In This Section:
What are the goals for youth in the foster care system?
You should get a copy of this information when you are removed from your home and placed into the custody of the state and have it fully explained to you.
Goals for youth involved in the child welfare system:
- To have dignity, liberty, happiness, and protection of your civil and legal rights
- To have your privacy protected and your belongings such as clothing, hygiene products, shoes, bookbags, and other important items be transported with you unless otherwise ordered by the court
- To freely communicate with others which includes getting and sending private communications (such as letters, emails, or texts) and having access to a phone
- To have the people providing services to you in the child welfare system who are trained and experienced
- To stay with your parent or legal guardian unless there is a decision made that removing you is needed to protect your physical, mental, or emotional health or safety
- To have health, educational, medical, and psychological screenings, and assessments and testing if needed once you come into foster care
- To have your photograph and fingerprints included in your case management file
- To get medical and mental health treatment, educational evaluations and treatments as soon as possible
- To be placed in a home with no more than one other child unless you are a part of a sibling group
- To be placed away from other children who may be a threat to you
- To be placed in a home where the caregiver understands your history and needs
- To have a plan developed by a counselor and your placement to address behaviors that could be a risk to you or others
- To be involved in creating your case plan and to have a case plan that looks at your needs, and to be able to object to parts of the case plan if you don’t agree with it
- To have a case manager and planning that will quickly return you home or find another permanent option for you. This includes having lifelong connections if you are aging out of foster care
- To have regular communication with a case manager at least once a month which includes meeting with you alone
- To have regular visitation, at least once a week, with siblings unless the court orders otherwise
- To have regular visitation with parents, at least once a month, unless the court orders otherwise
- To receive a free and appropriate education and as little disruption to your education as possible, and if needed, a referral for educational services including the appointment of a parent surrogate if one is needed
- To be able to raise grievances (or complaints/concerns) with the department over the care you are getting from your caregiver, case manager, or other service provider
- To be heard by the court, if appropriate, at all review hearings
- To have a Guardian ad litem appointed, and if appropriate, an attorney ad litem. Both must be able to meet with you whenever is needed.
- To have all of your records available for review by their guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem, if one is appointed, if it is needed
- To organize as a group for purposes of ensuring that you are receiving the services and living conditions which you are entitled to and to provide support for one another while in the custody of the department.
- To have access to all available state and federal programs, including, but not limited to, Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Testing (EPSDT) services; developmental services programs; Medicare and supplemental security income; Children’s Medical Services; and programs for severely emotionally disturbed children.
