Foster Care Placement Questions

Foster parents are required to take charge of the childrens' lives. To help with this task and prevent possible allegations, the following is a list of questions to ask prior to accepting a placement:

Name, gender, age?

Reason for placement?

Previous placements?

• Reason for removal?
• Ask to speak with previous care provider
• Has the child made any allegations against previous foster parents/group home?

Reimbursement rate?

Visitation?

• Who?
• Where?
• Monitored?

Child's medical history and current medical needs:

• Medical diagnosis
• Psychological diagnosis
• Current medication
• neurological diagnosis
• Dental
• Siblings

Developmental level?

Is the child in therapy?

• where?
• how often?
• transportation?

School last attended Grade?

• Learning disorders?
• Special Education?
• IEP?

Anticipated length of placement?
Is religion a concern?
Does child have any unusual habits? Likes? Dislikes?

NOTE: When arranging for the placement or replacement of a child and on an ongoing basis, the CSW is typically required to provide the caregiver with information as available regarding but limited to:

• Educational
• Medical
• Placement
• Family
• Behavioral

The caregiver is also to be provided with information regarding any known or suspected dangerous behavior of the child. Most states have similar requirements.

• Known or suspected dangerous propensities
• Gang affiliations?
• Fire setter?
• Liar?
• Sexually acting out?
• Steals?
• Legal status?

Source: 1995/2007 Foster Parent Community