Who makes decisions for my child?

Confidentiality of foster children is required by law.
Foster parents cannot post any information about foster children on social media.

Your child’s social worker is required to do the following:

• Get prior permission before using babysitters

• Ensure the safety of the home

• Approve physical discipline (not allowed)

• Facilitate communication with you

• Ask DCF permission before taking child out of state

Foster parents can place your child in respite care. Every foster parent is entitled to 10 respite days per year. They might use this time in the annual visit with your school worker.

Foster parents can go to IEP school meetings, but they can’t make changes to an IEP without DCF approval. If DCF has custody, you might not be allowed to go, but ask your lawyer to request your presence. You can ask to make phone calls with your child’s school if they require making choices or decisions. Your child participates in your religion.

Foster parents can authorize routine medical and dental care. They may complete encounter forms to document every medical and dental appointment for a foster child.

Your child may have different doctors:

• Get a copy of their medical and dental records for the foster parents

• Tell DCF and your lawyer if your child needs treatment from a specialist

You will need to ask permission to talk to your child’s pediatrician.

In a medical emergency, DCF should tell you right away and let you see your child at the hospital.

Some special medical care, like certain medicines, needs a judge to say yes. You have the right to know what is happening and the judge must listen to what you think. Ask your lawyer to explain more.

Sometimes the judge picks a special helper called a Guardian ad Litem, or GAL. The GAL talks to people and gathers facts to help the judge decide what is best for your child. The GAL is able to ask side orders or speak for your child. The GAL writes a report for the judge. Talk to your lawyer if you don’t agree with the report.