Iowa Code r. 441-113.12 - Characteristics of foster parents
(1)
Age.
a. Foster parents shall
be at least 21 years of age.
b. The
age of foster parents shall be considered as it affects their ability to care
for a specific child and function in a parental role.
(2)
Income and resources.
The foster family shall have sufficient income and resources to provide
adequately for the family's own needs.
(3)
Religious
considerations. The foster parent shall respect the child(ren)'s
religious background and affiliation.
(4)
Requirements of foster
parents. Foster parents shall be stable, responsible, physically able
to care for the type of child(ren) placed, mature individuals who are not
unsuited by reason of substance abuse, lewd or lascivious behavior or other
conduct likely to be detrimental to the physical or mental health or morals of
the child(ren). They shall exercise good judgment in caring for the child(ren)
and have a capacity to accept agency supervision.
(5)
Personal
characteristics. The foster parents shall:
a. Provide evidence of relationship
stability.
b. Have realistic
expectations of the child(ren).
c.
Have time available to parent the child(ren).
d. Be able to communicate with the licensing
agency and health care and other service providers.
e. Have functional literacy, a level of
reading, writing and calculation skills such as having the ability to read
labels on medications in order to properly administer them.
f. Be able to accept and deal with acting out
behavior with realistic expectations and good judgment.
g. Include the child(ren) in normal family
life.
h. Have the ability to be
accepting and loving toward the child(ren) entering the home.
i. Be able to support the case permanency
plan for the child(ren) and be willing to cooperate with visits,
transportation, or other activities that support the child(ren)'s connection to
and reunification with the child(ren)'s family.
j. Ensure that all family members are aware
of having the child(ren) in the home.
k. Articulate their strengths and concerns
and limitations which are essential to the department's matching the child(ren)
with foster parents appropriately.
(6)
Determination of
characteristics. The areas discussed in subrules 113.12(4) and
113.12(5) shall be explored through observation of the family and interviews
with family members and documented in a foster home study as described in
subrule 113.3(4), or in the foster family record when explored after licensure
and prior to renewal. Any additional areas that the family or worker identifies
as a possibility for creating problems shall also be documented in the foster
family record.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 237.3.
Notes
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