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The availability of openings, specific
needs of the child, and the match between the child
and the foster parents will determine acceptance into
Cunningham's foster care program.
The following list of acceptable client risk behaviors
should be used to determine if Cunningham Children's
Home is an appropriate facilitator for Specialized Foster
Care for a child or youth ready to step down from residential
treatment. Cunningham intake staff members will complete
an assessment prior to the child or youth being admitted,
which will include a thorough review of written materials
and interviews with referring agencies, the potential
client and his/her parent(s) and the child's clinical
history.
DCFS Review Protocol
- Children and youth referred to Cunningham for Foster
Care must actively exhibit behaviors that are identified
and assessed using the criteria in the Department
of Children and Family Services (DCFS) review protocol.
Exhibited Behaviors
A child referred to Cunningham Children's Home
Specialized Foster Care program may have completed
treatment in a residential treatment center but may
still exhibit some of the behaviors listed below, among
others:
- Assaultive, aggressive behavior.
- Chronic adjustment problems at school.
- Delinquency.
- Problematic sexual behavior.
- Oppositional behavior.
- Verbally aggressive behavior.
Unacceptable Criteria
Youth who exhibit the following specific physical, mental, developmental, or functional impairments (emotional and behavioral problems) would not be effectively served in the Foster Care program at Cunningham Children’s Home:
- Youth who are sexually aggressive patterned, problematic, or traumatic reactive (formerly known as SACY plan) and require 24-hour in-sight supervision
- Youth who have severe drug or alcohol issues which require residential treatment
- Youth who are at imminent risk of harm to themselves or others as demonstrated by recent or repeated suicidal behavior, self-injurious behavior, aggressive behavior or other clinical indicators
- Youth age 13 and over who require daily 24-hour supervision to ensure safety
- Youth who have been placed outside the IDCFS central region, are at a distance from their only social support, and required visitation would create an obstacle for effective case management
- Youth who are considered medically complex according to IDCFS placement protocols
- Youth who have a chronic and extensive pattern of elopement which has prevented a stable community based placement
For more information about foster care admissions,
contact the Intake/Admissions Coordinator at 217/367-3728.
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