10A NCAC 70E .0902. AGENCY FOSTER PARENTS' AGREEMENT

(a)  Foster parents shall sign an agreement under which the foster parents shall: 

(1)           allow the representative of the supervising agency to visit the home in conjunction with licensing procedures, foster care planning, and placement;

(2)           accept children into the home only through the supervising agency and not through other individuals, agencies, or institutions;

(3)           treat a child placed in the home as a member of the family, and when so advised by the supervising agency, make every effort to support, encourage, and enhance the child's relationship with the child's parents or guardian;

(4)           maintain continuous contact and exchange of information between the supervising agency and the foster parents about matters affecting the adjustment of any child placed in the home.  The foster parents shall agree to keep these matters confidential and discuss them only with the supervising agency staff members, or with other professional people designated by the agency;

(5)           obtain the permission of the supervising agency if the child is to be out of the home for a period exceeding two nights;

(6)           report to the supervising agency any changes in the composition of the household, change of address, or change in the employment status of any adult member of the household;

(7)           make no independent plans for a child to visit the home of the child's parents, guardian, or relatives without prior consent from the supervising agency;

(8)           adhere to the supervising agency's plan of medical care, both for routine care and treatment, and emergency care and hospitalization; and

(9)           provide any child placed in the home with supervision at all times while the child is in the home, not leave the child unsupervised, and adhere to the supervision requirements specified in the out-of-home family services agreement or person-centered plan.

(b)  The supervising agency shall sign an agreement under which the supervising agency shall:

(1)           assume responsibility for the overall planning for the child and assist the foster parents in meeting their day‑to‑day responsibility towards the child;

(2)           inform the foster parents concerning the agency's procedures and financial responsibility for obtaining medical care and hospitalization;

(3)           pay the foster parents a monthly room and board payment, and if applicable, a respite care payment for children placed in the home;

(4)           discuss with the foster parents any plans to remove a child from the foster home;

(5)           give the foster parents notice before removing a child from the foster home;

(6)           visit the foster home and child according to the out-of-home family services agreement or person-centered plan and be available to give needed services and consultation concerning the child's welfare;

(7)           respect the foster parents' preferences in terms of sex, age range, and number of children placed in the home;

(8)           provide or arrange for training for the foster parents;

(9)           include foster parents as part of the decision-making team for a child; and

(10)         allow foster parents to review and receive copies of their licensing record.

(c)  The agreement shall also contain any other provisions mutually agreed by the parties.

(d)  The foster parents and a representative of the supervising agency shall sign and date the agreement initially and at each relicensure.  The foster parents and the supervising agency shall retain copies of the agreements.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-10.1; 131D-10.3; 131D-10.5; 143B-153;

Eff. September 1, 2007.