Section 301.120  Sharing Appropriate Information with the Caregiver

a)         At the time the Department places a child in substitute care (e.g., foster home, relative caregiver, adoptive home, group home or child care institution) or prior to the placement of the child, whenever possible, the caseworker shall provide the caregiver with a written summary of available information about the child necessary for the proper care of the child.

1)         In the case of emergency placements when time does not allow prior review, preparation, and collection of written information, the caseworker shall provide such information to the caregiver verbally as it becomes available. 

2)         Within 10 business days after placement the caseworker shall obtain from the caregiver a signed verification of receipt of the information provided. 

3)         The information provided to the caregiver shall be reviewed and approved regarding accuracy by the caseworker's supervisor.

b)         Within 10 business days after placement, the caseworker shall provide to the child's guardian ad litem a copy of the information provided to the caregiver.  [20 ILCS 505/5(u)]

c)         The information to be provided to the caregiver shall include:

1)         the medical history of the child, including known medical problems or communicable diseases, information concerning the immunization status of the child, and insurance and medical card information;

2)         the educational history of the child, including any special educational needs and details of the child's individualized educational plan (IEP), Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) when the child is receiving special education services, or 504 Educational Special Needs Plan, if applicable;

3)         a copy of the child's portion of the client service plan, including any visitation arrangements and all amendments or revisions; case history of the child, including how the child came into care; the child's legal status; the permanency goal for the child; a history of the child's previous placements; and reasons for placement changes, excluding information that identifies or reveals the location of any previous foster or relative home caregiver; and

4)         other relevant background information about the child of which the caseworker is aware, including but not limited to any prior criminal history; information about any behavior problems, including fire setting, perpetration of sexual abuse, destructive behavior and substance abuse habits; likes and dislikes; etc. Mental health information can be shared only as specified in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 431.110 (Disclosure of Information of a Mental Health Nature).

d)         The caregiver may review the supporting documents in the child's file in the presence of casework staff. [20 ILCS 505/5(u)]

e)         Information subject to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act shall be shared only in accordance with 89 Ill. Adm. Code 431.100 (Disclosure of Information of a Mental Health Nature).

f)         Information regarding Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), AIDS Related Complex (ARC) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test results shall be shared only in accordance with 89 Ill. Adm. Code 431.110 (Disclosure of Information Regarding Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)).

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 7898, effective May 31, 2010)