Child Protective Services

Works with children, youth and families (sometimes the children and youth are still in their homes) to assess, investigate and provide ongoing social services to families where abuse and neglect of youth has been reported.

Confidentiality

The legal requirement that information is kept secret. Usually attorneys, caseworkers, social workers, foster parents and other professionals involved with a young person’s foster care case are not to disclose identifying or other significant information about the foster care case without legal authority and the written consent of the involved parties to do so.

Court Appointed Special Advocate

An adult volunteer, assigned by the court to study and protect the best interests of a youth in a civil, criminal abuse or neglect case. The CASA and the youth should talk on an ongoing basis. The CASA is your voice in the courtroom.

CPS

(short for Child Protective Services) Works with children, youth and families (sometimes the children and youth are still in their homes) to assess, investigate and provide ongoing social services to families where abuse and neglect of youth has been reported.

Custody

The care, control, and maintenance of a child, which can be legally awarded by the court to an agency in abuse and neglect cases, or to parents in divorce, separation, and adoption proceedings. Child welfare departments retain legal custody and control over the major decisions for a child that is in foster care. Foster parents do not have legal custody of the children that are in their care.

Chafee

An abbreviation for the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program, named after John H. Chafee, the U.S. Senator responsible for introducing legislation that offers assistance to help current and former youth in foster care achieve self-sufficiency. The legislation provides funds for Independent Living Programs and Education and Training Vouchers for higher education.

Caseworker

Works with youth and their families to provide services and support, with the goal of permanent placement for the youth.

Case Plan

A plan that the foster care agency, along with the youth and family, makes and updates regularly. It includes the services provided to the youth and family, and makes clear the expectations and progress made toward reaching the goals for the child or youth.

Caregiver

A person who has the responsibility to care for a young person in foster care.

CASA

(short for Court Appointed Special Advocate) An adult volunteer, assigned by the court to study and protect the best interests of a youth in a civil, criminal abuse or neglect case. The CASA and the youth should talk on an ongoing basis. The CASA is your voice in the courtroom.