Foster Parent Court Report Guide: How to Submit Yours
Foster parents begin fostering out of compassion, empathy, and a desire to help children in need. While many of the responsibilities that come with that such as providing for school, clothing, furniture, therapy, activities and love may be predictable – there are many aspects of the "system" and "case management" that are unforeseen. Foster parents often feel like other parties in the case like case managers, attorneys, agency representatives, and the courts are making decisions without actually knowing what is happening with the child and they can feel they are just a "glorified baby-sitter." This isn't true.
The input of foster parents is essential in the case. They are the only adults who are with the child(ren) twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, who can give an accurate picture of their needs, experiences, and desires. Many foster parents feel their input is not valued. However, it is just a matter of finding the right place to provide that input. The foster parent court report is one of those essential places where key information can be shared with the entire team.
In This Guide:
Understanding Foster Parent Court Report Rights
Common Myths About Court Reports
What to Include in Your Report
Step-by-Step Submission Process
Tips for Effective Documentation
Common Challenges and Solutions
Myths and Mixed Messages About Foster Parent Court Reports
Case manager says, "I'll write it for you."
Many foster parents do not submit a court report because they received mixed messages on whether they should. Inexperienced case managers may tell them it is not necessary, and instead may say, "I'll include your updates in the report that I submit to the court." While this may be true, it is imperative that the foster parent themselves submit a report to ensure it is in the format and draft they created, and all parties receive it.
Foster parent says, "I'm not an attorney and I'll do it wrong."
Sometimes parents do not submit a report because they feel they lack the legal experience to do so and it wouldn't be helpful. This is a myth! The court report is simply a letter to the judge and everyone on the case that outlines what the foster parent is already doing in the care of the child. Some jurisdictions provide a form, and others just want a letter from your own perspective. Just try!
Case manager says, "You don't have the right to submit a report."
Sometimes foster parents are told by others involved in the case that they do not have a right to submit a report to the judge. This is not true. While each jurisdiction differs in format, foster parents do have a right to provide this information. In Kansas for example, the foster parents' right to submit a report to the court is provided by a Kansas Statute 38-2261.
What Is a Foster Parent Court Report?
Definition and Purpose
A court report is a document prepared for the judge before scheduled hearings to provide updates by the foster parent as the primary caregiver. In many jurisdictions, a foster parents' right to submit a court report directly to the court is protected by statute. It should include things like:
Educational progress
Support services like therapy or other medical appointments
Status of progress in stated areas like the Case Plan
Schedule of visitation and who the child attends with and format
Status of who the child is living with in the home
Activities, interests
Progress or challenges experiences
Court hearings are set periodically throughout the year for a judge to determine the status of the case. Court reports by all parties involved in the case help judges make the most informed decisions about a case by providing comprehensive, current information about all aspects of the child's situation.
How to Submit a Foster Parent Court Report
The Process
Foster parents should submit the report directly to the court. It will then be available to all parties. (You can contact the court to ask if electronic copies or mailed copies are preferred).
This includes the Judge, the county/district attorney, the parent's attorneys, the Guardian ad Litem, department of children and families, and case managers.
It is helpful if the foster parent sends a copy to all on the case team through an email to show documentation, and ensure everyone receives it.
Many states have a specified format. This helps make sure the information is relevant and in a usable format. Kansas is DCF Appendix 3g.
The report should be submitted 1-2 weeks prior to the hearing so the Judge has time to review and make sure all parties receive a copy. (Kansas Department of Children and Families has a policy that says case management provider must provide you with the name and address of the Judge to whom the report should be sent as well as the date of court hearings).
How to Make Your Foster Parent Court Report Count
Foster parents' input is important and should be treated with respect. However, if the input is not provided in a short, unbiased, usable format, then this essential information to provide the case team with insight can't be utilized. Follow these tips to make a Foster Parent Court Report count.
Use the Correct Form
Ask case manager if there is a required form in your jurisdiction. (Example in Kansas: DCF Foster Parent Report Form). If case manager doesn't know, then you can call the court clerk's office and ask.
You can view the form outline and put the information into your own letter if that makes it easier to include all necessary information.
The form may limit information to a "check the box" or "circle" type of answers. If you have more specific information to include, then add it under the appropriate heading or category within the designated form.
Submit a Court Report for each child in your care. Even if they are a sibling group, each child has a different case number. To make sure each child isn't overlooked, a separate report should be submitted for each.
All parties in the case are allowed to review the foster parent report (Ex: biological parents and their attorney as well as the judge)
Stick to the Facts
The Judge wants to use the information you provide. You do not need to reach conclusions for the Judge, but simply provide all factual information so the Judge can make their own conclusions.
Use specific, observable, factual language.
DO state: "there have been 8 scheduled visits and parent was more than 15 minutes late to 5 visits."
DO NOT state: "parents are always late to visits."DO state: "there have been 5 scheduled supervised visits, and parents have attended 1 visit."
DO NOT state: "parents never show up to visits and I'm left to deal with it."DO state: "Sally has a positive mood after visits with mother and reports that she enjoyed her time."
DO NOT state: "visits are going well."DO state: "Daycare reports Sally had 3 accidents and bit children immediately following the visit."
DO NOT state: "Sally can't cope with visits and she is terrible after them."DO state: "Drew receives multiple therapy services per week including play therapy and occupational therapy where his therapist reports he has displayed inappropriate sexual behaviors for his age."
DO NOT state: "Drew was clearly sexually abused by his parents."Follow this sentence by referencing the therapy schedule, therapy provider, and any report summaries provided by the therapist.
DO State "Johnny has aggressive behaviors after visits".
DO NOT State: "Visits are traumatic for Johnny."Follow this sentence with a description of Johnny's aggressive behaviors.
Documentation Best Practices
Journal and Document. Keep a journal or calendar of important dates, along with detailed observed facts.
No opinions. When you insert too much opinion, you lose credibility. Judge and case team need specific, unbiased facts to make decisions.
Whenever possible refer to dates, times, and supporting documentation (Example: "Samantha's IEP includes goals related to her trauma behaviors so that she can stay in the classroom with her peers" and include a copy of the IEP, or note that it was made available to case manager and all parties)
It's also good to show the Judge your child's strengths. Let everyone know what is amazing about this child so they don't lose sight of the individual that the case is about! You can also include a picture or two.
K.I.S.S. - Keep It Short & Simple
When a court report gets too long the Judge may skim more than read and miss important details.
Cite the sources of your information. Use dates, times and supporting documentation.
"During a visit with the case worker on Aug. 7…"
"According to a mental health evaluation completed on…"
"The IEP provides these accommodations for trauma behaviors…"
"Daycare reports challenging behaviors on Sept. 7, …following a visit"
Don't Place Blame
It is important to work with the case team and be a team player. It can be frustrating when a case manager cannot meet the high demands child welfare places upon them but you do not need to place blame. Simply inform the court if needs are not being met.
State "therapy services were requested on Aug. 5, but no referral made as of…."
Instead of "Case Manager still hasn't made a therapy referral."State, "emails were sent to GAL on August 4th, August 18th, and Sept 1st requesting a phone call or meeting of the children but a response has not yet been received."
Remember that all parties are receiving copies of the Court Report, which includes the biological parents and their attorneys. Your role is to provide factual information, and let the Judge make decisions about appropriate actions. Do not feel the need to place blame, but instead, make sure that everyone has all information possible in order to make the most informed decisions.
By following these tips you can increase your involvement and the likelihood that your voice will be heard on behalf of the children you care for.
Common Challenges and Solutions for Foster Parent Court Reports
"I'm not getting notified of upcoming court hearings"
Proactively ask your caseworker about the next court hearing date and time
Submit a formal request in writing if verbal requests aren't successful and copy all relevant parties such as the GAL, child's case manager, foster parent case manager, and a DCF representative, and copy supervisor of a case manager who has not provided the requested information
Your initial placement paperwork should have a copy of the Petition which placed the child in foster care with the court, county and case number. You can call the court clerk number and reference that case number to confirm dates and times of hearings.
Connect with organizations like Joy Meadows that can help you understand your rights and how to be part of the team for a child's case.
Many states have a separate office to oversee the departments of children and family services. For example, in Kansas it is called the Office of Child Advocate. If all else fails and a foster parent is not being notified of court hearings nor allowed to submit a report, they can contact these offices for assistance.
"I don't understand the legal jargon in these documents."
Ask for clarification from caseworkers on unfamiliar terms
Ask for guidance or clarification from the Guardian Ad Litem on the process
Connect with experienced foster parents through organizations like Joy Meadows or other foster parent gatherings and support groups
Don't worry about being a legal expert - just be an expert on caring for the child. Make sure their perspective and needs are reflected in all documentation. No one expects a legal perspective, just a caregiver perspective.
Key Takeaways for Foster Parent Court Reports
A court report is a vital tool that guides the team about a child's needs during their journey through foster care toward permanency. By following these tips, you can become a more effective advocate for the children in your care.
Remember that you bring unique insights about the child's daily life that professionals may not see. Your observations, documentation, and advocacy ensure that case plans and court reports reflect the child's true needs and progress. While navigating these documents can feel overwhelming at first, organizations like Joy Meadows can provide guidance, support, and community connections to help you become more confident in this important aspect of foster parenting.
This post is part of our Foster Care 101 series, designed to provide guidance and encouragement for those considering or beginning their foster care journey.
