Matching Child with Family. Contractor will ensure the process of matching children with support families includes the development of a trusting relationship among the birth families, the Support Family, the child, and the family support staff. The system is intended to be operated in a manner that recognizes that parents are a valued and integral part of the process established under the system. Except in cases where parental rights have been terminated or abridged (and therefore the DFPS caseworker is involved in the process), the matching process involves consent from the birth family. The system will encourage parents who are participating in this program to participate in all decisions affecting their children and will respect the decision rights of families (other than parents whose parental rights have been terminated or otherwise abridged by DFPS) to make decisions regarding their children. Birth families must be given the option to become involved in the selection of a Support Family, including the right to reject any number of potential support families. Birth families should also be given the opportunity to get to know and feel comfortable with potential support families. This is considered to be a support service for the family, which involves two families sharing the rearing of a child, even if the birth family provides no direct care or support. Some birth families may opt for more direct involvement with their child and may choose a shared parenting approach with the Support Family.
