I’m licensed but haven’t gotten a call for a placement yet. Is something wrong with my license?
- Most likely it means that the preferences you have given (age range, gender, race, behaviors) don’t match the referrals for the children needing placed. You can always check with Specialist if you have questions or want to update your preferences.
I accepted a placement, but they were placed elsewhere. Is this common?
- Yes, it can be. Typically, when the CMPs need to place a child in a foster home, they explore multiple options simultaneously, including the child’s family members. Multiple workers may be reaching out to families at the same time. When a match is found, the focus changes to helping get the child settled into their placement. Unfortunately, we may not be immediately notified that a foster home has already been found. CMPs may also change course after committing a child to your home, if an appropriate non-relative kin or relative family member is found and approved.
Who should I expect to be on my child’s team?
- There may be a lot of people on your child’s team. They will have a Case Manager from one of the 5 Case Management Providers in Kansas. They may also have a court-appointed special advocate (CASA), therapist or other supports. For a list of additional team members, visit here.
How do I know what services my foster child qualifies for?
- When a child is placed in foster care, the case manager will complete an assessment that helps determine the child’s level of needs and services, as well as what community mental health services they might qualify for. Your DCCCA Specialist will also help identify what services might be needed through the intake process and ongoing assessment. All foster parents who work outside the home qualify for Foster Care Child Care, although there is an application process. Other services are available, such as free and reduced school lunches or school fees, WIC, and free or discounted cost for memberships, camps, and activities in your community.
Do I need to attend court or plan for my foster child to attend?
- It is recommended that foster parents attend court and/or complete a court report whenever your child has a court date. It allows foster parents to discuss strengths and needs of the child and discuss concerns with the case.
I have forgotten how to complete the medication log. Do you have an example?
- You can find an example of a medication log here.
Am I allowed to get my foster child’s hair cut or ears pierced?
- If your child has a plan of reunification, drastic shortening of hair length or styles that require harsh chemicals (such as perms and straighteners) require consent of the parents or DCF. Hair may grow longer naturally, and hair styling may occur without permission, as long as the hair is nicely maintained. However, biological parents have the right to ask for hair to be cut. Please note: Baby’s first haircut can be a significant and emotional event for some families. Please get permission from the biological parents for the first haircut. If a child has been freed for adoption, DCF generally allows the pre-adoptive family to make decisions about hair length and style.
Can our foster child travel with us on vacations?
- You can take your foster children on family vacations or trips as long as you have obtained permission from the CMP. However, there may be reasons that your foster child cannot accompany you, such as travel restrictions or important appointments. If your foster child cannot travel with you, please alert your Specialist so they may help in finding respite. It is important to allow plenty of time to obtain the correct permissions, especially if the child will require a passport for travel.
When should I expect reimbursement?
- You should expect reimbursement no later than the 9th and 24th of each month. You can see our reimbursement schedule here (link).
I have a school-aged placement, and I don’t know how to enroll them in school.
- Your DCCCA Specialist will be able to assist you with this process. You will need a copy of the child’s placement agreement to get started (this is given to you by your DCCCA Specialist). Most school districts are familiar with registering foster children and often times, the school can contact the child’s previous school to transfer everything they need.
I’m not sure how I feel about vaccinations. Does this impact my ability to accept foster placements?
- All mandatory vaccines are required in order to obtain a foster parent license. Some voluntary vaccinations, such as hepatitis, shingles, HPV, etc., are not required for foster families. A health assessment, vaccination records, and documentation of a negative tuberculosis test or chest X-ray as required in K.A.R. 30-47-819.
My spouse and I decided to separate. Will our foster child have to move to a new foster home?
- We’re always sorry to hear when one of our families experiences a difficult personal loss. In this situation, the first thing to do is notify your Specialist, so they can make the required adjustments to your license. If you currently have foster children in your home, we will discuss planning for the child. If possible, it’s generally preferred the child remain in your care.
Are childcare expenses covered for children in foster care?
- Click here for more information.
I have questions about Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs)
- Click here for more information.
Who do I contact when a child is in crisis?
- Your Specialist is on call for you 24/7. If your child is in an immediate crisis, you can call the Mobile Crisis Helpline at 833-441-2240.