[kimb1005]

This is my first placement and it is , well, complicated. N. is two, lived with numerous family members. Disagreement between advocate and DHS SW at first court date abotu child remaining with relative--DHS said yes, advocate obtained emergency removal. Lots of family members interested in taking N. again thought here is one who passed initial homecheck by DHS and agency. Older 3 sibs being adopted outside family, same advocate involved with family for last 3 years--not same SWs. Received call from advocate SW on Friday (finally--been here 6 weeks). stated they have differing view from DHS about placement and wants us to attend Family Service Planning meeting. My SW told me that she didn't know why--foster parents never attend. So--do we go? Is it unusual for advocate and DHS to differ? It's hard to make a decision as we have been given very little info about anything

[gdaisy]

WE are often invited to the Family Service Planning meetings. We have been told that it is not neccessary to go but then they ask for us to be there by phone if we can't be there in person..... SO I really think to talk to person the will be running the meeting. Often you as foster parents are able to bring up concerns that the "team" won't think of or remember.

[millie58]

What are Family Service Planning meetings? In NY, we have permanency hearings (I don't always go). Basically, it's to see if foster care will be extended or if there will be TPR. I went once to a court hearing and neither the judge nor the cw expected me to be there.

[Chancey]

We are always invited to Family Service Meeting (Family Group Conferences). We actually receive a formal letter from CPS asking us to attend. So, yes, it is normal, and yes, you should go.

I have learned a lot of information at the conferences, and, in addition, I build a rappore with the family and they always feel better knowing that their kiddo(s) are with a caring safe family.

[chevyjewel]

Originally Posted by Chancey

We are always invited to Family Service Meeting (Family Group Conferences). We actually receive a formal letter from CPS asking us to attend. So, yes, it is normal, and yes, you should go.

Same here, and I agree.

If by some chance I can't make it detailed notes about the conference are taken and I'm given a copy of what was all said and what if any sort of agreements were made.

[EandDmom]

They always try to get the kids mom to invite us but she never wants us there. The only time we were actually invited was by the caseworker that was the day they informed mom they were filing TPR.

[Yes2Kids]

Wow, I wish we got a report of the meetings. We always get official letter inviting us to attend, and when I went, an hour and a half round trip, all the would let me stay is ten minutes, they just wanted me to tell how the child is doing and all the upcoming appointments, ect. But I could not stay for the rest, because it is private for the parents. So now I just send an email with updates on child and keep a copy in my files. I am in Texas.

[1withopenarms]

I'm in NYS and we are always invited to Family Service Plan Reviews. Like others we get a letter in the mail asking us to attend but that it's not neccasary. I have gone and we were aloud to sit through the entire meeting and give our point of view. A family Service Plan Review is different from a permanency hearings.