License Changes – MDCPS will conduct a new Home Environment Checklist as

License Changes – MDCPS will conduct a new Home Environment Checklist as part of any of the following license changes: 1. Relocation Within Mississippi – If the non-relative foster family relocates within Mississippi, the family must notify the Licensure Specialist and the child’s specialist as soon as they know about the move or at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to the move, whichever is earliest. 2. Relocation Outside Mississippi – If the non-relative foster family relocates outside of Mississippi, the family will notify the Licensure Specialist and the child’s specialist as soon as they know about the move or at least ninety (90) calendar days prior to the move, whichever is earliest. If the foster parent Mississippi license is due to expire within ninety (90) calendar days of the move, they will complete a two-year re-evaluation prior to the move. The foster family must also: a. Sign a Release of Confidential Information. b. Complete the ICPC process to become licensed in the other state. c. Become licensed in their new state. 3. Change in Number of Children – If the non-relative foster family expresses a desire to care for more, or fewer, custody children, a license change must be approved before an additional child can be placed in that home. 4. Non-Relative Foster Family Divorce – If the non-relative foster family experiences a divorce, the Licensure Specialist will make a determination regarding in-home placement of the children and determine, with the family, whether the licensed father or licensed mother should retain placement of the children. The non-relative foster family must obtain counseling for the custody children. 5. Non-Relative Foster Family Marriage – If the non-relative foster family experiences a marriage, the Licensure Specialist will interview the additional household member(s), complete a full background check on the new spouse prior to the marriage, if possible, but no later than fourteen (14) days after the new spouse enters the non-relative foster home. The new spouse must fully participate in the licensure process and complete the training described within two (2) months. 6. Non-Relative Foster Parent Death – If a non-relative foster parent dies, the Licensure Specialist will ensure the custody children in the home receive counseling. MDCPS will place the resource family on “deferred” status and not place any additional children in the home until the Licensure Specialist completes an assessment that shows the family has had an adequate period of adjustment. 7. Change in Household Members – If the non-relative foster family experiences a change in household members (children through marriage, elderly relatives, etc.), the Licensure Specialist will complete criminal background checks, including fingerprinting and local background checks, on all new household members ages eighteen (18) and older within fourteen (14) calendar days of the change. Any additional household members who will provide any care for the custody child are required to attend and complete all in-service training. MDCPS will complete a re-evaluation if an unrelated adult moves into the home to determine whether the home may remain open. 8. Relative Parents – If a relative foster parent decides they want to be a foster parent to an unrelated child, MDCPS will determine if the home is appropriate to convert to non-relative foster home status.