Sec. 07.05.02.10. Foster Parent's Home, Equipment, and Supply Requirements

A. Health and Sanitary Approval.

(1) The foster parent's home shall meet the public health and sanitary requirements of the local health department and other applicable State or local requirements.

(2) Before certifying the foster parent, the agency shall have the home's health and sanitary approval in writing and signed by an employee of the local health department or an individual who is a State-licensed sanitarian.

B. Fire Safety Approval.

(1) The foster home shall meet the safety requirements of the local fire department and other applicable State or local requirements.

(2) Before certifying the foster parent, the agency shall have, from the local fire department, a written:

(a) Approval documenting a home fire inspection; or

(b) Statement indicating that local policy does not allow fire inspections.

C. Recreation. The foster parent shall:

(1) Provide sufficient accessible space for outdoor activity, free from conditions that may be dangerous to children's health and safety; and

(2) Have or have access to age-appropriate outdoor and indoor recreation equipment.

D. Sleeping and Living Quarters.

(1) The living quarters shall provide space for children without disrupting usual sleeping and living arrangements.

(2) The children's sleeping and living quarters shall provide for privacy, study at home, and storage of clothes, toys, and individual possessions, and, as necessary, isolation of a sick child.

(3) Each child shall have adequate bedding and an individual bed which may not be a cot, sofa, sofa bed, double-tiered bed, bunk bed, or any type of portable bed.

(4) A responsible adult shall sleep within call of each child in the home, according to the child's needs, age, and capability.

(5) Except for infants, boys and girls may not sleep in the same room.

(6) Living and sleeping quarters shall be clean.

(7) An infant may share a bedroom with an adult until the infant is 6 months old.

E. Equipment, Supplies, and Wardrobe.

(1) The foster parent's home shall be adequately equipped and supplied with items essential to health, comfort, and good grooming, including:

(a) Individual towels, toothbrushes, and combs; and

(b) Food for a nutritionally balanced diet.

(2) The foster parent shall supply an adequate personal wardrobe, bureau, and closet space for the foster child.

(3) When a foster child moves to a different setting, the child's personal supplies and wardrobe shall move with the foster child.

F. Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs.

(1) A certified foster parent shall provide pool safety supervision commensurate with a child's age and ability.

(2) A swimming pool or hot tub at the home of a foster parent shall:

(a) Be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition; and

(b) Comply with county or city zoning, building, and health codes or ordinances.

(3) In-Ground Pools. If a child younger than 8 years old is placed in a home with an in-ground pool:

(a) The pool area shall be completely enclosed by a fence:

(i) At least 4 feet high;

(ii) Constructed of wood, concrete, brick, or chain metal; and

(iii) Equipped with a locked gate to be used when the pool is not in use; or

(b) When not in use, the pool shall be completely covered in a manner to prevent access by the child.

(4) Safety Requirements for Above-Ground Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas.

(a) When not in use, retractable or removable ladders shall be locked or stored away from the pool.

(b) The pool shall be 4 feet above ground at all points.

(c) Doors and gates that access the pool shall have locks.

(d) If a pool has a deck area with a door, the door shall be locked when the pool is not in use.

(e) If the pool entrance has permanent steps, access to the steps shall be limited by a locked gate.

(f) A pool may not have climbable objects on the exterior of the pool.

(g) When not in use, hot tubs and spas shall have secured covers which prevent access to the tub or spa by children.

G. Dangerous Household Items.

(1) Firearms. A foster parent who maintains firearms in the home shall:

(a) Follow all federal, State, and local laws pertaining to registration, permits, and maintenance of firearms;

(b) Keep all firearms and ammunition maintained in the home in a locked room or container that is inaccessible to children;

(c) Take all safety precautions to assure that firearms are not accidentally used to injure children in care; and

(d) Assure that loaded firearms are not kept in the home unless required because a State, federal, or local law enforcement officer:

(i) Lives in the household; and

(ii) Maintains and stores the firearms in accordance with State, federal, and local law enforcement officers' safety procedures.

(2) Prescription and non-prescription drugs, dangerous household supplies, tools, and any other household items which are potentially life-threatening or injurious to children shall be kept in a safe location, inaccessible to children.

H. Pets. A foster parent who maintains a pet in the home shall assure that:

(1) The foster child is, when age appropriate, educated regarding the care and grooming of the pet;

(2) A responsible adult is always present when infants are near a pet potentially dangerous to the infant;

(3) A foster child allergic to the pet is not placed with the foster parent; and

(4) As required by State law or local ordinance, the pet is appropriately:

(a) Licensed or registered;

(b) Vaccinated; and

(c) Leashed.

I. Transportation. A foster parent shall assure that the child has legal and safe transportation to and from:

(1) Medical and dental appointments;

(2) School;

(3) Appropriate social events;

(4) Scheduled meetings with relatives and friends; and

(5) Events scheduled by the agency.