What is EPS?
EPS stands for Emergency Placement Service. We are a temporary housing facility for youths in foster care ages 8-20. We provide safe, stable housing for these youths while their social worker finds them permanent housing. This offers a home-like feel for youths who are in transition. It also provides relief to the state workers who now have only 30 days to find a suitable placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Any youth in foster care who is of 8 to 20 years of age. The referral must come through Home Finder’s or a CPS after-hours worker in order to be placed. Stays are only for a maximum of 30 days. Which is 15 days to start, with one 15 day extension.
What services are offered while in EPS placement??
Education: Youths will be enrolled in a local school district, transported to their current school, and assisted on site to complete online schooling. We also work with NextGen Zone to help youths complete their GED if needed.
Extracurriculars: We search for activities to do in the community that are safe for youth to participate in. This includes lake time in the summer, roller skating, the local aquarium, and other activities. We are close to several parks that the youth can visit and encourage daily walks. We also have art supplies and games in the house to encourage house unity.
Homecooked Meals: Each house has a kitchen where meals are cooked. Youth can participate in the cooking of the meals if they choose. Meals are eaten around the dining room table to encourage positive conversations between the youth and staff in the home.
Individual Rooms: Each youth has their own room that they can decorate according to their individual tastes.
Medical Attention: All youths receive a well-child check within their 30-day placement as well as a dental checkup.
How are youth monitored?
We always operate under the WAC guidelines of 1 staff member to 3 youths. Because we are a 24-hour facility, we must stay fully staffed at all times. Youths are allowed to be in their rooms by themselves, but staff perform room checks to ensure that they are safe.
What happens when a youth is referred to your care?
When a manager receives a referral for a youth, it is closely reviewed to ensure that the individual will be able to have the care they need in order to succeed with us. If the youth is accepted, the manager will work with the social worker to get the youth moved into the approved house. Once there, the youth and staff review the house rules and structure, and an inventory of the youth’s belongings is completed. The youth is then given the space they may need in order to settle in the house.
Can anyone visit the youth?
No. Only those who are approved ahead of time by the social worker or are DCYF employees can visit. All visitors must have a photo ID on them to be allowed in the house and talk to the youth.
What about phone calls?
Each youth comes with an approved contact list. Only the people on the approved list may make and receive phone calls.
Are personal electronics allowed?
No. When a youth comes into care their belongings are inventoried. If they come with any personal electronics, those are securely locked up at the office until the time of the youth’s discharge.
What happens if a youth turns 18 while in placement?
The management works with the social worker to determine what is to happen to a youth who “ages out” of care. The youth can either find a suitable living situation somewhere else or be placed in extended foster care. Extended foster care provides relief for youth who have turned 18 but are still in need of extra support and care for success.
What are some other things I should know about EPS Placement?
- All staff who work in the house are required to pass a criminal background check and TB testing.
- Management personnel and social workers are in continuous contact regarding the youth placed in care.
- Even though these youths are with us for a short period of time, our staff works hard to maintain the stability of the youths for the time they are placed with us.