As mandated by §475 of Title IV-E of the Social Security
Act, DFPS must place a child in the least restrictive (most family-like)
and most appropriate setting available, and in close proximity to
the parents' home when the child's permanency goal is reunification,
consistent with the best interest and special needs of the child.
When determining whether a placement is consistent with the best interest
and special needs of a child, DFPS considers the following factors:
(1) First and foremost, a child's placement must be
safe;
(2) Placement with a relative or other person with
whom the child has a long-standing and significant relationship is
generally preferred over placement with a non-related caregiver, provided
the relative or other person can provide a safe and appropriate home;
(3) Siblings removed from their home should be placed
together unless such placement would be contrary to the safety or
well-being of any of the siblings;
(4) Consideration must be given to the appropriateness
of the child's current educational setting and the proximity of the
placement to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time
of placement;
(5) The placement must be able to meet the physical
and emotional needs of the child, including any special needs that
the child may have, taking into consideration any available support
services that might assist the placement in meeting the child's needs;
and
(6) Consideration must be given to the child's desires
and needs for a loving and permanent home.
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