Contacts with Foster Parents – MDCPS will make monthly in-home visits with non-

Contacts with Foster Parents – MDCPS will make monthly in-home visits with non- relative foster parents when foster children are placed in the home to assess the child’s safety and well-being and ensure the child is receiving appropriate services. 1. In-home visits can be scheduled, but unscheduled visits will also be conducted. 2. In-home visits should be scheduled when all household members and foster children are present, whenever possible. All household members and foster children should be interviewed during the monthly visits. However, at the discretion of MDCPS, exceptions may be made based on the age and developmental status of the household members. 3. The physical home environment will be assessed during monthly in-home visits. 4. During monthly contacts with the non-relative foster parents, the MDCPS worker will focus on: a. Shared Parenting and working with the foster child’s birth family to maintain connections and achievement of the foster child’s permanency plan; b. Discipline issues with the foster child; c. Marital issues that occur in connection with placement; d. Discussion and referrals to available services necessary to maintain placement.