Health of Foster Family

Section 402 Section 402.14  Health of Foster Family a)         Foster parents and all members of the household shall provide medical evidence that they are free of communicable diseases or physical and mental conditions that affect the ability of the family to provide care. b)         Before licensing, the foster parents shall furnish the supervising agency with a medical report on forms provided by the agency for each member of the household.  A medical report shall be obtained for the foster parents, each child, other persons residing in the foster home, and child care assistants.  Medical reports shall include up-to-date immunizations for all children, as recommended by AAP, unless the child's licensed primary care physician documents that an immunization is contrary to the child's health.  Each medical report shall be no more than 12 months old from the date the application is accepted by the Department.  All caregivers in a foster home licensed to care for infants and/or children with special medical needs are required to have the following up-to-date immunizations, per the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACIP):  Pertussis, Tdap and an annual flu vaccination, unless their primary care physician documents that an immunization is contrary to their health.  Copies of medical examinations of school age children who are members of the household that were completed in accordance with the requirements of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/27-8.1] are acceptable provided copies of the medical examinations are on file with the supervising agency. c)         If there is a question regarding the mental or emotional health of the foster parent applicant or other adult members of the household, clinical reports and evaluations may be required by the supervising agency. d)         Medical re-examinations of the foster parents and other members of the household shall be required at least once every four years or upon licensing renewal, whichever comes first.  Copies of medical re-examinations of school age children who are members of the household that were completed in accordance with the requirements of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/27-8.1] are deemed to be in compliance with this requirement provided copies of the re-examinations are on file with the supervising agency.  A medical re-examination of foster parents and other members of the household shall be required at an earlier date when, through personal observation of, or notification from the foster family, it becomes evident to the supervising agency or the physician has reason to believe that the foster parents or a member of the household has a communicable disease or other physical impairment.