Both state and federal laws require if children are in and out of a home state placement be reviewed periodically and not less at least once every six (6) months.  Interested individuals can participate in a meeting; which focuses on the child’s placement and the appropriateness of that. 

The individual’s participation and completions are what is called “Tasks” and progress towards the identified outcome in the service or action plan.  It is looked at in terms of how appropriate the child’s placement is; if the parents or guardians have completed their tasks along with looking at what the social worker is doing.  What progress has been made in the last six (6) months for what used to be called a service plan is now called an “Action Plan” and when that service or action plan will be achieved. 

The social worker is assigned to the case; including the family and parents, if the child is 14 years or older; the foster care providers is invited; family resource people; the children’s attorney and the parent’s attorneys. They are to be scheduled and conducted and the invited parties can be present and can make statements. 

The Foster Care Review is an important component; although, not part of the core process it can be used in court to argue either the parents have been following their tasks and doing what they need to be doing or not doing so; or that DCF has not done what they need to do.