Bill of Rights for Foster Parents

Because foster parents provide such important services to the child welfare system and their participation in the foster care team requires complete dedication, it is important that there be rights to which they are entitled when providing foster care.

As Resource (Foster/Relative) Parents you have the right to:

1. Accept or refuse placement of a child into your home;
2. Receive foster care per diem to help meet the needs of the child;
3. Have a clear understanding of your role as foster parents and Damar Foster Care Services’ role;
4. Continue your family traditions, routine, religion, morals, and values, as long as they do not infringe on the foster child’s rights;
5. Receive information concerning the foster child that has direct bearing on the child’s daily living, as well as any potential dangers from the child or the child’s family, including medical, psychological, and other documents that will help serve the best interest of the child;
6. Have input into the visitation plan for the child and the child’s family;
7. Have input into the child’s case plan and on-going planning for the child, especially in areas that will affect the care you provide for that child;
8. Help reunite the family by caring for the child temporarily;
9. Receive respect and support, and be recognized as a partner in all interactions with Damar Foster Care Services;
10. Make decisions concerning daily living situations such as permission to attend recreational activities and staying home sick from school;
11. Get help from the family case manager with locating and using appropriate resources to meet the child’s needs;
12. Receive proper and timely notification of court hearings, family visitations, and other medical visits;
13. Provide information to the court about the child in your care;
14. Utilize respite care when needed;
15. Be considered as the long-term placement for the child in the event the child is to be placed in long-term or permanent foster care;
16. Be considered as adoptive parents for a child in your care in the event in which parental rights are terminated;
17. Ask questions or voice opinions about the child’s situation without reprisal from the family case manager or Damar Foster Care Services;
18. Receive adequate notification in the event of a removal of a child;
19. Have information concerning your family kept confidential except when that information is considered public record;
20. Encourage Damar Foster Care Services to place children in your home;
21. Request a written explanation from Damar Foster Care Services if it does not place children in your home;
22. Know the appropriate appeal process in the event of a disagreement with Damar Foster Care Services.

Download PDF: Damars_Indiana_Bill_Of_Rights Foster Parents.pdf

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