Sec. 07.05.02.14. Abuse or Neglect by a Foster Parent

A. Initial Action.

(1) If a child placement worker or other agency employee observes that a child placed with a certified foster parent is in serious and immediate danger, the child placement worker shall:

(a) Immediately notify:

(i) The child protective services unit of the local department in the jurisdiction where the certified foster parent's home is located; and

(ii) If the child is in the custody of a local department or the Department of Juvenile Services, the worker for the child or the worker's supervisor;

(b) Immediately notify the agency's chief administrator and the Administration of the suspected abuse or neglect; and

(c) Arrange a staffing for the child with appropriate professionals to plan the child's continued protection and treatment.

(2) The agency's chief administrator or the chief administrator's designee shall:

(a) Within 48 hours of notification, send a written incident report to the Administration documenting the suspected abuse or neglect; and

(b) Within 72 hours of notification, decide whether to suspend or revoke the foster home certification.

B. Indicated Abuse. If the local department determines that abuse is indicated by a foster parent or an individual in a foster parent's household, the agency shall:

(1) Immediately remove all foster children from the foster parent's care;

(2) Immediately send written notification of the indicated finding and the agency's resulting actions to the Administration;

(3) If the certified foster parent is indicated, revoke certification according to Regulation .16 of this chapter; and

(4) If a member of the certified foster parent's household is indicated, revoke or suspend certification according to Regulation .16 of this chapter.

C. Indicated Neglect. If the local department determines that neglect is indicated by a foster parent, the agency shall:

(1) Take action according to Regulation .16 of this chapter; and

(2) Within 48 hours, send written notification of the indicated finding and the agency's actions to the Administration.