What are my Rights and Responsibilities as a Foster Parent?

As a resource parent, the line between your rights vs. your responsibilities can sometimes become blurred. Understanding how the two work together will give you more insight into your role as your child in placement’s primary caregiver and will empower you to be a stronger advocate for him.

Information

• You have the right as a foster parent to full disclosure as per the Division of Child Protection and Permanency’s (DCP&P) policy. Before the child enters your home, you should receive all information necessary to provide the appropriate care and supervision for him. If you do not have what you need, contact his Family Service Specialist (FSS) – also known as the child’s caseworker.
• It is your responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of all information provided to you about the child. For example, sharing details about him on social media is prohibited. Revealing the child’s identity can put him at risk of being bullied or inappropriately contacted.

Documentation

• You have the right as a foster parent to document the actions of everyone involved with the child’s case; you also have a right to document the child’s behaviors.
• It is your responsibility to obtain your own notebooks to document information about the child. Having the proper documentation will not only be helpful to the child if you have to provide evidence that he needs specific services (e.g., therapy) but can also protect you if an allegation arises.

Identification

•  You have the right as a foster parent to ask for identification from everyone who comes into your home concerning the child. Obtaining ID will keep you informed of who enters your home and make all of your guests aware of how important the child’s safety is to you and your family.
• It is your responsibility to know your caseworker, also known as the Resource Family Support Worker (RFSW), the child’s Family Service Specialist (FSS) and everyone involved with the child’s case, as well as their contact information. Having their information on hand will help you address time sensitive issues, such as medical emergencies, immediately.

Advocacy

• Even though you are not a part of the child’s case, you have the right as a foster parent to be heard in court.
• It is your responsibility to voice your concerns to caseworkers, law guardians and judges. Since the child lives with you, you have first-hand knowledge of what will help him thrive.

Resources

• You have the right as a foster parent to advocate for yourself and the child by requesting services. Knowing what resources are available and how to access them will help you to provide the child with what he specifically needs (e.g. Tutoring).
• It is your responsibility to advise caseworkers of the child’s needs, as well as the needs of your family. Making your case workers aware will allow them to give you and your family the support you need. Caseworkers have many other families to help, so it’s important to ensure the needs of the child and your family stay on their minds.

Biological Family

• You have the right as a foster parent to bond with the child’s biological family. Establishing a strong connection may allow you to remain in contact with the child if he returns home.
• You have the responsibility to build a positive relationship with the biological family. DCP&P’s goal is to reunite the child with his relatives if possible. Showing the biological family how you care for him and encouraging their efforts to do their best parenting can make reunification easier for everyone.

Visitation

• You have the right as a foster parent to be included in negotiations to determine the child’s visitation schedule with his biological family. Since you will be taking him to visits, you must have input to ensure you are able to keep each appointment.
• You have the responsibility to adhere to the visitation schedule that is set in place. Structure and stability are important for the child. Not only does he need to see his biological family on a regular basis, but he also needs your support and encouragement.

You are the voice for your child in placement. Exercising your rights and upholding your responsibilities will help you provide the best possible care and better prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead. Being heard is essential for you to get the results you, your child in care and family deserve.