18 Miss. Code. R. 6-1-F-V
The final decision regarding the licensing of Resource Homes rests with the DFCS Licensure ASWS with input and recommendations from the Licensure Specialist. The application may be:
* Withdrawn by the applicant
* Denied by the Permanency Unit
* Approved by the Permanency Unit.
All screened-in applications must be processed and a written decision given to the applicant within:
* One Hundred-Twenty (120) days of the date the applicant completed the Orientation and Screening Phases, or
* Ninety (90) days for expedited relative placements.
If the licensing time frame exceeds the days allowed, reasons must be clearly documented in the Resource Family file in MACWIS and in the child's file if it is an expedited relative placement.
When the Licensure Specialist has concluded that a family is appropriate for licensure, the Licensure Specialist will submit the SAFE Home Study and make a recommendation of approval in the MACWIS home study.
The Recommendation for placement should include:
* Particular strengths of the family;
* Areas of concern;
* Most appropriate special needs for this family;
* Special needs this family is equipped to handle; if any
* Age of children recommended for this family; and
* Family's interest in adoption, foster care, or both.
If the decision is to deny the license, the Licensure Specialist must state the reasons in the Notice of Action. The Notice of Action shall be sent to the applicant by certified mail with a copy of the notice to the State Office Permanency Unit.
Denial of a potential resource applicant must not be made on the basis of the RCNO of the child(ren) in care or the RCNO of the applicant.
* A person residing in a home who has been convicted of a crime that would prevent licensure.
* A person residing in a home who has a record of evidenced child maltreatment.
* A person residing in the home refusing to submit to background checks.
* The minimum standards are not met.
* There is "just cause" to deny the license. "Just cause" exists when:
* The conditions in the home would or could be physically, mentally or emotionally harmful to a child placed in the home.
* When the applicant has a history of alcohol or drug use without documentation of successful treatment and after-care.
* The applicant has been involved in illegal activity.
* The applicant makes ethnic or racial slurs about certain groups of people or expresses other extremist views during the home study process.
* The applicant shows an inability to work with DFCS.
* A person, residing in the home or not residing in the home, that has been determined a high risk driver with the responsibility of transporting the child(ren).
Supporting documentation from the SAFE Questionnaire, observed conditions, statements made by the applicant, the applicant's family or references, etc., must be documented clearly in the study. The Licensure Specialists' feelings are not sufficient for documentation purposes.
The Licensure ASWS shall review all documents submitted by the Licensure Specialist as well as the completed SAFE home study. The following documents shall be submitted as applicable:
* Home Study Application
* Physical Exam of Resource Applicant - "Medical" Form 4404 for each adult applicant - signed and dated by medical personnel
* Verification of pet vaccinations
* Evacuation Plan/Disaster Preparedness Plan (and signed acknowledgement) (See Appendices K and L)
* Contract for Designation of Resource Home - Form 457 (signed and dated) (See Appendix Q)
* Affirmation of Understanding Regarding Use of Corporal Punishment - Form 457A (signed and dated)
* Resource Family Purchase Order Agreement (See Appendix R)
* Current marriage license and copy of divorce decrees/death certificates as applicable
* Transportation Statement and Checklist with supporting documentation.
* Central Registry check
* Local law enforcement background check results
* Fingerprinting clearance through FBI
* Pre-Service training certificates
* Copies of applicant's Life Stories
The Resource ASWS is the licensing authority for the licensing of Resource Homes in the State of Mississippi and shall hold the original documents/official Agency file for each Resource Home licensed in their region. (See section A "Administrative Policy" Section A for format to file documents.)
If the decision is to approve the license, Resource Specialist or Resource ASWS shall send the certificate of licensure to the following:
* Applicants (original);
* County of Residence ASWS;
* State Office Eligibility Unit; and
* Resource Family file.
* Name of licensee
* Particular home address for which the license is issued
* Number of foster children who may be cared for in the home at one time
* Indicate if the home is child-specific
* The beginning date
* Ending date
* Indicate any special limitations
18 Miss. Code. R. 6-1-F-V