4313. Notification of Court Hearings, Providing Reports to Court, and Information Sharing with Out-of-Home Caregivers

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:

  1. Notify caregivers of all court hearing and their right to attend and be heard.
  2. 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