Supports and Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Foster Care - Utah
Youth's Parental Rights
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.
Placement Options
Citation: DCFS Prac. Guidelines, § 04-301.11
In policy: When a youth in the custody of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is parent to a child, DCFS will only take custody of the foster youth's child if there are concerns of abuse, neglect, or dependency. If the foster youth plans to continue parenting, the child will remain in the out-of-home placement with the foster youth (parent).
If it is determined that the foster youth cannot remain in the current out-of-home placement with the child, other alternatives may need to be explored.
Health Services
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.
Parent Preparation for Expectant Youth
Citation: DCFS Prac. Guidelines, § 04-301.11
The parent (foster youth) is the primary caregiver of the child. Where applicable, the out-of-home caregiver will mentor appropriate parenting and household management skills. The child and family plan will reflect the type of mentoring needed by the youth in caring for the child.
Education and Services to Support Parenting Youth
The issue of assisting parenting youth in finishing high school is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed. For information on assisting youth in foster care complete high school, see Educational Supports for Youth in Foster Care - Utah | Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Economic and Concrete Supports
Citation: DCFS Prac. Guidelines, § 04-301.11
Additional payments may be made for necessities needed for day-to-day care and to cover room and board costs for the baby. If the foster youth is placed in a foster home, a supplemental daily payment may be made to the out-of-home caregiver to cover the baby's room and board costs. The Child and Family Team may recommend that the foster youth be given responsibility to use a portion of that payment for the baby's needs.
If the foster youth is placed in an independent living placement, a supplemental daily payment may be made to the foster youth to cover the baby's room and board costs.
In addition, special needs of the foster youth's child may be covered through relevant payment categories identified for foster children. Each payment on behalf of the child will be made under the foster youth's name.
Services and Supports for Parenting Youth That Promote Self-Sufficiency
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.
Foster Care Prevention Strategy for any Child Born to the Youth
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.