Designed to help judges, attorneys, and social workers ensure the well being of teens under court supervision, it is also a step toward ensuring the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act, Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment law, and the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 are used effectively to promote well being for teens in care. Prepared under the Center's Partners in Program Planning for Adolescent Health initiative (funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Child Health Bureau), this answers such questions as: Should judges question social workers on health issues presented in their cases? Should information regarding education, medical and dental care, nutrition, psychological/behavioral status, and sexual development/activity be available to courts in mandated court reports? Should updated health information be included in each teen's case plan? Should courts inquire about these issues at hearings?
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