Thank you snoelle. I was familiar with some of that... that reunification was always a priority.... What happens once the child is placed back with the family to ensure the parents are not falling back to their old ways if any. Are there some procedures in place where a social worker or someone makes calls on the family to ensure the child is still being properly cared for? Or does CPS/DSS involvement end when the child is placed back with the family? I think it is the "follow up" that I just described that I don't understand the most..... what measures are taken to make sure the parents don't fall back into the old habits or old ways and are able to further their new parenting skills?
Say for example, a child was removed from the home for medical neglect. Once the child is placed back with the bio family, do they need to continue to prove they are ensuring the child is continuing to receive proper/appropriate medical care?
ETA: And what about HIPPA laws when CPS/DSS is involved? Is the agency allowed to get information from the child's pediatrician or medical records to ensure the child is being properly cared for and the parents are following recommended treatment? And if not, would the pediatrican and agency be in contact with each other to be notified if this was not happening with the child?
I can't help but wonder sometimes, and worry, about parents who will 'go through the motions' to get their child/ren back and then just stop doing what they were required to do in order to get them back.
Also, if mental illness or drug/alcohol addiction is a reason for removal, once the children are back, how does the agency ensure the parents are not off the wagon, no longer following any medical treatment required for mental illness?
Sorry so long, those are pretty much my questions and biggest concerns.
thanks!