Licensed Relative Family Foster Care 622-05-15-17

(Revised 2/1/2011 ML #3258)

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The Fostering Connections Act of 2008 allows, on a case-by-case basis, agencies to waive non-safety related licensing standards when licensing a relative’s home. Every effort must be made to ensure that all family foster care providers meet all licensing standards. However, if necessary, waivers are allowable to license relatives willing to care for specific relative children in care. Examples of areas which may be waived: (Not all inclusive.)

  1. Specific items listed on the fire safety checklist. (An alternate plan must be provided.)
  2. Sleeping arrangements.
  3. Physical characteristics of the home.
  4. The direct bearing offenses of burglary, robbery or assault, or non-direct bearing charges, if the individual has completed the terms of probation, parole, or other form of community corrections or imprisonment without a subsequent charge or conviction.

 

Potential waivers need to be staffed with and decided upon by the regional supervisor as early as possible during the home study process. If approved, documentation is required for any waivers granted with specific notation of any agreements, alternate plans, or terms of the waiver(s).  The regional supervisor is not required to grant any waivers.

 

The federal Fostering Connections Act requires states to report on children placed in relative family foster homes, whether or not they are licensed, and the use of licensing waivers. Information regarding relative placements is entered into the CCWIPS/FRAME system:

  1. If the foster youth is placed in a licensed relative family foster home, enter this information into CCWIPS. Check "Yes" behind "Relative Foster Care"; check "Yes or No" behind "Waiver Granted"; If "Yes" is indicated, a text field is available to indicate what non-safety related licensing standard was waived.
  2. If the foster youth is placed in an unlicensed relative family foster home, indicate the reason the relative is not licensed under the "Placement" window in FRAME. A drop down box is available for "Reason Relative Not Licensed." If "Other" is chosen, a short description is required. A comments section is available if more detail is needed.