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Contents
Kinship Publications for Caseworkers
This desk aid is intended to help caseworkers quickly reference publications that are required and others that are recommended at various points in their service to families, as described in Administrative Directive 18-OCFS-ADM-23. The directive details requirements for providing publications to potential and current caregivers of children removed from their homes.
Pub. 5200 - Kinship Publications Desk Aid for Caseworkers
Step-By-Step Guidance on Distribution and Review of the Bill of Rights for Youth Age 14 and Older
P.L. 113-184 mandates that all youth in foster care who are age 14 or older must be given the Bill of Rights for Youth in Foster Care, which was released with Administrative Directive 15-OCFS-ADM-18. Those rights must be explained to each youth, and the youth must be encouraged to sign the Bill of Rights to acknowledge the receipt and the explanation. Publication 5181 explains what to do when youth refuse to sign the document. It also provides guidance to caseworkers on the requirements around the Bill of Rights and the steps involved in completing all required actions associated with it.
Pub. 5181 - Step-By-Step Guidance on Distribution and Review of the Bill of Rights for Youth Age 14 and Older.
Foster Care Casework Contacts
In partnership with CWCS’s Albany regional office, the Publication 5156 was revised in July 2017. It provides information on foster care face-to-face contacts required by 18 NYCRR 441.21 and on requirements for contacts with the child, the parents/relatives, and the caretaker, addressing both frequency and location of the contact.
Pub. 5156 - Foster Care Casework Contacts Desk Aid
Clearance Chart for Certified or Approved Foster Homes
In partnership with the home office and the regional office in New York City, the Bureau of Policy Analysis developed this desk aid that specifies clearance protocols for certified and approved foster parents, and other persons who reside in certified or approved foster homes. Publication 5183 includes the stage of certification or approval in which criminal history records checks, Statewide Central Register checks, and staff exclusion list (SEL) checks must be completed, and identifies the populations for which these checks are required.
Pub. 5183 - Clearance Chart for Certified or Approved Foster Homes
Background Check Chart for Residential Programs for Victims of Domestic Violence
In partnership with CWCS and OCFS’s Division of Legal Affairs, the Bureau of Policy Analysis has developed a desk aid that specifies background check protocols that are now required for prospective employees, volunteers, consultants, and contractors who have the potential for regular and substantial contact with children at the publicly funded emergency shelters, which include residential programs for victims of domestic violence. Publication 5157 includes when residential programs for victims of domestic violence are required to conduct Statewide Central Register database checks, staff exclusion list reviews, and DCJS criminal history checks. It also identifies the populations for which these checks are required.
Pub. 5157 - Background Check Chart for Residential Programs for Victims of Domestic Violence