Foster caregivers (foster parents, relatives, fictive kin, and pre-adoptive parents) play a critical role in the life of the child in Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases. Having the foster caregiver voice heard helps ensure the child’s needs are fully represented in the case. There are resources available in Louisiana which help to support our foster caregivers.
Pursuant to the Louisiana Children’s Code, foster caregivers have a legal right to receive notice from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) of any CINC hearing involving a child in their care and to attend and be heard at CINC hearings. The Revised Statutes also contain a foster parent bill of rights.
At this CIP Café, you will hear lived experience from a former foster parent who is now the state Foster Care Ambassador. She will explain the resources and the importance of the role of the foster caregiver. In addition, our speakers will explain the right to be heard at hearings and Foster Caregiver Progress Form, which is a way for foster caregivers to provide information to the court.
SPEAKERS:
- Margie Nielsen, Foster Parent Ambassador, Louisiana Foster Care Support Organization, Director, Louisiana Foster Caregiver Mentor Program
- LaTrese LeCour, M.S., State Foster Care Program Manager, Department of Children and Family Services
- Michelle Gros, Chief Operating Officer, Pelican Center for Children and Families
OBJECTIVES:
- Learn about resources available to foster caregivers.
- Understand the role of foster caregivers and their right to be heard at Child in Need of Care hearings.
- Become familiar with the Foster Caregiver Progress Form and process.