Family Reunification (FR) Services

Provides time-limited out-of-home placement to prevent further abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the child. Based on the child's needs, the child may be placed with a relative, foster parent, or group home. The child's placement may be voluntary by the parent or court-ordered. The family is offered counseling, services of a teaching and demonstrating homemaker, parenting classes, transportation, and referrals to other agencies based on the problems identified in the parents' service plan.

The parents are given one year to resolve their problems and regain the custody of their children who are over 3 years old. For children 3 and under and their siblings, the parents only have 6 months. An extension may be granted when there is a reasonable expectation that the children may be returned home by or before the next scheduled court review. The case is reviewed every six months by the court. When the court determines that the parents have made changes that reduce or eliminate the problems, the child may be returned to the parents' care. The case usually is transferred to the Family Maintenance (FM) program for follow-up services for at least six months.

If a parent refuses to cooperate or is unable to make the changes needed, the law mandates that after 6 months, for a child under 3 years of age and their siblings, or 12 months for a child over 3 years of age, that a permanent plan be developed for the child. Throughout the process, the court, Children and Family Services, and the parents' attorneys are informing the parents of their rights and responsibilities. They have the right to contest all actions taken in court and have a right of appeal if they feel their case has not been handled correctly.