What do I do first?

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

• 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

• Foster Care with Strangers

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