NYS OCFS Child Welfare Manuals

Adoption Services Guide for Caseworkers is a guide designed to support adoptive services caseworkers and supervisors. It is a resource that can be used by those who are new to this area of child welfare, as well as by those with years of experience. Here you will find the relevant laws, regulations, policies, and practice guidance that govern how adoptive services are provided in New York State.

The New York State Child Protective Services Manual provides a comprehensive resource that incorporates current law, regulation, relevant guidelines, and procedures in the area of child protective services.

The Eligibility Manual for Child Welfare Programs provides social services districts with guidance and requirements for determining eligibility for federal funding of child welfare programs.

The Foster Parent Manual provides practical information for foster parents on topics like medical care, payment, and the role of the court. It also provides guidance on areas such as welcoming a child, discipline, and parent visits.

The Foster Care Practice Guide is designed to support foster care caseworkers and supervisors. It can be used by those who are new to foster care and those with years of experience. In the guide, you will find the relevant laws, regulations, and policy and practice guidance that govern foster care in New York State.

The KinGAP Guide aids child welfare agencies in understanding and navigating KinGAP, and helps eligible families weigh the comparative benefits of alternative permanency options and make decisions that are appropriate and in the best interests of the children in kinship foster care.

The Preventive Services Practice Guidance Manual details the required steps throughout a preventive services case. This includes eligibility, opening and closing the case, the FASP, roles of team members, and documentation needs.

Working Together: Health Services for Children in Foster Care, is a manual designed to support foster care and health services staff in focusing attention on the critical issue of adequate, timely health services for children in foster care.