(a) All TFC programs shall complete and keep on file prior to approving a TFC foster home: - (i) Background checks on the prospective TFC 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 TFC 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) 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 medical professional statement verifying prospective TFC 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.
- (v) Three (3) or more interviews with the prospective TFC foster parent(s).
- (A) Interview each prospective TFC foster parent and household member separately;
- (B) Provide sufficient information to acquaint the family with the TFC 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 TFC 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) Physical and mental health assessment;
- (D) Substance use history of family living in the home; and
- (E) Motivation for becoming a TFC foster family;
- (F) Social history and current functioning;
- (G) Family of origin, composition, birth order, parents' marriages, separations, other children of prior relationships;
- (I) Family relationships;
- (J) Employment and finances; and
- (K) Recommendation of approval or disapproval and basis for recommendation.