Department of Children and Family Services
Policy and Procedure Guide
Division No:
3 – Child Welfare
Chapter No:
6 – Court and Concurrent Planning
Item No:
Effective Date:
August 30, 2005
12 – Dismissal of Dependency Process
POLICY:
Steps to be taken when recommending dismissal of Juvenile
Court Dependency.
PURPOSE:
To guide and inform Concurrent Planning social workers on the
procedures to be taken prior to recommending dismissal of
Juvenile Court Dependency.
REFERENCE:
Refer to Transfer PPG.
PROCEDURE:
A.
Thirty days prior to recommending dismissal of dependency, the social worker
will do the following:
1. Structure Decision Making (SDM) risk assessment tool to be completed on
the case 30 days prior to the court hearing.
2. Update discovery to all attorneys.
3. Notify all attorneys of the intent to dismiss dependency.
B.
Prior to the hearing recommending dismissal of dependency the social worker
will hold a Closure Conference with parents.
1. The social worker will discuss the Parent Leadership Task Force with the
parents at the Closure Conference.
2. The social worker will provide parents with the Parent Leadership Task
Force pamphlet. (Attachment A)
Page 1 of 2
Division - 3, Chapter 6
Effective Date:
August 30, 2005
Item - 12 Dismissal of Dependency
3. The social worker will provide the Indication of Interest Form to the parent
if they indicate interest in participating on the Parent Leadership Task
Force. (Attachment B)
4. The social worker will address any questions or concerns of parents
regarding dismissal of dependency.
5. The social worker will discuss the parents’ support systems.
6. The social worker will discuss the community resources available to the
family.
Page 2 of 2
Attachment A
ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Parent Leadership
Task Force
I Want to Join the Task Force….
We are always looking for new
volunteers who would like to better the
system and help other parents going
through the CPS process. Call us to get
more information.
I want to help, but my time is
limited….
We always have special projects going
on- we would love your help. Anything
from a few hours to a few months, give
us a call!
I’m going through the CPS system, and
I have many questions…can the Task
Force help?
Yes…we have Parent Mentors available
to answer questions, offer support, and
assist you in many ways. These are not
social workers, they are parents who
have been involved with CPS, and they
want to help! Call us, leave your
information, and a parent will return
your call.
Parent Leadership
Task Force
Fresno County
Department of Children
& Family Services
Phone 559-453-4540
Fax 559-453-4741
Giving Parents a Voice
Page 2 of 2
HOW TO CUSTOMIZE
THIS BROCHURE
GROUP FACILITATION
WHO ARE WE?

The Parent Leadership Task Force
has been in existence within DCFS
since 2002

In partnership with the national
organization, Parents Anonymous,
the PLTF was formed to support
families involved with DCFS/CPS in
Fresno County

The PLTF is comprised of parents
with prior CPS involvement and
CPS staff

In addition to making positive
changes within the CPS system, it
is our goal to support and empower
the families with whom we work
WHAT DO WE DO?
The PLTF is always working on special
projects within DCFS. It is our goal to
have parents in Leadership roles
within the agency and the community.
Our members have assisted in the
following areas:
PARENT MENTOR
The parent mentor acts as a support
to parents going through the CPS
process. Many parents are involved
with CPS for the first time. Their
child may be in foster care. The
parents may be confused, angry,
scared. Parent mentors can support
and guide parents in the right
direction.

Parent mentors are also available
to attend staffings, MDRTS, and
court hearings with clients. It’s
still the responsibility of the client
to communicate with their social
worker, but the mentor can act as
a support during these difficult
times.
Task Force parents often assist in the
facilitation of Family Reunification
Orientation. This provides an
opportunity for them to tell new
clients “their story”, how they became
involved with CPS, and how they made
it through. They often explain the
services in which they have
participated and how these services
may have benefited their family.
Task Force parents have cofacilitated Parenting Classes and soon
will be trained to facilitate Family
Group Conferences. Having parents as
facilitators offers a fresh
perspective and a new resource for
the students.
COMMUNITY SPEAKER
Many of the PLTF Parents are
available to present to new social
workers, foster parents and
community groups.
These parents have been through the
CPS services and offer great insight
to what it is really like to be a CPS
client. PLTF members have spoken on
local and national levels.
Attachment B
Fresno County DCFS
Parent Leadership Task Force
Indication of Interest Form
Parent Name(s):_______________________
_______________________
Date
Address:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Phone:
_______________________ Home
_______________________ Work
_______________________ Other
Previous
SW name:
__________________
_______________________
Date CPS case
Closed/will
Close:
_______________________
Children’s
Name/Age:
_______________________
_______________________
__________________________
__________________________
How did you hear about the PLTF? Circle One
My social worker
Brochure
Friend/Family Member
What hours are you available?
________________________________________________
What are your specific interests/talents? Circle as many as apply
Talking to others about your CPS experience (what helped, what did not)
Newsletters Answering questions over the phone
Computer projects
Attending Court/Meetings with parents
Other_____________________________
**PLTF Meetings are usually held once a month in the evening. Will you need childcare?
Circle one:
YES NO MAYBE
For More Information please call 453-8257. Thanks!!!!
2/05