Listed below are some of your rights and responsibilities while in foster care:
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To be protected from physical, emotional and sexual abuse and/or neglect.
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To be placed in a substitute care setting that can best meet your needs.
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To be told why you came into foster care and why you’re still in foster care.
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To be placed with siblings, if at all possible, unless it’s not safe.
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To visit and talk with biological parents, siblings, relatives, and other individuals important to you unless restricted by the court and/or DHHS or if you don’t want to do so. Many factors are taken into consideration about visits.
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To learn about and participate in court reviews and case planning conferences. You can attend these reviews/conferences or you can have input by writing or calling your caseworker.
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To receive honest information about the decisions the DHHS is making that affect your life.
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To be listened to, respected and heard; and to listen to, respect and hear others.
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To have visits and talk privately with your caseworker at least once every month.
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To be able to talk with an adult you trust about any type of abuse or neglect by your biological parents, foster parents, other caregivers or any other person.
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To work with your social worker and care provider to make rules and to responsibly follow them.
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To help make a visitation plan.
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To keep scheduled appointments or if you need to cancel, call ahead of time.
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To get regular medical, dental and eye exams.
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To be placed in the least restrictive setting that will meet your needs.
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To participate in religious, cultural and other activities.
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To have information in your individual and family case kept confidential.
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To go to school.
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To have privacy and to respect others’ privacy,
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To write a formal complaint to DHHS about any services with which you are unhappy.
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To have a plan for a permanent family within twelve months of coming into custody and to take part in developing and committing yourself to this plan.
…Answers for youth in care, by youth in care