Child Placement Process

While the process leading to foster child placement can be detailed and lengthy, it gives assurance that the foster parent and foster child match is successful. The county social worker has the final decision to place a foster child in a particular home. Extensive coordination with the county social worker continues throughout the placement period. Parents are selected on the basis of TLC's extensive home study process. Of primary importance in the selection criteria are the following:

• Desire and capacity to parent a child not born to them
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Willingness to seek help
• Openness to self-exploration and change
• Commitment and stability
• Social support systems
• Willingness to be a concurrent planning home

Once a family's certification is approved. TLC and the county social worker will contact the foster parents to discuss potential placement. If the foster family wish to proceed with a specific child, an initial visit is arranged for everyone to meet. Several additional visits are often made to assure that the placement will be beneficial to all involved. When we contact you, TLC will provide as much information as we have regarding the child:

• Reasons why the child was removed and current assessment.
• Medical history of the foster child.
• Visitations with birth family members.
• Counseling or other services the child is receiving.
• School grade and any educational issues.
• Any behavioral problems or other concerns.
• Parental history of the birth father and mother.
• Other information that has been provided regarding the child and/or birth family.

If the decision is made to move forward, a pre-placement visit may be arranged or the placement may be immediate. Finally, if everyone agrees, placement is made. Care is taken to insure that the foster child's therapeutic treatment is carefully coordinated in a nurturing, stable, home environment. Many children have suffered from abandonment, neglect, and physical and/or sexual abuse. As a result, they may exhibit a variety of behaviors. Treatment plans are developed to assist children confront the trauma and emotional issues around family separation, future reunification, long-term placement or adoption. A trial period is used to assess the child and family's interactions, needs and goals.

Recertification and Quarterly Reports

Foster and fost-adoptive parents are evaluated for recertification on an annual basis. Constructive in format, this process is used to strengthen skills. TLC social workers also prepare quarterly reports on the foster child's overall progress in the home. Treatment team members review the child's progress every quarter and update the treatment plans.