Foster Care
Foster Care
Overview of 12-month court process for child abuse and neglect cases Foster parents must be at least 21 years old and can be married, in a civil union, single, divorced or separated. As of July 1, 2026, child care licensure is managed by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Finally, your state’s foster parent association or coalition may also be of assistance.
Agency contact information
- Your attorney can set a court hearing and try to resolve any disputes.
- Your child’s needs are the most important consideration in deciding where he or she will live while in CPS care.
- You also have a Right To communicate your interest to the court using the JV 290 Caregiver Information Form.
- Legally, the county placing agency must first assess non-custodial parents, relatives, and non-related extended family members before considering the former foster parent for placement.
- In order to accomplish a change in placement, you will need to give the social worker a seven (7) day notice that you want the child removed , unless there are special circumstances that would require immediate removal.
If your child is removed from your home, CPS will first look at trying to address the issue that caused the removal and reunite you with your child. If that’s not possible, we consider other options like a relative’s home or adoption. Your caseworker will help you by arranging visits, if appropriate, with your child, providing advice and counseling, and referring you to other services you may need. You will be able to share information and concerns about your child.
It will be important that you are open and honest with the case social worker regarding your family’s values and culture so the social worker can determine if your home would be the best fit for the foster child. The caregiver has a Right To all information that the County is legally allowed to provide in order to enable the caregiver to appropriately meet the needs of children in your care. At the time of placement, you have a Right To receive child information in order to provide for meeting the needs of the children placed in your care. Will my family and I be able to review the foster child’s records before placement? Here is a letter written by a typical foster family to the parent of a child in foster care.
Caregiver Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CPS strives to ensure quality services for children in foster care. Information about your foster home contained in the child’s service case file, however, is under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court and, other than the information you have a Right To , information may only be released with a court order. This contains information such as a copy of your foster parent license, the capacity of your home, and other general information about your foster care license. Will I be informed of all case planning non gamstop casinos and decision making meetings concerning the foster child in my care? When making a “Prudent Parent” decision, the caregiver must consider the child’s age, maturity level, mental and physical health, and other relevant factors.
What payment can the caregiver receive for the first months of placement when the child is in the home prior to licensure, approval, or certification? Who do I call if I have not received the financial stipend for the foster child in my care? What recourse do I have as a caregiver when my foster care license is “on hold” or has been suspended or revoked? If the allegation is unfounded or inconclusive, the county may continue to place children in the caregiver’s home.
Identity verified by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
Contact your child’s social worker well in advance of your respite date so the social worker can have adequate time to find a respite family for you. Caregiver is employed and must have child care for young foster children – how does caregiver find information on this? Atypical needs are identified by feedback from those familiar with the child’s needs, including birth parents, foster parents and service providers.
The court makes the final decision about a child’s custody within 12 months, unless the judge grants a one-time extension of up to six-extra months. CPS’ goal is always to find safe, permanent homes for children as soon as possible. It is very important for children to have safe, permanent homes. However, you are still legally responsible for your child’s needs and the court may order you to pay child support.