Manual of Policies and Procedures - California Department of Social ...

CHILD WELFARE SERVICES PROGRAM
Regulations PLACEMENT 31-420 (Cont.)
31-420 FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT 31-420
.1 The foster care placement shall be based on the following needs of the child including, but not limited
to:
.11 The least restrictive, most family-like environment.
.12 The child's age, sex and cultural background, including racial or ethnic and religious
identification.
.13 Planned parent/guardian-child contacts during the separation, and the specific actions to be taken
by the parent(s)/guardian(s) which will facilitate reunification.
.14 Capability, willingness and ability o f t h caregiver e to meet specific needs of the child, to facilitate
family reunification, and provide the child’s permanency alternative, if necessary.
.15 Appropriateness of attempting to maintain the child in his/her current school.
.16 The child's health and emotional factors.
.17 Anticipated special needs of the child, including but not limited to transportation, diet, medical
and/or psychological care, clothing, recreation, and special education.
.18 The most appropriate placement selection.
.2 When selecting a foster care placement for the child, the social worker shall adhere to the following
priority order:
.21 The home of a relative, including the non-custodial parent, in which the child can be safely placed
as assessed according, but not limited to, the requirements specified in Welfare and Institutions
Code Section 361.3.
.211 Preferential consideration for placement of the child shall be given to a non-custodial
parent, then an adult who is a grandparent, aunt, uncle or sibling of the child.
(a) As required by Welfare and Institutions Code Section 361.3, a finding that the
relative cannot provide legal permanence for the child shall not be used as the
sole basis for denying placement with a relative.
CALIFORNIA-DSS-MANUAL-CWS
MANUAL LETTER NO. CWS-02-01 Effective 7/1/02
Page 102.3