Many children—especially those under the age of five–have a hard time dealing with change. For this reason, children that are taken from their homes often struggle with the transition to foster care. The Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) knows how hard it is for children to adjust to life in foster care, which is why they try to make this transition easier by preparing children for the placement process. Here’s how:
Bonding With the Child During the Pre-Placement Process
The case worker will try to bond with the child prior to the placement process. To do this, the case worker will focus on allowing the child to express his feelings about his life at home. Opening up about these issues will help the child connect to the case worker and establish trust in the relationship.
During these meetings, the case worker will also help the child understand why the placement process is necessary. It’s easier for children to adjust to foster care when they know why they were taken from their homes.
Letting the Child Explore His New Home
The DCPP ideally likes to bring children to their new homes several times during the pre-placement process. This gives children the opportunity to explore their new home and meet the adults who will be caring for them.
After each visit, the case worker will ask the children to talk about their experience at their new home. The case worker should listen to both positive and negative feedback so he can address the child’s concerns and answer his questions. In general, children are usually less anxious about the transition after seeing their new home since they now know what to expect.
Getting Parents Involved
It’s important for children to understand that this is not the end of their relationship with their parents, so the DCPP usually asks the parents to participate in the placement process. The case worker will reassure children that they will see their parents during visitations, which should occur on a regular basis. DCPP case workers also try to involve parents in all other aspects of the placement process as long as the parents do not make the process more difficult than it needs to be.
Are you being investigated by the DCPP? If so, contact Williams Law Group, LLC at once. Let our experienced attorneys stand by your side and protect your family’s rights during the investigation. Call our office at (908) 810-1083, email us at info@awilliamslawgroup.com, or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation.