What is an ISP

The Individualized Service Plan (ISP) is an ordinary part of every child’s case plan that comes into foster care. The Department facilitates the ISP meeting, and it usually takes place at the DHR Office (although there is no requirement for it to take place at the DHR Office).

Who’s Invited to the ISP

All stakeholders are invited, including the legal parents, any interested relatives of the legal parents, the legal parents’ attorneys, the DHR case worker, the DHR attorney, the Guardian ad litem, CASA, the foster parent, and the foster parents’ attorney.

 

How to Prepare for the ISP as a Foster Parent

The first thing the foster parent should identify is their goal for the ISP. Each of the stakeholders will have their own goal, so it’s important for the foster parent to think about this ahead of time instead of just reacting to whatever propositions occur during the meeting. For best practice, the foster parent will put their goals in writing and distribute that document to all members of the ISP team.

ISP Agenda Letter

This document is called the ISP Agenda Letter. In some cases, it may be beneficial to circulate that letter to some of the friendly players ahead of time. When drafting your Agenda Letter, keep in mind that brevity is best. This document should not be more than one page. It should usually not have more than three items. It should revolve around these action items (best to have them stand out in bold font).

Good Practice

Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early. It’s amazing how much diplomacy happens before the meeting even starts. At some point prior to the commencement of the meeting, pass out your Agenda Letter, asking if the team can talk through each of your points. If you have spent the time and energy to build consensus with the DHR case worker, CASA, and Guardian ad litem before the meeting, you won’t ordinarily get much push back to talk through your letter.

On the other hand, don’t be surprised if the meeting turns contentious. Keep your cool – maintain a calm and gentle demeanor. You can not force anyone to do anything – all you can do is attempt to persuade. If the Department is unwilling to incorporate one or more of your points into the ISP plan, it’s okay. There are other ways to advocate for your child. Remember the Proverb, “A soft answer turns away wrath,” and “By patience a ruler is persuaded.”

Objections

If you think something in the ISP plan is a bad idea for the child, you should graciously object. After you have kindly stated your objection and your reasons to the team, simply ask the DHR caseworker to let the ISP document reflect your objection.

The ISP Document

When the ISP ends, the DHR case worker should distribute copies of the final document to everyone involved. Some counties are in the practice of telling parties that they will distribute it later via email. This is not best practice. Get a copy before you leave and check it to make sure it contains what the meeting established.

Thank You!

Lastly, after the meeting, follow up with a handwritten thank you note to several of the team members that made it possible. Well-placed gratitude can change the tenure of the case, which can change the destiny of your foster child.

Happy Advocating!

 

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