Your caseworker will work with you, your biological parents, your care providers and other individuals involved in your life. Listed below are some of the rights and responsibilities of your caseworker:
- To tell your parents what changes need to occur so you can go home.
- To set up visits between you, your family and/or other individuals important to you, unless it’s not safe for you.
- To give or find services to meet you and your family’s needs.
- To keep information about you and your family confidential, unless sharing the information helps to meet you and/or your family’s needs. For instance, giving some background information to a therapist is important.
- To give services to help your care providers meet your needs.
- To meet with you to talk face-to-face at least once every month (you can still call and/or email as often as needed).
- To tell the court of you and your family’s progress, and to make recommendations to the court regarding reunification with your family.
- To get you independent living services if you are 16 years of age or older.
- To work with you on choosing the least restrictive placement that is best able to care for you. Your caseworker can explain your placement options so you can help choose.
- To keep you and siblings in care together, unless it’s not safe.
Remember…If you feel your needs are not being met, review the page called “What if I Can’t Get What I Need?” in the DHHS Connections and Resources section of Answers and start working your way up the chain.
…Answers for youth in care, by youth in care.