Family Assessment Process - PRIDE 622-05-20-15

(Revised 8/15/2010 ML #3224)

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The goal of safety and permanency for children necessitates a thorough family foster home assessment prior to initial and annual license.

 

The policy of the Department is to complete a resource family (foster home/pre-adoptive home) assessment incorporating the tools and methods available in the PRIDE “Conducting Mutual Family Assessment and Family Development Plan” process found in the PRIDE Practice Handbook.

 

This assessment methodology engages the family in a process with the agency to determine whether foster parenting is right for them and for the agency. When conducted according to the handbook, the process should assist in a quality assessment. Keep in mind that frequently, since the implementation of The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) in North Dakota, foster families become adoptive families. An in-depth, quality home assessment in preparation for foster home licensure may result in fewer barriers if there is a later transition to adoption.

 

Most of all, the PRIDE home study process will provide the opportunity for the agency to be more knowledgeable about the attitudes and skills of foster homes, and to make better placement decisions for children.

 

The family assessment is one part of the licensing study process. The family must meet the requirements in NDAC 75-03-14, “Family Foster Care Homes,” which is the licensing rule with the force of law.