FAST Training for Summit
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Transcript of FAST Training for Summit
QUICK QUIZ What is the name of your lead agency? What is the name of your CBC? Who is your licensing agency? Who signed your foster license? Who is your relicensing worker? What is the name of the case manager for each child in your home? Who is the Guardian ad Litem for each child in your home? What is the on call number for after hours? What is the number to report child abuse? What happens during an abuse call? What is the number for foster allegation support team?
http://floridafapa.org/programs/fast-allegation-support/
floridafapa.org
Purpose of FAST To provide support to the foster parent when
an allegation has been or might be brought against him or her.
To provide an immediate response to the foster parent.
Keep foster parents informed of procedures and the process when an allegation is made.
Broward
Duval
Hillsbo
roughMiam
i
Orange
Palm
Beach
Pinell
as Polk
010203040506070
VerifiedNot Substan-tiatedNo IndicatorsTotal
Sample of Abuse calls from 4/1/11 – 3/31/12
Sample included 576 reports received by the hotline representing 48 counties
CBC staff initiated 14.9% of intakes while social service agencies & parents Initiated 30%.
Everyone in Florida is a mandated reporter but some people are
professionally mandated reporters. For example, social workers, medical and mental health professionals, teachers
and other school officials must give their names and occupation or place of
business when calling.
Who are Mandated Reporters?
Reports of child abuse should be made to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Abuse reports can be made through the DCF statewide hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE or through the DCF website: https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/
REPORTING
Failure to report child abuse to DCF will be now a third degree felony (previously this was a first degree misdemeanor).
REPORTING
F.A.S.T. is to prepare you if an allegation is filed on you.
PREPARE FOR THE IMPACT ON
YOUR FAMILY
Families accused of neglect and abuse
experience an assault on their integrity.
It’s a form of victimization.
Fancy way of saying words hurt
Impact on Families
Impact on Families
People who have been accused of
abuse often experience the same types of
symptoms as those who have actually
been abused.Anger, Frustration, Violated, Shame,
Abused, Unappreciated
Impact on Families BETRAYAL
Foster parents feel their main
source of support can no longer talk to them.
Trauma Foster parents express shock and disbelief.
STIGMA Foster parents report
feelings of shame, humiliation, inadequacy
and a decline in self-esteem.
POWERLESSNESS
Pointers for Dealing With an Allegation
Call the FAST hotline for support!
It’s okay to stop and breathe.
DOCUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION
• DOCUMENT WHO COMES INTO YOUR HOME AND WHAT AGENCY THEY ARE WITH
• DOCUMENT WHO YOU SPEAK TO AND WHAT AGENCY THEY ARE WITH
Pointers for Dealing With an Allegation
Keep a complete
written journal of all dates,
times, events and
communications.
Pointers for Dealing With an Allegation
Insist on full participation during the investigation.
Pointers for Dealing With an Allegation
Maintain your sense of professionalism as
foster parents by cooperating with the
investigation.
Could it have been prevented?
Hard to say, but here are some guidelines
Prevention Guidelines
Obtain full information about the child proposed for placement, such
as:
Prevention Guidelines
• Reason child is in foster care?
• How long has the child been in foster care?
• Does the child visit with siblings or birth parents?
• Is this a first placement?
Prevention Guidelines• Why does the child need a new placement?
• Is the child working at grade level?
• Does the child get along with other children?
• Is the child currently in counseling?
• Medications?
Prevention Guidelines
• Obtain details on special behaviors
• Obtain details of any medical conditions
• Obtain specific training to deal with special needs
• Consider carefully what risks, if any, the placement may involve in your family
Be Informed
• Know who your licensing agency is• Who signs your license?• Who is your Community Based Care Lead
Agency (CBC)?• Is there a DCF licensing liaison in your
district?• Who are your supports
Know the Key Players in Regards to the Child Placed in Your Home
• Who is the case manager?• Is there a therapist? • Who can see the child? Is
there a Guardian ad Litem?• Who are the attorneys
involved ?• Which attorney represents
who?• Do you have a family
support worker?
Know the Key Players in Regards to the Children Placed in Your Home
FOR EACH CHILD!!!!!!
Child/Foster Home
Case Manager
?Licensing Agent?
Guardian ad
Litem?
Attorney?
Therapist?
Bio Parents?
Siblings/ Grandparent
s
Transporter?
Other?
Helpful InformationDCF or the contracted provider is governed by an investigative response outlined in operating procedure 175-21.
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/admin/publications/policies/175-21.pdf
Staffings As a foster parent, you are
able to attend staffings in regard to your case. Each
county does this a bit different. It is important to stay informed each step &
express your desire to attend.
So What Does FAST Do?FAST supports foster
parents through the pain and fear of the allegation, clarifies the process, provides clearer communication, with the ultimate goal of helping to retain foster homes.
So What Does FAST Do?
FAST volunteers keep you informed of the procedures and the processes a foster parent can expect during an investigation.
So What Does FAST Do?
FAST volunteers work toward better
investigations, more compassion, tolerance and respect for foster parents,
children and families.
So What Does FAST Do?
FAST volunteers have a firm commitment to maintain the confidentiality of the reports.
So What Does FAST Do?
FAST volunteers support and help,
which means listening to foster
parents when they have a need
to vent.
So What Does FAST Do?FAST
volunteers help foster parents gain an attitude of honest and straightforward integrity which allows their point to be viewed.
The Best Approach
TEAMWORK
“120 Hearing”
Did you know you are entitled to a “120
Hearing” if your home is being closed and you are
not in agreement?
