Foster Care - When the Court becomes involved in a DCS Case

All foster homes and other facilities used by DCS to provide temporary out-of-home care are licensed by the state and supervised by an assigned licensing worker. Foster parents are trained to provide care and to work with DCS and family members toward the goal of family reunification. DCS Specialist visit regularly with children and foster families to ensure that the necessary services are being provided and to monitor the child’s progress. The department will provide all children with medical and dental services, which may include updating immunizations (If the parent has concerns regarding any medical treatment the DCS Specialists must be contacted). Whenever possible, children needing protection are placed with members of their extended family. Placements with relatives may occur during the period of temporary custody or at any later time. Relatives providing such placements must agree to a background investigation, a home evaluation, and sign an agreement with DCS that specifies the conditions of placement.