Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-6-310 - Sleeping Arrangements

A. The sleeping arrangement for each foster child shall be safe and appropriate, based on the child's age, gender, special needs, behavior, and history of abuse or neglect.

B. A foster parent shall ensure compliance with the following sleeping arrangements:

1. A foster child shall not share a bedroom with an adult, with the following exceptions:

a. A foster child less than the age of three years may share a bedroom with a foster parent.

b. A foster child age three years and older may share a bedroom with a foster parent when:

i. The child temporarily needs the attention of the foster parent during sleeping hours, or

ii. The sleeping arrangement and the reason for it are approved by the Child Placing Agency.

c. A foster child who has regularly shared a bedroom with another child who has turned 18 years of age may continue to share the bedroom unless the Child Placing Agency determines that the arrangement is contrary to the best interests of the foster child.

2. Any child in the home, aged six years and older, shall not share a bedroom with a foster child of the opposite gender, except as permitted by subsection (C).

C. A foster child, aged six years and older, may share a bedroom with a sibling of the opposite gender:

1. When the Child Placing Agency grants written approval for the purpose of facilitating a smooth transition for a child into the foster home;

a. The Child Placing Agency shall limit such approval to the first 60 days of placement; unless

b. The Child Placing Agency makes a written finding after 60 days and annually thereafter that is consistent with the case plan of all siblings sharing the bedroom and it is in the best interest of all of the siblings to continue to share the bedroom;

2. When there are no safety issues, such as that listed in subsection (C)(3)(a) and

3. The Child Placing Agency shall not grant approval:

a. If either child has a history of sexual abuse, or

b. Solely for the convenience of the foster parent,

D. A foster child who is a minor parent may share a bedroom with his or her child.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-6-310

New section made by exempt rulemaking at 21 A.A.R. 3479, effective 1/24/2016.