In the context of out-of-home care licensing, a condition approved by CDSS Community Care Licensing that allows for a temporary suspension of a Title 22 regulation for a given period of time. An example is the suspension of a licensing regulation as to the number and ages of children.

Whenever a child appears to come within both WIC Sections 300 and Section 600 or 602, the county probation department and welfare department jointly develop written protocol to determine which status will serve the best interests of the child. The recommendations of both departments are presented to the dependency court with the petition that is filed on behalf of the child and the court determines which status is appropriate for the child.

The Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) section that describes abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other endangerment situations and conditions whereby a child may be removed from the care and custody of parents or legal guardians and declared a dependent of the court under DCFS supervision.

See "Petition."

A program undertaken between the social worker and the child in lieu of filing a petition or, subsequent to the dismissal of a petition already filed. The social worker will attempt to ameliorate the situation that brought the child within, or creates the probability that the child will be within the jurisdiction of Section 300. The parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) enter into a contract with DCFS, which will allow the CSW to supervise the children in their home for a period of up to six months. If all parties agree, the period of supervision can be extended for an additional six months if it can be shown that the objectives of the service plan can be achieved during that service period.

See "County Counsel."

See "Hearings."

See "Petition."

When the court sustains jurisdictional language but does not declare the child a dependent child of the court. The CSW supervises the children in the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) home for a period consistent with the WIC Section 301. The court will order a report from the CSW prior to dismissing the case.

The Welfare and Institutions Code section that describes habitual or persistent behaviors known as "status offenses" whereby a child may be declared a ward of the court under Probation Department supervision. A status offense is an act, which would not ordinarily be considered against the law if committed by an adult. Such offenses include running away, curfew violations, incorrigibility, and/or truancy.

The Welfare and Institutions Code section that permits the criminal prosecution of a child suspected of committing a misdemeanor or felony. If the charges are sustained, the child may be declared a ward of the court under the Probation Department or California Youth Authority supervision.

The WIC Section that requires a Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) to initiate an investigation as (s)he deems necessary to determine whether proceedings in the dependency court should commence whenever (s)he has cause to believe that a child comes within the provisions of WIC Section 601 or 602.

The Welfare and Institutions Code section that permits the Probation Department, in lieu of filing a petition, to declare a child a dependent or a ward of the court under Section 601 or 602, to engage in a program of informal supervision in order to provide services to the child and his or her family.

The WIC Section that permits the court to find a petition pursuant to WIC 601 or 602 to be true without declaring the child a ward of the court. The child is placed under the supervision of the Probation Department for a period not to exceed six months.

A situation where any person willfully causes or permits any child to suffer, or inflicts thereon, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering or having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a situation such that his or her person or health is endangered.

Wraparound is an approach to service planning and delivery that is family-centered, strengths-based and needs-driven.

An emergency finding in the State Court of Appeal requesting a ruling on a disputed order of the court. This type of action is necessary following an adverse decision or order by a judge, which DCFS believes, places a child at risk. It seeks emergency relief pending a full hearing by the Appellate Court.

In the context of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), a written allegation of child abuse, neglect or exploitation. Written referrals may come from sources such as the Child Protection Hotline (CPH); We TIP; mandated reporters submitting a SS 8572, Suspected Child Abuse Report, without having done verbal reports; and, other agencies or individuals.

A relative foster care placement case that is eligible for federal foster care payments. The decision in the case of Youakim vs. Miller stated that a person cannot be denied federal foster care payments simply because (s)he is related to the child.

A non-profit public benefit corporation made up of business and professional persons from the community whose sole purpose is to raise and distribute funds to benefit children served

by DCFS.

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