Information for Caregivers

  • Foster parents are one of the most important sources of information about the children in their care. Courts, lawyers, and social workers should have the benefit of caregivers' perceptions.

    Both federal and state law recognize the importance of foster parents' participation in juvenile court proceedings. Federal law requires that foster parents and other caregivers receive expanded opportunities for notice, the right to participate in dependency court review and permanency hearings, and the right to communicate concerns to the courts. State law similarly provides that caregivers may submit their concerns to courts in writing.

    Guidelines for Filing a JV-290 Caregiver Information Form

    The JV 290 "Caregiver Information Form" is a simple form that helps you organize information and communicate with the court. The goal: to provide information so the judge can make informed decisions about the child. As a foster parent or relative caregiver, you know the most about the child’s current circumstances and needs.

    Every six months, when the court convenes to review your child’s case, YOU should contribute information and concerns you may have to the juvenile court. Foster parents in California have fought long and hard to pass legislation to ensure your right to go to these review hearings, file a Caregiver Information Form, and speak up.

    When completing the JV290 Caregiver Information Form:

    • Be factual.
    • Provide specifics.
    • Attach a photo so the judge can put a beautiful, smiling face to a name and file number.
    • Report all the positive developments in the child’s life and the progress made.
    • Share any concerns or needs the child may have.
    • If possible, attach letters from doctors, teachers, or other professionals to support your concerns or requests for services.If you have "attachments", be sure to check the box on item 12 and indicate the total number of pages attached.   Label each attachment page "Attachment to JV 290, Date,
      Case Number".

    When you file your JV 290, you are also fostering a relationship with your juvenile court judge and all the parties to the case. Your JV 290 will become a part of the court file and will reflect your dedication and commitment to the child. You should file them faithfully and consistently every six months. Down the road, if you need to solicit assistance from your juvenile court regarding your child, your JV 290 – Caregiver Information Forms in the court files help the judge track your participation in review hearings and show how hard you worked on behalf of the child in your care. Be sure to file your JV 290 directly with your Juvenile Court clerk. Give all the parties plenty of notice, so try to file your JV form two weeks before the scheduled review hearing.

    Caregiver Forms and Supporting Documentation

    In order to properly file a Caregiver Information Form, you now must complete and file only ONE form, the JV 290. For your benefit, the Judicial Council has created an additional form, the JV 290 Info form, which provides detailed instructions for filling out and filing the JV 290. You will find the forms below. All of these documents are in PDF format.

    When you go to the courthouse to file your JV290 take a copy of (link) California Rules of Court, Section 5.534(n) (close link) and the JV290 Info form with you.

    Use Form JV-287 to keep contact information confidential.
    JV-287 may be used with JV-290.


    >> Download the complete Caregiver Passport Information pamphlet

    Sample Cover Letter


    A Process for the Review and Resolution of
    Complaints Regarding the Performance of an Appointed Attorney

    California Rule of Court §5.660 requires all counties in California to have local rules that set out:

    — Standards of Representation for attorneys who represent children

    — A process for the review and resolution of complaints or questions by a party regarding the performance of an appointed attorney

    In many counties, a complaint concerning the performance of an attorney appointed to represent a minor may be lodged on the child's behalf by a caretaker relative, or a foster parent. If you would like to contact the presiding judge of your juvenile court and report a problem with the attorney representing the child in your care, download and fill out the Request for Assistance with Court Appointed Attorney form and send it to the juvenile court presiding judge in your county. You may also download a directory of mailing addresses for all juvenile court presiding judges in California. If you would like more information about the local rules in your county pertaining to standards of representation or the process for review, call or e-mail Advokids.

  • >> Need help with PDF Files? Click here


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