Basic Assessment Process for Relative Placement |
DHS is required to take specific steps to screen any relative for minimum safety standards prior to placement in the relative home. Preference must be given to placement with a relative if the relative family:
- Meets the requirements in the Initial Relative Safety Screen, DHS-588.
- Meets the needs of the child.
- Keeps the siblings together.
- Lives in close geographic proximity to where the child was living at the time of removal, unless it is in the best interest of the child to be placed with a relative in another location.
If more than one relative is available for placement, each relative must be assessed to determine which of the potential relative placements would be most suitable. When the relative meets initial considerations for placement, a basic assessment of the relative home must be completed by DHS prior to placing the child in the home. The basic assessment process on the relative consists of the following requirements:
1. Complete an Initial Relative Safety Screen, which includes the initial safety requirements for the home.
2. Conduct a statewide criminal history clearance on all members of the household including adolescents and children.
3. Conduct a central registry clearance on all adult household members 18 years of age and older.
4. Upon placement, the relative must receive a copy of the publication, Relative Caregiver Resources & Responsibilities, DHS-Pub-457.
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