1.2 Recruitment Plan
The Children's Service Worker/CRC will develop, implement and maintain a year round recruitment plan as well as develop printed and other informational materials and tools, with assistance from the Department of Social Services (DSS) Communications. All local staff and contiguous counties should know the plan. Utilize the following as appropriate:
- A recruitment theme. If one exists statewide, use it;
- Public informational meetings to educate the community about foster care and adoption;
- The news media (newspaper, radio stations, television stations, cable television operators, neighborhood newspapers, special interest newsletters, etc.);
- Person to person contacts by foster/adoptive parents (best single method);
- Flyers, posters, pamphlets, handouts, bumper stickers;
- Public displays (shopping malls, fairs, public events);
- Notices in gas and electric bills, bank statements, grocery bags;
- Foster parent job description as a handout as well as Facts About Foster Care (CW-101a);
- A multifaceted approach;
- An adoptive parent thumbnail sketch as a handout; (See Chapter 1, Attachment A of this section)
- Request funds (from Circuit Manager local E & E budget) through supervisory channels;
- Make known to the public needed materials and provide the public an opportunity to give needed materials ;
- Refer material development requests to Communications within Department of Social Services (DSS) Central Office; and/or
- Make the MAP Photo-Listing available to the public.
The Children's Service Worker/foster or adoptive parent or volunteer will receive inquiry through telephone call, letter or personal contact, and screen the inquiry for appropriateness.
NOTE: Children’s Division (CD) staff are legitimate applicants, although conflict of interest may prohibit placement
Obtain and give information about foster care/adoption within two weeks.
- Use group informational meetings as needed.
- Screen for special needs and Native American families.
NOTE: These receive priority services in the assessment process.
- Make Photo-Listing available to those inquiring about adoptive children.
- Consider foster family group home licensure if six or more birth/adoptive children in home.
- Provide copies of licensing law (210.481-536, RSMo) and rule (13 CSR 40-72.010) to inquirer wishing information on foster family group homes.
- Provide information regarding the release of identifying and non-identifying information in adoption records and the Adoption Information Registry at informational meeting with prospective adoptive parent(s)
- Give CS-42, Application for Foster/Adopt Home Assessment.
- Conduct follow-up contact within 30 days, and/or close if application is not returned in 60 days.
- Maintain file of recruitment plan, results of implementation, committee membership and activities, and degree of effectiveness.