4.2  Guidelines for Initial Placement Resource Selection:

1. The Children’s Service Worker shall advise the parents that:
   1. Placement shall be in the least restrictive setting needed that serves the child's best interest and special needs.
   2. Section 211.037, RSMo, states children shall be promptly returned to the care and custody of a non-offending parent entitled to physical custody of the child if:
      1. The parents have continuously maintained joint domicile for a period of at least six months prior to the alleged incident or the parents are maintaining separate households, and;
      2. Evidence indicates only one of the parents is the subject of an investigation of abuse or neglect, and;
      3. The non-offending parent does not have a history of criminal behavior, drug or alcohol abuse, child abuse, or child neglect, domestic violence, stalking, or full orders of protection entered against them within the past five years, and;
         1. The worker shall request that a local or state low enforcement agency or juvenile officer immediately conduct a name-based criminal history record check to include full orders of protection and outstanding warrants by using the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to initially assess whether the non-offending parent holds a criminal history.
      4. The parents are maintaining joint domicile and the offending parent is removed from the home voluntarily or involuntarily, or the parents live separately and the child is removed from the home of the custodial parent; and;
      5. A non-offending parent requests custody of the child and agrees to cooperate with any orders of the court limiting contact or establishing visitation with the offending parent and the non-offending parent complies with such orders.
   3. Section 210.565, RSMo, requires the Division to give preference and first consideration for foster care placement to a relative of a child.

   If a grandparent does have either legal custody or legal guardianship, is 50 years of age or older, he/she may qualify under the Grandparents as Foster Parents (GAFP) program.  The child must meet a needs test.  This would be an excellent resource for grandparents and children whose only need for assistance is financial.

   Grandparents who are under 50 years of age still may be eligible to participate in the GAFP program; however the level of assistance is limited.

   The subsidized guardianship program provides eligible relatives or families with the same services that adoptive parents would receive under the Missouri adoption subsidy program.  Relatives who qualify for this type of subsidy are grandparents, aunts, uncles, and adult siblings who have legal guardianship of a qualified minor child.  A qualified child is a child who is or has previously been in the custody of one of the following:  Children’s Division (CD), DYS, DMH or a licensed private child caring/placing agency and who meets the special needs requirements.

   4. Placement shall be in reasonable proximity to the child's parents while accommodating the child's special needs.
   5. A priority should be made to place siblings and minor parent and child together, whenever possible.

   Related Subject:  Section 4, Chapter 7, Attachment D, Sibling Placement Guidelines

   6. Placement shall be made with a family that can best preserve the cultural identity of the child.
2. The Children’s Service Worker shall explain to the family that possible placement resources for the child may include:
   1. Non-Custodial Parent - This placement is preferred if the parent can meet the child's needs and is supportive of the case plan.
   2. Relative/Kinship Placement - This placement is recommended if the resource is supportive of the case plan.

   NOTE:  Placement with non-custodial parent, relative or kinship/close personal friend should be considered continually, not only during initial placement.

   3. Foster Family - This resource is recommended for a child of any age who can benefit by placement in a family setting and in a community where access is available to schools, friends and resources.  Different foster families provide specialized levels of care, which are designed to meet the special needs of children.
   4. Foster Family Group Home - This resource is recommended for a child who is a member of a sibling group and/or for a child who can use peer support and needs to have easy access to school, friends, and community resources while remaining in a family setting.
   5. Emergency Residential Placement - This resource is recommended when the child's needs require an extensive evaluation and/or structure and supportive services.  This is a placement until the needs of the child can be determined or until a placement in a residential treatment facility is available which can meet the child's specific needs.
   6. Residential Treatment Facility - This resource is recommended when the child needs a highly structured environment and extensive supportive services.
   7. Psychiatric Hospital Placement - This resource is recommended when the child's emotional disturbance is so severe that the child is a danger to themselves or others.  Psychiatric hospital placement should only be used when a less restrictive setting cannot better meet the child's needs.  Psychiatric hospitalization is for evaluation only and is not considered a "permanent plan."  Prior to psychiatric hospitalization, the Children’s Service Worker shall refer the child to the psychiatric diversion program according to local guidelines.
3. The Children’s Service Worker and family (parent and child) discuss which of these options would be most appropriate for the child.
4. The Children’s Service Worker and family (parent and child) select the most appropriate resource and proceed to implement the steps to place the child in the resource selected.

Chapter Memoranda History: (prior to 1/31/07)

CS03-12, CS03-21, CS03-27, CD04-79, CD05-80, CD06-16, CD06-50

Memoranda History: