Utah Admin. Code R501-12-7 - Physical Aspects of Home

(1) The provider shall ensure the following regarding the foster home environment:
(a) each indoor and outdoor area of the home is maintained to ensure a safe physical environment;
(b) the home is free from health and fire hazards;
(c) the home has a working smoke detector and a working carbon monoxide detector on each separated level and at least one of each shall be close to sleeping areas;
(d) the home has at least one fire extinguisher meeting the rating requirements of 2A:10BC, that is fully charged and readily accessible to the main living area;
(e) the home has at least one toilet, sink and tub or shower; and
(f) each bathroom has a lock sufficient to maintain the privacy of the occupant.
(2) The provider shall ensure each bedroom space complies with the following:
(a) children of the opposite genders do not share a bedroom unless:
(i) each child sharing the room is under two years of age;
(ii) the department client record identifies gender-specific rationale; or
(iii) there is written caseworker approval for the bedroom assignment;
(b) the foster parent's bedroom is only shared with a foster child under the age of two years and the foster parent may not bed-share with a foster child;
(c) the foster parent's bedroom is not considered in calculating the allowable bedroom space for a foster child;
(d) a foster child may not share a bedroom with other adults in the home;
(e) a foster child has an individual bed or crib, mattress, and linens that meet the child's needs;
(f) a weighted blanket is only used for a foster child if therapeutically recommended in-writing or approved in-writing by the child's caseworker;
(g) there is a minimum of 40 square feet per child, excluding adjoining bathrooms and storage space;
(h) no more than four children are housed in a single bedroom that houses at least one foster child;
(i) a bedroom used for a foster child is comparable to other similarly utilized bedrooms in the home, including access, location, space, finishings, and furnishings;
(j) a bedroom used by a foster child on the ground floor shall have a minimum of one screened window that opens that may be used to evacuate the room if there is a fire;
(k) a bedroom used by a foster child that is not on the ground floor shall have a source of natural light and a minimum of two exits, at least one of which shall exit directly to outside the home that may be used to evacuate the room if there is a fire; and
(l) closet or dresser space is provided within the bedroom for the foster child's personal possessions and for a reasonable degree of privacy.
(3) The provider shall ensure:
(a) there is space or access to common areas for recreational activities;
(b) there is adequate lighting, ventilation and the home is maintained at a reasonable temperature when occupied by a foster child in consideration of the age and needs of the foster child and other residents;
(c) there is a properly operating kitchen with working refrigerator, cooking appliances, adequate supply of safe drinking water and functional indoor plumbing;
(d) each hazard on the property is abated and mitigated through the use of protective hardware, fencing, banister, railing, grate, natural barrier, or other licensor approved method to secure any:
(i) fall hazard of 3 feet or greater including a steep grade, cliff, open pit, window well, stairwell, elevated porch, and retaining wall;
(ii) drowning hazard including a swimming pool, hot tub, water feature, pond and stream;
(iii) burn hazard including fireplaces, candles, radiators, water temperature;
(iv) unstable heavy item, including a television and bookshelf;
(v) high voltage booster; and
(vi) dangerous traffic condition;
(e) the home and its contents are maintained in a clean and safe condition and food, clothing, supplies, furniture, and equipment are of sufficient quantity, variety, and quality to meet the foster child's needs;
(f) the home is free from rodent and insect infestation;
(g) there are at least two exits adequately sized for emergency personnel on each accessible floor of the home and a multiple-level home has a functional, automatic fire suppression system or an escape ladder, stairway, or other exterior egress to ground level accessible from each of the upper levels;
(h) the foster parent uses child safety devices appropriate to the needs of the foster child, including safety gates, and electrical outlet covers;
(i) the home address is clearly visible and location is accessible;
(j) the water and sewage disposal system, other than a public system, is approved by the appropriate authorities;
(k) there is trash and recycling disposal;
(l) any swimming pool is secured to prevent unsupervised access and complies with applicable community ordinances; and
(m) any hot tub or spa has a locked cover.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R501-12-7
Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2014-24, effective 11/17/2014 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2015-22, effective 10/23/2015 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2018-6, effective 2/23/2018 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2018-14, effective 7/1/2018 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-09, effective 5/11/2020 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-11, effective 5/11/2020 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-04, effective 2/1/2023 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-12, effective 5/31/2023 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2025-04, effective 2/10/2025

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