Referral Information
We have found that the following documents included in the initial referral packet aid us greatly in assessing the referred family and in the writing of our reports.
Court orders
Birth certificates
Social Security card/number
Service Plan
Visitation Plan
Psychological/psychiatric evaluations
Counseling reports
School reports
Individual Education Plan
Medical/dental records
Medications/prescriptions
Title IV-E verification
At the time of placement...
In order to assist the family in obtaining an Illinois Medical Card, documentation of the child's Title IV-E eligibility must be provided in the form of a statement on the sending state's letterhead. The statement should include the child's name, birthdate, Social Security Number, the date of placement in Illinois, and confirmation that IV-E eligibility has been established. This statement should be faxed to Kmetko & Associates, Ltd. at 773.687.9812.
If the child is on any medications, a 90-day supply should be provided to the caregiver.
Please notify Kmetko & Associates, Ltd. that placement is occurring. A supervision worker will then be assigned to assist in the transition process.
What helps placements work?
There are many components that contribute to a successful placement, including:
An evaluation of the prospective caregiver's readiness and ability to care for the referred child,
An understanding of the needs of the child to be placed,
Pre-placement planning with the caregiver and referring caseworker,
Supervision services that continue long enough for long-term permanency goals to be achieved (minimum of 6 months),
Access to services needed for the child being placed,
Use of local resources (e.g. adoption lawyers) to help achieve permanency outcomes
Helpful resources
Call 800.25.ABUSE (1-800-252-2873) to report child abuse and neglect in Illinois
Other states' child welfare information for hotline numbers and/or agency websites
APHSA website for more information about the Interstate Compact
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program for resources and information
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for services including how to become a foster parent, etc.
Neighborhood Board of Health Clinics provide basic medical services on a sliding scale