Safe Sleep 622-05-25-30-05

(Revised 10/1/2019 ML #3564)

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Foster parents must provide a safe sleeping space including mattress and linens for each individual child, as appropriate for the child’s needs and age. Foster parents must not co-sleep or bed-share with foster children.

 

There are various trainings available for caregivers to become better educated about safe sleep practices. It is important to know:

  1. Ways to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death;
  2. What a safe sleep environment looks like; and
  3. How bed-sharing can increase risks to the child.

When caring for an infant, foster parents must know to keep the baby’s sleep area close by yet separate from where they sleep. The baby should not sleep on a bed, couch or armchair with adults or other children, but can sleep in the same room as foster parents, if appropriate and necessary. If the baby falls asleep in a car seat or swing, move him/her to a safe flat sleeping area to continue sleeping.

 

Caregiver Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cXwlpSJL08&list=PLdnicNpQpb-GgMSiloCCPIVjvOwh06zVt&index=8

 

Sharing Rooms

The age and gender of foster children, and other children in the home must be discussed during the home study process. It is recommended that children over the age of 6 do not share bedrooms with children of the opposite gender. If needed, custodial agency case managers shall help foster parents determine appropriate sleep space upon placement into the home.