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

EXHIBIT G
10) minute orders and court reports, (including the visitation plan for the child with
his/her parents/guardians and siblings), CSWs may provide minute orders and
visitation plans to the extent the minute order and visitation plan contain
information concerning the child placed in the home of the caregiver. However,
information that reference siblings or other third parties (including but not limited
to parents, relatives, and other caregivers), who are not part of the visitation or
case plan must be redacted.
The CSW shall not routinely release court reports to a caregiver. If the CSW
feels that the caregiver’s ability to provide competent care for the child would be
significantly enhanced by providing information contained in a court report or
minute order, the CSW shall provide the relevant information orally or transfer
the information to another document such as the DCFS 709. However,
information related to siblings and third parties that are not part of the treatment
plan must be redacted. In addition, the CSW shall never provide any
information that is not directly related to the ability of the caregiver to provide
competent and comprehensive care for the child. If the CSW/SCSW has any
questions or concerns regarding the release of any information or documents
(s)he shall confer with the County Counsel assigned to the case before
releasing the information in question.
Case records/information that is not appropriate for release to the caregiver includes,
but is not limited to:
1) information regarding any other person, including parents, siblings, and/or other
unrelated children contained in the case record;
NOTE: Pursuant to WIC 16002, CSWs shall provide the prospective adoptive
parent with information about siblings of the child, except the address
where the siblings of the child reside. However, this address may be
disclosed by court order for good cause shown.
2) court-ordered 730 psychological/medical evaluations (unless ordered by the
court);
3) child abuse reports and the identity of the reporting party if the caregiver does
not meet the requirement of WIC 18951; and
4) any attorney/client privileged information.
CSW Responsibilities
1. Discuss the child’s needs with a potential caregiver in non-identifying terms.
2. When a placement has been located, release the DCFS 709 at the time of
placement.
NOTE: With SCSWs' oral approval, the child’s medical, dental and school
0500-501.20 (Rev 12/02)