Washoe County
Department of Social Services
Program Requirements
for
Foster Homes
Child Care Services
350 South Center Street
Post Office Box 11130
Reno, Nevada 89520
Telephone (775) 337-4470
Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 -- DEFINITIONS
1-1
SECTION 2 – APPLICATION PROCEDURE
2-1
SECTION 3 – GENERAL PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
3-1
SECTION 4 -- POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
4-1
SECTION 5 – FAMILY VISITATION
5-1
SECTION 6 – DISCIPLINE AND PUNISHMENT
6-1
SECTION 7 – TRANSPORTATION
7-1
SECTION 8 – COMPLAINTS ABOUT A FOSTER HOME
8-1
SECTION 9 – PLACEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
9-1
SECTION 10 – RECORD KEEPING
10-1
SECTION 11 – DISPUTE RESOLUTION
11-1
SECTION 12 – SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
12-1
ADDENDUM I – INFORMATION ON NUTRITION (Referred to in Section 4)
A1-1
ADDENDUM II -- FIRST AID KIT (Referred to in Sections 4 and 5)
A2-1
ADDENDUM III - RESTRAINT OF CHILDREN AND SAFETY IN THE CAR
(Referred to in Section 7)
A3-1
ADDENDUM IV – LEGAL HOLIDAYS
A4-1
ADDENDUM V RESPITE AND BABYSITTING POLICY
A5-1
Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Definitions
SECTION 1 -- DEFINITIONS
1.1
1.2
Agreement means the contract to provide foster or emergency shelter care to Washoe
County.
FCS Unit refers to the Foster Care Support Unit of the Washoe County Department of
Social Services
1.3
Licensing Unit means the Child Care Licensing Unit of the Washoe County
Department of Social Services.
1.4
Contractor means any person who enters into a contract agreement with Washoe
County.
1.5
Corporal punishment means any penalty or chastisement inflicted to the body and
includes but is not limited to:
Spanking; slapping; hitting; shaking; causing a child to remain in
one position for an extended period; burning or scalding; tying
down; hot sauce on the tongue; taping the mouth; placing soap in
the mouth.
1.6
CPS means the Child Protective Services Section of the Washoe County Department
of Social Services.
1.7
DCFS means the Division of Child and Family Services of the State of Nevada
Department of Human Resources.
1.8
Department Director means the Director of Washoe County Department of Social
Services.
1.9
Department of Social Services or Department means Washoe County Department of
Social Services.
1.10 Emergency placement means any placement made during other than normal working
hours (nights, weekends, holidays) or any placement required to be made in an
emergency shelter home during normal working hours because no other appropriate
foster care placement can be made.
1.11 Emergency shelter home means a licensed foster home which provides, under
contract, 24 hour care on a temporary basis to children who have been placed in the
custody of the Department of Social Services because they are in clear and present
danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation and whose need for care is immediate and is
the result of unexpected circumstances.
1.12 Entity means an applicant for licensure, an applicant for a contract, or a contractor.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Definitions
1.13 Foster home means any facility, which is licensed pursuant to NRS 424 and NAC 424.
1.14 Holiday means a legal holiday as defined in NRS 236.015.
1.15 Person means the singular and the plural and shall include individual persons,
partnerships, firms, corporations, or associations.
1.16 Provider is any person who meets all Program Requirements as stated herein and
who contracts with Washoe County for emergency or other foster care.
1.17 Wrap around service is a placement support service provided in conjunction with
another service (such as foster care) that “wraps around” the other service thereby
aiding in the delivery of the other service.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Application to Contract
SECTION 2 –PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION TO CONTRACT
2.1
Foster Home License. The foster parent(s) must hold a valid foster home license
issued by the licensing authority for the County in which the home is located.
2.2
Contacting the Department. The foster parent should contact the Department’s Child
Care Services foster home liaison to discuss the Department’s program and to
arrange for an in-home interview. The purpose of the interview is to discuss
Department foster care needs and contract requirements with the foster parents. The
interview also enables both the foster parents and the liaison worker to assess the
foster family’s ability to meet the contract requirements and to provide care to children
in Washoe County custody.
2.3
Required Documents. The foster parent must provide to the liaison worker:
copies of required insurance verification as outlined in the contract,
a copy of the current foster home license,
birth dates for each person named on the license, and
social security numbers for each person named on the license.
2.4
Signing the Contract. A representative of the Washoe County Purchasing
Department will notify the foster parent when the contract is ready for signature. A
notary will be provided by the Purchasing Department.
2.5
Payment. No payment for foster care may be made by Washoe County until a
contract is in place. No payment may be made for periods not specified in the
contract.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Personnel Qualifications
SECTION 3 – GENERAL PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
3.1
Basic Qualifications. All foster parents and persons left in charge of children must be:
A.
Mentally and physically healthy and of suitable temperament to work with
children;
B.
Able to communicate with children and the Department;
C. Able to recognize and eliminate hazards to the safety of the children;
D.
Have reached the age of 18 years and have been cleared for foster care or
childcare by the licensing authority for the county in which the foster home is
located.
E.
Able to give the children a feeling of security and show them affection. The
children should be allowed to feel they belong in the family group.
3.2
Law Enforcement Clearance. All employees of the foster home and each adult in the
household shall obtain, before commencement of employment or within three days of
residence, law enforcement clearance through the local licensing authority for the
county in which the foster home is located. No person lacking law enforcement
clearance shall be left alone with children.
3.3
Health of Contractors, Employees, and Residents. All contractors, foster home
employees, and residents over l8, must be in good physical and mental health.
Verification may be requested of health status.
3.4
Records of Employees and Substitute Staff. Every foster home shall maintain a
current record for each employee including part-time and substitute staff which shall
include:
A.
A completed application for employment listing:
Name
Birth date
Address
Social Security number
Telephone number
Education
Training
Work experience
Three personal references
Person(s) to notify in case of emergency.
Statement from the local licensing authority for the county in which the
foster home is located of clearance through law enforcement and approval
to work in the foster home.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Policies and Procedures
SECTION 4 -- POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
4.1
General Environment. The foster home shall promote the health, safety and welfare
of the children who are to be served in it.
4.2
Activities. The foster home will provide developmentally appropriate activities,
including recreation and crafts, to the children lodged.
4.3
Religious Services. No child shall be forced to attend religious services simply
because the provider does. Activities and supervision must be provided for those
children not attending church services.
4.4
Records. Records shall be maintained and updated pursuant to Section 10.
4.5
Correspondence. Foster parents will be responsible for information sent to them in
the form of mail and e-mail and held accountable for its contents.
4.6
Confidentiality. Information pertaining to an individual child shall not be disclosed to
persons other than to foster home staff and Washoe County Department of Social
Services staff or designee unless there is a medical emergency or the caregiver is
reporting child abuse or neglect as required by NRS 432B.220.
4.7
Training. Foster parents are responsible for completing a minimum of four (4) hours
of training per licensure year. Video training is not an acceptable form of training.
CPR certification is mandatory for all contract providers and is not considered part of
the four hours of training. Additional mandatory trainings may be required of
contractors throughout the year.
4.8
New Placements and Changes in the Household. The foster home must notify
Washoe County Department of Social Services by 10:00 a.m. of any placement,
removal, or other change in the household composition since the last Washoe County
workday. Notification may be by telephone, fax, e-mail, or in-person. The foster
parent will indicate to the agency whether or not they are available for additional
placements.
4.9
Clothing and Personal Items.
A.
Upon arrival at the foster home, each child over the age of two years shall be
provided the minimum basic requirements for personal care including
toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, towel, and washcloth. The toothbrush,
toothpaste, and comb shall be issued to the child in new condition, and shall
be taken with child upon departure.
B.
Other basic issue items shall be properly sanitized prior to reissue or issued in
new condition.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
4.10
4.11
Policies and Procedures
C.
The foster home shall ensure each child placed has available to him or her
soap and shampoo and, as appropriate to the child’s age and gender,
deodorant, sanitary napkins or tampons, shaving supplies, and hair spray
and/or other hair products that meets the needs of the child’s specific hair and
skin type. The foster home shall not be expected to purchase special brands
desired by a child if a required personal need item is otherwise available to the
child.
D.
The foster parent will ensure that an inventory sheet. See Appendix VI. of the
child’s clothing and personal possessions within 2 days of the child’s
placement and again completed and accompanying the child when they leave
the placement. Any additional clothing or personal items must be added to
the inventory sheet within two days of receipt.
E.
Any gifts or purchases made for the child (either by the foster parent or others)
remain the child’s property and must accompany the child at the time of
discharge.
Nutrition.
A.
Daily nutritional needs shall be provided as recommended by the allowance
established by the information on dietary needs of children included in these
program requirements as Addendum I.
B.
Sweets, foods, and beverages with little or no nutritional value shall not be
served except in addition to the recommended dietary allowance.
C.
Consideration shall be given to the child’s cultural and religious diet
Preferences.
Orientation to the Home.
A.
Foster parents are expected to be active participants in transition plans
developed for a child entering their home. This aspect of orienting a child to
your home may include day-long or overnight stays and is not a service that
will be paid for but is considered a part of the commitment a foster parent
makes to ensure the success of placement of children in their home.
B.
The foster family should endeavor to make new children feel welcome.
Introductory techniques such as showing a child where he will sleep, where he
will store his belongings, where the bathroom is, where his personal items are
located, etc. are encouraged. Within one day of placement and as
developmentally appropriate, the foster home should orient each child to
house rules and practices.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
C.
4.12
4.13
Policies and Procedures
Efforts should be made to become aware of a child’s ethnicity and culture to
include clothing preferences, hair styling, family rituals, etc. to assist the
child’s transition into the foster home placement.
Contact with Social Worker.
A.
A child may not be deprived of contact with his or her assigned social worker
during Washoe County business hours. If a child has left a message at the
Department for the social worker to return the call, the child need not make
another call to the social worker that day.
B.
In after-hours emergencies, the foster parent may contact the Department’s
on-call social worker via pager number 861-3567.
C.
The foster home may not release the social worker's home telephone number.
Medical Emergencies
A.
A current list of emergency numbers including health agencies and fire, police,
and ambulance services must be posted adjacent to the telephone.
In medical emergencies requiring treatment of the foster child, foster parents
must contact the Department to obtain consent to medical treatment. Foster
parents are not authorized to consent to medical treatment of foster children in
Washoe County custody. Foster parents should not delay seeking medical
treatment because they are trying to reach the Department.
Consent for medical treatment may be given to the medical provider via
telephone.
4.14
1.
To prevent being billed by the medical provider, foster parents should
identify the Department as the guarantor of medical bills for the foster
child.
2.
Foster parents who travel outside the State with a foster child in
County custody must obtain written Department authorization to
consent to medical treatment, which also includes billing instructions to
the medical provider.
School
A.
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The foster parent shall enroll a school-aged child into the school for which the
foster home is zoned within one school day of placement unless otherwise
instructed by the social worker assigned to the child. The foster parent is
responsible to ensure attendance at school as scheduled by the school
district.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
4.15
Policies and Procedures
B.
If a custody order is required by the school in order to enroll the child, the
foster parent should obtain a copy of the order from the social worker.
C.
The foster parent will notify the social worker of any communications from the
school, including report cards, which relate to the child’s school behavior and
performance. Positive as well as negative reports should be shared. Reports
should be shared within one week of receipt.
D.
The foster parent is responsible for providing routine school supplies such as
pencils, papers, binders, Kleenex, gym clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes etc.
Extraordinary school needs such as class rings, yearbooks, calculators, etc.
may be referred to the child’s social worker.
E.
If the child requires an Individual Education Plan (IEP), only the foster parent
or the biological parent may consent to the plan that is developed. If the
biological parent is unavailable, the foster parent is the designated surrogate
parent. The foster parent is responsible for working with the school district on
the child’s IEP and keeping the child’s social worker informed about it.
Case Meetings. The foster parent is responsible when requested by the child’s social
worker for participation in meetings and staffings relating to the child’s case. They
are expected to participate in Multidisciplinary or Child Family Team meetings as
active members, reporting on the child (ren) in their care.
Foster parents must maintain the confidentiality of the child and family due to
sensitive information being discussed during these meetings. In addition, foster
parents must let the child’s social worker take the responsibility for addressing the
parents case plan compliance and remain focused on the needs of the child.
4.16
Court
A.
Foster parents are entitled to receive notice of scheduled court hearings and
copies of Department recommendations to the Court. The Department routinely
sends these documents to the foster parent prior to the court hearing.
B.
Foster parents are entitled to attend the court hearing of a child residing in
their home and to make oral or written recommendations to the Court.
C.
Foster parents are requested to provide the Department with a copy of any
written report they make to the Court.
D.
Foster parents should not bring children to court unless the social worker has
requested the child be brought.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Family Visitation
SECTION 5 – FAMILY VISITATION
5.1
Role, Philosophy, and Expectations. The role of Washoe County Department of
Social Services (including foster families who work with the Department) is to achieve
permanency for children. Often “permanency” means reunification with the child’s
parents or other family member. The Department expects that any foster parent
accepting the responsibility of caring for a child will facilitate visits between the
biological parent or relative and the foster child when circumstances warrant.
There are circumstances wherein the County desires to have
visitation between child and parents or other family members
occur within the child’s home, the foster home. Such visits
should occur, not as simply a convenience to the worker, but as
part of a planned process involving both worker and foster
parent and which furthers the goal of reunification or otherwise
benefits the child.
The County recognizes the right of the foster family to feel safe
within their own home. Toward that end, visits should occur in the
family foster home only when there is mutual consent between the
foster family and the Department that in-home visit will not
jeopardize the foster family and that such visits promote the case
plan. However, foster families who unilaterally refuse to consider
permitting in-home family visits under any circumstances should
consider other ways to help children instead of foster care.
5.2
5.3
Facilitating visits means many things, including speaking to the child encouragingly
about the visit, transporting a child to and from a visit scheduled at the office, park, or
any other meeting place, or if warranted by the case plan and if the safety of foster
home household members is not jeopardized, permitting the parent or family member
to visit the child in the foster home. This may also include the foster parent
supervising visits either in their home or another location.
Visitation Guidelines and Procedures
A.
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Frequency of Visits
1.
Foster parents and the child’s social worker should work cooperatively with
one another toward the benefit of the child in care and in consideration of
the circumstances of the case, the parental or relative schedule, and the
schedule of the foster family.
2.
Family visits will occur as often as the case plan warrants. The foster
parent is expected to facilitate up to two family visits a week per foster child
family though more may occur under foster parent supervision if the foster
parent consents.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
B.
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Family Visitation
3.
The frequency of court-ordered visits may not be altered, and the child
must be made available as frequently as the court has ordered.
4.
Foster parents are expected to provide visit supervision or visit
transportation on no more than two weekends per month. The foster
family’s attendance at weekend religious services should not be infringed
upon.
5.
Holidays are special family times for both foster and biological families
alike. Whenever possible for the duration of the holiday period, the
Department will attempt to reschedule routine visits with the biological
family so as to reasonably accommodate the schedule of the foster family.
Usually, such visits will be scheduled on a non-holiday day. Non-routine
visits will not be scheduled for holidays without the consensus of the foster
family and unless no other accommodation can be made.
Pre-visit Protocol for Foster Parent Supervision Of Visits
1.
There should always be a defined protocol that leads up to a foster-parentsupervised visit process based on the biological family’s ability to work
safely and constructively with the child and foster family outside the
presence of the social worker.
2.
Ideally, natural families should be clean and sober for 12 weeks before an
in-home visit occurs at the foster home.
3.
In-home visits with the perpetrator if the case involves sexual abuse or
extreme physical violence should not occur.
4.
Prior to planning a foster-parent-supervised visit, the social worker will call
together a case plan meeting inviting all parties including the foster parent.
At the case plan meeting, if it is determined that the next step is to provide
foster-parent-supervised visitation, all parties must be in agreement. If the
parties cannot agree, the matter will be handled according to the dispute
resolution procedure discussed in Section 11.
5.
The worker will review the Department’s Foster Home Visitation Guidelines
with the visitor (and, if in-home visits are planned, the foster parent’s house
rules), obtain the visitor’s signature on the document, and provide the
visitor and foster parent with a copy. All parties will agree to the rules and
guidelines.
6.
The worker will also complete a Foster-Parent-Supervised Visit
Authorization and provide it to the foster parent.
7.
The visits will be arranged by the social worker unless the foster parent and
social worker agree to other arrangements.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
C.
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Family Visitation
8.
The Department will provide the foster parents with a minimum of 48 hours
notice prior to visitation so foster parents may also have an opportunity to
plan their schedules.
9.
All parties should agree upon the times and dates that visitation will take
place.
10.
The social worker’s supervisor must authorize in-home visits.
11.
Any concerns of the foster family should be addressed before any fosterparent-supervised visit takes place.
12.
In instances where the foster family and social worker are unable to
achieve consensus regarding any aspect of the foster parent’s involvement
in the visitation plans, the matter will be handled according to the dispute
resolution procedure discussed in Section 11.
13.
If the plan is for reunification, the foster parent will communicate to the
parent information about the child's equipment, dietary, and other needs
which might emerge during the visit. If warranted by case circumstances,
foster parents may be asked to provide modeling of good parenting
practices to biological parents. In such circumstances it is appropriate for
the foster parent to teach parents, especially around dietary and feeding
issues and may necessitate the foster parent initially providing the
foodstuffs for the child.
14.
Parents who will be transporting the child should provide their own car seat
if the child's age and size so warrant. Foster parents are not expected to
provide car seats.
15.
Parents who will be transporting a child must be capable of doing so
without endangering the child. Parents must comply with state laws
including state law for child restraints. See Addendum III.
16.
If a foster parent believes a child will be endangered if released to the
parent, the foster parent may refuse to do so and must immediately consult
the child’s social worker or the on-call social worker.
Procedures for Visits
1.
During the visit all parties will abide by the WCDSS Foster Home Visitation
Guidelines.
2.
Any concerns of foster parent, visitor, or social worker, which arise during
or after the visit should be addressed before the next visit takes place.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
5.4
Family Visitation
Home Visitation Guidelines and Procedures. The following is a list of guidelines and
rules to be followed during visitation between the parent and child. Examples of
appropriate interaction are focusing on child’s needs, playing a game with the child,
assisting with homework or an activity, reading a book together, and speaking to the
child on their level.
A.
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Visitation Guidelines
1.
Social worker, foster parent, and visitor must mutually agree upon the time
and length of the visits.
2.
If a visitor fails to appear within 15 minutes of the scheduled visit time, the
foster parent may at his or her option deem the visit a “no-show” and cancel
the visit.
3.
Directions about visitation rules given by the foster parent to the parent at
the time of the visit must be followed. Any discussion of the rules must be
outside the hearing of the child.
4.
The foster parent should be objective in any dispute.
5.
The child must be within the foster parent’s hearing and sight at all times
unless other arrangements have been pre-approved by the child’s social
worker.
6.
The use of foreign language or words unfamiliar to the foster parent are not
allowed unless previously authorized during case planning as related to
cultural considerations of the family.
7.
No whispering, passing notes, or hand signals are allowed. Profanity may
not be used.
8.
Negative comments about a parent, caretaker, child, or child’s sibling are
not permitted.
9.
Discussion of the court case, social worker, or related matters such as
visitation restrictions should not be addressed during visitation. Visitation
should focus on the parent-child interaction.
10.
No spanking, hitting, or threatening is allowed. The visiting person (if adult)
is responsible for managing the child’s behavior unless help is needed.
11.
The visiting person is the only person who may be present during the visit
unless the child’s social worker has previously authorized the presence of
others and communicated the permission to the foster parent.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
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Family Visitation
12.
No visits are allowed by persons who show signs of being under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. The judgment of the person supervising the
visit will determine if the visitor appears under the influence.
13.
Unless the child initiates it, tickling, hugging, or kissing are not permitted.
(Exceptions to this rule are based on the discretionary approval of the
individual monitoring the visit.)
14.
Yelling, name-calling and/or ridiculing are not allowed. Any questioning
that makes the child uncomfortable should not take place.
15.
Visiting persons should not present themselves as needing sympathy or
caretaking by the child.
16.
Because children are sensitive to blame and guilt, the visitor should not
discuss any loneliness or neediness he or she may feel.
17.
Gifts, money, food, or cards from the visitor for the child must be preapproved by the foster parent and/or social worker. Parents are
discouraged from giving children “junk food” during visits. “Junk food”
includes candy, soda, doughnuts, chips, etc.
18.
The visitor should not ask or expect the foster parent or child to pass along
or provide information about other parents, caretakers, or relatives.
19.
The visitor should not make promises such as “You’ll come live with me
soon” unless this plan has already been approved by the court.
20.
The visitor must respect the house rules regarding dress, smoking, etc.
These rules will be defined by either the social worker or foster parent at a
meeting prior to the in-home visit.
21.
As soon as possible after the visit, the foster parent should deal with any
concerns he or she has regarding visits.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Discipline and Punishment
SECTION 6 – DISCIPLINE AND PUNISHMENT
6.1
Discipline. The contractor, staff, and adult residents of the home shall promote selfcontrol and discipline in the child through wholesome example, positive guidance,
redirection of the child's behavior, and setting clear-cut limits on behavior.
Children who experience separation from and loss of their
families often go through a grieving process and an acting-out
period. The loss of family coupled with what for most children is
an entirely new set of life experiences (from new foods to
different sleeping accommodations to new playmates to changing
schools) also often contribute to acting-out behaviors. Often the
acting-out occurs not at the beginning of the placement during
the “honeymoon period” but well after the time the foster parent
may have believed the child had become acclimated to the home.
The foster parent should expect a temporary period of acting out
and should not respond with extreme disciplinary measures.
The foster parent is encouraged to consult with the child’s social
worker or therapist, foster home liaison or licensing staff, or the
Clinical Response Unit for strategies to deal with unacceptable
behavior.
6.2
Prohibited Punishments. The contractor, staff, or other persons associated with a
foster home shall not, for any reason:
A.
Threaten to subject or subject a child to verbal abuse, humiliate, threaten, or
make derogatory remarks about the child or his family;
B.
Threaten to subject or subject a child to pushing, punching, shaking or rough
handling, force feed, biting, hitting with an implement, isolation in a closed
space (e.g., a closet or unlit or unventilated space) or other extreme discipline;
C.
Threaten a child with the loss of love of any person;
D.
Threaten a child with punishment by a deity;
E.
Threaten to deny or deny food, shelter, medication, rest, or restrict the use of
a toilet or other bathroom fixture as punishment;
F.
Threaten to subject or subject a child to any form of punishment by other
children;
G.
Threaten to subject or subject a child to extended time-out periods or to timeout periods inappropriate to the child’s individual stage of development.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
H.
Discipline and Punishment
Threatening to withhold or withholding money, clothing or gifts provided by the
agency or parents, is prohibited. This excludes allowances provided by foster
parent. I. Threaten to subject or subject a child to any form of corporal
punishment, which includes but is not limited to:
spanking
slapping
hitting
shaking
causing a child to remain in one position for an extended period
burning or scalding
tying down
placing hot sauce on the tongue
taping the mouth
placing soap in the mouth
lengthy physical chores inappropriate to the child’s stage of
development
6.3
Corrective Measures. Measures used in a foster home to correct a child’s
unacceptable behavior must be consistent with supportive, positive action, and may
include:
A.
Restraining by holding a child who is physically aggressive in order to protect
oneself, staff, the child, others, or property from harm.
B.
Picking up a child, who is out of control and removing him from the setting.
(This technique is appropriate only to younger children whose size and weight
enable such action.)
C.
Informing the child in a simple and positive manner what conduct is expected.
D.
Restriction to the child's room or other area and/or withholding privileges such
as watching television.
E.
Sitting with a child until he gains control of his behavior and can return to normal
activities.
F.
Redirecting the child to a new or different activity.
G.
Praising, recognizing, and rewarding a child who behaves in the expected
manner
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Transportation
SECTION 7 – TRANSPORTATION
7.1
Notice. The County or its representative will provide 48 hours notice to the foster
parent of need for a child to be transported. The foster parent is encouraged to assist
the Department if urgent or unusual circumstances exist.
7.2
Mutual Respect and Cooperation. Foster parents and social workers should work
cooperatively in view of the demands on each and the needs of the child.
7.3
Transportation Area. Foster parents shall not be required to transport a child outside
of Washoe County. This requirement shall not preclude a foster parent from
transporting a child outside the County to necessary appointments if the foster parent
is willing to do so.
7.4
Medicaid Reimbursement for Transportation. Foster parents who provide
transportation to qualifying medical appointments for Medicaid-eligible children may
be entitled to reimbursement of transportation costs. Foster parents should contact
the Medicaid office directly for information about claiming transportation expenses.
7.5
Other Reimbursement for Transportation. Washoe County compensates contract
foster parents with a higher than the regular state foster care rate and does not
otherwise reimburse for transportation within Washoe County. Transportation out of
Washoe County may be eligible for reimbursement if it furthers the goals of the case
plan and has been prior-authorized by the Department.
7.6
Required Transportation. Transportation to counseling, family visitation, medical and
dental appointments and treatment, and other appointments the case plan identifies
as necessary shall be the scope of transportation expectations of foster parents. A
contractor may hire staff to transport.
7.7
Vehicle Safety. Any vehicle used for transportation shall be enclosed and shall be in
safe operating condition.
7.8
Vehicle Driver. The driver of the vehicle must be in compliance with all relevant State
and local laws and, if transporting children alone, must have been cleared as to
background by the local foster home licensing authority and must be at least 18 years
of age.
7.9
Automobile Insurance. The contractor shall maintain in force at all times automobile
insurance as required by the Washoe County Risk Manager for any vehicle used to
transport children in Washoe County custody.
7.10
Child Restraint. The contractor shall ensure that each child under 60 pounds or eight
years of age who is transported in the vehicle is secured with a restraint, which has
been approved by the United States Department of Transportation. Refer to
Addendum III.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Transportation
7.11
Front Seat. No more than three persons shall be permitted to occupy the front seat of
the vehicle. No child under age 12 or under 4 feet 9 inches in height shall occupy the
front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger-side airbag. Refer to Addendum III.
7.12
Supervision. No child shall be left unattended in a vehicle.
7.13
Standing. No child shall be permitted to stand in the vehicle when being transported.
7.14
Vehicle Loading and Unloading. All loading and unloading shall be done from the
curbside of the vehicle or in private driveways.
7.15
First Aid Kit. Each vehicle shall have a first aid kit available, which is stocked with
supplies as outlined in Addendum II.
7.16
Out of State. A foster parent transporting a child out of state or allowing the
transportation of a child out of state must obtain written Department permission prior
to the child’s departure from the state.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Foster Home Complaints
SECTION 8 – COMPLAINTS ABOUT A FOSTER HOME
8.1
Manner of Reporting. Complaints to the Department of Social Services about a foster
home may be received by telephone, letter, or personal interview.
8.2
Written Report. For each complaint received by the Department of Social Services, a
written report will be made. A copy of the report will be forwarded to the licensing
authority for the foster home.
8.3
Department Response.
A.
If the report is classified for investigation as child abuse or child neglect under
NRS 432B, a CPS investigation will be made and assigned per department
institutional abuse investigation policy.
B.
If the report is determined not to allege child abuse or neglect under NRS 432B,
determination will be made as to whether investigation by the Department’s
Foster Care and Adoption Support Unit or by the licensing unit or a joint
investigation is warranted. If investigation occurs, in most cases the FCAS
representative response to the report will be an unannounced visit to the foster
home by a FCAS representative. Joint investigation with the licensing authority
for the foster home may occur. In addition, the investigation process may include
collateral interviews or requested office visits.
C.
As appropriate a foster care liaison will consult with the CPS worker and/or
licensing worker and will discuss each complaint with the foster home operator
regarding its impact on the operator’s contract with the County.
D.
A report of the complaint will be maintained in the foster care record.
Complainants will not be made known to the foster home operator.
8.4
Judicial Complaints. The operator of the foster home must provide the Department
with a written report within l0 days of any complaint filed through the judicial process
which involves the foster home operator, staff, or resident. This requirement includes
lawsuits, arrests, traffic tickets, and other criminal or civil citations of the operator or
any foster home employee or resident. Failure to do so is a violation of these
Program Requirements.
8.5
Violations of Contract. If the foster home is found to be in violation of licensing
regulations and/or contract requirements, steps will be taken to remedy the situation
as follows:
*
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Upon the first violation the foster home will be given notice, in writing, of the
violation and the means and date by which to remedy it.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Foster Home Complaints
*
If within two years a same or similar violation occurs the foster home will be
given a notice of violation and be given a formal written corrective action plan.
*
A third violation within a two-year period of time could result in action against a
foster home license and/or contract.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Placement Support Services
SECTION 9 – PLACEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
9.1
Purpose. Support services are provided to further the goal of maintaining a child in
one foster home throughout his need for out-of-home care. In addition, support
services are utilized to assist the child’s family in achieving their case goals, including
reunification. The types of support services available are:
Clinical Response Unit: Services are provided when there is a potential for placement
disruption if additional services are not available. Clinical Response Unit services are
child and/or family-specific and should focus on a clearly identified problem.
Family Preservation Program: Therapeutic intervention services provided to children
and families to assist in maintaining a child in their own home or to assist in returning
a child to the family home after removal. Services are primarily provided in the home
of the birth parents.
Wraps in Nevada (W.I.N.) for Children and Families Program: A program to support
children and their birth families with complex needs. Children must have a
permanency plan other than long-term foster care.
Treatment Services: These are a variety of services, including Medicaid (formerly
DCFS contract) treatment providers, which will assist the foster child in specific goals.
They may include day-treatment, individual, family, and group therapy, psychological
assessments, and psychiatric assessment and medication management.
Independent Living Program (ILP): All youth aged 14 and over are expected to be
involved in an independent living plan in addition to the case plan related to the
family. Foster parents are expected to actively assist in independent living
evaluations and programming for youth in their homes.
The Educational Collaboration: is a joint project between the Washoe County Family
Court System, Washoe County Social Services and the Washoe County School
District created in order to improve educational outcomes for foster children. Foster
Parents are expected to work cooperatively with these systems to observe protocols
established in the agreement when informed by child and family team of those
expectations.
9.2
Examples. The following is an illustrative list of potential support services which
hypothetically could be provided to reduce the likelihood of a disrupted placement,
Crisis intervention (evaluation and/or counseling) for children who are presenting
problems
In-home counseling
Clinical counseling for foster child
Clinical consultation for foster family
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Placement Support Services
Assistance in working with the school district at times when the school district
appears uncooperative in meeting a particular child’s needs.
Psychological assessment.
Working with all members of the team to address goals and services.
Agency assistance in dealing with difficult or challenging biological parents
9.3
Other Foster Care Support Services. The following community services could also be
accessed, if available, to generally support foster parents and in so doing to support
foster children.
Resource book or staff knowledgeable about services and how to access
Child care centers with vacancies and drop-in capability
Child care when foster parents attend training or court
Mentoring of new foster parents
Foster parent support groups (with child care)
9.4
Accessing Support Services
A.
If a foster parent becomes aware of challenges presented by the child or his
placement or of trends that could result in a disruption of the child’s
placement, the foster parent IS REQUIRED TO discuss these concerns with
the child’s social worker and the foster parent’s agency liaison.
B.
Foster parents may request support services to support them in their role as
foster parents or to assist a specific child in their care. The Washoe County
Clinical Response Unit may be contacted directly for self-referral. Contacting
the child’s social worker or the foster care liaison can access other support
services.
C.
A placement support meeting will be arranged with the participation of the
foster parent, the child’s social worker, their supervisor, foster care support
staff/liaison, and Clinical Response Unit. This meeting will review the status of
the case and attempt to identify potential remedies to the concerns. Unless
there are emergency issues related to the safety of the foster child or others
the child shall not be removed from the foster home until the placement review
meeting takes place. As a result of the meeting the team will determine who
will be responsible for seeking remediation. If remediation is a child-specific
remediation potentially involving a purchase by the Department, the child’s
social worker should pursue acquiring the service. If remediation involves the
Department purchasing a service for the foster family, the liaison should take
the lead. If the service is one available from a community source, the foster
parent should be primary in obtaining it.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
D.
9.5
Placement Support Services
Foster Parents are required to work cooperatively with support services that
are provided to foster children or the foster family. Placements shall not be
refused due to support services being part of the child’s case plan. Any
complaints or disputes about support services shall be address through the
Program Requirements Dispute Resolution Process (Section 11).
Respite and Babysitting. Foster parents are able to utilize respite and babysitting
services to assist them in having breaks away from care giving. The department will
provide information to foster parents regarding the availability of respite funds on a
fiscal year basis. Those funds must be accessed within the fiscal year. Foster
parents MUST submit the respite reimbursement request form by the end of the
month in which the respite is taken in order to receive reimbursement. Washoe
County Social Services does not pay or reimburse foster parents for the cost of
babysitting. Full explanation of the Respite and Babysitting Policy can be reviewed in
Addendum V.
3/23/2006
9-3
Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Record Keeping
SECTION 10 – RECORD KEEPING
10.1
Records shall be maintained and updated on each child as information becomes
available.
10.2
Placement Record. If the child was placed directly from parental or other family
member custody and not from the Kids Kottages or from another foster home, the
foster home shall make a record of placement maintained in a marked file folder or
binder and kept in a location of the home that allows the records to remain
CONFIDENTIAL. Placement records shall include:
Date and hour placed;
The child's full legal name;
The child's preferred name;
Gender;
Birth date, place of birth;
Name of worker placing child;
Reason for placement;
Father's name, address, home telephone and business telephone;
Mother's name, address, home telephone and business telephone;
Health problems.
10.3
Medical Records. Medical records shall be kept on a form provided by the
Department. See Appendix VII. Medical records shall be documented monthly on
the form provided and sent to the department as directed. The foster parent shall
maintain copies of all documentation to provide to the next caregivers of the child.
Medications shall be documented on the medication logs provided by the department.
See Appendix VIII for all non-psychotropic and over-the-counter medicines. See
Appendix VIII.A for psychotropic medicines.
10.4
School Records. The foster family shall retain the child’s report cards and any other
significant school reports. The foster parent shall provide these school reports on a
monthly form provided by the department as directed. It is also recommended that the
foster family maintain a file containing samples of the child’s school projects so that
the child will have reminders from his school experience that he can look back on in
later life. School records, including school pictures, should accompany the child if he
leaves the foster home.
10.5
Life books, Photos, and Videos. The foster parent is encouraged to maintain a file of
photographic and written descriptions of experiences from the child’s life so that the
child will have reminders from his childhood that he can look back on in later life. Life
books, some photos, and some videos (if available) should accompany the child if he
leaves the foster home.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Record Keeping
10.6
Written Documentation of Visit. After each visit supervision the foster parent will
complete the Department’s Parent/Child Visit Observation Form or a written narrative
recording observations about the visit. The observation form or a written narrative will
be submitted to the social worker on a bi-monthly basis or as requested by the social
worker.
10.7
Other Records. The foster parent may be asked to maintain other records such as
the Children’s Behavioral Checklist from time to time on a particular child. Such
records should be turned in to the Department as the Department directs.
10.8
Records Retention. Each record, which does not accompany the child upon the
child’s removal, shall be kept available at the foster home for two years after the
child's departure from care.
10.9
Records Destruction. Records that contain confidential information shall be
destroyed by shredding or burning.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Dispute Resolution
SECTION 11 – DISPUTE RESOLUTION
11.1
Disputes between the child’s social worker and the foster home over matters
addressed in Sections 1 through 10 shall be dealt with in the following manner:
Level 1. The foster parent and child’s social worker should discuss the disputed
issue and identify potential solutions, which are mutually acceptable.
Level 2. If the social worker and the foster parent are unable to achieve consensus,
the foster home liaison should meet with them. The role of the liaison is to
serve as a mediator/facilitator attempting to help the foster parent and the
social worker achieve consensus.
Level 3. If the matter cannot be resolved at Level 2, the Foster Care Support
Supervisor and the social worker’s Supervisor will meet with the foster
parent and the social worker.
Level 4. If the matter cannot be resolved at Level 3, the Foster Care Support
Coordinator and the social worker’s coordinator will meet with the social
worker and the foster parent.
Level 5. If the matter cannot be resolved at Level 4, the Division Director will meet
with the social worker and the foster parent. The decision of the Division
Director will be final.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Special Needs Children
SECTION 12 – SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
12.1
Philosophy. Children in foster care may demonstrate extraordinary physical or
behavioral needs for care well beyond the needs of the usual foster child. If a foster
child is assessed by the Department to have special needs, the Department may
increase the foster care payment.
12.2
Procedure.
A.
If a foster parent believes a child to have special care needs, the foster parent
should request evaluation by the social worker. Usually, such request should
be made before accepting placement of the child; though circumstances exist
wherein the child’s special needs do not emerge until after placement of the
child.
B.
The social worker will complete an evaluation using the Department’s special
needs foster child evaluation criteria. The foster parent may be asked to
provide written documentation of the child’s special need.
C.
The social worker’s evaluation will be reviewed by the Unit supervisor and by
the Section coordinator. If approved by the coordinator, the foster care
payment will be increased by the amount approved by the coordinator.
D.
If the foster parent disagrees with the decision of the coordinator, the foster
parent may request review by the Division Director. The decision of the
Division Director is final.
E.
Criteria. The following criteria will be utilized in determining the extent of the
child’s special needs. See Appendix IX.
13.0 Issues not addressed. Any areas of practice expectations not addressed in this
document are held to the established “best practice” guidelines defined in the manual,
“Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Standards: Guidelines for Out of
Home Child Care Programs, Second Edition” published in joint collaboration with the
American Journal of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, and the National
Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care.
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Nutrition
ADDENDUM I – INFORMATION ON NUTRITION (Referred to in Section 4)
Kind of Food
1. Milk or equivalent
8 oz. milk is equivalent to:
1 oz. cheese, 5-1/2 tbs.
Non-fat dry milk solids,
8oz milk puddings.
2. Meat or equivalent: 1oz. meat,
fish or poultry.
Fish is equivalent to: 1 egg,
Butter or nuts; 2 oz. cottage
Cheese; 1/2 cup cooked dried
Beans. NOTE: Liver is
recommended two times per
mo.
3. Vegetables (fruits):
Dark green or yellow
vegetables and fruits
including spinach, carrots,
sweet potatoes, broccoli,
cantaloupe, apricots,
yellow squash, tomatoes, plus
other vegetables not listed.
4. Fruits (vegetables)
Citrus Fruits:
Including: oranges,
grapefruit, raw cabbage,
broccoli, berries, greens,
cantaloupe, tomatoes,
plus other fruits.
5. Breads or cereals:
One slice is equivalent to:
1/2-cup cereal, macaroni, rice
noodles, crackers (2).
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Nutrient
Calcium
Protein
Riboflavin
Total amount to meet
2/3 of FNBNAS (Ages
1 - 2 Years)
2 oz. milk or equivalent
for part of milk
Total amount to meet
2/3 of FNBNAS (Ages
2 - 6 Years)
12 oz. milk or
equivalent for part of
milk
Protein
Iron
Thiamin
1 oz. meat (2
1-1/2 oz. meat or 3
tablespoons) or
tablespoons meat or
equivalent
1 oz. cheese;
for 1 oz.
2 tbs. peanut
equivalent
meat
Vitamin A
Iron
1 - 2 tablespoons or l 2 oz
2 - 3 tablespoons or 2 3 oz.
Vitamin C
1/3 cup or 3 oz
1/3 cup or 3 oz.
Thiamin
BComplex
2 - 3 servings
3 - 4 servings
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Kind of Food
6. Fat and equivalent
Mayonnaise, peanut butter,
oils, butter, margarine, fatty
acids
7. Miscellaneous
Simple puddings, cookies,
cakes, sauces, fruit punches.
3/23/2006
Nutrition
Total amount to meet
2/3 of FNBNAS (Ages
1 - 2 Years)
Total amount to meet
2/3 of FNBNAS (Ages
2 - 6 Years)
Nutrient
Essential
Calories
1 - 2 teaspoons
3 - 4 teaspoons
Calories
1 - 2 servings
1 - 2 servings
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
First Aid Kit
ADDENDUM II -- FIRST AID KIT (Referred to in Sections 4 and 5)
All of this will fit into a small tackle box.
AII.1
Fact Sheet. There should be a fact sheet with the following information:
A.
Telephone numbers:
8.1.1
In areas served by 911 emergency service, a notice that the emergency
number is 911.
8.1.2. In areas outside the 911 service area, a list of the following numbers:
EMS telephone number
Ambulance telephone number
Fire and/or rescue number
Police telephone number
Hospital telephone number
B.
Name and address of the foster home
C.
Information to be given over the telephone
(Do not hang up until dispatcher does.):
location of caller and of victim
telephone number of caller or call-back number
brief description of injury
AII-2
Supplies:
A.
Dressings:
1.
2.
B.
Bandages:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6
3/23/2006
one package 4 x 4's
one package 2 x 2's
Kling - 2" and 3"
Ace bandage - 3"
Triangular bandage - (2 or 3)
Band aids
Butterflies
Eye patches - pediatric sizes
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
C.
Other:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
AII-3
Tape - 1" and 2" (paper and athletic)
Scissors
Non-mercury thermometer
Tweezers
Q-tips
Phisoderm
Hydrogen Peroxide
Antibacterial ointment
Syrup of Ipecac
Universal antidote (activated charcoal)
Treatment Instructions
A.
Red Cross First Aid Booklet
B.
CPR instructions in obvious location.
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First Aid Kit
Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Safety in the Car
ADDENDUM III RESTRAINT OF CHILD AND SAFETY IN THE CAR
A.
Nevada Revised Statute 484.474 Restraint of Children in Motor Vehicle.
NRS 484.474 Child riding in motor vehicle: Device to restrain child under 6 years
of age required; penalty; exceptions.
1.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, any person who is transporting a child
who is under 6 years of age and who weighs less than 60 pounds in a motor vehicle
operated in this state which is equipped to carry passengers shall secure him in a
device for restraining a child which has been approved by the United States
Department of Transportation.
2.
A person who violates the provisions of subsection 1 shall be punished by a fine of
not less than $35 nor more than $100 unless, within 14 days after the issuance of the
citation for such a violation, the person presents to the court specified in the citation
proof of his purchase of such a restraining device. Upon presentation of such proof,
the court shall void the citation.
3.
For the purposes of NRS 483.473, a violation of this section is not a moving traffic
violation.
4.
A violation of this section may not be considered:
(a) Negligence in any civil action; or
(b) Negligence or reckless driving for the purposes of NRS 484.377.
5.
This section does not apply:
(a) To a person who is transporting a child in a means of public transportation,
including a taxi, school bus or emergency vehicle.
(b) When a physician determines that the use of such a restraining device for the
particular child would be impractical or dangerous because of such factors as the
child’s weight, physical unfitness or medical condition. In this case, the person
transporting the child shall carry in the vehicle the signed statement of the physician
to that effect.
(Added to NRS by 1983, 1888; A 1985, 1170, 2293; 1995, 1528)
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Holiday
ADDENDUM IV -- NRS 236 – HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF OBSERVANCE
NRS 236.015 Legal holidays; closing of state, county and city offices, courts,
public schools and University and Community College System of Nevada.
1.
The following days are declared to be legal holidays for state, county and city
governmental offices:
January 1 (New Year’s Day)
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is on January 15 but is to be observed on the third
Monday in January
Washington’s birthday is on February 22 but is to be observed on the third Monday
in February
Last Monday in May (Memorial Day)
July 4 (Independence Day)
First Monday in September (Labor Day)
Nevada Day is October 31 but is to be observed on the last Friday in October
November 11 (Veterans’ Day)
Fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day)
Friday following the fourth Thursday in November (Family Day)
December 25 (Christmas Day)
Any day that may be appointed by the President of the United States for public fast,
thanksgiving or as a legal holiday except for any Presidential appointment of
the fourth Monday in October as Veterans’ Day.
2.
3.
Except as otherwise provided by NRS 293.560 and 293C.527, all state, county and
city offices, courts, public schools and the University and Community College System
of Nevada must close on the legal holidays enumerated in subsection 1 unless in the
case of appointed holidays all or a part thereof are specifically exempted.
If January 1, July 4, November 11 or December 25 falls upon a:
(a) Sunday, the Monday following must be observed as a legal holiday.
(b) Saturday, the Friday preceding must be observed as a legal holiday.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 560; A 1971, 589, 1320, 2083; 1975, 829; 1979, 603; 1987,
215; 1989, 684; 1993, 368, 2199; 1997, 3474, 3515; 1999, 679, 2410)
3/23/2006
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Respite & Babysitting Policy
ADDENDUM V RESPITE AND BABYSITTING POLICY
Approved Alternative Care for Licensed Foster Parents
A.
Purpose. To provide guidance, direction and parameters for licensed family
foster homes (including licensed relative homes) in selecting an appropriate
alternative care provider when the licensed foster parent needs assistance in
caring for a foster child. Any exception to this policy e.g., “sleep-overs” must
have Supervisor or Coordinator approval.
B.
Responsibilities of Licensed Foster Parent. The responsibilities of licensed
foster parents in selecting an alternative care provider include:
C.
D.
1.
Ensuring that the needs of the child are met and that the child is in a safe
environment at all times;
2.
Selecting an alternative care provider that best fits the needs of each child
and situation; and
3.
Selecting an alternative care provider that has the ability and training to
meet the special needs and medical needs of the child.
Supervision of Foster Children. The alternative care provider must meet the
requirements for supervising the child, taking into account their unique special
needs, as set forth in NAC 424.505:
1.
Minors shall not supervise foster children unless approved by the child’s
social worker.
2.
Foster children must be given supervision appropriate to their age and
maturity.
3.
Foster children shall not supervise or baby-sit other children unless
approved by the foster child’s social worker.
4.
Children shall always be supervised by an adult when in or around a pool.
Adults shall not allow themselves to be distracted by household chores.”
Categories and Requirements for Alternative Care Providers
1.
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Babysitter. A babysitter is a mature, responsible person who provides
occasional, short-term care (not to exceed six hours or be overnight) for a
foster child in the home of the licensed foster parent. Selection of a
babysitter must take into consideration the number and ages of children to
be supervised, the length of time, special needs of the children and the
skills of the babysitter to address the identified needs. The following
provides further direction:
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
Respite & Babysitting Policy
a. A babysitter must be at least 16 years of age. The foster parent must
obtain permission from the child’s social worker to use a babysitter
under the age of 18;
b. A babysitter under 18 years of age may not transport foster children.
Babysitters age 18 and over must meet the Washoe County
Department of Social Services’ (WCDSS) minimum requirements for
insurance coverage prior to any transporting;
c. Any babysitter, regardless of age, must be physically capable of taking
care of and protecting the children, and be capable of making sound
decisions and able to recognize and avoid danger for the child; and
d. The licensed foster parent must leave the babysitter an emergency
phone number or pager number where he or she may be reached.
2.
Non-Primary Provider. A non-primary provider is an alternative care
provider who provides care to foster children in the home of the licensed
foster parent. The difference between a babysitter and a non-primary
provider is that a non-primary provider cares for the foster child on a routine
basis for more than six hours or for overnight.
All applicants must complete a background check that includes an annual
Child Abuse and Neglect System (CANS) check. In addition to the
following requirements, it is recommended that the non-primary applicant
complete Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training as well as four
hours of advanced training annually. In order to obtain initial approval, the
non-primary provider must:
a. Be at least 18 years of age;
b. Complete a Non-Primary Application Packet;
c. Complete a criminal background check or obtain a valid child care work
permit card;
d. Receive five positive references;
e. Provide copies of negative TB skin test or chest X-ray results per NAC
424.167(2);
f.
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Complete six hours of training specific to child development and
discipline (Child Care Licensing Training may be approved by WCDSS).
Alternative-learning methods may be approved or the training waived
by WCDSS on a case-by-case basis due to extenuating circumstances;
and
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Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
g.
3.
4.
Respite & Babysitting Policy
Provide WCDSS a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) background
print out if the non-primary provider will transport foster children in the
licensed foster parent’s vehicle. If the non-primary provider will use his
or her own vehicle to transport foster children then WCDSS’ insurance
requirements must be met and proof of insurance provided.
Respite Care Provider. A respite care provider is a person who may
provide care in his or her own home as well as in the family foster home
where the child resides. The respite provider must meet all the
requirements listed under the “Non-primary provider” section. However,
only the person actually providing the respite care must complete the
training requirements. The following are requirements to provide care in
the respite care provider’s home:
a.
Pass a yearly home safety inspection (for licensed day care providers
the annual home inspection meets this requirement);
b.
Provide written proof of Personal Liability Insurance with a minimum
limit of $100,000. This may be satisfied with a Homeowner,
Condominium Owners, or Renters insurance policy, or any policy
providing similar coverage;
c.
Complete background clearances on all members of the household 18
years of age or older; and
d.
Provide proof that the provider and each member of the household over
the age of 18 are free from active tuberculosis.
Licensed Foster Parent. A licensed foster parent may provide babysitting,
respite and non-primary care to other foster children not in his or her home.
The foster care licensing social worker must be consulted for issues
concerning compliance with the license e.g., capacity limits. The following
are restrictions on licensed foster parents care:
a. A licensed foster parent may provide alternative care for a maximum of
four children and a maximum of fourteen consecutive days unless
approved by WCDSS;
b. A foster parent must receive the approval of the licensing social worker
if the care is to be overnight and causes the number of children on the
license to exceed limits. (The licensing social worker will designate the
number of children allowed on a case-by-case basis); and
c. A licensed relative foster caregiver may not provide non-primary or
respite care for other foster children without the permission of the
licensing social worker.
3/23/2006
A5-3
Washoe County Department of Social Services
Program Requirements for Foster Homes
E.
3/23/2006
Respite & Babysitting Policy
5.
Licensed Child Care Providers. Licensed childcare provider may provide
babysitting, respite and non-primary care to other foster children not in his
or her home. If transporting foster children, all the conditions under nonprimary care provider must be met.
6.
Child Care Facility Staff. May provide care in the home of the licensed
foster parent and must meet the requirements of non-primary provider.
Payment. The foster parent seeking alternate care for the children in his or her
home is responsible for paying for the care. Respite reimbursement may be
available by contacting the foster parent liaison and/or the local foster parent
association.
A5-4
APPENDIX VI.
CLOTHING INVENTORY CHECKLIST
Washoe County Social Services
Child’s Name
Use only the section appropriate for child’s age and sex.
File in child’s file in foster home upon completion. Clothing must
be of proper fit and in good repair. Inventory should be
completed when a child enters the home and again when a child
Date
leaves the home.
Sex
Age
Amount Allowed for Needed Clothing
□ Male □ Female
REQUIRED WARDROBE
MINIMUM & QUANITY
CHILD
HAS
Foster Parent’s Initials
Worker
REQUIRED WARDROBE
MINIMUM & QUANITY
CHILD
NEEDS
7
1
1
6
1
Underwear & Nightwear
*Diapers
As Needed
Undershirts/Onesies
12
Pajamas
4
Footwear
Socks
Shoes
Accessories
**Mittens
**Hat (For sun or cold)
8
1
1
1
Outerwear
Daytime Outfits
7
Jacket
1
**Snowsuit or Heavy Coat
1
**Bathing Suit
1
Underwear & Nightwear
Training Pants or Panties
8
*Diapers
As Necessary
Undershirts
8
Pajamas
2
Footwear
Socks
8
Dress Shoes
1
Sneakers
1
**Boots
1
Accessories
**Gloves or Mittens
1
**Hat (For sun or cold)
1
BOYS 6 - 12 YEARS OF AGE
GIRLS 6 - 12 YEARS OF AGE
Outerwear
**Heavy Coat
Sweat Shirts
Jacket
Sweaters
Dresses or Skirts/Blouses
Shirts
Jeans
Slacks
Sweat Pants
**Shorts
**Bathing Suit
1
2
1
2
2
7
4
2
2
5
1
Underwear & Nightwear
Panties
Bathrobe
Pajamas
8
1
2
Footwear
Socks or Tights
Dress Shoes
Sneakers
**Boots
**Sandals
Accessories
**Gloves
**Hat (For sun or cold)
8
1
1
1
1
1
1
**Seasonal clothing necessary in appropriate season
CHILD
NEEDS
CHILDREN 2 – 5 YEARS OF AGE
CHILDREN 0 – 24 MONTHS OF AGE
Outerwear
Daytime Outfits
Jacket
**Snowsuit or Heavy Coat
Infant Receiving Blankets
Blanket – large
CHILD
HAS
Outerwear
**Heavy Coat
Sweat Shirts
Jacket
Sweaters
Shirts
Slacks
Jeans
Dress Shirts
Sweat Pants
**Shorts
**Bathing Suit
1
2
1
1
7
2
4
1
2
5
1
Underwear & Nightwear
Under Shorts
Pajamas
7
2
Footwear
Socks
Dress Shoes
Sneakers
**Boots
**Sandals
8
1
1
1
1
Accessories
**Gloves
**Hat (For sun or cold)
Belt
1
1
1
*Foster Parents accepting diaper-aged children need to have
diapers available at time of placement.
-1-
CLOTHING INVENTORY CHECKLIST
Washoe County Social Services
REQUIRED WARDROBE
MINIMUM & QUANITY
CHILD
HAS
CHILD
NEEDS
REQUIRED WARDROBE
MINIMUM & QUANITY
BOYS 13 – 18 YEARS OF AGE
GIRLS 13-18 YEARS OF AGE
Outerwear
**Heavy Coat
Sweat Shirts
Jacket
Sweaters
Dresses or Skirts/Blouses
Shirts
Jeans
Slacks
Sweat Pants
**Shorts
**Bathing Suit
1
2
1
2
2
7
4
2
2
5
1
Underwear & Nightwear
Panties
Bra
Bathrobe
Pajamas
8
3
1
1
Footwear
Socks or Tights
Dress Shoes
Sneakers
Slippers
**Boots
**Sandals
8
1
1
1
1
1
Accessories
**Gloves
**Hat (For sun or cold)
Belt
1
1
1
CHILD
HAS
**Heavy Coat
Sweat Shirts
Jacket
Sweaters
Slacks
Jeans
Dress Shirts
Shirts
Tie
Sweat Pants
**Shorts
**Bathing Suit
1
2
1
2
2
4
1
7
1
2
5
1
Underwear & Nightwear
Under Shorts
Pajamas
7
1
Footwear
Socks
Dress Shoes
Sneakers
**Boots
**Sandals
8
1
1
1
1
Accessories
**Gloves
**Hat (For Sun or Cold)
Belt
1
1
1
**Seasonal clothing necessary in appropriate season
Personal Possessions: Each inventory, update with changes only. (Use additional paper as needed)
-2-
CHILD
NEEDS
Medical Evaluation Program
1) Upon accepting any placement that is new to their home, Foster Parents must call
the WCDSS Medical Unit at 337-4489 within 24 hours to schedule an
appointment for the child(ren) to be evaluated. In some cases, the child may or
may not be seen, however, the Medical Unit ALWAYS has to be notified.
2) Foster Parents are expected to bring in the child(ren) for the scheduled
appointment within 10 days of placement.
3) Foster Parents will be provided recommendations and feedback regarding the
medical needs of the child(ren) as part of the medical evaluations. Foster Parents
are required to follow through on recommendations and appointments established
as part of the evaluation in the time frames indicated.
4) Foster Parents are responsible for monthly completion of the Medical/Education
Information forms and returning those monthly to ensure proper documentation of
efforts to meet the medical needs of the child(ren). If there are questions
regarding the Medical Evaluation Program, Foster Parents may call the Medical
Unit or speak to a Foster Care Liaison at 337-4470.
WASHOE COUNTY
“Dedicated to Excellence in Public Service”
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Child Care Services
350 SOUTH CENTER STREET
POST OFFICE BOX 11130
RENO, NEVADA 89520-0027
PHONE: (775) 337-4470
FAX: (775) 337-4495
Dear Foster Parent:
All of you should be familiar with the Medical History Form that you’ve been required to fill out monthly and
submit quarterly to our Unity staff. Many of you have given feedback about this process and how it might
work better for you and for WCDSS, so we’ve taken this into consideration and have come up with a process
that we hope will enable you to more easily fulfill this requirement. You will notice the form has been greatly
simplified and you will no longer be required to attach school forms or report cards, which should be
submitted to the child’s worker, but we still need you to name the child’s school.
A revised medical history form is attached for those of you who still prefer to mail this form. Feel free to copy
it for future use. Instead of mailing it quarterly, however, please send it in monthly to Unity Input within 30
days following the month documented. The address is:
Washoe County Department of Social Services
Attn: Unity Input
P.O. Box 11130
Reno, NV 89520-9977
For those of you who would like to use an electronic format to submit this form, the form has now been made
available on the WCDSS web site www.washoecounty.us. Follow the instructions included, or you may
attach it to an email address, which is [email protected]. Like the mailed forms, the electronic form
will need to be submitted within 30 days following the month documented.
Thank you very much for your cooperation with this process. The information you provide is very important
to tracking the health of our children in your care.
Victoria Bowers
Foster Care Liaison
Washoe County Dept of Social Services
350 So. Center St.
P.O. Box 11130
Reno, NV 89520-0027
phone (775) 337-4484
fax (775) 337-4495
You can now submit your Medical and Dental forms electronically! If you
have an email account, you can fill out the form online and submit it through
your email.
Here's how you do it:
1. Click on the form.
If this message appears click Cancel, it means that you have an older version of Adobe.
2. Now, simply fill out the form with as much information as possible. When finished, click
to save the file onto your computer. Keep the XML
on the
file extension the same and you can leave the name of the file intact.
3. Next, go into your email account, gmail, yahoo, sbcglobal or whatever email you have,
and send it to [email protected] and attach the XML file to the email.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Judy Shumway at 785-5620.
WASHOE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Monthly Medical History Form for Children in Foster Care
For the Month of
For the Year of
Child’s Name:
Foster Parent:
Date Completed:
Case No.:
Caseworker:
MEDICAL INFORMATION:
No New Information
Doctor:
Diagnosis:
Appt. Date:
Medication(s):
DENTAL INFORMATION:
No New Information
Appt. Date:
Doctor:
Reason for Visit (check all that apply):
Scheduled Check-up
Cleaning
Braces
Cavity Filling
Extractions
Oral Surgery
Other: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Medication(s):
COUNSELING INFORMATION:
No New Information
Therapist:
Frequency of Appts:
Medication(s):
Prescribed by:
Diagnosis:
Date of Last Med. Eval/Check:
SCHOOL INFORMATION:
No New Information
School:
Grade:
HOSPITALIZATION:
No New Information
Where:
Admit Date:
Reason:
Follow-Up Instruction:
Physician:
Discharge Date:
Surgery
ANY OTHER EXAMS/APPOINTMENTS:
When:
When:
When:
No New Information
Where:
Where:
Where:
Why:
Why:
Why:
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:
Input into UNITY
Form: WCDSS 526
Date Entered:
Page 1 of 1
Entered By:
Revised: 04/11
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
350 SOUTH CENTER ST
POST OFFICE BOX 11130
RENO, NEVADA 89520-0027
PHONE: (775) 337-4470
FAX: (775) 337-4495
MEDICATION LOG
Child’s Name (Full, legal): ____________________________________ DOB: __________________
Foster Parent’s Name: ______________________________________________________________
Physician’s Name & Phone No.:_______________________________________________________
When administering any non-psychotropic medication including over-the-counter medications,
each dose administered must be documented.
Person’s Signature
Administering Meds
Name of Medication
Date
Time
Amount
Given
Washoe County Department of Social Services
Psychotropic Medication Administration Log Directions
Beginning May 1, 2013, Psychotropic Medication Administration Logs are required for all foster children in the
care of WCDSS. The log found on the reverse side of this document is required to be used by all Family Foster
Homes, Relative Placements, and ‘Turbo’ Pilot Homes. Specialized Foster Homes will utilize their own medication
logs agreed upon in their individual WCDSS contracts.
The WCDSS definition of ‘Psychotropic’ medication is as follows: medication, the prescribed intent of which is to
affect or alter thought processes, mood, or behavior. This includes, but is not limited to, antipsychotic,
antidepressant, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medication, medications to treat ADHD, and other non-psychotropic
medications prescribed as part of the child’s psychiatric treatment regime (i.e. sleep-aids, over the counter
supplements, and blood pressure medications). The classification of a medication depends upon its stated and
intended effect when prescribed, because it may have many different uses and effects. In addition, psychotropic
medication must never be used for the convenience of staff members or caregivers, to punish children, or as a
substitute for adequate staffing and programming. If a medication (e.g. Melatonin) is needed for sleep and the
child is not under the care of a psychiatrist, the foster parent treats that as a regular over the counter (OTC)
medication. However, if that same child is under the care of a psychiatrist and Melatonin is needed, the
medication would be considered a psychotropic medication and would need to be prescribed by the psychiatrist.
For any child in the custody of WCDSS, a PLR (Person Legally Responsible for the Psychiatric Care of a Child) must
be assigned prior to them receiving any psychiatric care or psychotropic medication. If a child requires psychiatric
services, the assigned caseworker/supervisor will nominate a PLR. Only a PLR can approve or deny psychiatric
services or psychotropic medications.
If a child is prescribed a psychotropic medication and the PLR approves it, he/she will provide you with a
‘Psychotropic Medication and Informed Consent for Foster Children’ form with his/her signature consenting to
the medication. The psychiatrist will also provide you with prescriptions for that medication. Only psychotropic
medication approved by the PLR can be administered to the child, exactly as written on the above-mentioned
consent form. Once you are provided with the above-mentioned form and the prescriptions:
1. Fill the prescriptions at your local pharmacy. If the pharmacy is unable to fill the prescription due to
insurance issues, contact your caseworker immediately.
2. Begin completing the reverse side of this form (psychotropic medication log). If you are unsure how
to complete this log, please contact someone in the PLR unit at WCDSS.
3. Ensure that a new psychotropic medication log is completed each month. These logs are to be
delivered to the PLR unit by the 10th business day of the following month (please no faxes). Make a
copy for your records and keep in your home. New logs can be picked up at WCDSS or from your
caseworker.
At least once per quarter (every 90 days), your caseworker will be completing ‘spot checks’ to ensure that
the psychotropic medication logs are completed. In addition, your worker will ensure that the ‘Psychotropic
Medication and Informed Consent for Foster Children’ forms are in your possession and signed by the PLR
and that the information contained on the form matches the prescription bottles and the medication logs. If
you encounter discrepancies between any of these documents/bottles, please contact the child’s PLR and
your caseworker immediately.
* for all other medications (non-psychotropic, OTC, etc.) refer to the current Foster Care Regulation
(NAC 424.560). In addition, please also see the WCDSS ‘Medication Guide for Foster Parents’.
WCDSS 590 (BACK) 3-22-13
WASHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION (including ADHD medications) ADMINISTRATION LOG
Month:
Year:
- For use with regular family foster homes, relative homes, and 'Turbo Pilot' homes -
Child:
Age:
Copy from these boxes on the form
given to you by the PLR
Medication name and mg's
# of tabs
or caps
#1
Date:
2
3
4
Child initial
When
in
morning
at
noon
in
afternoon
in
evening
at
bedtime
mg's:
1
Caseworker:
5
6
7
8
PLR:
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Examples for initials by child and caregiver/staff after each
administration of medication to be completed below.
Staff initial
PRN
(explain below)
Medication name and mg's
# of tabs
or caps
#2
mg's:
When
in
morning
at
noon
in
afternoon
in
evening
at
bedtime
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
PRN
(explain below)
Explain PRN usage and any medication Errors:
Foster parent / Staff name:
Foster parent / Staff signature:
WCDSS 590 (FRONT) 3-22-13
AT THE END OF EACH MONTH, PLEASE PROVIDE A CLEAR/LEGIBLE COPY OF THIS LOG TO THE WCDSS PLR UNIT (NO FAXES PLEASE)
WASHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Extraordinary Needs Assessment
Date: ______________________________
Child’s Name: _________________________________
DOB: ______________________________
Foster Home Name: ____________________________
Social Worker: _______________________
PHILOSOPHY: Children in foster care may demonstrate physical or behavioral needs for care well beyond the
needs of the usual foster child. Extraordinary needs are those needs that require extraordinary time, expense,
and training on the part of the foster parent. The extraordinary need is a recurring or ongoing, professionally
diagnosed medical, psychiatric, educational, or social need. The Department may increase the foster care
payment when these needs are demonstrated and verifiable through case record and collateral documentation.
1. Physical/Medical - The child needs help with prosthetics, extraordinary medical equipment and assistance,
and because of significant developmental delays requires consistent help with activities of daily living such as
toileting and eating; assistance with skin conditions, help with extensive speech and hearing problems. The
child may be non-ambulatory. The child may require regular hospitalization and medical assistance. These
result in the foster parent having to provide extensive additional care on a consistent basis.
Growth Concerns – The child has significant deficit in regard to development, is medically documented as
delayed, and has an extraordinaryized program developed by medical personnel in place to address the
problem. The deficit/delay requires foster parent to provide specific care resulting in an increase in care
and time spent with the child beyond that of a normal foster child.
Help with Self Care – The foster parent must assist with daily living activities well beyond that of normal
developmental states; activities may include bathing, feeding, and dressing, which require ongoing
extensive supervision beyond that of a typical foster child.
Mobility Delays – The child’s lack of developmentally normal mobility requires increased supervision and
assistance by foster parent on a daily basis due to the child’s behavior and symptoms as documented by
clinical records.
Seizures – The child’s diagnosed seizure disorder requires ongoing medical care and requires the foster
parent to attend frequent extraordinaryized appointments and/or training to daily care for child.
Severe FAS – The child demonstrates behaviors due to syndrome requiring ongoing supervision and
assistance; including inability to sleep, irritability, and daily care needs beyond that normal for the age
range.
Difficult Dietary Needs – The child’s feeding habits or needs demand assistance with feeding over lengthy
periods of time for each meal, or use of extraordinaryized equipment such as a g-tube.
Extraordinary Equipment – The child requires education by specialist or physician for ongoing use, not
merely an incidental need but a dependence on the equipment must be demonstrated on a consistent
basis which impacts on foster parent(s) time and care of the child beyond the normal range. The child’s
chronic condition requires treatment with extraordinaryized equipment for which requires training by
medical personnel.
Ex Excessive Hospitalization – The foster parent must make consistent visits to hospital for training and future
care of the child in preparation for discharge as demonstrated in medical documentation and
recommendations. The demands on foster parent’s time are well above what normally would be required
for a foster child of this age.
Form: WCDSS 465
Page 1 of 4
Revised: 9/12
WASHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Extraordinary Needs Assessment
2. Emotional/Mental Health -The child has a diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) and receives treatment and therapy on a consistent basis to treat the
diagnosed disorder. The child may be enrolled in an IEP but additionally is maintained in a self-contained
classroom or psycho-educational setting. The child has been or is likely to be placed in a psychiatric facility.
The child has cognitive and developmental impairments, is classified as mentally retarded, or requires a
behavioral management plan with the assistance of therapeutic intervention. The child acts out aggressively
and demonstrates significant anger control problems resulting in the need for assistance from law enforcement
or outside agencies. The child has a diagnosed eating disorder, has difficulty bonding, or expresses suicidal
thoughts and defiance or other condition that require the foster parent to provide extensive additional care on a
consistent basis.
Socialization/Aggressiveness Problems – The child requires ongoing supervision and need for assistance
by foster parent on daily basis because the child chronically demonstrates behaviors in interactions with
other children that threatens their safety or is characterized by repetitive conflict.
Destruction of Property – The child has a history of chronic property destruction verifiable through law
enforcement documentation or by that of the foster parent such that foster parent supervision well beyond
what would be anticipated for the age range is necessary.
Aggressiveness Beyond Age Appropriate – The child requires ongoing supervision in relation to
aggression, which poses a risk to the child or other children in the home as demonstrated by documented
behaviors while in substitute care.
Mental Illness- The child’s chronic behavior is associated with a DSM-IV diagnosis and is such that there is
a need for extraordinaryized ongoing supervision of child due to risk to child or other children in the home.
Is not merely a need for therapy, but a demonstrated behavior related to diagnosis which impacts foster
parents need to supervise and care for the child.
Educational Neglect – The child’s behaviors in an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) require ongoing need
for supervision beyond the normal foster child, and the need for additional services to meet the child’s
educational needs has an impact on foster parent in relation to time spent assisting educationally.
Mental Retardation – The child’s mental retardation causes a need for extensive assistance by foster
parent related to daily care, supervision, and/or meeting the child’s physical needs beyond that usually
anticipated for this aged child.
3. Behavioral - The child demonstrates sexual acting out and/or has a history of sexual abuse. The child has
been adjudicated delinquent and is currently on probation for a violent or non-violent crime. These behaviors
result in the need for extensive supervision of the child. The child acts out aggressively which frequently results
in the destruction of property. Behavior has resulted or is likely to result in the need for institutionalization. The
child is constantly worried or sleepless resulting in the need for additional supervision or demonstrates other
behaviors that require the foster parent to provide extensive additional care on a consistent basis.
Stealing – The child requires extensive supervision to prevent or address chronic criminal behavior. The
child has impacted foster parents via theft of the foster parent’s money or property within the home.
Pre-institutional Placement – The child may be in need of residential placement due to behaviors exhibited
in the home. These behaviors must be documented and must have verifiable information related to
planning for an institutional placement in future if warranted by “danger to self or others” or medical
recommendation for care.
Sexual Acting Out – The child poses a risk to other children due to documentation or sexual acting out
behaviors requiring constant foster parent supervision.
Form: WCDSS 465
Page 2 of 4
Revised: 9/12
WASHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Extraordinary Needs Assessment
Self-Destructive Behavior – The child demonstrates behavior requiring emergent therapeutic intervention or
extraordinary supervision to prevent injury to self.
Sleep Problems – The child exhibits sleep deprivation, which causes a need for foster parent to supervise
child beyond normal time frames. The behavior is not incidental but is chronic and documented and has
been verified through a physician or therapist working with the child in regard to improving sleep patterns
and behavior.
Delinquency – The child is an adjudicated delinquent or has demonstrated behaviors such as destruction of
property, violent crimes or acts, which would result in delinquency adjudication as documented by
therapist, law enforcement, or other collateral sources. This behavior must result in a chronic need for
increased time allocated to supervising the child.
Impulse Control Problems – The child demonstrates non-aggressive impulse control problems resulting in a
need for increased supervision because of risk to self or others in home. Supervision must be a long-term
need based on diagnosis or collateral involvement by physician or therapist.
4. Intervention and Case Planning Services – These services are considered excessive in relation to those
normally expected in the care of foster children and/or those specified by contractual agreement. These
extraordinary services may include those that cause on-going, additional expenses to be incurred by the foster
parent, the requirement to participate in extensive case planning services, or the requirement to work
extensively with the child’s biological family beyond that of contractual requirements.
Excessive Transportation - Related to medical and/or therapeutic needs as recommended by a specialist
or physician – five times a week minimum or extensive travel distances (a minimum of five trips per week
over a period of weeks).
Extensive Wear and Tear on the Home - The child’s chronic behavior problems and destruction of property
exceed that anticipated from the typical foster child and necessitate ongoing repair of the home.
Peer Parenting - As needed with children with excessive extraordinary needs such as medically fragile or
those requiring excessive behavioral techniques as taught to parent through clinical or medical
intervention.
Difficult to place children due to:
Age – Child/youth age 12-18 years
TOTAL NUMBER OF INDICATORS
Procedure for Determining Amount of Extraordinary Needs Payment
There are three levels of payment. Each level is based on the ratio of indicators displayed by the child compared to the
total number of indicators listed above. Foster parents will be compensated based on the extent of the child’s behavior as
indicated by the total number of indicators in any one general area or over all three areas. The rate of compensation will
be the payment amount for the level of the child’s extraordinary need (see below) plus the regular foster home payment.
Level A:
Level B:
Level C:
10% up to 30% = $3.00
30% up to 50% = $7.00
50% or higher = $10.00
Payment Level Calculation: ____(# indicators checked)
Form: WCDSS 465
_25_ (total # indicators) x 100 = ____%
Page 3 of 4
Revised: 9/12
WASHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Extraordinary Needs Assessment
Special Needs Rate Increase Evaluation Summary
INITIAL EVALUATION
REVIEW OF EXISTING DETERMINATION
DATE:
CHILD’S NAME (Full, legal):
OTHER ALIASES:
CHILD’S AGE:
DOB:
FOSTER PARENT’S NAME:
PLACEMENT DATE:
LEVELOF PAYMENT:
AMOUNT OF PAYMENT INCREASE:
DATE PAYMENT TO BE INCREASED:
DOCUMENTATION, SUPPORT INFORMATION INCLUDED:
COMMENTS:
SOCIAL WORKER COMPLETING FORM:
SUPERVISORY APPROVAL:
REVIEWED BY:
DATE APPROVED:
Form: WCDSS 465
Page 4 of 4
Revised: 9/12
WASHOE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
FOSTER HOME VISITATION GUIDELINE
SECTION 1– General Rules
The time and length of the visits must be pre-arranged and not changed.
Directions given by the monitor must be followed. Any discussion of the rules must be outside the hearing of the child.
The monitor’s impartiality must be respected. No attempt should be made to have the monitor take sides in any disputes.
The child must be within the monitor’s hearing and sight at all times.
No use of foreign language or words unfamiliar to the monitor.
No whispering, passing notes or hand signals. No swearing or cuss words.
No negative comments about the other parent, caretaker, child or child’s siblings.
No discussion of the court case, social worker or related matters, such as visitation restrictions.
No spanking, hitting or threatening. Visiting person (if adult) is responsible for managing the child’s behavior.
The monitor will help, if needed.
Unless previously agreed upon, the visiting person will be the only person present during the visit.
No visits under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
No tickling, hugging, kissing or holding unless freely initiated by the child.
No yelling, name calling, ridiculing. No questioning which makes the child uncomfortable.
Visiting persons should not present themselves as needing sympathy or care taking by the child.
No discussion of loneliness or neediness. Children are sensitive to blame and guilt.
Gifts, money, food or cards to the child must be pre-approved by the monitor.
Monitor or child is not be used to communicate with the other parent/caretaker.
No promises like “you’ll come live with me soon,” unless already agreed on the court.
Visitors should avoid giving child junk food such as candy, soda, doughnuts, chips, etc. particularly if the food given may
interfere with the child’s mealtimes.
SECTION 2 – Visitation in Foster Homes
If in-home visitation is scheduled, the visitor must obey the house rules of the foster parent, such as no smoking, no food
and candy, visitation area, etc.
No visits with alleged perpetrators of sexual abuse or violent physical abuse may be scheduled in foster homes.
Only the person(s) authorized in advance by social worker in consultation with foster parent may visit.
Parents who will be picking up children from a foster home must provide their own car seat or boosters to transport
children whose age or size requires a car seat or booster.
The monitor may terminate the visit at any time if the above guidelines are violated, or if any other behavior
occurs which the monitor deems inappropriate if the child appears unduly distressed. This document can serve
as the basis of an incident report. When the person being monitored does not follow the guidelines, it will be
reported to the court or the supervising authorities.
I have read the above rules and agree to follow them.
Visitor’s Signature
Date
Monitor’s Signature
Date
Form: WCDSS 366
Page 1 of 1
Revised: 01/05
WASHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
FOSTER PLACEMENT INTAKE FORM
Name:
Place of Birth:
Date of Birth:
Ethnic Background:
Height:
SS#:
Weight:
Social Worker:
Last School Attended:
Color Eyes:
Color Hair:
Agency:
Phone:
Grade:
Medical Alert:
Yes
No
Distinguishing Marks:
Last Placement:
Contact:
Yes
No
Phone:
Reason for current placement:
Physical Abuse
Pre-adoptive
Sexual Abuse
Neglect
Other
Natural Mother*:
Name:
Natural Father*:
Name:
Is there current contact with natural family members?
involved.
Does the child have siblings?
visitation(s).
Yes
Yes
No. If yes, please list those that are actively
No. If yes, describe the location and visitation plan for sibling
Does the child have siblings who have been adopted?
Yes
No. If yes, adopted by whom.
Brief description of family situation:
Behavioral problems and/or disciplinary problems:
Bedwetting:
Lying:
Nightmares:
Stealing:
Drinking:
Smoking:
Encopresis:
Masturbation:
Tantrums:
Drugs:
Sexually Active:
Runaway:
Aggressive:
Fears:
Seizure:
Other:
*If applicable
Form: WCDSS 424
Page 1 of 2
Revised: 06/08
WASHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
FOSTER PLACEMENT INTAKE FORM
Please list any medical needs including: Screening date (EPSDT) immunizations, therapies or any other
special needs/requirements that the foster home will have to provide for this child, such as daily sitz baths,
wound care regimen, tube feeding, breathing treatment, etc.
MEDICAL/DENTAL:
Current Medications:
Significant Illnesses:
Significant Medical Problems:
Special Needs/Requirements:
Allergies:
Communicable Diseases:
Shot Record:
Screening/Last Physical:
Last Dental Appointment:
Hygiene:
Vision:
PHYSICIANS:
Primary:
Next Appointment:
Dental:
Next Appointment:
Vision:
Next Appointment:
Other:
Next Appointment:
STRENGTHS OF CHILD:
RECOMMENDATION FOR DISCIPLINE:
REMINDER: PLEASE FILL OUT PERSONAL POSSESSION LIST.
Form: WCDSS 424
Page 2 of 2
Revised: 06/08
WASHOE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
PARENT/CHILD VISIT OBSERVATION FORM
CHILD’S NAME:
FOSTER PARENT:
PHONE NUMBER:
DATE:
VISITOR’S NAME:
TIME:
RELATIONSHIP:
LENGTH OF VISIT:
Briefly describe the child’s feelings/comments in anticipation of the visit.
BEHAVIORS:
HAPPY
AFFECTIONATE
PHYSICAL CONTACT
SAD
ANGRY
FEARFUL
CONTENTED
DISTRACTED
POSITIVE
IRRITABLE
DETACHED
Explain.
Describe any problems.
Were the visitor and child’s behavior appropriate?
Did any behaviors/interactions warrant the foster parent’s intervention? (If yes, explain.)
Form: WCDSS 369
Page 1 of 2
Revised: 01/05
WASHOE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
PARENT/CHILD VISIT OBSERVATION FORM
Did the child act differently with the visitor(s) than he/she does with other adults? (If yes, explain.)
Did the foster parent end the visit due to inappropriateness? (If yes, explain.)
Describe the behaviors at separation/end of visit.
Describe the child’s feelings/remarks made after the visit.
Foster parents summary of the visit:
Other Comments:
Foster Parent’s signature
Form: WCDSS 369
Date report completed
Page 2 of 2
Revised: 01/05
WASHOE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
VISITOR’S EVALUATION FORM
CHILD’S NAME:
FOSTER PARENT:
VISITOR’S NAME:
LENGTH OF VISIT:
DATE:
TIME:
Briefly describe the visit.
Were the foster parents helpful?
Is there anything that could have been done to make it easier for you?
What is your plan for the next visit?
How did you feel about the visit?
Please submit a copy of this report to your social worker immediately.
Signature
Form: WCDSS 368
Date
Page 1 of 1
Revised: 01/05
WASHOE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
FOSTER-PARENT SUPERVISED VISIT AUTHORIZATION
Request Date:
Visit Date:
Social Worker Requesting:
Time of Visit:
Child’s Name:
DOB:
Visiting Parent’s Name:
Length of Visit:
Others Authorized to Visit (and their relationship to the child):
IDENTIFICATION TO BE USED (Please Check)
Nevada Driver’s License
Nevada ID Card
Out of State Driver’s License
Other
None
Passport
Social Security Card
LEVEL OF MONITORING (Please Check)
Sight and sound
Sound only
Periodic sight checks (15 minutes)
Unmonitored in home
Unmonitored on grounds
Unmonitored off grounds
AREAS OF CONCERN MONITOR SHOULD PROHIBIT
Foreign language, unfamiliar words, swearing
Whispering, passing notes, hand signals
Negative comments about child or other family members
Discussion of court case, visitation restrictions
Discussion of social worker
Inappropriate management of child’s behavior
Threatening behaviors; hitting, spanking, verbal
Drug/alcohol use
Visitor solicitation of affection, sympathy, care-taking from the child
Physical contact like hugging, kissing, tickling not initiated by child
Yelling, name calling, ridiculing
Questioning which makes child uncomfortable
Discussion of loneliness or neediness
Discussion of promises or the future
Bribes
Argumentative behaviors
Ability to take direction
Role reversal
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Yes
No
Can visitor bring a gift, money?
Can visitor assist child with toileting/diapers?
Can visitor feed or eat with child/breastfeed?
Can visitor bring photos/leave them with child?
Can or will visitor bring an activity to do with child?
Other comments/information:
WCDSS Supervisor’s Signature
Form: WCDSS 367
Date
Page 1 of 1
Revised: 01/05