit (RSU).

Policy Number & Title:  4251. Relative Search and Notification

Effective Date:  July 1, 2024

Purpose

This policy provides guidance on searching for and notifying relatives when children and youth are placed in out-of-home care.

Authority

PL 110-351  Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act

RCW 13.34.060  Shelter care-Placement-Custody-Duties of parties

RCW 13.34.062  Shelter care-Notice of custody and rights

RCW 13.34.125  Voluntary adoption plan-Consideration of preferences for proposed placement

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, or other suitable persons-Placement of an Indian child in out-of-home car-Contact with siblings

RCW 13.38.030  Findings and intent

RCW 74.15.020  Definitions

Policy

1. Caseworkers:
   1. Must:
      1. Search for relatives immediately when:
         1. Recommending children or youth to be placed in out-of-home care for:
            1. Placement
            2. Family connections
            3. Support
         2. Children or youth are:
            1. Entering or re-entering care.
            2. Disrupting from placement.
      2. Review search results from the RSU to identify and engage relatives for placement, support, and connections for children and youth throughout the life of the case, including those that are legally-free.
   2. May discontinue relative searches for the purposes of placement only when children or youth are placed with relative caregivers or the conditions for voluntary adoption plan in RCW 13.34.125 are met.
2. The RSU:
   1. Must:
      1. Complete relative searches for:
         1. Children or youth placed in out-of-home care:
            1. Within 30 calendar days of either:
               1. Being removed from their parents’ or guardians’ care, even if they are placed with a relative caregiver.
               2. Re-entering care.
         2. All identified adult relatives.
      2. Not complete relative searches if:
         1. Children or youth are returned to their parents or guardians within 30 calendar days of the initial out-of-home placement.
         2. Indian child's tribe have taken legal jurisdiction.
   2. May complete:
      1. Relative searches that include biological relatives, excluding the biological parents of adopted children or youth when a signed Written Authorization DCYF 17-063 form is received from either the:
         1. Adoptive parents.
         2. Adopted youth age 12 or older and their attorney.
      2. Subsequent relative searches to identify and locate relatives for the purpose of changing placement to a relative or identifying relative supports when either of the following are met:
         1. They remain in foster care and it has been more than 12 months since a previous search was completed and all identified relatives have been assessed and it has been determined they are not placement options.
         2. They are legally-free and not placed with relatives. 

Forms

Written Authorization DCYF 17-063

Resources

Relative Search and Notification procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules SharePoint)

Original Date:  July 1, 2024

Revised Date:

Review Date:  July 31, 2028

Approved by:  Natalie Green, Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Division