§ 5310.162. Host homes.
The following requirements apply to host homes:
(1) Host homes are not subject to the site control requirement specified in § 5310.71 (relating to site control).
(2) The dwelling of surrogate parent must be evaluated to insure that it presents no hazard to the safety of a community residential rehabilitation service (CRRS) child and is in keeping with the community in which it is located.
(3) The age of the child is considered in determining the safety of the home of a surrogate parent. In the case of very young children, special consideration must be given to the following requirements:
(i) Safe, easily accessible, outdoor play areas.
(ii) Fencing or natural barriers for unsafe areas such as drainage ditches, wells, or swimming pools in or around the outdoor play areas.
(iii) Decks or balconies above the ground level of a home.
(iv) Adequate lighting and handrails in staircases.
(v) Protective guards or insulation for hot water pipes and other sources of heat which are accessible to children and which exceed 110°F.
(vi) Use of space heaters, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
(vii) Condition and anchoring of outdoor play equipment like climbing apparatus, slides, and swings.
(viii) Storage of all medicines, cleaning materials, detergents, aerosal cans, and other poisonous and toxic materials.
(4) All electrical equipment must be in good repair. Equipment such as washers and garbage disposals must have protective safety devices which prevent use when open. All electrical power tools must be locked in a cabinet, closet or storage room when not in use and must be used only by staff. Electrical kitchen equipment may be operated by children only when under direct supervision of staff.
(5) Each host home must have a telephone. Those homes which have an unlisted number must make this number available to the child’s parent, the CRRS and the agency having custody of the child, if applicable.
(6) The CRRS must provide fire extinguishers and smoke detectors for use in host homes and ensure that the surrogate parent receives instruction in the proper use of this equipment.
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