In this training, the presenters will address important questions often raised by stakeholders:
- What is the basis for making reasonable efforts?
- What are some examples of reasonable efforts to prevent removal and to finalize the permanent plan?
- What does reasonable efforts mean for the children and families being served?
- Under what circumstances does DCFS risk losing Title IV-E reimbursement if reasonable efforts are not made?
- What happens to Title IV-E reimbursement when a “no reasonable efforts” finding is made?
Objectives:
- Learn the law and reasonable efforts findings that must be made at Child in Need of Care Hearings.
- Gain familiarity with types of reasonable efforts to be made by the Department of Children and Family Services.
- Understand the specific relationship between Title IV-E reimbursement and reasonable efforts findings at the different junctures of the case.
Speakers:
- Cassondra Johnson, Child Welfare Manager for Federal Programs and Grants, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
- Samantha Morrison, Peer and Equity Specialist, Pelican Center for Children and Families
- Mark Harris, Executive Director, Pelican Center for Children and Families
