14 Del. Admin. Code § 936-III-51.0

Current through Reigster Vol. 28, No. 6, December 1, 2024

Section 936-III-51.0 - Home Environment, Pre-Approval Visits, and Home Study

51.1 A licensee shall visit an adoptive parent applicant's home and inspect all rooms and the grounds to observe if the home is maintained in such a manner that it does not present a threat to the occupants' health and safety. A licensee may require an applicant to provide documentation that a home complies with State or local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

51.2 A licensee shall meet with an adoptive parent applicant at least three times. At least one meeting shall occur in the home of the adoptive parent applicant and include meeting with other household members. Two more meetings shall occur at a location where the applicant can be privately interviewed.

51.3 A licensee shall conduct a home study of an adoptive parent applicant and household members that includes a written evaluation addressing the following issues:

51.3.1 Motivation to adopt;

51.3.2 Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with an agency for the child's best interests;

51.3.3 A plan to integrate a child into the household, and a plan for discussing adoption with the child;

51.3.4 Description of the attitude of each household member and other significant person involved with the adoptive parent applicant toward accepting a child;

51.3.5 Description of feelings about a birth parent or guardian relinquishing a child for adoption or whose parental rights were terminated;

51.3.6 Description of an applicant's attitude toward the possible contact between a child and a biological sibling, relinquishing birth parent, or guardian;

51.3.7 Emotional strengths and weaknesses of an applicant and how the applicant sees himself or herself and all other household members;

51.3.8 Philosophy on child-rearing, positive behavior management, parental role, and experience with children;

51.3.9 Communication and problem-solving skills, including willingness to seek help and resources;

51.3.10 Proof of income to show an applicant can make timely payments for shelter, food, utility costs, clothing, and other household expenses;

51.3.11 Proof of homeowner's or renter's insurance;

51.3.12 Proof of vehicle insurance, if applicable;

51.3.13 Verification of marriage/divorce and other family relationships;

51.3.14 Family history, including a description of early home life;

51.3.15 Description and documentation of any private custody arrangement/order and any involvement in family court regarding custody issues;

51.3.16 Information on medical conditions, including physical and mental health issues including any history of drug or alcohol abuse or treatment which might affect an applicant's ability to care for a child;

51.3.17 Guardianship plan for a child in the event of an applicant's incapacitation or death:

51.3.18 Adjustments of any child already living within the applicant's home;

51.3.19 Child care plan when the applicant works;

51.3.20 Description of the applicant's home, including an assessment of the home's physical environment, neighborhood, and school district;

51.3.21 Type of child sought for adoption;

51.3.22 Determination of the type of child an applicant and other household members are able and willing to adopt such as ethnicity or of a certain age group (infant, toddler, preschool-age, school-age, or teenager), biological siblings, or a child with special needs, including the home's accessibility;

51.3.23 If applicable, experience in caring for a child with special needs;

51.3.24 If applicable, an applicant's motivation to adopt a child who is of a different race or from a different country (international adoption), to deal with the child's possible transitions to a new lifestyle and culture, and to preserve the child's heritage;

51.3.25 If applicable, household pets;

51.3.26 A recommendation concerning the type of child suitable or not suitable for adoption by the applicant;

51.3.27 Assessment of training needs and documentation of training received; and

51.3.28 Documentation of home visits and interviews with the applicant and other household members.

51.4 A licensee shall ensure the applicant signs and dates the home study. A licensee shall provide a copy of the home study to an applicant.

14 Del. Admin. Code § 936-III-51.0

23 DE Reg. 233 (09/01/19)
24 DE Reg. 274 (9/1/2020) (final)