9 CAR § 30-512. Approval of foster homes

(a) A foster home can be approved only by one (1) agency. (b) At least three (3) positive personal references shall be obtained regarding the foster family, including at least one (1) from a relative and one (1) from a nonrelative. (c) Each member of the foster family shall have a physical exam within twelve (12) months before the initial approval. (d)(1) Foster parents shall be trained in crisis prevention and intervention before a child is placed in the home. (2) Prior to the placement of children in their home, foster parents shall complete at least thirty (30) hours of skill-based pre-service training, excluding CPR and first aid, consistent with the: (A) Agency’s treatment methodology; and (B) Needs of the population served. (3) Pre-service training shall include the following topics: (A) Legal rights; (B) Roles, responsibilities, and expectations of foster parents; (C) Agency: (i) Structure; (ii) Purpose; (iii) Policies; and (iv) Services; (D) Laws, rules, and regulations as related to foster homes or foster children; (E) The impact of childhood trauma; (F) Managing child behaviors; (G) Medication administration; and (H) The importance of maintaining meaningful connections between the child and parents, including regular visitation. (e) Foster parents shall complete fifteen (15) hours of sexual rehabilitative training in addition to their thirty (30) hours of pre-service training. (f) At least one (1) hour of training on the program’s safety plan shall be provided before placement of children into the foster home. (g)(1) Foster parent or parents shall be currently certified in hands-on, skill-based CPR and first aid before a child is placed in the home. (2) Training and certification that is provided solely online will not be accepted. (h) Foster parents shall provide documentation that they carry: (1) Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance; and (2) General liability insurance. (i) Foster homes shall not also operate as childcare family homes. (j) Foster homes shall not provide compensated care for any nonrelated adults in the foster home unless providing transitional care for a person placed in care prior to eighteen (18) years of age. (k) There shall be an annual approval letter from the approving agency in the foster home record. (l) If a foster home moves from one (1) placement agency to another, all requirements for opening a new foster home shall be met. (m) Foster parents must be able to communicate with: (1) The foster child; (2) The placement agency; (3) Healthcare providers; and (4) Other service providers. (n) At least one (1) parent in the home must have functional literacy, such as having the ability to read medication labels.