Foster Parent Advocacy and Legal Representation
- Meeting eligibility requirements such as attending foster parent educational classes
- Having a background check and fingerprinting
- Participating in a home inspection
- Completing a home study by the Florida Department of Children and Families
There are Different Levels of Foster Care Licensure Depending on the Needs of the Child, including:
- Level I Child Specific Foster Home: Designed for those with an existing relationship with a child in need who cannot remain in their parents’ home.
- Level II Non-Child Specific Foster Home: This is general licensure for those who wish to provide a safe and loving environment for a child.
- Level III Safe Foster Home for Victims of Human Trafficking: To house and care for a child victim of human trafficking, the foster parent must have this licensure.
- Level IV Therapeutic Foster Home: Many foster children have significant emotional, behavioral, or social needs. A foster parent who chooses a child with these issues needs this type of license.
- Level V Medical Foster Home: This licensure is for foster parents with specialized training in caring for children with chronic and complex medical conditions. It allows a child to live in a home instead of a hospital or medical facility setting.
Protecting the Rights of Foster Parents
An experienced and knowledgeable foster care attorney is essential to protect the rights of foster parents at case conferences and court hearings. In navigating child welfare law, foster parents need to advocate for themselves and the child placed under their care. A foster parent has the right to access the child welfare agency, the court system, and those who make decisions for the child. They have a right to be involved in developing or changing the case plan and the right to request a case conference with the caseworker, birth parents, teachers, counselors, and others involved with the child, as necessary.
In a court hearing, the foster parent may submit written statements or testify to advise the court about what they perceive is best for the child. Other rights include financial reimbursement for foster parents’ services and the right to refuse the placement of a child or the removal of a child from their home. Additionally, a foster parent should have priority consideration if a foster child becomes available for adoption. If you feel that your rights have been violated as a foster parent, the Downer Law can help.
Foster Parents are Vulnerable to Allegations of Abuse, Neglect, and Licensing Violations
Allegations against foster parents or members of their family by a foster child are common. In addition, a foster child’s birth parents may make allegations against the foster parents, as they believe this will help them regain custody of their child. Concerns about the safety and welfare of children in foster care homes are serious matters. An investigation in a foster care home can be distressing and frightening. The foster parent is at risk of losing their foster care license, reputation, and even more severe criminal charges. Foster families undergoing an investigation should consult legal representation immediately.
The Downer Law is an Experienced Family Law and Criminal Defense Law Firm
Our office is located in DeLand, Florida, and we serve clients in Volusia, Seminole, and Orange Counties, Florida. We know the child welfare system in Florida and the risks that foster parents encounter. We have proven results in protecting their rights.