Adoption Home Studies

LEGACY CARRY-FORWARD. Migrated verbatim from the pre-T3C (COA-era) SharePoint corpus for completeness and traceability. It predates the T3C alignment and has not yet been reconciled to the current model. Its operative status is pending review — this is not an assertion that it is either currently in force or superseded. Original code: AS-3. Source: SharePoint RH HOMESTUDIES Policy (COA ADOPTION).pdf.

Source is a scanned PDF; content below was recovered via OCR and may contain minor artifacts.

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REFUGE HOUSE, INC.

Board of Di Coma 2/20/12

Date(s) of 6/04 old version, 8/05 old ve , 7/06 old version, 4/20/07, 5/26/07, 2 /20K08, Revision 8/5/08, 1/22/09, 8/29/09, 1/1/10, 3/23/10, 8/1/11 1/16/12

Note All information was taken fro RH PRP, RH CM Handbook, & the RH Ce regiver Manual in order to simplify COA requirements for Standard Review of Compliance.

POLICY The Refuge House home study process is a collaborative, culturally responsive, in-depth assessment of a family and home to ensure safety and stability for those placed. The process of assessment begins at the moment of recruitment and is not completed until a family or individual is either verified and or denied through our organization. (FC 17)

APPROVAL Board of Directors

PROCEDURE For all programs and departments within the organization

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Types of prospective Caregivers that require a Home Study: “+ Foster “ Foster/Adopt ** Substitute Care Providers e Mini Breakers

e® Intermittent Alternative Care Provider (IAC)

NOTE:

Refuge House does not work with kinship unless they are licensed caregivers through our organization.
Refuge House does not work with biological parents therefore the organizations does not assist in identifying kin that can be a resource.
Refuge House only verifies caregivers within the service area that are contracted through DFPS.
There are no costs associated with the Home Study.

In considering both new and prospective transfer caregivers, Refuge House does so without discrimination due to race, age, sex, national origin and or handicap(s). Refuge House is a Christian Agency that believes in traditional family values.

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REFUGE HOUSE, INC.

Therefore at this time Refuge House does not verify same sex couples. (At present, the State of Texas does not require a child- placing agency to do so.)

Additionally, when considering a transfer family from another agency Refuge House works diligently to comply with the Safe and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act of 2006 (H.R.5403). In doing so, Refuge House accepts and believes that the prior agency and or tribe have provided full disclosure in order for Refuge House to properly evaluate each prospective caregiver(s) and their ability to work harmoniously with our Agency. (FC 17)

NOTED: Prior to a new or transfer family being verified each caregiver is required to provide a current physical or Physician Health Statement from a medical professional. This is a new requirement for Refuge House so existing Caregivers have been given 60 days in which to comply (February 1, 2012 Deadline) (FC 17.03)

Responsibility

| Step

General Qualifications and Requirements for Caregivers

Home Development

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“ 21 years of age

“* Valid Texas Drivers License and auto insurance (all caregivers) (FC 17.06e)

“* A safe and reliable vehicle (FC 17.06c)

“* Driving record in good standing (FC 17.06d)

“In good physical and mental health according to a

medical professional (FC 17.03)

Cleared TB screening

3 quality references

Must demonstrate stability and responsibility

Rent or own an apartment or home

Proof of Education

Financially stable

No major life change within the last 12 months

“

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Please see Recruitment and Retention Policy and Procedure for more detail

General Home Study Screening Process

(Pre-Verification)

Home Development

Refuge House believes that the verification process begins at the point in which a prospective caregiver(s) contacts Refuge House for the first time.

Please see Recruitment and Retention of Caregivers Policy and Procedure for a step by step process

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REFUGE HOUSE, INC.

Overview of Home Study and Importance of Assessment (Pre-Verification)

Home Development Refuge House as an Agency is dedicated to the process of assessment and evaluation largely due to the responsibility of having to ensure that a caregiver(s), their family and home environment are considered safe, appropriate, stable, loving and capable of meeting the needs of a child placed in their care.

The Home Study Process at Refuge House begins at the moment of first contact with prospective caregivers. Our Home Development Department is aware that each encounter with a prospective caregiver(s) can aid in the assessment process. Watching and evaluating human behavior is essential for our Home Development Department. This process truly lends to the ability to capture an in-depth assessment of each individual and or family for the completion of the Home Study.

Placing such importance on the screening, assessment and the Home Study is vital due to the Home Study document itself being the primary document used in matching a caregiver(s) to a child for placement.

A Refuge House Home Study is always written with the reader in mind. Wanting to take all we have gathered and gleaned it’s the job of the writer to present the prospective caregiver(s), their family and their homes with as much vivid detail, honesty, and integrity as possible. Providing the reader a window into the life and home of each caregiver. Allowing them to see not only the caregiver's abilities but also their unique qualities that would meet a child’s needs if placed in the home.

All Home Studies involve multiple in-depth interviews designed to capture all necessary information required by each monitoring entity as well as information in order to effectively assess and evaluate each caregiver, family member, family unit as a whole as well as the home environment and community as to their readiness and abilities to meet the vast needs of a child. The Home Study itself is a collaborative process engaging all members of a family with not only each other but also the Refuge House personnel with whom they are working with. (FC 17.02)

Note: All Home Studies as well as the screening, and pre-service training are always completed prior to a family being officially

verified and able to receive placements. (FC 17.01)

Interviews include but are not limited to:

“One individual interview with each parent

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REFUGE HOUSE, INC.

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“* One individual interview with each member of the household 3 years and older living in the home full-time and or part-time.

Note: These interviews are conducted privately with no one allowed within hearing distance. This allows each individual the freedom to share openly and honestly without fear of retaliation or judgment. Each interview is conducted in a culturally responsive manner always taking into consideration an individual’s age, and ability to comprehend.

“One interview either by phone or by letter with any

member of the family not living in the home 12 years old

or older.

Note: if a member of the family is away at college for example the interviewer will conduct an interview over the phone prior to the completion of the Home Study process. “¢ One Joint Interview with prospective parents only “* One group interview with all family members living in the home; this includes full-time and part-time members

Note: During the course of interviews, at least one visit must be made to the home when all members of the household are present.

IMPORTANT: All interviews and or attempts to interview will be documented in the Home Study Record. Documentation will include dates and methods used to contact required persons, dates of interviews, those present at the interview, relationship to prospective caregiver(s) and a summary of the interviews. Refuge House will make this documentation a part of the foster home record.

Each detail captured within a Refuge House Home Study comes from our extensive documentation requirements, assessments, training assignments, instructor evaluations and or our intensive interview process. Once a prospective caregiver(s) has completed each step the writer gets to work formulating a snapshot that captures the very essence of the caregiver(s), their family, home and community. The writing includes but is not limited to the following information used to determine whether the prospective caregiver(s), their family and homes meet the requirements for verification and to finalize recommendations in regards to the prospective caregiver’s capacity to work witha child offering opportunity, protection and experiences that promote healthy child development. This extensive writing,

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REFUGE HOUSE, INC.

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includes but is not limited to:

Family’s address and directions to home

Contact phone numbers (home, cell, work, fax and e- mail)

Any history of domestic violence calls on the caregiver(s) or their home within the last 12 months. (Attach DFPS form)

Identifying information for each prospective caregiver:

Full Name

Birthday

Gender

Age

Phone number, fax number and e-mail Employer and job title

Citizenship

Languages spoken

Social Security Number

10 year history of residence

Background check results for DPS, Central Registry, FBI and Risk Evaluation (if necessary)

Health Status of each prospective caregiver including physical health, mental health, emotional health, substance abuse history, disabilities, proof of physical- date and doctor name, proof of TB test — date and result; list all medications dosage and why prescribed and any history or counseling. (FC 17.02f}

History of marital and significant relationships for each prospective caregiver, including any previous marriages, divorces or deaths of former spouses. This section must provide a description and explanation of each reported previous and current relationship.

Summery of each prospective caregiver(s) childhood including parental relationships, sibling relationships, and personal assessment of family dynamics (functioning) (FC 17.02e)

History of abuse and /or neglect for each prospective caregiver

Each Prospective caregiver(s) feelings regarding their personal childhood discipline and how they felt

Each prospective caregiver(s) personal characteristics including information related to educational achievements, current employment. Personality characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Temperament including how they express anger, sadness, happiness,

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excitement, love, support, stress, and disappointment etc. Best childhood memory, worst childhood memory. (FC 17.02a)

Identify information regarding all other household members:

Full name

Birthday

Gender

Age

Relation to Caregiver

Additional information including their health status and understanding of either foster care and or adoption

e Their perceptions and thoughts regarding how foster and or adoption will affect their family.

Name and Type of all pets in the home The following information is required for all interviews:

e Interview description

e Interview type

e Interview method

e Date of interview

Interview location

Interview arrangement Person(s) present at interview Person(s) conducting interview All Interview attempts recorded Interview summary

Observations of the home, including the date observed, persons present during observations, and description of the caregiver(s) home. Observation must include the home environment and the ability to accommodate a child(ren). Assess safety and verify that basic health and safety requirements are being met in the caregiver(s) home, including but not limited to:

Appropriate sleeping arrangements

Adequate square footage

Adequate ventilation for cooking

Functional smoke detectors (FC 17.05b)

No exposed wiring ( FC 17.05f)

No standing water in or around the home (FC 17.05c)

e Grounds are free of trash and debris (FC 17.05h)

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Dallas - San Antonio

..a home is in the heart of every child.

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ADOPTION TABLE

PROCEDURES FOR CHILD ASSESSMENTS

PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFICATION AND COLLABORATION IN ICWA CASES ASSESSMENT TOOLS AND/OR CRITERIA INCLUDED IN ASSESSMENT INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT INFORMATION

COPIES OF TRIBLE STATE AGREEMENTS, WHEN APPLICABLE

HOMESTUDY TOOL AND OR PROCEDURES PROCEDURES FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS

PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHING CONTINUED CONTACT AND OPENNESS IN ADOPTION ORIENTATION & INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS PROVIDED TO PROSPECTIVE ADOTPTIVE PARENTS

MATCHING & PLACEMENT PROCEDURES DOCUMENTATION OF TRIBAL PARTICIPATION IN PLACEMENT PROCESS, WHEN APPLICABLE

CASE CLOSING PROCEDURES

COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND REFERRAL LIST

FEE POLICY AND PROCEDURE

RECORD RETENTION PROCEDURES

PROCEDURES FOR RELEASING INFORMATION

BOARD MINUTES REVIEWING FEE POLIY

DOCUMENTATION OF LICENSURE OR CREDENTIALS OF COLLABORATING ORGANIZATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS

SERVICE AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS

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Dallas - San Antonio

..@ home is in the heart of every child.

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PROGRAM STAFFING CHART THAT INCLUDES LINES OF SUPERVISION

LIST OF PERSONNEL THAT INCLUDES: NAME, TITLE, DEGREE HELD, FTE, LENGTH OF SERVICE AT RH, TIME IN CURRENT POSITION

CHART THAT SPECIFIES CASELOAD SIZE, PERS WORKER, FOR PAST SIX MONTHS

PROCEDURES OR CRITERIA USED FOR ASSIGNING AND EVALUATING WORKLOAD

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

DOCUMENTATION OF TRAINING

TRAINING CURRICULA

DATA DESCRIBING STAFF TURNOVER

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

HOR OW HON

™

LIST OF NAs

LIST OF PROGRAM SITES AND INFORMATION

A DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF PERSONS AND FAMILIES SERVED BY THE PROGRAM

LIST OF GROUPS OR CLASSES

TWO QUARTERLY REPORTS FROM THE CASE RECORD REVIEW PROCESS CONDUCTED FOR THIS SERVICE WITH ANY RELATED CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

TWO QUARTERLY REPORTS OF ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS, AND GRIEVANCES RELATED TO THIS SERVICE

OUTCOME MEASUREMENT/DATA COLLECTED PROCEDURES

OUTCOME RESULTS REPORTED FOR THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS

ADOPTION NARRATIVE

AS-3-Adoption-Home-Studies

Adoption Home Studies

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