Kinship Family Restoration Services is contracted with The Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) plays a critical role in protecting children who are victims of abuse or neglect, or are living in hazardous environments. The department often intervenes and places the children under foster care until their homes are deemed safe for their return. (DFCS) Division of Family and Children Services works to strengthen and restore families by ensuring their safety, promoting self-sufficiency, and well-being, particularly for children and the youth.The entire process focuses on the best interests of the child and their safety, ensuring the home is an emotionally and physically safe place for the child to live. The primary goal is always to keep families together if possible and in the best interest of the child. Family restoration or reunification services offered by DFCS usually follow instances of child removal due to abuse or neglect. DFCS aims to restore the family unit where possible by addressing the issues that led to child removal.Family restoration is a program or process designed to help restore the children back to their biological families after necessary conditions are met. Here's how this works with DFCS:

 

Steps in the process include but not limited:

 

Child Safety Assessment: The process starts with the DFCS conducting a thorough investigation about the child's safety at their original home.

 Foster Care:  If deemed unsafe, the child is taken into foster care while the issues at home are resolved.

Rehabilitation and Training: Biological parents may be given training to manage situations that led to the removal of the child from their home. This could include dealing with addiction, anger management, stress coping mechanisms, and parenting skills.

Development of a Case Plan: Together with the family, DFCS develops a case plan which outlines what needs to be done to address the identified issues.

Case Plan: DFCS prepares a case plan for the family. It describes what parents need to do to rectify the issues identified during the investigation.

Case Assessment: The caseworker assigned by DFCS assesses the home situation to identify the problems leading to the child's removal.

Monitoring and Guidance: Social workers will closely monitor and guide the family through the process to ensure that changes are implemented as per the plan.

Services: Services can include parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, counseling, job training, housing assistance, etc.

Visitation: The children and their parents are provided with regular visitation to maintain the relationship during the time apart. This can gradually increase in frequency and duration, provided progress is being made.

Progress Evaluation: The case plan is constantly reviewed and modified as necessary depending on the family's progress.

Trial Home Placement: Once the parents have demonstrated that they can provide a safe and secure environment, the child may be returned home on a trial basis.

Case Closure: If the trial period goes well and all other issues have been resolved, the case may be closed and the child permanently placed back in the home.

Home Re-evaluation: The family's home situation will be re-evaluated to determine if the child can return. The aim is always to reunite families where it is safe and beneficial for the child.

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Family Reunification: If it's deemed safe, the child will be reunited with the family. This phase often comes with regular check-ups by a social worker to ensure that progress continues.

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Note: The exact processes and services provided by DFCS can vary by state and even by individual cases. Always consult with the caseworker involved in the case to know the exact steps to be followed.