What do I do first?

First Steps | The First 24 Hours

  • YOUR CHILD WILL NEED

    • All their prescribed medications

    • Objects or items that make them feel comfortable

    • Weather-appropriate clothing and shoes

    • A list of important things to know about your child

  • GOOD COMMUNICATION IS KEY

    • Be clear about the best way to contact your worker

    • Get their supervisor’s contact information

    • Get Area Office contact information

  • YOUR LAWYER IS YOUR GUIDE

    • Hire a lawyer to represent you

    • The court will appoint you a lawyer if you can’t afford one

    • Your child will automatically be assigned their own lawyer

  • IF IT’S NOT WRITTEN DOWN, IT DIDN’T HAPPEN

    • Take notes on your phone or on paper. Figure out a system that works for you

    • Keep track of who you talked to and when

  • DCF IS REQUIRED TO ALLOW YOU CONTACT

    • Phone contact within the first 24 hours

    • Timely in-person contact

  • FOSTER CARE
    DCF may not tell you where your child is

    • This is for the safety of your child and the confidentiality of the other children in the home

    • Siblings may not be placed together

    DCF prioritizes "kinship care"

    • Relatives or other supportive adults in your child’s life

    • Your child may be placed with distant relatives or relatives you do not know

    Other types of placements

    • Group Homes

    • Residential Treatment Programs

    • Specialized Foster Care

  • COOPERATE WITH THE SYSTEM

    Attend all court dates

    • Confirm all court dates with your lawyer

    • You are now a part of a "Care and Protection" court case to determine where your child will live long term

    Complete your Family Action Plan

    • You will set up a plan with your DCF worker outlining the steps to reunification with your child

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