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]

A reminder of the steps the county must take for children placed in out-of-home care under a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA). If the child is not going to be returned home to his/her parent within the first 180 days, the CWD must either file a petition to have the minor declared a dependent child or refer the minor to a licensed adoption agency for consideration of adoptive planning. The court findings that must be made within the first 180 days of a voluntary placement of a child into foster care in order to ensure federal eligibility should the placement continue beyond the 180 days. [Download]

Just a reminder of the annual report, and the new SOC 405A.1 report form (attached) modified to capture information on the data elements that are currently required by federal statute. [Download]

Announcing the imminent distribution of the county share of the money generated by buying the special Kid’s license plates. County funds are for injury and abuse prevention. [Download]