14.14 Family Evaluation Addendums | CWS

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Child Welfare Policy Manual

Chapter:

(14) Resource Home Development

Policy Title:

Family Evaluation Addendums

Policy Number:

14.14

Previous Policy Number(s):

N/A

Effective Date:

May 2024

Manual Transmittal:

2024-03

Codes/References

N/A

The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) will:

Require caregivers of children in DFCS custody to inform their supervising agency (e.g., local DFCS, Child Placing Agency) of significant changes in their household or personal circumstances within one business day of the occurrence.
Document any changes in the family’s circumstances in Georgia SHINES within 72 hours of the information becoming known to the agency.
Determine if a Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) Update may be more appropriate than an addendum based on the nature of a family’s circumstances or the significance of the change.
Complete a written addendum to the SAFE Home Study Report within 30 calendar days of significant changes within a family, including an explanation of how the change impacts the family. Significant changes include events such as the following:
1. Change of address
2. Change in marital status or relational issues
3. Change in approved number or demographics of children placed in the home
4. Changes that result in new requirements for safety (e.g., pool, firearm, pets)
5. Addition of new household members
A criminal records check, safety screening, and health evaluation must be completed on new adult household members.
Use the date of the final approving authority’s signature as the approval date of a Family Evaluation Addendum. The DFCS Director or Child Placing Agency (CPA) Director/Designee serves as the final approving authority.

Consult with the Resource Development Supervisor to determine if a change in a placement resource’s household or personal circumstances can be adequately addressed with an addendum to the most recent SAFE Home Study Report or if a SAFE Update is warranted.
Confirm and document that new household members have completed all applicable requirements within 30 calendar days of the qualifying event (see policies 14.10 Resource Development: Initial Family Evaluation, 19.9 Case Management: Safety Screenings and 19.8 Case Management: Criminal Records Checks).
Obtain verification of changes in a placement provider’s circumstances (e.g., copy of marriage license, divorce decree, etc.) to support verbal reports from caregivers.
Document any changes/updates regarding a home under the FA Home tab in Georgia SHINES within 72 hours of the information becoming known to the agency:
Complete the written addendum and obtain approval within 30 calendar days.

Provide guidance to the case manager on whether to complete a Family Evaluation Addendum or a SAFE Update.
Review the addendum for approval and determine if caregivers need supportive services as a result of their change in circumstances.
Submit the Family Evaluation Addendum to the final approval authority.

N/A

N/A