Foster Care : Supporting Reunification and Transition Care
Including Biological Parents in Visits
When safe and appropriate, biological parents should be invited to attend medical visits, particularly when reunification is the plan. This helps them stay informed, maintain a role in decision-making, and prepare for resuming full care. Caseworkers should coordinate these visits to avoid conflict, ensure safety, and comply with court orders.
Discharge and Reunification Planning
When a child leaves foster care, whether returning to a biological parent, transitioning to a new guardian, or moving to another placement, a discharge visit should occur with the new caregiver, the foster parent (if possible), and the caseworker present. The visit should review medical history, current needs, and follow-up plans.
Discharge Visit Plan
Task
(within 7 days)
(within 7 days)
Notes
(within 30 days)
(within 30 days)
Schedule a discharge visit
Include child, new caregiver, caseworker, and if possible, the foster parent
Review updated medical record
Include diagnoses, medications, allergies, immunizations
Provide copies of prescriptions
Ensure adequate medication supply
Review upcoming appointments
Specialists, dental, therapy, and school evaluations
Address chronic conditions
Provide written care plans
Sign Release of Records
Allow transfer of information to new providers
Discuss warning signs
Outline when to seek urgent care
Provide resource list
Include local clinics, pharmacies, and support services
