In order to “to promote the development and implementation of strategies to improve family engagement in case planning,” this notice describes how the “Linkages” effort can help increase the use of family engagement strategies in case planning. The Linkages project (coordinated case planning between CalWORKs and child welfare services) guidelines are attached. [Download]

The purpose of the Kinship/Foster Care Emergency Fund is to enable successful emergency placement of a child with a relative, nonrelative extended family member (NREFM), or foster parent by removing barriers to such a placement. The fund may also be used to retain a placement when there are extenuating circumstances and to assist a prospective relative, NREFM, or foster family home applicant in meeting the requirements to provide care to a child. All expenditures of this funding are to be for one-time needs and not to pay for recurring expenses. The need must not be covered by other funding sources, such as Specialized Care Incentives and Assistance Program (SCIAP) or clothing allowance. Includes examples and a list of county allocations. [Download]