Applies To: This policy applies to Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) employees.
Policy Number & Title: 4313. Notification of Court Hearings, Providing Reports to Court, and Information Sharing with Out-of-Home Caregivers
Effective Date: July 1, 2024
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the information that must be shared with caregivers, including information on:
- Their right to be present and participate in court hearings.
- The children or youth placed in their home that is necessary to support the caregiver in meeting the individual needs of the children or youth.
Authority
RCW 13.34.096 Right to be heard-Notice
RCW 13.34.260 Foster home placement-Parental preferences-Foster parent contact with birth parents encouraged
RCW 13.34.820 Permanency for dependent children-Annual report
RCW 74.13.280 Client Information
Policy
Caseworkers must:
- Notify caregivers of all court hearing and their right to attend and be heard.
- Share information with the caregivers about the children or youth being placed or that have been placed in their home.
Resources
Notification of Court Hearings, Providing Reports to Court, and Information Sharing with Out-of-Home Caregivers procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint)
Original Date: July 31, 2010
Revised Date: July 1, 2024
Review Date: July 31, 2028
Approved by: Vickie Ybarra, Assistant Secretary of Partnerships, Prevention, and Services