WELCOME!

INTRODUCTIONS Name Office Location? Program Area Just the Basics…We’ll be getting more info next.

Ground Rules Think about how you, as an individual, need to ensure a safe environment to discuss difficult and controversial issues.

Classmate Interview Why did you choose Child Welfare? What is your biggest hope, biggest fear about working for Children’s Administration? What is your biggest hope, biggest fear about RCT? Tell me about your family. – Write this stage on Post-It Paper hung up around the room. – If your stage is already listed put a hash mark next to it. Tell me about an individual or family strength, – What do you or your family do well? What other nonfamily members would your circle of influence include? Tell me about your culture. – How is your culture a source of strength for you?

How it can feel… Video

Developmental Competencies Organizational Structure and Case Process SW Ability to describe the organizational structure of DSHS and how administrative programs work together to enhance the safety, health, and well-being of individuals, families and communities SW Understands public service work and how it differs from other social service work SW Ability to identify Children’s Administration’s mission, vision, values and understand how they inform all work-related tasks and decision-making processes

Developmental Competencies SW Understands the different program areas and roles within Children’s Administration SW Ability to locate, comprehend, and follow agency policy Introduction to Cultural Competence and Disproportionality in Child Welfare SW Knows the history of the public child welfare system and the impact of racial disproportionality SW Ability to provide casework services to families from diverse cultures

Developmental Competencies Ethics and Confidentiality SW Ability to follow agency policy regarding appropriate use of , telephone, state issued cell phones, cars, and other state property SW Ability to protect the confidentiality of children and families receiving supportive services from the public child welfare system SW Understands the ethical principles that guide professional behavior in the child welfare field and how these apply to direct practice with families and children

Developmental Competencies Worker Safety SW Understands the provision of agency policies, procedures, and formal protocols designed to ensure the safety of staff members Legal Foundations of Child Safety and Welfare SW Ability to identify major child welfare legislation such as the Adoption and Safe Families Act, the state and federal Indian Child Welfare Acts, and the Multiethnic Placement Act and their implications to practice

Developmental Competencies Time Management SW Ability to identify the fundamental principles of time management and the personal and work-related consequences if time is not well managed Self Care SW Understands the origins and potential consequences of work- related stress in child welfare practice

Why are we here? What is the Purpose of Children’s Administration? To transform lives by protecting children and promoting healthier families through strong practice and strong partnerships with the community and tribes.

Why does Children’s Administration Exist? To transform lives by protecting children and promoting healthier families through strong practice and strong partnerships with the community and tribes. Ethics and Confidentiality

Why does Children’s Administration Exist? To transform lives by protecting children and promoting healthier families through strong practice and strong partnerships with the community and tribes. Worker Safety

Legal Foundations of Child Safety and Welfare

Curricular Competencies Awareness of the significance of state and federal laws in child welfare practice. Understand what the Braam settlement is, and how it affects child welfare practice The ability to locate Washington RCW and WAC , and to use the text of the laws to answer basic questions about definitions and areas of legal protection for children. Understand the basic concepts of the major federal and state laws that determine child welfare practice.

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) 1974 Minimum definition of CA/N in state laws Mandatory reporting laws Due process rights for alleged perpetrators of CA/N o Notification of allegations o Opportunity to respond o Opportunity to appeal

Indian Child Welfare (ICWA) Act 1978 Native American Tribes have the right to intervene in court proceedings States must provide “Active Efforts” to prevent placement and reunify families Native children have a right to placement with culturally appropriate caregivers Tribes may assume legal jurisdiction if they chose to do so

Multi-Ethnic Placement (MEPA) Act 1994 / Inter-Ethnic Placement Act (IEPA) 1996 Race, color, or national origin can not be regularly used in placement decisions States must diligently recruit foster families from minority communities

Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997 States must provide “Reasonable Efforts” to prevent placement and reunify families Permanency planning hearings States must request to terminate parental rights if a child is out of home 15 of past 22 months, unless “compelling reason” not to exist

Journey through the Court Process Call to Intake 24 hours or less if emergent 72 hours or less if not emergent Placement by Police Court Voluntary Shelter Care (Within 72 Hours) Fact Finding (Within 75 days) Review Hearing 5 to 6 months (every 6 months following) Dependency Established Permanency Planning Hearing Reunification Kinship Care Adoption Guardianship Long-Term Foster Care Preparation for Independent Living Pg 96

The BRAAM Lawsuit Filed in 1998 in Bellingham Lead plaintiff : Jessica Braam (12) 34 foster home placements Alleged her civil rights were violated Settlement in 11/2004 Agreement regarding improvement in 6 areas of practice

BRAAM Final Settlement: Areas for Improvement Placement Stability Mental Health Foster Parent Training & Information Unsafe/Inappropriate Placements Sibling Separation Services to Adolescents

State Laws Defining Child Abuse and Neglect RCW – Basic working definition of terms WAC – Expanded definitions including examples

Why does Children’s Administration Exist? To transform lives by protecting children and promoting healthier families through strong practice and strong partnerships with the community and tribes. Introduction to Disproportionality & Cultural Competence in Child Welfare

Why does Children’s Administration Exist? To transform lives by protecting children and promoting healthier families through strong practice and strong partnerships with the community and tribes. Time Management Self-CareSelf-Care