(a) All CPAs shall complete and keep on file the following prior to approving a foster home: - (i) Background checks on the prospective foster parent(s) and any other adults residing in the home as set forth in Chapter 3, Section 10;
- (ii) References. Five (5) positive references shall be obtained for each prospective foster parent:
- (A) Three (3) non-relative references from persons who have known the applicant for at least two (2) years, and have a general knowledge about the applicant's ability to care for children; and
- (B) Two (2) relative references (e.g., parents, siblings) to assess family relationships and support the appropriateness of the applicant to provide foster care.
- (iii) Physician or other licensed professional statement verifying prospective foster parent(s) is physically, cognitively, and emotionally capable of providing care for the children;
- (iv) TB testing as set forth in Chapter 3, Section 12; and
- (v) Three (3) or more interviews with the prospective foster parent(s):
- (A) Interview each prospective foster parent and household member separately;
- (B) Provide sufficient information to acquaint the family with the CPA program and its philosophies and practices; and
- (C) Two (2) of the three (3) interviews shall be conducted at the family home, with all family members present for one (1) of the in home interviews.
(b) Health and Safety Inspection. The CPA program shall develop procedures to inspect and monitor every foster home to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children and shall perform a safety and health inspection of the home (addressing all items in Section 9 of this chapter).
(c) Written Home Study. - (i) The written home study shall include documentation of all interviews and information gathered during home study process and shall also include:
- (A) Date of interviews and home visits;
- (B) Identifying information about all household members including relationship in the family;
- (C) Motivation for becoming a foster family;
- (D) Social history and current functioning;
- (E) Family of origin, composition, birth order, parents' marriages, separations, other children of prior relationships;
- (F) Physical and mental health assessment;
- (H) Family relationships;
- (I) Employment and finances;
- (J) Substance use history of family living in the home; and
- (K) Recommendation of approval or disapproval and basis for recommendation.