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 on the DCYF policies and rules intranet page, child welfare division policies & procedures) 

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