Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. The Contractor must work with the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to perform duties such as are generally performed by an attorney to offer legal representation for children in foster care in connection with legal actions, including but not limited to Fair Hearings involving Medicaid or Social Security; administrative hearings to represent the child in care as an alleged offender of child maltreatment; Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Applications; wrongful death; medical malpractice; probate and estate matters; contract issues; and school matters for DCFS cases. B. The Contractor must work with DCFS on referrals of children previously in foster care who left DHS custody via a guardianship or permanent custody arrangement but whose guardian or custodian now wishes to adopt the child. The Contractor shall review the referral and determine if adoption is likely to be granted under the circumstances. If there is likelihood of success in finalizing an adoption for the guardian or custodian, DCFS will request that the Contractor proceed with initiating the adoption proceedings on the guardian or custodian’s behalf. C. The Contractor shall advocate for recoupment of expenses of litigation and request the court to make an award for separate attorney fees or expenses, which would offset costs billed to the DCFS. Contractor obligation begins upon receipt of the referral and ends with case closure. However, the parties may agree from time to time to variation in the services to be performed or in terms of the agreement, or changes in time of payment. These may be agreed upon between the parties in writing. D. Case Preparation The Contractor shall prepare case information by conducting appropriate discovery, reviewing discovery responses, meeting with relevant witnesses, and reviewing evidence prior to hearings. E. Appearance The Contractor shall appear at hearings and conferences on the date and time scheduled. F. Communication The Contractor shall maintain communication with DHS and all parties involved in each case. G. The Contractor shall provide a comprehensive monthly status report to DCFS for each case until that case is closed. H. The Contractor must respond to DHS/DCFS inquiries regarding specific cases within no more than forty-eight (48) hours. The Contractor must provide specific documentation within 48 hours upon DHS/DCFS request. I. Timeliness The Contractor shall comply with all legal and case-specific deadlines.
