What are the rights for children and youth receiving foster care?

If your child is in foster care you can ask the foster care social worker for help. Unless the court has taken away your parental rights, you have a right to be involved in making decisions about your child. The following rights are available to the child:

  • You and your child have a right to confidentiality
  • You have the right to be consulted when there are important decisions to be made about your child
  • You have a right to be informed and invited to all court hearings and reviews concerning your child
  • You have the right to be informed by the agency about how your child is doing
  • You have the right to have contact with your child, including telephone calls, visits and or letters, unless the court has determined you cannot have contact
  • You have a right to legal representation at court hearings that involve your child
  • You have the right to participate in service planning for your child
  • You have the right to receive services or help that will allow the child to be returned to you

Contact

For more information about foster care services, contact your local Department of Social Services, 540-483-9247.

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1. What are my rights?
2. What are the rights for children and youth eligible for special education?
3. What are the rights for children and youth receiving foster care?