ARSD 67:42:01:05. Initial evaluation and approval -- Renewal of license

The department's initial evaluation of the applicant includes three reference checks, personal interviews, a screening for records of abuse or neglect, a criminal record check, and on-site visits. Based on the evaluation, the department shall determine whether to issue a license. A family foster home must complete an annual renewal study. Renewal of a license is based on the department's annual evaluation of the facility and care provided. Except as otherwise provided, family foster parent applicants must complete an initial home study that includes at least one scheduled in-home interview for each household member. The department may elect to observe, rather than interview, a household member, based on the member's age or development. The initial home study must include three references, with at least one reference being a family member and at least one reference being a non-relative.