STAFFING AND TRAINING
§ 5310.131. Staffing.
(a) An adult must be on the site whenever a child is present. In group homes, the adult must be a staff member. In host homes, the adult must be a surrogate parent having responsibility for the daily care of the child, except where the CRRS makes arrangements for or approves the use of other adults to provide relief time for surrogate parents for a reasonable number of hours per week.
(b) The requirements of § 5310.41 (relating to staff and training) apply to all CRRS group homes serving children.
(c) The following requirements apply to all CRRS host homes serving children:
(1) All couples or individuals interested in being surrogate parent shall file a written application with the CRRS provider or the agency designated by the CRRS provider to screen surrogate parent applicants. The CRRS Provider shall maintain responsibility to make the final determination regarding the applicant’s approval as a surrogate parent.
(2) The study-evaluation process must be used to determine the suitability of the applicant for surrogate parent and the type of children the prospective surrogate parent can best serve. The study-evaluation process shall assure that sufficient information is provided to the applicant to allow them to make an initial decision as to their suitabiltiy as surrogate parent.
(3) The study-evaluation process must include interviews with the applicant surrogate parent and their children. The process also must include one visit to the applicant’s home. All family members who will live in the same residence as the child shall be present during at least one home based interview.
(4) The study-evaluation process must include references. References stating the applicant’s ability to care for children must be provided by three persons not related to the applicant.
(5) The content of the study-evaluation of the applicant for surrogate parent shall include:
(i) Age, as it affects functioning.
(ii) Health,including a written statement from a physician, assuring the applicant freedom from contagious disease and ability to handle increased stress.
(iii) Income, sufficient to meet regular family expenses.
(iv) A dwelling that presents no hazards to the safety of a child and is in keeping with the community in which it is located.
(v) Family composition as it affects the number and type of children for whom care can be given.
(6) Surrogate parent capabilities must be assessed by giving consideration to the following factors.
(i) Existing family relationships, attitudes, and expectations regarding their own children and parent-child relationships especially where they might affect a CRRS child.
(ii) The family ideas and practice in regards to child discipline.
(iii) Attitudes of significant members of the extended family regarding placement of a CRRS child.
(iv) Ability to accept and respect a child as the child is.
(v) Capacity to absorb a child into family life without undue disruption.
(vi) Capacity to meet the needs of both a CRRS child and their own child or children.
(vii) The attitudes of the surrogate parent’s child or children to accepting a CRRS child.
(viii) Realistic appraisal of positive and negative aspects of surrogate parenthood.
(ix) Ability to provide continuity of care throughout a child’s placement.
(x) Ability to meet changing needs over the course of a child’s placement.
(xi) Ability to accept a CRRS child’s relationship with the child’s own parent.
(xii) Ability to care for children with special needs.
(xiii) Areas in which ongoing supportive services may be needed.
(xiv) Number and characteristics of CRRS children best suited to the surrogate parent family.
(xv) Ability to work in partnership with the CRRS and other agencies as required.
(7) The decision to approve or disapprove an application to be a surrogate parent must be communicated in a conference between the CRRS or its designated agency and the applicant and confirmed in writing. Reasons for approval or disapproval must be clearly stated.
(8) The CRRS must provide in writing the following information to surrogate parents:
(i) Policies setting forth the respective responsibilities of the CRRS and surrogate parent in identifying and meeting a child’s basic needs which include the physical environment, nutrition, privacy, involvement with schools or other community resources.
(ii) Policies regarding disciplinary methods for CRRS children which must exclude any form of abusive, degrading, or vindictive punishment.
(viii) A description of consultation and training which the CRRS will furnish to assist surrogate parent in further improving their parenting skills.
(iv) A procedure for reporting to the CRRS any emergency, serious injury or illness, or death or impending death of a child placed with a surrogate parent.
(v) A statement regarding the reimbursement rate which will be paid to surrogate parent.
(vi) A telephone number by which the CRRS may be contacted on a 24-hour basis.
(vii) A statement as to the role of the surrogate parent in the development and implementation of the service plan.
(9) The CRRS must also furnish the surrogate parent the following information to assist them in making a decision regarding the acceptance of a specific child.
(i) The child’s medical history.
(ii) The child’s general behavior.
(iii) The child’s likes and dislikes, including special interests.
(iv) The child’s religious affiliation, if any.
(v) The child’s school adjustment and academic performance.
(vi) The circumstances which led to CRRS placement.
(vii) Important life experience which may effect the child’s adjustment, including information about prior placements.
(viii) The child’s relationship with the child’s parent.
(10) Surrogate parent shall be informed that information provided on CRRS children and their families must be kept confidential and shall sign an agreement to this effect.
(11) All surrogate parents shall be under the direct supervision of a mental health professional.
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