Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0250-04-09-.07 - FOSTER HOMES
(1) Definition. A foster home is one providing
substitute family care for a planned period of time.
(2) The primary consideration in foster care
placement shall be the welfare of the child or pregnant woman rather than the needs
of the foster parents.
(3) Any
out-of-state placement or a child shall be in accordance with the Interstate Compact
on the Placement of Children.
(4)
Approval of Foster Homes
(a) The agency shall make
a study of foster home applicants prior to approval of the home for use. The study
shall be in writing before children or pregnant women are placed in the
home.
(b) The foster home study shall be
based on consideration of the following points.
1.
Information obtained through interviews with all members of the family living in the
home. There shall be at least one visit to the home.
2. The applicants' motivation to provide foster
care.
3. The applicants' financial
security.
4. Information obtained
through contracts with references, including nonrelatives.
5. The physical and mental health of the foster
parents and other family members.
6. The
character, values, and ethical standards of the foster family.
7. The foster family's understanding of the need
of children or pregnant women in foster care.
8. The foster family's ability to work
cooperatively with the agency.
9. Health
and fire safety conditions within the home.
10. Reserved.
(c) The foster home study shall include the
caseworker's evaluation of the applicants' suitability as a resource and
recommendations as to approval of the home.
(d) When the foster home study is completed, the
applicants shall be informed in writing as to the disposition of their
application.
(e) If both foster parents
are employed outside the home, it shall be with the knowledge and consent of the
agency, and there shall be appropriate child care arrangements.
(f) The foster home shall be reevaluated annually
in terms of the nine points listed in (4)(b) above.
(5) Maternity foster homes shall not have more
than three (3) young pregnant women at one time. A foster home may have no more than
six (6) foster children placed in a home. The foster home may exceed the six foster
children maximum when:
(a) Exceeding the maximum
would allow a parenting youth to remain with his/her child;
(b) Exceeding the limit would allow a youth with a
meaningful relationship with a family to stay with the foster family or be placed
with the foster family;
(c) Exceeding
the maximum would allow a sibling group to remain together;
(d) Exceeding the maximum would allow for a family
with special training or skills to care for a child with severe disabilities;
or
(e) Exceeding the maximum is
determined to be appropriate by the Department.
(6) The foster home shall have no more than two
children under two years, including the foster parents' own children. With two
children under two years, there shall not be more than four children in the home,
including the foster parents' own children.
(7) The foster home shall not be used for
placement by any other agency or individual except by written agreement by the
agencies or individuals involved.
(8)
The agency shall require foster parents to participate in case planning when in the
best interest of the child.
(9) Agencies
shall require foster parents to participate in ongoing training including parenting
techniques and discipline and the detection, intervention, prevention, and treatment
of child sexual abuse.
(10) Maternity
foster homes shall also receive specialized appropriate training from the
agency.
Notes
Authority: T.C.A. ยงยง 37-5-105, 37-5-106, and 37-5-502.
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