(Implemented 7/1/99)
AS 47.10.081 Predisposition Hearing Reports,
AS 47.10.086 Reasonable Efforts,
AS 47.10. 990 (11) Definitions (“Family Support Services”),
P. L. 96-272 Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980
The agency will provide services to children in their own homes when the Protective Services Specialist (PSS) has determined that there is no immediate risk to the child in remaining at home, or returning home, and a minimal sufficient level of care can be provided.
If a court has determined that a child is a child in need of aid, the division will provide time-limited family support services to the child and the child’s family in order to offer parents the opportunity to remedy parental conduct or conditions in the home that made the child a child in need of aid and to prevent out-of-home placement of the child. These services are developed in the case plan.
Family support services includes services provided by the community, Tribal community, a church, or other service organization, and may include counseling, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, assistance to address domestic violence, visitation with family members, parenting classes, in-home services, temporary child care services, and transportation.
In-home services also meet the requirement of reasonable efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from their home. Where a Native child is at issue, Active Efforts must be made to provide remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent removal of the child and maintain the family unit.