1750. Adoption Planning Reviews (APR)

Applies To:  This policy applies to child welfare employees.

Policy Number & Title:  1750. Adoption Planning Reviews (APR)

Effective Date:  July 1, 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish requirements when conducting Adoption Planning Reviews (APR).

APRs are a type of shared planning meetings (SPM) that:

• Takes place prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR).
• Identifies prospective adoptive placements and additional services for children or youth.
• Determines if Open Adoption Agreements (OAA) or Letters of Intent are appropriate when adoption is identified as the permanent plan.
• Develops recruitment plans for children or youth not placed in a prospective adoptive placement.

Authority 

RCW 13.34.145  Permanency planning hearing-Purpose-Time limits-Goals-Review hearing-Petition for termination of parental rights-Guardianship petition-Agency responsibility to provide services to parents-Due process rights
RCW 26.33.080  Petition for relinquishment-Filing-Written consent required
RCW 26.33.110  Petition for termination-Time and place of hearing-Notice of hearing and petition-Contents
RCW 26.33.350  Medical reports-Requirements
RCW 26.33.380  Family and social history report required-Identity of birth parents confidential
RCW 70.02.220  Sexually transmitted diseases-Permitted and mandatory disclosures
RCW 74.13.289  Blood-borne pathogens-Client information-Training
WAC 110-60-0070  What adoption services does the department provide for children in the department's care and custody?
WAC 110-60-0080  What adoption services does the department provide for prospective and approved adoptive families?

Policy 

Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) caseworkers:

1. Must conduct an APR within 30 calendar days of one of the following:
   1. Courts changing the permanent plan to adoption.
      1. Submitting a TPR referral to the Assistant Attorney General (AAG).
      2. Accepting a relinquishment of parental rights.
2. May combine APRs with permanency planning meetings.

Resources 

Adoption Planning Review (APR) procedures (located on the DCYF policies and rules intranet page, child welfare division policies & procedures)

Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) policy

Open Adoption Agreements and Letters of Intent policy

Shared Planning Meetings policy

Original Date:  July 1, 2023

Revised Date:

Review Date:  July 31, 2027

Approved by: Frank Ordway, Chief of Staff