[Withay]

The board will look at a number of things.

1. Is the current placement the best placement for the child(ren) at this time?

2. Is DHS doing all it can to facilitate reunification?

3. Are the parents working their caseplan?

4. When is/was the next/most recent medical appointment? Is the child up-to-date on immunizations?

5. If applicable, how is the child doing in school?

6. Does the child receive any special services such as early intervention?

As for who is invited, it usually is the parent(s), parent(s) attorney(ies), GAL, child's attorney, caseworker, foster parent(s).

Each person will introduce themself. It is ok to introduce yourself by your first name only (in fact I recommend this if the parents are there) and say that you are the foster parent.

The board always loves to see a current picture of the child(ren). I usually take one that the parents can have after the meeting.

I believe that attending the review meetings is just as important as attending the court proceedings. I go to all of them. Do NOT take the child(ren). There is no need for them to be there.

The review board many times recommends that DHS change the goal at these meetings. The goal is not changed at that time, but the recommendation can be made.

Good luck.