465 IAC 2-1.5-7 Qualifications of the foster family; character and suitability

Sec. 7. (a) Foster parents shall be responsible individuals of reputable character who: (1) exercise sound judgment; and (2) display the capacity and motivation to provide good care for children. Foster parents' household members and those who work or volunteer in the foster family home and have or will have direct contact, on a regular and continuing basis, with children who are or will be under the direct supervision of the foster parents shall be responsible individuals of reputable character. (b) At the time of initial application, the applicant or applicants for a license shall provide the department or child placing agency with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least four (4) persons, two (2) of whom must be unrelated to the applicant by blood, marriage, or adoption. These persons may be contacted to determine the applicant's character, community reputation, financial stability, and suitability to care for children or to have contact with children. Additional persons may be contacted to attest to the applicant's character and suitability to care for children or to have contact with children. The department or child placing agency may, at its discretion, require references for each household member over eighteen (18) years of age.