What is the process of reunification?

The reunification process in foster care is when a foster child is in the process of being reunified with their parents. At that time, parents have regained placement of the child, and Social Services has deemed the home safe for the child’s return. Each foster care case begins with the goal of reunification.

What happens when reunification fails?

If the reunification fails, it is because one or both parents are not dedicated to the process. In this case, the judge or magistrate may have to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem or sanction the non-cooperative parent. Co-parenting involves the active cooperation of both parents in raising children.

What happens when DFCS takes a child in Georgia?

The DFCS takes reports 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will accept reports of any type of injury, abuse, exploitation, or negligent treatment of a child throughout Georgia. Whenever possible, the DFCS will provide family services to improve the safety of the child and then return the child to the home.

What causes reunification to fail?

Reunification failures are more likely if your parent-child bond is damaged. Also, reach out to friends or family who may be able to help you after reunification. Don’t hesitate to ask for more help if you need it.

What is a reunification home?

Reunification refers to the return of children to their family following placement in out-of-home care.

How long is reunification therapy?

I’ve worked cases up to a year-and-a-half to two years. But you know if you get them early in the process… I’ve had cases where we’ve had successful reunification within three to six months.

How long does a DFCS case stay open in Georgia?

An investigation lasts from 30 to 60 days and is dependent on the circumstances of the case.

What cant CPS do in Georgia?

Although CPS can show up to your home without notice, they cannot enter without your consent. Unless CPS has a court order, or they believe your child is in immediate danger, they can’t enter your home unless you say it’s okay. If you turn away a CPS worker because you feel unprepared, ask to schedule for another time.

What is a reunification assessment?

A Reunification Assessment is a structured review to support and document a child’s reunification readiness decision, including a review of child safety, compliance with court orders, family conditions and dynamics, resources, strengths and protective capacities, child vulnerability and interventions needed.

What does termination of family reunification mean?

It means they will no longer be offering reunification services to the family and other permanence goals (usually adoption) are being sought.

Will I get my baby back from foster care?

A: As a parent of children in care, if you believe that your situation has changed significantly and you have made improvements to your ability to parent your children, then you can apply to the court to discharge the care order and have your children returned to your care.

Who attends reunification therapy?

Reunification therapy (RT) is a form of family therapy often court-ordered when a parent-child contact problem has culminated in the child refusing to spend time with one parent. This type of refusal is typically seen in separated or divorced families in which there is a favored parent and a rejected parent.

When to file a DCFS case for anticipatory neglect?

DCFS cases and child protection services. They may also be filed for anticipatory neglect, or when the child is at risk of abuse or neglect or substantial risk of abuse. Dependency: this means the parent cannot care for the child. Sometimes this happens for reasons that are not the parent’s fault.

What happens if DCFS takes a child from a home?

If the investigator thinks that a safety plan would not help at any point during the investigation, they can immediately remove the child from the home. This is called taking protective custody. DCFS can also restrict or terminate a child’s contact with parents or siblings.

What happens during a DCFS investigation?

When a formal investigation begins, DCFS assigns a Child Protection Investigator to look into the case. Within 24 hours of the first report to the hotline, the investigator will try to visit the child to make sure there is no immediate threat to the child’s safety.

Can CFSA remove a child from their home?

We look into reports of abuse and neglect of children and young people age 18 or younger. By law, CFSA can remove children from their homes only with good reason. Then, Family Court must agree with our reasons.