CMS-07-021/023 - Los Angeles County Department of Children and ...

0500-501.20 (Rev 12/02)
Procedural Guide
0500-501.20
EXHIBIT G
RELEASE OF DCFS CASE RECORDS TO SERVICE PROVIDERS
Date Issued: 09/01/06
New Policy Release
Revision of Existing Procedural Guide 0500-501.20, Release of DCFS Case
Records to Service Providers, dated 12/06/02
Revision Made: This Procedural Guide has been revised to address the In Re
Gina S. appellate court ruling.
Cancels: None
DEPARTMENTAL VALUES
The procedures set forth in this Procedural Guide support the priority outcomes of
safety for children, improved timelines to permanency. By having policy and procedures
on the sharing of case record information to service providers enhances the abilities of
service providers to meet the needs of each child which supports child safety and
placement stability which leads to timely permanency.
WHAT CASES ARE AFFECTED
This Procedural Guide is applicable to all new and existing referrals and cases.
OPERATIONAL IMPACT
Pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 827, Los Angeles Superior Court and
Administratively Unified Courts Court Rules 17.1, and the Blanket Order re:
Confidentiality of Juvenile Case Files and Public and Media Access dated July 11, 2006
all service providers (this includes caregivers, doctors, dentists, psychologists, and
therapists/counselors) are entitled to access all case records/information necessary to
assist service providers in the development and implementation of the child's and
family's service plan and to improve their ability to provide our children with competent
and comprehensive care and support the Department's efforts for reunification and
permanence.
This Procedural Guide does not apply to cases involving the placement of a child in an
adoptive home. See Procedural Guide 0200-509.25, Presentation of Child Information
to Prospective Adoptive Parents.