Vol. 17, No. 2 • May 2013

North Carolina's Health-Related Foster Care Policies
Source: NCDSS, 2010

Following are some of North Carolina’s health-related foster care policies that foster parents should know about.

Sharing of Health Information with Foster Parents
According to North Carolina child welfare policy, DSS should share information about a child's medical needs, medication, any special conditions, and instructions for the child’s care with the foster parent prior to or at the time of placement. The social worker is responsible for bringing any medications, glasses, hearing aids, etc. to the foster care placement with the child. Social workers should document in the record when these items are given to foster care placement providers.

In addition, the DSS form “Child Health Status Component” (dss-5243) must be completed within seven days of initial placement and a copy provided to the foster parents. Foster parents should be sure to take the Child Health Status Component, as well as any other medical or social history information relevant to the delivery of health care services, with them to the child’s medical appointments.

Foster parents can find a blank copy of the Child Health Status Component online at <http://info.dhhs.state.nc.us/olm/forms/dss/dss-5243.pdf>.

Scheduling Examinations and Appointments
According to North Carolina child welfare policy, children placed in foster care must have a physical examination scheduled within seven days of the date of placement. If dental, developmental, psychological, or educational assessments are needed, social workers must schedule them within one week once the need for them is identified.

To view references cited in this and other articles in this issue, click here.

~ Family and Children's Resource Program, UNC-CH School of Social Work~