If children are in a safe placement why do we need family finding?
Family Finding is not just about placement, it is also about connectedness. Placement is a small part of family finding outcomes. Kids Central believes that families should be treated with dignity and respect during their involvement in decision making that affects the treatment and care of family members.
How do you determine what cases need family finding?
There is priority given to children that have been placed in out-of home care, traditionally known as foster care. However, Kids Central has taken the approach of focusing on all children who enter the child welfare system. In keeping aligned with family centered practice, we believe that children, parents and caregivers need as much family support as possible.
Who is responsible for Family Finding and what is the process?
The child protective investigators, case managers, supervisors, guardian ad litems, family finding coaches, and dependency and search specialists all play an important role in locating and engaging family. However, everyone who has a part in a child’s life is responsible for family finding. The process involves the six steps outlined in the Family Finding model by Kevin Campbell. In addition, various tools and techniques are used to assist child protective investigators, case managers, and supervisors. Some of these tools include: Family Finding Chronicles, web and data base searches, Mobility Mapping’s, and the use of the 8 Step Coaching Model.
How do you know when family is safe to be around the child?
Our goal is to never put a child at risk. Criminal history checks and child abuse background screenings are completed on all family members that are considered for placement or support. The family members that do not successfully pass background checks should not be discouraged from being a part of the family finding process as there are many ways to provide support. Those family members can provide valuable information such as more relative information and family medical history as well as be considered as a “permanent connection” to the child.
Are there services available for families who have taken in their relative children?
YES! Kids Central ‘s Kinship Care Program provides guidance and assistance to all types of “Relative Caregivers”. Click on the Relative Caregiver Assistance Brochure and pick which scenario fits you. You can also visit the Kinship Care Corner on the Kidscentralinc.org website for more information.
Who do I contact about family finding?
Visit the Staff Contact Information tab on the kidscentralinc.org website under Family Finding. Any one of the individuals listed on the website will be able to assist you.
