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Advocacy:
What is the "chain of command"?
Think
of the chain of command sort of like stair steps. If you have a
problem, you start on the bottom step. If your problem doesn't get
solved, you move up to the next step. In the graphic below we have
provided an example of the chain of command might look like. It
may be a bit different in your state.
To
find out how the chain of command works in your state, contact the
DHS Branch (look
for your county under "contacting your caseworker". Ask
for the Branch Mangaer if talking to your caseworker makes you uncomfortable),
and say, "I am a foster child and I have a problem that has
not been resolved. I would like to find out the chain of command
and who I can talk to next."
| Now,
here's the trick. Remember, the Agency has to handle lots
and LOTS of problems every day. But if you truly think your
problem is large enough, like something that violates one
your "Rights in Foster Care" , that it deserves
their attention and if you have tried to get help but are
not getting any assistance, you might try saying, "I
would like the name and number of my attorney."
Grown-ups
use this quote all the time to get people's attention when
they are very serious about a problem. But remember, to be
taken seriously, you should only talk to your attorney when
you have tried everything else (like calmly talking to your
foster parents and caseworker) to solve your problem.
And the problem should be serious; abuse or neglect, discrimination,
threats, medical or educational problems, or something else
that could effect your safety or well-being. |
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