(a) Advocate. The principal role of the Child Welfare (CW) worker is to serve as an advocate for the child's safety, well-being, and permanence while in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) custody, supervision, or both. The CW worker:
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(1) identifies each child's needs in the assessment process;
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(2) arranges services to meet the child's needs to enhance the child's well-being while in out-of-home care. The worker seeks a placement that is in the child's best interests and works with the placement provider to ensure the child's safety, well-being, and permanence; and
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(3) advocates for services to meet the child's exceptional medical, educational, and psychological needs, including specialized classes to increase developmental skills, and advanced or specialized educational opportunities.
(b) Connection. The CW worker is the primary connection between the child, siblings, parent(s), placement provider, extended family, tribe, service providers, and court. The CW worker visits the child regularly to help alleviate the child's anxiety and feelings of abandonment, per OAC 340:75-6-48.
(c) Case planner. The CW worker is the manager of the child's and family's case and takes the lead in a partnership relationship between the child, placement provider, and parent(s). The CW worker is responsible for ensuring the child receives appropriate care. The child's needs for connection, closeness, and attachment are met by arranging temporary and permanent placements.
(d) OKDHS representative. The CW worker represents OKDHS in all job-related interactions with the community, including interfacing with attorneys and judges in the juvenile court system. The CW worker:
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(1) works jointly with other professionals who provide client services and are responsible for ensuring timely reports and pertinent information are exchanged for the benefit of the child and the child's family;
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(2) ensures the child's needs are met and the child's parent(s) is informed of the child's and parent(s)' progress relating to the individualized treatment and service plan; and
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(3) unless parental rights have been terminated, assists and encourages the child's parent(s) to share in services for the child through participation in all areas of planning and through financial contribution toward the cost of out-of-home care.