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Self
Advocacy:
Step 3: Understanding the Chain of Command and the Process
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. 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 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 affect your safety or well-being.
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