43051A. Return Home

Applies To:  This policy applies to child welfare employees.

Policy Number & Title:  43051A. Return Home

Effective Date:  July 1, 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Identify what conditions must change for children and youth to return home.
  • Provide reasonable efforts for timely reunification.
  • Support dependent children and youth to achieve:
    • A safe and successful transition home.
    • Permanent reunification with their parents or guardians.

Authority

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 complete the following:

  1. Prior to returning dependent children or youth to their parents or guardians or when the court orders them to return home immediately:
    1. Identify and assess parents or guardians and all adults in the home who may act as a caregiver for the child or youth.
    2. Determine whether they need services to address the safety of the child or youth, regardless of whether they are a party to the dependency.
  2. 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. Assess any new adults in the home who are acting as a caregiver for the child or youth.
    3. Determine whether the new adults need services to address the safety of the child or youth, regardless of whether they are a party to the dependency.
  3. Obtain court approval for any trial return home (TRH) case to remain open beyond six months.

Resources

Return Home procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint) 

Original Date:  January 1,2007

Revised Date:  July 1, 2024 

Review Date:  July 31, 2028

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