Arkansas Administrative Code › Agency 016 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES › Division 15 - Children and Family Services › Rule 016.15.08-009 - Pub 30 Foster Parent Handbook and Recind CFS-365 Receipt for Medical Passport of a Foster Child - Incorporated in CFS-362

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 6, June, 2024
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
This handbook has been prepared to provide foster parents with
				information they will need to become a foster family and to maintain standing
				as a foster family. This handbook contains the standards that are required for
				a family to become approved to operate their home as a foster family and
				information about the role of a foster family. Please read this entire handbook
				to be familiar with the standards for which a family is responsible, and to
				ensure the family's continued compliance. Please contact the designated
				resource worker with questions about compliance or any of the licensing
				standards.
This handbook is only a reference guide. Contact a local DHS
				County Office for clarification and interpretation of any information provided
				in this publication.
To help focus the reader's attention to changes, sections with
				modifications to content are denoted with "[RIGHT POINTING INDEX]" at the
				beginning, and followed by "[LEFT POINTING INDEX]", and are underlined.
FOSTER PARENT HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION
The Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is a
				licensed Child Welfare Agency and all of its approved foster family homes must
				be in compliance with all licensing requirements. The Child Welfare Licensing
				act defines a "Foster Home" as private residence of one (1) or more family
				members that receives from a child placement agency any minor child who is
				unattended by a parent or guardian in order to provide care, training,
				education, custody or supervision on a twenty-four-hour basis, not to include
				adoptive homes (see Minimum Licensing Standards for Child Welfare Agencies.
				DCFS PUB-22). Although the licensing standards' definition of a foster family
				home does not include adoptive homes, DCFS foster homes and adoptive homes must
				meet the same licensing standards to comply with federal funding
				regulations.
Family Foster Care is a program designed to provide a
				substitute family life experience in a DCFS approved home, Relative Foster
				Home, or licensed facility for a child who needs care for a temporary, or in
				some instances, for an extended period of time. During this time, the
				birth/legal family is either nonexistent or dysfunctional due to social,
				emotional, economic, and/or physical reasons. Foster care is founded on the
				premise that all children have a right to a safe and supportive environment in
				which to grow.
The purpose of foster care is to provide a healthy home and
				community experience for the child while the conditions which caused the
				placement away from the birth/legal family are being resolved. Thus, foster
				care is intended to be temporary. The length of a child's stay in foster care
				will depend a great deal on the conditions which caused the placement and the
				time and the resources available to resolve them. The goal of foster care is to
				work toward a permanent placement for the child, preferably, return to the
				birth/legal parents.
Foster care is a team effort involving DCFS, the foster family
				parents, the child in foster care, and the birth/legal parents. When all those
				directly involved in the situation understand their own and each others' roles
				and cooperate as team members in a team effort, the quality of the experience
				for all is increased, and the effect on the child's future well-being is
				greatly improved.
Good communication among all team members, as well as mutual
				respect, understanding, and honesty is essential for achievement of foster care
				goals. All team members share the responsibility for ensuring that lines of
				communication are kept open and in use.
Because of the difference in responsibilities and perspectives,
				conflicts may arise. How well conflicts are worked out will determine the
				success with which the team is able to serve the needs of the child.
Types of Foster Homes
In order to adequately serve the diverse needs of children who
				require out-of-home placement care, DCFS recruits foster parents, who may elect
				to have their home designated as one of the three following types:
Provisional Foster Homes
In an effort to preserve family connections and expedite
				placement of children, the Division may place a child in foster care with a
				relative ("Relative" means a person within the fifth degree of kinship by
				virtue of blood or adoption) if one has been identified and is appropriate.
				This type of placement is classified as a "Provisional foster home". The
				purpose of opening a provisional foster home is to enable DCFS to make a quick
				placement for the child with a relative with whom a bond already exists. Once
				opened as a provisional home, DCFS staff works with the foster parents in that
				home to bring them into full compliance within a six (6) month period.
				Provisional Foster Homes shall not be paid a board payment until the relative
				meets all of the licensing requirements and DCFS standards and is reclassifed
				as a regular foster home.
The child is in the custody of the Department, therefore, the
				child shall remain in a licensed or approved foster home, shelter or facility
				until the relative's home is opened as a provisional home, regular foster home
				or the court grants custody to the relative or other person after a written,
				approved home study is presented to the court.
Provisional relative foster homes must meet all provisional
				foster family home requirements. These are a review of the home that includes a
				visual inspection, an expedited Central Registry check, an expedited criminal
				background check, and a vehicle safety check.
Relative Foster Homes
Relative Foster Homes are homes in which adult relatives are
				recruited by the Family Service Worker to provide 24 hours per day care of
				children who are related to the Relative foster parent by blood or marriage.
				These homes must meet all of the minimum licensing requirements for a Foster
				Family Home. There will be no distinction in licensing requirements between
				Relative foster homes and all other approved foster homes in Arkansas.
				Relatives may choose to be classified only as a Relative Foster home and will
				be designated only for placement of relative children. If the relatives choose
				to be classified as a regular Foster Home, they will be designated for the
				placement of both relative and non-relative children
.
Once permanency is achieved for the relative children placed in
				a Relative Foster Home, relatives may choose to become a regular Family Foster
				Home if they remain in compliance with licensing standards. This will be a
				decision made by both the relatives and DCFS based on the best interest of the
				relative children.
Relative Foster Homes are to receive an approval letter and
				certificate CFS-481 identifying approval as a Relative foster family. A new
				approval letter should be issued if the family becomes a regular foster
				home.
Regular Foster Homes
While foster parents who are initially recruited to provide
				care for relative children may elect to care for non-relative children, regular
				foster homes care for children who are not related to the foster parents. These
				types of home are generally recruited and trained to care for children in
				foster care in a non-specific general population.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FOSTER CARE TEAM
Foster Child
Children have certain inherent rights based on their special
				status as children and their inability to care for themselves. Among these
				inherent rights are the right to live with their birth/legal family and to
				receive love, protection, nurturance, and support until they reach the age of
				majority; the right to be free from harm, neglect, and abuse; to receive an
				education; to have physical care and medical attention; to enjoy all facets of
				family life; to be disciplined and to receive religious and moral training, and
				to grow into self-sufficient, independent young adults.
When a child's right to live with his or her own birth/legal
				family is in jeopardy, the child has a right to be represented by legal counsel
				and to have their legal rights protected in any judicial procedure which
				addresses custody or guardianship. DCFS has certain responsibilities to
				children who have been removed from the custody of their birth/legal parents.
				Responsibilities of DCFS to foster children are as follows:
* To place the child in a family foster home, Relative foster
				home, or, other substitute care facility that can best serve the child's needs
				and is the least restrictive environment;
* To place the child close to birth/legal parents to allow
				frequent contact;
* To have regular visits for the child with birth/legal
				parents, siblings, and others with whom there is a significant relationship,
				unless restricted by court order;
* To give the child honest information regarding all
				decisions;
* To provide the child the basic rights inherent to all
				children as stated above;
* To allow the child to participate in case planning,
				conferences, staffings, and court hearings, etc., whenever possible and age
				appropriate;
* To keep a record for each child that includes legal
				documents; e.g., birth certificate, social security card, court orders.
* To help the child return to the birth/legal parents' home at
				the earliest possible time or to be legally freed to form new family ties with
				relatives or adoptive parents; and
* To prepare the child for independence.
Birth/Legal Parents
Birth/legal parents are the key to long-range planning for the
				child in foster care. They are central members of the foster care team. The
				child began with them, identifies with them and, in most instances, has a
				longing to return to them. The return home of the child is dependent on his
				birth/legal parents' ability to improve their situation. Otherwise, the
				birth/legal parents face the possibility of long-range plans being made which
				may include termination of parental rights. With the exception of parents of
				children for whom DHS is guardian or birth/legal parents whose rights have been
				permanently terminated, DCFS has certain responsibilities to the birth/legal
				parents of children placed in the custody of DHS.
Responsibilities of DCFS to birth/legal parents
				are:
* To offer and provide services directed toward preservation of
				the family as a unit and the avoidance of foster care if at all
				possible;
* To inform the birth/legal parents of the reason for removal
				of the child when foster care is necessary;
* To advise birth/legal parents that they may seek the
				assistance of an attorney any time a legal action involves the child. Arkansas
				law requires that defendants have the opportunity to be represented by legal
				counsel at all stages of court proceedings. If it is determined by the court
				that a parent or legal guardian, based on their financial resources, is unable
				to pay for an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney to represent
				them;
* To understand birth/legal parents without criticism,
				denigration or judgment and to acknowledge that the birth/legal parents share
				in the child's life;
* To advise birth/legal parents of what parental privileges are
				retained while the child is in foster care;
* To advise birth/legal parents of what conditions must be met
				in order to have the child returned to them;
* To include birth/legal parents in developing the case plan
				for the child;
* To provide birth/legal parents every possible assistance and
				service for resolution or correction of conditions necessary for return of the
				child;
* To insure that birth/legal parents have full cooperation from
				all foster care team members toward achievement of case goals; and,
* To return the child to the birth/legal parents' home when the
				necessary changes or conditions required by the court or DCFS have been
				made.
Responsibilities of birth/legal parents
				are:
* To cooperate as a foster care team member by participating in
				staffings, and court hearings;
* To maintain contact and communication with the child,
				including keeping appointments for visitation and placing and returning
				calls;
* To help develop and follow the case plan, thereby, achieving
				permanency for the child;
* To notify DCFS at the earliest possible time if they are no
				longer willing to work toward reunification and they wish to relinquish their
				parental rights and/or that another relative exists who would offer a permanent
				home to the child;
* To make necessary changes or correct conditions which prevent
				the child's return;
* To provide emotional support for the child;
* To be involved, whenever possible, in specific activities
				affecting the child such as medical care, religious, and social events;
				and,
* To provide financial support for the child. The court may
				designate an amount for the birth/legal parents to pay.
Family Foster Parents, Provisional Relative Foster
				Parents and Relative Foster Parents
It is the responsibility of foster parents, Relative foster
				parents, and Provisional foster parents to provide twenty-four hour nurturing
				care to the foster child. They also have a responsibility to help the child
				develop a good self image and have positive feelings about their past, present,
				and future.
As temporary substitute parents, foster parents are close to
				the foster child on a day-to-day basis. This closeness allows the foster parent
				to function as a vital member of the foster care team. As such, the foster
				parents are in an excellent position to evaluate the child's current needs and
				ensure that those identified needs are being met by the foster family or
				through resources in the community.
As team members with a unique perspective of the child, foster
				parents can contribute a special knowledge to DCFS and to the birth/legal
				parents including information about the child's behavior, relationships with
				playmates and other members of the foster family, and adjustment to school and
				to the neighborhood.
By observing the child's relationship with their birth/legal
				parents and the child's reactions to visitation, foster parents can enhance the
				DCFS work with the birth/legal parents. In some instances, the foster parent
				may also serve as actual role models for the birth/legal parents. This role
				modeling may be the first opportunity the parent has had to observe and learn
				effective parenting skills.
The responsibilities of DCFS to Foster Parents,
				Provisional Relative Parents and Relative Foster Families are:
* To provide pre-service training and continuing education for
				the role as family foster parents;
* To provide all available information concerning the child and
				the birth/legal family situation to enable them to make an informed decision
				about the ability or inability to provide care for the child in one's home and
				participate in the case;
* To involve them as a team member in pre-placement activities
				and case planning as well as staffings, and court proceedings;
* To ensure that they have a clear understanding of their role
				as well as the role of other team members in achieving case goals;
* To provide them with a board payment for food, clothing and
				shelter for the children in their care;
* To allow them to continue their own family patterns and
				routine, as much as possible;
* To allow them to request the removal of a child from one's
				home, with notice;
* To give advance notice, whenever possible, when a child is to
				be removed from one's home; (See the section entitled "Support to Foster
				Families and Relative Family Foster Homes" for additional information)
* To promptly inform them of any complaint against their home
				or of any condition or problem in the home which adversely affects the
				"approved" status as family foster parents and to provide guidance and support
				toward resolution of the condition or problem (See section on Complaints
				Against Foster Family Other Than Child Maltreatment.)
* To provide access to a grievance procedure when differences
				arise with DCFS which have not been resolved to their satisfaction (See section
				on Foster Parent Grievance Procedure); and,
* To inform them of DCFS programs, services, and policies which
				relate to foster family care.
The responsibilities of Family Foster Parents,
				Provisional Relative Parents and Relative Family Foster Parents to DCFS, the
				child and the child's family are:
* To participate in family foster parent pre-service training
				and continuing education programs designed to enhance their ability to care for
				foster children;
* To assist in the development of an individualized training
				plan and follow the plan;
* To abide by the policies and the decisions of DCFS and accept
				the supervision of DCFS;
* To utilize DCFS resources, community resources, and court
				activities as a team member with pertinent information based on day-to-day
				knowledge of the child in their care;
* To assist the child and DCFS in planning and achieving the
				child's return to their parents' home or to a permanent placement;
* To communicate with the attorney ad litem about the status
				and needs of the child so that the attorney can present to the court a complete
				and accurate picture of the client;
* To attend court and present information about the child, when
				required;
* To provide a nurturing family life experience for the child
				including guidance, intellectual stimulation, affection, and appropriate
				discipline;
* To train and discipline children with kindness and
				understanding;
* To establish well defined rules, set expectations and limits
				consistent with the child's age, and clearly establish that there will be
				consequences for inappropriate behavior. The child will be apprised of the
				behaviors and actions that are not acceptable prior to any discipline being
				administered;
* To train and teach each child using techniques that stress
				praise and encouragement; discipline should be positive not negative;
Children shall not be subjected to verbal abuse, derogatory
				remarks about themselves or their family members; nor should foster parents
				threaten to have the child removed from the foster home.
* To provide food, clothing, shelter and personal care;
* To lock up all cleaning supplies, insecticides, gasoline,
				hazardous tools, knives, guns, or similar dangerous objects, and medicines for
				household members including foster children. Guns must be unloaded and stored
				in a secure, locked location separate from ammunition. Foster parents shall
				administer medications only in accordance with directions on the label. All
				medications for household members including foster children shall be stored in
				a secure location, and psychotropic medications shall be kept securely locked.
				Foster parents shall be aware of possible side effects of all medications.
				Foster parents shall keep a log of all medications dispensed (Please use log
				provided in the appendix);
* To provide for enrollment and regular school attendance when
				age appropriate in an accredited school and to encourage the expression of the
				child's strengths and special talents
.
Home Schooling is not
				allowed;
* To cooperate with DCFS in arranging for routine medical and
				dental care as well as ensuring that the child receives appropriate care during
				any illness; to accompany the child on all medical appointments; to monitor the
				child's intake of medicine (prescription or non-prescription);
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] To protect foster children from exposure
				to second hand smoke and take every precaution to ensure the health and safety
				of the children in their home. Foster parents should not directly expose foster
				children to secondhand smoke. Arkansas state law prohibits exposing a child
				under the age of 6 and less than 60 pounds to cigarette smoke while confined in
				a car seat. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
* To maintain a record of health care, especially immunization
				records via Medical Passport;
* To keep a lifebook for the child to record developmental
				progress as well as regular and special events in the child's life while the
				child is in their home;
* To speak positively of the child's birth/legal family;
* To maintain absolute confidentiality of information about the
				child and the child's birth/legal family;
* To support the case plan, including the visitation plan and
				help the child feel comfortable with this;
* To maintain open communication with all team members,
				including communication with the child's birth/legal family when contact
				between foster parents and the family is part of the case plan;
* To notify DCFS of any pertinent conditions, problems, or
				major family changes;
* To provide the child with opportunity for recreational
				activities and for participation in family, school, and community
				activities;
* To provide information to the Family Service Worker that will
				be useful in case planning, to participate in staffings and court
				hearings;
* To assist in preparing the child and showing support for any
				move that must be made (to birth/legal parents' home, relatives, another foster
				home, or an adoptive home);
* To keep the terms of the Initial Foster Home Agreement,
				CFS-462 and Foster Home Agreement Addendum , CFS-462A; and,
* To notify DCFS of any needs, requests, pertinent changes or
				problems.
Foster Parents are prohibited from using corporal
				punishment on a foster child.
Methods of discipline that are unacceptable for use by foster
				parents with the child include but are not limited to:
1. Cruel, severe, or humiliating actions,
			 such as washing mouth with soap;
2.
			 Taping or obstructing child's mouth;
3. Placing painful or unpleasant tasting or
			 hot substances in child's mouth;
4.
			 Placing a child in dark areas;
5.
			 Humiliation in public;
6. Physical
			 punishment inflicted in any manner, such as hitting, pinching, pulling hair,
			 slapping, kicking, twisting the arms, forced fixed body positions, spanking,
			 etc.;
7. Denial of meals, clothing,
			 shelter;
8. Interference with any
			 case plan requirements, or any denial of basic rights;
9. Denial of visits, telephone, or mail
			 contact with family members;
10.
			 Assignment of extremely strenuous exercise or work;
11. Locked isolation of any kind;
			 and,
12. Punishment of any kind for
			 bedwetting or poor toilet habits. If a child is experiencing problems with
			 enuresis, a therapist should be engaged to help with this issue.
DCFS or foster parents shall never give permission for the
				school to use corporal punishment (spank) on the child. The school may elect to
				spank but we can never give permission for them to do so.
THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND ITS AGENT, THE
				DIVISION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
DHS, acting through DCFS, serves as the court-appointed legal
				custodian of the child and has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that
				the child has the best possible foster care experience and that appropriate
				long-term plans are made. There is also a direct vested interest in resolution
				of the problems or conditions affecting the status of the birth/legal family.
				The cooperative efforts from the courts, other agencies, and community
				resources are necessary to ensure that responsibilities to the child and
				assistance in resolution of problems or conditions affecting the child's
				birth/legal parent are carried out.
Department/Division responsibilities are:
* To serve as the court-appointed legal custodian of the
				child;
* To provide the foster child, birth/legal parents, foster
				family, and Relative foster family with the necessary support services to
				accomplish goals set out in the case plan;
* To work with birth/legal parents, foster families, and
				Relative foster families to see that the child's emotional needs are
				met;
* To conduct regular staffings, and to schedule and attend
				statutorily required hearings;
* To provide necessary medical or psychological services,
				evaluations, care or treatment needed by the child;
* To ensure that the child has planned regular visitation with
				his birth/legal parents; or, if there are barriers to visitation, to provide
				services directed toward removal or reduction of barriers to visitation;
* To ensure visits for the child with siblings by planned
				regular contact (at least every two weeks);
* To maintain regular contact with all team members according
				to the case plan;
* To keep all team members informed of significant changes in
				the status of the case or individual team members;
* To provide opportunity for religious experiences with respect
				for the child's and birth/legal parents' religion;
* To take the legal steps necessary to place the child in a
				permanent home when return to the birth/legal parents is not possible within a
				reasonable length of time, usually not more than one year;
* To keep the terms of the Initial Foster Home Agreement,
				CFS-462 and Foster Home Agreement Addendum, CFS-462A ; and,
* To communicate with the foster child's school about custody
				and other issues that might impact the child's ability to learn.
APPROVAL, TRAINING, AND SUPPORT OF FAMILY FOSTER HOMES
				AND RELATIVE FOSTER FAMILY HOMES
Family Foster Home and Relative Foster Home Approval
				Process
The process of preparing and evaluating prospective family
				foster parents is termed a family foster home assessment. An assessment will be
				conducted prior to the placement of a child in one's home.
The purpose of the family foster home assessment is threefold:
				first, it is to educate candidates; second, it is to assess their character,
				suitability, and qualifications to open a foster home, or Relative foster
				family home; and third, it is to see that they meet the
Standards for
				Approval of Family Foster Homes
, PUB-022.
Providing appropriate information is essential in order to make
				an informed decision to pursue operation of one's home as a family foster home
				based on the realities of the foster care system.
Assessing the character, suitability, and qualifications of the
				family to operate a family foster home will be done in relation to the
				following areas:
* The family's capability to provide for the needs of a child
				who is placed in their care;
* The family's ability to accept and encourage the child's
				relationship with the birth/legal family;
* The family's ability to relate to the child in a helpful way;
				and,
* The family's ability to work as part of a team with DCFS
				staff, other agencies, and community resources to reach the goals set forth in
				the case plan.
There can be no roomers or boarders in the home. Family members
				are not considered roomers or boarders.
Families that move to Arkansas from another state where they
				have been approved as a foster family must complete the entire approval
				procedure of the Arkansas DCFS.
Other standards include:
* Age - The minimum age is 21 years. Alternative compliance
				must be obtained if one or both applicants are age 65 or over or when one or
				both spouses of a currently opened family foster home reaches age 65;
* [RIGHT POINTING INDEX] Health - All household family members
				must pass a medical exam (within six [6] months prior to the approval) and have
				a doctor's recommendation at the time the home is initially approved. Each
				foster parent and every family member must repeat the exam yearly to remain in
				compliance. All members of the household older than twelve (12) years shall
				receive a Mantoux skin test for tuberculosis and thereafter must repeat the
				test yearly to meet the standards for re-certification. Household members with
				a positive skin test must provide documentation every year certifying that they
				are free from communicable tuberculosis; [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
* Physical Disabilities - Physical disabilities of any of the
				family members will be evaluated to determine the effect, if any, the
				disability has on the family's ability to provide adequate care for a child and
				how the disability may affect a child's adjustment to the family;
Marriage and Divorce - Proof of marriage and evidence of stable
				marriage of at least two (2) years duration and stable family situation; proof
				of divorce for at least 1 (one) year. Staff may request an Alternative
				Compliance if the prospective foster parent has been divorced for less than one
				year and meets all other licensing standards. If foster parents divorce, the
				Resource Worker will complete a re-evaluation of the home and obtain an
				Alternative Compliance.
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] In situations where an unmarried foster
				parent has plans to marry, the CWAL board shall be petitioned to grant an
				alternative compliance. DCFS staff must ensure that the future spouse is
				interviewed to discuss his/her compliance with the "Personal Characteristics"
				outlined in Pub-22 "Standards for Approval of Family Foster Homes." The
				intended spouse must have all background checks completed with the results.
				Once this is completed, a request for an alternative compliance must be sent to
				the DCFS Director for approval before the future spouse can be approved for
				training. The alternative compliance request must include clear documentation
				concerning the stability of the relationship between the foster parent and
				future spouse. The DCFS Director will not approve any request for alternative
				compliances to go before the licensing board unless there is clear
				documentation on the stability of the future spouse and stability of the
				relationship. Some examples of the stability of the relationship are length of
				time of relationship, length of engagement, where the couple plans to live;
				whether other children are involved, and the impact of the relationship on the
				foster children or other children involved. If the DCFS Director approves the
				alternative compliance to go before the licensing board, the future spouse can
				be scheduled for Foster Adopt Pride training. All unmarried foster parents must
				notify the Division as soon as they are aware of any plans to marry so that the
				application process can be initiated on the intended spouse. The foster parent
				must understand that the Division must obtain an alternative compliance before
				the intended spouse can take on the role as a foster parent and reside with
				foster children. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
* [RIGHT POINTING INDEX] Family Composition - A Foster home may
				have up to eight (8) children in their home. This may consist of up to five (5)
				un-related children in foster care, and up to three of the foster parent's own
				children. Or in the case of sibling groups, the foster home may have up to
				eight related children in foster care. In this instance, the total number of
				the foster parent's children who reside in the home will determine the number
				of children from one sibling group that may be placed together in the
				home.
For example:
No children of the parents and 8 children in care who are all
				related
1 biological or adopted child of the parents and 7 children in
				care who are all related.
2 biological or adopted children of the parents and 6 children
				in care who are all related.
3 biological or adopted children of the parents and 5 children
				in care who are all related or unrelated. Including the foster parent's own
				children, the foster home may have no more than two children under age two and
				no more than three children under age six. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
* Parenting Ability - Ability to provide a nurturing family
				life experience for the child including guidance, intellectual stimulation,
				affection, and appropriate discipline;
* Employment - In two-parent homes where the parents are both
				employed outside the home or in a single-parent home where the parent is
				employed outside the home, careful consideration must be given to the age and
				characteristics of the children for whom the home wishes to provide care as
				well as to the family's plan for child care. Stable employment history is
				required of the primary wage earner in the family foster home. The family
				foster home shall not be licensed as a Child care Family Home;
* [RIGHT POINTING INDEX] Income - Evidence of stable income
				sufficient to meet the needs of one's family is required for approval. The
				foster family shall provide documentation of sufficient financial resources to
				meet their needs. The family shall have sufficient, reliable income to assure
				stability and security, without including the board payment. Management of
				income shall be considered more important than amount of income. Keeping
				children is foster care is not a profitable venture. [LEFT POINTING
				INDEX]
* Physical Standards - Location, condition, and physical layout
				of the home will be considered. Physical conditions of the home shall present
				no hazard to the safety or health of a child. The home should have two exterior
				doors situated to provide safe exit; 50 square feet of sleeping space per
				foster child; an opening window, large enough that the child can exit through
				it, in each bedroom where a foster child sleeps; stacking of baby beds is
				prohibited;
* A functional land-line telephone is required;
* Transportation - The family foster parents shall maintain a
				mode of transportation which complies with state motor vehicle laws and shall
				allow foster children to be transported only by a licensed driver and must have
				proof of current insurance. Reliance on others outside the family household
				will be considered for Relative placements and will require an Alternative
				Compliance. This resource must be identified in advance of provision of the
				transportation and the person must meet the same requirements as a foster
				parent (proof of licensure; proof of vehicle insurance; a valid vehicle safety
				record check; and a Central Registry check); foster children shall be
				transported only while wearing safety belts, or in child safety seats,
				according to Arkansas law;
* Home Environment - Cleanliness of the home will be
				considered;
* [RIGHT POINTING INDEX] Central Registry - A Child
				Maltreatment Central Registry Check will be conducted on family foster parent
				applicants and each member of the household age ten (10) years or older,
				including any state where either the applicant or household member work if
				different from their state of residence. A registry check will also be
				conducted in any other state where the applicant has worked or resided during
				the preceding six (6) years. The Division will repeat the Central Registry
				Checks every two (2) years. Successful completion is necessary before referral
				to foster family training. Expedited checks will be done on Provisional foster
				homes; [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
* [RIGHT POINTING INDEX] FBI Finger-print Based Criminal Record
				Check - A finger-print based FBI criminal background check will be conducted on
				foster parents and any other members of the household sixteen (16) years of age
				or older, excluding children in foster care. Conducting a finger-print based
				criminal record check is not necessary to open a provisional foster home; [LEFT
				POINTING INDEX]
* Criminal Record Check - An Arkansas State Police Criminal
				Record Check will be conducted on the family foster parents and all members of
				the household age fourteen (14) and older. The Division shall repeat the
				Criminal Record Check every five (5) years. Successful completion or approval
				of alternative compliance is necessary before referral to Adopt/Pride training;
				Pub.
				04,
Minimum Licensing Standards for Child
				Welfare Agencies
includes the Child Welfare Licensing Act which
				outlines Criminal Background results that cannot be presented to the Board for
				Alternative Compliance;
* [RIGHT POINTING INDEX] Motor Vehicle Safety Check - A motor
				vehicle safety check will be conducted on each household member who will be
				responsible for transporting foster children. Each member must have a current,
				valid driver's license. The foster family members must be in compliance with
				the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Safety program. DCFS will check the driving record
				(violation points) for each potential foster parent. The Arkansas State Vehicle
				Safety Program sets the maximum number of traffic violation points a foster
				parent may be allowed. It is the foster family's responsibility to report any
				traffic violations to their Resource Worker within twenty-four (24) hours;
				[LEFT POINTING INDEX]
* References - A minimum of 3 references familiar with one's
				child caring experiences and practices will be contacted regarding the
				character and ability to provide for children.
* [RIGHT POINTING INDEX] Smoking
DCFS policy is that second hand smoke is detrimental to a
				child's health and the presumption will be that it is not in a child's best
				interest to be placed in a foster home that permits smoking in the presence of
				a child in foster care. To rebut this presumption, the worker must clearly
				identify why it is in the child's best interest to be exposed to second hand
				smoke.
DCFS shall not place or permit a child in foster care to
				remain in any foster home if the foster parent smokes or allows anyone else to
				smoke in the presence of any child in foster care unless it is in the child's
				best interest to be placed in or remain in the foster home.
All foster parents will complete DCFS form Foster Parent
				Smoking Certification, CFS-363 and identify if the foster parents will permit
				smoking in the presence of a child in foster care.
Foster parents will indicate if smokers in the home or who
				visit the home will be permitted to smoke while in the presence of a child in
				foster care. If the foster parent indicates smoking will not occur in the
				presence of a child in foster care, then children in foster care may be placed
				in this foster home and DCFS will designate the home a "non-smoking" foster
				home.
If a foster parent indicates that smoking will occur in the
				presence of a child in foster care, the foster home will be designated a
				"smoking" foster home and no child may be placed or remain in the foster home
				unless it is in the child's best interest to be placed in or remain in the
				foster home.
The Area Manager will sign and submit the CFS-363 along with
				any supporting documentation for review and signature to the Assistant Director
				of Community Services requesting a finding that it is in the child's best
				interest to be placed in or remain in a smoking foster home. No child in foster
				care shall be placed in a smoking foster home without a waiver from the
				Assistant Director of Community Services.
For children in foster care who are currently in smoking
				foster homes, the worker shall make an individual assessment of each child's
				case and determine if it is in the child's best interest to remain in the
				smoking foster home. If so, the Area Manager shall complete a CFS-363 and
				submit the form along with any supporting documentation to the Assistant
				Director of Community Services requesting a finding that it is in the child's
				best interest to remain in the smoking foster home. If it is not in the child's
				best interest to remain in the smoking foster home, a plan shall immediately be
				developed to properly transition the child to a non-smoking foster home.
State law prohibits smoking in a vehicle if a child in the car
				is under the age of six (6) and weighs less than sixty (60) pounds. Thus, no
				foster parent or DCFS employee may smoke in the vehicle when transporting a
				child in foster care who is under the age of six and weighs less than 60
				pounds.
In accordance with A.C.A.
				20-27-1804, smoking is prohibited
				in all vehicles and enclosed areas owned, leased or operated by the State of
				Arkansas, its agencies and authorities. Therefore, DCFS staff may not smoke in
				a state vehicle OR in their private vehicle when a child in foster care is
				present. Foster parents are strongly discouraged from smoking in a vehicle when
				a child in foster care is present. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
Alternative Compliance & Waiver
				Requests
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] DCFS bases its standards of care and
				character on the Child Welfare Agency Licensing Act (CWALA). If it is believed
				that an applicant to become a foster parent possesses special abilities or
				circumstances which would make them good foster parents in spite of their
				inability to meet a standard, the county office may request an approval for
				alternative compliance or a waiver from policy.
An alternative compliance is a request for approval from the
				Child Welfare Agency Review Board (CWARB) to allow a licensee to deviate from
				the letter of a regulation, provided that the licensee has demonstrated how an
				alternate plan of compliance will meet or exceed the intent of the regulation.
				What is proposed as an alternative to compliance with policy or standards will
				comply with the intent, if not the actual requirement.
A Policy Waiver Request is a request to deviate from the
				letter of the DCFS Policy, procedures and standards. Waiver requests may be
				approved by the Director of DCFS.
All policy waiver and alternative compliance requests will be
				approved or denied based on the individual circumstances of the foster parent
				applicant. Safety and welfare of the child(ren) involved will be
				paramount.
If a foster parent or applicant has questions or concerns
				regarding alternative compliance or waiver requests, they should consult their
				Resource Worker. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
Training
DCFS recognizes the child's right to be placed in a home able
				to deal with the special problems and traumas of out-of-home care. Foster
				parenting is a specialized field, different from parenting one's own children,
				and for which special training is essential. As foster parenting is far too
				complex to be covered in one course, DCFS will provide opportunities for
				training of prospective family foster parents and training related to the
				special needs of children in out-of-home placements. An individualized training
				plan will be developed taking into consideration the age and characteristics of
				children for whom the foster parent has expressed preferences.
Pre-Service Family Foster Parent Training
Successful completion of the assessment and, if applicable,
				approval of alternative compliance or policy waiver, is necessary before
				referral to foster family training. Training of prospective Family Foster
				Parents, Provisional Foster Parents and Relative Foster Parents will be done by
				using group processes, but may be done on an individual basis when necessary.
				All family foster parents shall complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service
				training prior to accepting the first child. In addition to the 30 hours of
				pre-service training, the foster parent(s) shall have current CPR and First Aid
				Training. No child will be placed in the foster home until the foster parent(s)
				has obtained CPR Certification and completed First Aid training.
First Aid and CPR training and certification will only be
				accepted from a certified trainer associated with the American Heart
				Association, the National Safety Council or the American Red Cross. First Aid
				training provided through the National Safety Council must be the Standard
				First Aid, not Basic First Aid. All CPR classes must cover infant, child and
				adult methods. Prospective foster parents must obtain a certification card from
				the trainer representing the certifying national organization. DCFS staff will
				coordinate the CPR and First Aid training with the national
				organization.
Continuing Education
DCFS will require participation in local educational and
				training opportunities. Each family foster parent shall annually participate in
				a minimum of 15 hours of approved training. This additional 15 hours becomes
				due at the end of the second year that a foster home is in operation. The same
				training classes cannot be repeated yearly. Training classes may cover a wide
				range of topics related to parenting, child development, behavior problems,
				medical needs, etc., and may be offered by educational systems (college,
				university, local school system), Health Department, Community Mental Health
				Centers, the Foster Parent Association and others. Special TV programs related
				to child abuse, parenting adolescents, etc. may also be considered training.
				However, videos, TV programs, online courses and books are only accepted on a
				limited basis. No more than 5 hours of videos, books, or online courses or TV
				programs for each foster parent will be accepted per year and must have prior
				approval by the Area Manager or their designee. To be considered as training
				these programs must be discussed with the Resource Worker assigned to the
				family foster parents and receive prior approval before the program is viewed.
				Participation shall then be documented in the family foster home case record.
				The DCFS County Office will inform all foster parents of any training and
				educational opportunities known to them. CPR training is not allowed to be
				counted toward the required fifteen (15) hours. The CPR requirement may not be
				taken on-line.
A statewide foster parent training conference and area wide
				conferences are held yearly, if funds are available, to give foster families
				and Relative foster families the opportunity to obtain the required hours. Both
				in-state and out-of-state conferences may be considered training. Funds may be
				available to defray expenses for these educational opportunities. Prior
				approval is required for reimbursement. Contact a Resource Worker.
The appropriate DCFS County Office will maintain the training
				record, both DCFS and non-DCFS sponsored. Foster parents are responsible for
				reporting to their Resource Worker participation in non-DCFS sponsored
				training. Evidence of attendance (training certificate, etc.) will be needed to
				document participation.
Both travel and baby-sitting expenses incurred when attending
				mandatory local and DCFS sponsored training are reimbursable. One's Resource
				Worker must be contacted prior to the training for approval of such
				expenses.
Reevaluation of Family Foster Homes
The Resource Worker will monitor the foster family home at
				least quarterly for continued compliance with the Standards of Approval for
				foster homes and complete the Checklist for Compliance, CFS-475 (F).
Family foster homes must be reevaluated annually (i.e., no
				later than the anniversary month of the family foster home's approval), to
				assure that they continue to meet all standards and policy requirements. Any
				family foster home that does not continue to meet standards will be closed. The
				Resource Worker or designee will formally review each foster home and complete
				a Checklist for Ongoing Monitoring, CFS-475 (A-C) and the Family Foster Parent
				Reevaluation, CFS-451. The review will be filed in the family foster home
				record
This reevaluation is necessary to ensure that changes in the
				family, either physical changes or changes in attitudes, do not adversely
				affect children placed in that home. After having actually experienced foster
				children in the home, one may have very different feelings about family foster
				parenting and the ability to work with different types of children. The
				opportunity will be provided to express any changes in feelings subsequent to
				the last approval, evaluation, or reevaluation. Also, one's Resource Worker may
				assess the family's ability as shown by past experiences with foster children.
				This information will be recorded in the foster family record to be used by any
				Resource Worker placing or supervising a child in that home.
The family foster parent reevaluation packet will be mailed or
				hand-delivered to be completed prior to the home visit by the resource worker.
				The resource worker will make an appointment to conduct the reevaluation,
				review the completed packet, and interview the family. The foster parent
				reevaluation form will be filed in the family record and a narrative entry will
				also be made in the record that reflects the resource worker's assessment of
				the following items:
* Continued compliance with Family Foster Home
				Standards;
* Continuing education compliance;
* The foster parent has maintained current CPR Certification
				and First Aid training;
* How the family has met the needs of the children placed,
				including physical, emotional, educational and recreational needs;
* Identification of persons in the home at the time of the
				reevaluation;
* Attitudes toward birth/legal parents;
* Impressions and Evaluation;
* Objective evaluation of present and future capacity as a
				family foster home;
* Strong points of the family foster home;
* Weak points of the family foster home;
* How the family has met the needs of the children placed in
				the home;
* Health and Financial Status;
* Declaration on status of other applicable requirements, such
				as physician's exam, TB test, Criminal record checks, motor vehicle check and
				telephone;
* Recommendations;
* Age, sex, and special characteristics of children who should
				be placed in the home;
* Problems which can and cannot be handled;
* Recommended length of placement desirable.
(For reference, see the Re-evaluation Form, CFS-451)
The Foster Parent Resource Worker will notify the family of the
				disposition of the reevaluation in writing within 10 days. When re-approved,
				one will receive a Family Foster Home Re-evaluation Letter.
A reevaluation of a family foster home shall be conducted
				whenever there is a major change in the lives of family foster parents
				including, but not limited to:
* A death or serious illness among the members of the foster
				family;
* Separation or divorce;
* Loss of or change in employment;
* Change in residence;
* Suspected abuse or neglect of any child;
* Addition of family members; e.g., birth, adoption, aging
				relatives moving in Criminal or traffic offenses
SUPPORT TO FOSTER FAMILIES AND RELATIVE FAMILY FOSTER
				HOMES
As an integral part of DCFS delivery system, one can expect
				support from DCFS in the form of training, in-home contacts, case consultation,
				board payments, special services to children in one's care, and recognition and
				acknowledgment of these efforts.
When a foster parent requests that a foster child be removed
				from their home, excluding an emergency that places the child or a family
				member at risk of harm, the foster parent will be expected to attend a staffing
				to discuss what services or assistance may be needed to stabilize the
				placement. The staffing will be held within 48 hours of notification by the
				foster parent to remove the child from their home. The age-appropriate foster
				child, the child's attorney ad litem and a CASA, if appointed to the case, the
				parents, or guardian, and all parties' attorneys shall be notified so that they
				can attend and participate in the staffing and planning for the child's
				placement. If the placement cannot be stabilized the foster parent will
				continue to provide for the foster child until an appropriate alternative
				placement is located, but this shall not be longer than five (5) business
				days.
Foster parents primarily work with three different DCFS staff
				positions. These are the Family Service Worker, the Foster Parent Resource
				Worker, and in some instances, the Foster Parent Ombudsman. To better
				understand the goals of foster care and how these staff members work as a team
				and interact with the goal of providing the best overall experience for foster
				children, the following brief job descriptions are offered.
The Family Service Worker
The Family Service Worker is primarily responsible for working
				with the foster child and his or her biological or legal family. They work to
				correct problems in the home of the biological parent or legal guardian with
				the goal of preventing the need for removal and, if removing a child from their
				home is necessary, then reunifying the child and family.
In the course of serving the needs of any foster child in their
				care, the Family Service Worker will visit frequently in the home. When the
				Family Service Worker visits the home, the main objective is to discuss the
				case plan, any changes in the plan, or specific problems with the placement.
				The foster parents are not expected to have answers to all problems, neither is
				the Family Service Worker. Foster parents have the child-raising experience;
				the Family Service Worker has the objective knowledge about foster children.
				Together, solutions are found.
The Family Service Worker is not expecting to be a formal guest
				in the home. Nor should the Family Service Worker be a casual acquaintance or a
				"best friend". The relationship is most positive when it is pleasantly
				professional. Problems with the Family Service Worker visiting occur when
				family foster parents, and/or foster child, do not know the purpose of the
				visit. Problems also arise when the Family Service Worker is seen as a negative
				authority person. For example, threatening the child with "if you're not good
				I'll call the worker", or perceiving the Family Service Worker as someone who
				will solve all the problems, i.e., "We'll call the worker; she'll take care of
				everything," is not productive. This does not support the team approach and it
				undermines the foster family's authority. Foster parents and the Family Service
				Worker are partners working together. This partnership works best when each
				person presents the other to the child as a positive influence in that child's
				life, each one bringing his or her contribution to the effort taking place on
				behalf of the child.
The following are some of the responsibilities of the Family
				Service Worker:
* Providing protective services, foster care, and supportive
				services for abused and/or neglected children;
* Providing assistance in investigating suspected child abuse
				and neglect complaints to determine if allegations can be substantiated by
				making on-site visits, securing background information, and interviewing
				parties involved;
* Documenting all casework activities for children in foster
				care whose cases they are assigned;
* Providing assistance in developing case plans to establish
				goals, objectives, tasks, and time frames for all parties involved;
* Recruiting families, providing assistance in conducting home
				studies and family assessments to determine appropriate child placements, and
				visits clients and/or foster parents to monitor progress toward case
				objectives;
* Performing any other related responsibilities as required to
				further the goal of a therapeutic experience for children in protective
				services and foster care; and,
* The Family Service Worker has regular contact with clients,
				law enforcement officials, medical personnel, teachers, child care personnel,
				foster parents, agency and private attorneys, and the general public.
The Foster Parent Resource Worker
The Foster Parent Resource Worker is responsible for overseeing
				the operation of all foster family homes. Each DCFS service area has an
				assigned Foster Parent Resource Worker who serves as an advocate for the foster
				parent. The Foster Parent Resource Worker is responsible for recruitment of
				foster families, facilitating new provider orientations, training sessions,
				both new and on-going, and other licensing and education requirements. They
				monitor compliance, provide case management to promote foster home retention,
				provide support, facilitate corrective action, develop resources, and assess
				homes that are not in compliance as well as work with those homes and families,
				and provide other types of general support to care providers within their
				area.
The Foster Family Resource Worker's assistance to the foster
				care family includes, but is not limited to the following:
* Conducting interviews for the purpose of gathering social
				histories or other needed information to assess for eligilbity or
				appropriateness of referral;
* Administering background checks;
* Responding to adoption inquiries and refer, when appropriate,
				to adoption staff;
* Conducting quarterly foster home visits for monitoring
				continued compliance, appropriateness and suitability;
* Completing annual evaluation of each home that is in the
				provider pool;
* Checking for licensing compliance;
* Following up corrective action for homes that are out of
				compliance;
* Responding to requests from foster parents as they need
				requried logs and/or on-call lists, etc;
* Creating Family Development Plans for continued inservice
				training and conducting make up training as needed;
* Conducting health and safety assessments as needed (only in
				regard to licensing complaints-non maltreatment) and other licensing standard
				compliance.
* Assisting in the development of foster parent support
				groups/associations and participating in the Annual foster parent mini
				conference.
* Visiting the foster home;
* Providing training information;
* Providing information regarding available resources;
				and,
* Performing any other duties identified by the Area Manager
				that will promote the success of the foster home.
The Foster Parent Resource Worker will work with the foster
				parents to improve the overall working relations between DCFS and the Foster
				Parent Association.
Foster Parent Ombudsman
The Foster Parent Ombudsman serves as a statewide advocate for
				foster parents and assists with providing training, updates, and support to the
				Foster Parent Associations.
Some of the duties include:
* Receiving phone calls, emails, or letters regarding
				complaints and problems the foster parents are experiencing (wide range of
				calls and issues such as licensing standards, staff complaints, travel
				reimbursement, adoption issues)
* Attending and facilitating Foster Parent Association support
				group meetings (provide training/continuing education, updates on DCFS
				policies, answer general questions about the agency)
The Foster Parent Ombudsman may be contacted if the foster
				parent has a complaint; however, the Ombudsman is not part of the official
				grievance procedure. (See the section on Family Foster Parents Grievance
				Procedure for further clarification.)
Visits to Family Foster Home
The Family Service Worker overseeing the care of individual
				children in the foster home will make at least weekly visits that take place in
				the home during the first month of placement. After the first month, the Family
				Service Worker must make weekly contact with the foster child at school, or
				during sibling or parental visits, but must continue to visit the home at least
				monthly. In most instances, visits will be scheduled with the foster parents.
				However, unannounced visits will be made to the foster home. The Foster Parent
				Resource worker overseeing the operation of one's home as a foster care
				resource will visit the home at least quarterly. More frequent visitation may
				be made to the home to help solve problems.
The visits will be used to relay necessary information to the
				child and to allow the foster parents to voice their feelings about the
				placement and subsequent adjustment jointly, as well as, privately, and to
				ascertain if the needs of that particular child are being met. Each visit will
				include a private conversation with the child away from the foster parent.
				Another purpose of home visits is to monitor continued compliance with Family
				Foster Home Standards. These visits may be scheduled or unannounced.
Availability of DCFS Family Service Worker and Foster
				Family Resource Worker to Foster Families
For foster parenting to be a
				successful experience, one must have access to the Family Service Worker and
				Foster Family Resource Worker. If either of these staff members is absent from
				the office when telephoned, calls will be returned promptly. If a visit is
				necessary, it will be scheduled.
Telephone numbers of the Foster Family Resource Worker who may
				be contacted after hours will be furnished (See section on DCFS County Office
				contact persons in the back of this Handbook). After-hours contact should be
				used for emergencies only. Also, information will be provided which may be
				needed for the child in the home in an emergency situation, such as the child's
				Medicaid number and Medical Passport. At the time of placement all information
				known about the child will be provided, such as: expected length of stay,
				information regarding illnesses, chronic health problems, medication, habits,
				etc.
Crisis and After Hours Response
Foster parents will have access to a Family Service Worker in
				their county twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A list of after hours
				numbers (on-call pager/cell phone numbers) where the local on-call Family
				Service Worker can be reached will be provided. If the after hours call
				requires a direct contact with the child's Family Service Worker, the on-call
				worker will provide the assigned Family Service Worker's home phone number or
				will contact the assigned worker and have that worker make contact.
Child care for Foster Children
Generally pre-school age foster children should not be placed
				in a two-parent foster home where both of the foster parents are employed
				outside the home, or, in a single-parent foster home where the sole parent is
				employed outside the home. Child care may be authorized for a child in foster
				care if child care is determined to be appropriate as part of the case plan or
				if court-ordered. Appropriate reasons include:
1) illness or other emergency in the foster
			 home,
2) socialization and
			 therapeutic benefits for the child, or
3) to ensure the child may be placed in a
			 foster home in his/her county or in close proximity to his home. In the case of
			 illness or other emergency in the foster home, the possibility and impact of
			 another foster home placement upon the child should be weighed along with the
			 anticipated length of the existing problem in the home. When seeking approval
			 for child care in order to help the foster child with socialization and assist
			 with therapeutic purposes, the opinion of a physician shall be obtained to
			 support the need for the child care services. The service may be authorized for
			 up to three (3) months at a time. Child care can only be provided by DCFS when
			 resources are available. The foster parent must use a Child care Provider who
			 is on the voucher system, and shall consult the Family Service Worker about
			 child care approval prior to selecting a child care provider or using child
			 care. If child care services are sought for foster children, the child care
			 facility/home must be licensed by The Division of Childcare and Early Childhood
			 Education or on the Voluntary Child Care Registry.
Counseling
Where there is a need for counseling services for the family
				foster home to prevent disruption and to promote stabilization, counseling
				shall be provided. Requests for counseling are made to the Family Service
				Worker, who is responsible for making that referral to the appropriate
				Community Mental Health Center.
Respite Care
Respite care is available to foster parents in areas where a
				contract for respite care is in place. In areas where a contract is not in
				place, foster parents may provide respite care for each other. If the foster
				parent elects to use another foster parent for respite, the board payment will
				be keyed to the foster parent who is providing the respite care. If the service
				is provided by a contractor, the board payment of the foster family will not be
				effected.
To use this service, contact the Family Service Worker. The
				Area Manager or their designee must approve all requests.
Transportation
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] Foster families should have their own
				transportation available to transport the child to
				appointments/activities.
Transportation costs such as attending staffings, court,
				visits with parents or siblings, and all medical appointments will be
				reimbursed, (other extraordinary costs may be approved on a case by case
				basis).
Room and board payments include routine travel expenses. As
				such, transportation will not be reimbursed for shopping for clothes or
				groceries, taking a child to school, school activities or church (unless prior
				approval has been obtained based on special circumstances), or daycare (unless
				it is a Medicaid allowable expense).
Extraordinary circumstances might include situations in which
				a child may wish to attend a church other than that of a foster parent and
				travelling to his church would require a significant deviation from the route
				taken to the church attended by a foster parent. The Assistant Director of
				Community Services will consider for approval all written requests. Approval
				will be made based on individual situations and will be given only for
				specified time periods.
Transportation costs are reimbursed to foster parents at a
				rate determined by the Department. The family foster parent completes a travel
				reimbursement form (TR-1) and submits it to the County Travel Supervisor for
				approval and processing. When determining miles driven from city to city for
				mileage reimbursement, please use the Rand McNally online services at
http://www.randmcnally.com/
.
				Then use the drop down tab, click on map and directions, and then online
				driving directions.
Requests for travel reimbursement must be submitted on a
				monthly basis. Requests for reimbursement for medical and independent living
				transportation must be submitted on separate TR-1 forms. [LEFT POINTING
				INDEX]
Medical Transportation
The foster family will complete a TR-1 for regular travel and a
				separate TR-1 for Medicaid travel, e.g., when a child is taken to receive
				services from a medical provider. When the foster parent needs assistance with
				transportation, the foster parent should contact the Family Service Worker as
				soon as possible. The Family Service Worker, a Social Service Aide, or a
				volunteer transporter may be assigned to assist with travel.
Independent Living Travel
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] The foster family may be reimbursed for
				transporting youth to Independent Living workshops and life skills training
				sessions. Refer to Pub 404 for additional information. [LEFT POINTING
				INDEX]
Community Resources
The DHS County Office will inform all foster parents about
				available resources in the community as well as resources in other areas which
				may be relevant to a particular child. This information will be updated as new
				services become available.
It will be the responsibility of DCFS to pursue any resource
				needed for a child which is mutually agreed upon. Foster parent's assistance
				may be enlisted for this purpose.
Family Foster Parent Associations
The formation of active and independent family foster parent
				associations is encouraged.
DCFS will provide support by the appointment of a DHS Resource
				Worker to the association. A DCFS representative will also be available when
				called upon to provide information about the Foster Care Program and allow
				foster parents to voice any concerns they may have with the policies of
				DCFS.
Income Tax Information
Board payments paid to foster parents are not considered
				taxable income by the Internal Revenue Services. Current tax laws may allow
				special treatment for foster parents. Because IRS laws are complex and subject
				to change from year to year, for specific tax advice foster parents should
				refer to Publication 17, "Your Federal Income Tax", or consult with an
				accountant or tax specialist.
Family Foster Parents Grievance Procedure
You have the right to appeal decisions affecting you and the
				operation of your home. Most problems can be solved at the local level if you
				and your Family Service Worker keep each other informed about matters of
				interest and importance pertaining to the child. It is most important for
				foster parents and Family Service Workers to discuss and work out issues and
				problems as they occur. If two way communication is maintained, it will
				facilitate problem solving.
All complaints may not be grievable and while the DCFS County
				Office will make every effort to reconcile every disagreement, some situations
				may not be reconcilable. Such situations result in decisions being made by the
				DCFS County Office based on current policy and procedure, for example closing
				the foster home due to the advancing age of the foster parents.
Examples of issues that you may want to take through the
				Grievance Procedure are:
* Removal of a child from the foster home without appropriate
				cause and/or without appropriate notice.
* Visits without preparation and/or notice.
* Failure by DCFS to share appropriate information.
* Failure by DCFS to provide necessary support; i.e., failure
				to return phone calls or habitually being unavailable when needed. This area
				includes such things as failure to help with initial clothing or problems with
				the child, medical/Medicaid coverage and/or providers.
* Failure by the DCFS to keep the terms of the initial written
				agreement with the foster home; i.e., CFS-462 (Initial Foster Home Agreement)
				and the CFS-462A (Foster Home Agreement Addendum).
Prior to filing a grievance, you should request an informal
				discussion of the problem with your Family Service Worker and the immediate
				supervisor. If the problem is not resolved at this point and the issue is a
				grievable one then you may file a grievance according to the procedures listed
				below. Any time frame specified within the grievance procedures may be modified
				by mutual consent and notification to all involved parties.
If after you have discussed your grievance with your Family
				Service Worker and the supervisor and if you believe that DCFS has failed to
				uphold its policies and philosophies, then, you must state your grievance in
				writing and submit it to the DCFS County Office Supervisor in the county where
				you live thirty (30) days from the date the grievable action occurred. The DCFS
				County Office Supervisor will schedule a meeting with you within ten (10)
				working days of the receipt of your written grievance and attempt to resolve
				the problem.
If you are not satisfied with the results of this meeting, a
				copy of the grievance and written reports of the previous two (2) meetings will
				be forwarded to the Foster Care Unit, Central Office. A Grievance Committee
				hearing will be scheduled within ten (10) working days. The hearing will be
				held in the county where you live.
The Grievance Committee will be composed of three persons: A
				representative selected by the DCFS County Office, a representative selected by
				you, and a representative selected by DHS Central Office. You may also select
				an individual (such as an attorney, friend, or relative) to present your case.
				The Grievance Committee member selected by the DCFS County Office will not be
				from the county where you live or any individual who is within the direct chain
				of authority for the resident county. During the hearing, all parties will be
				given an opportunity to present their side of the problem.
The Grievance Committee will submit their findings and
				recommendation(s) within twenty (20) working days from the date of the
				Grievance Hearing to the Assistant Director of Community Services.
You and the DCFS County Office will be notified, in writing, by
				the appropriate decision-making personnel of the decision within ten (10)
				working days from the date the Grievance Committee's findings and
				recommendation(s) are submitted.
If corrective action is required by the DCFS County Office, the
				corrective action will begin no later than ten (10) working days after the DCFS
				County Office and you are notified of the decision. A written report of
				completed action will be submitted to Central Office no later than thirty (30)
				days after corrective action has commenced. If corrective action has not been
				finalized within the 30 day time frame, an interim report will be submitted by
				the DCFS County Office every 30 days until completed.
If corrective action is required by you, you must indicate the
				steps necessary to correct the deficiency within ten (10) days after
				notification from the appropriate decision-making personnel. This corrective
				action plan must receive the approval of the DCFS County Office Supervisor. You
				will notify your local DCFS County Office and DHS Central Office within sixty
				(60) days of the original findings being received, that all corrective steps
				have been accomplished. In the absence of said notification from you, it will
				be presumed that you have elected not to comply with the findings of the
				appropriate decision-making personnel.
The decision of the appropriate decision-making personnel will
				be considered final, and no other appeal procedure within DHS is
				appropriate.
REPORTS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT INVOLVING MEMBERS OF FOSTER
				FAMILY HOMES
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] All child maltreatment allegations
				concerning any person in a foster home shall be investigated in accordance with
				the Child Maltreatment Act §
								12-12-509.
If any child in foster care is the subject (alleged offender
				or alleged victim) of an allegation of child maltreatment, the Division shall
				notify the child's family, the OCC attorney, Child Abuse Hotline, the CASA and
				the attorney ad litem. The attorneys ad litem for all other children placed in
				the home shall be notified as well.
The safety and welfare of any children in foster care shall be
				paramount. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
COMPLAINTS AGAINST FOSTER FAMILY OTHER THAN CHILD
				MALTREATMENT
Any complaint against the foster parent will immediately be
				brought to the attention of the DCFS County Office Supervisor or Area
				Manager.
After the investigation has determined the validity of the
				complaint, one will be advised, in writing, of the complaint, the outcome of
				the investigation, any corrective action needed to be made, and any other
				action that will be taken. An agreement will be made between the foster
				parent(s) and their Foster Family Resource Worker for corrective action. The
				foster parent(s) must submit in writing the steps necessary to correct the
				deficiency within ten (10) days after notification from the appropriate
				decision-making personnel, or submit application applying for alternative
				compliance (see section on alternative compliance). This corrective action plan
				must receive the approval of the DCFS County Office Supervisor. Foster parents
				will notify their local DCFS County Office and DCFS Central Office within
				thirty (30) days of the original findings being received, and that all
				corrective steps have been accomplished. In the absence of said notification
				from the foster parents, it will be presumed that they have elected not to
				comply with the findings of the appropriate decision-making personnel.
DCFS will offer any assistance available to correct the
				problem. If, after working with the foster parents, the problem still exists,
				another meeting will be held to discuss closing the home.
Any complaint, regardless of nature, must be recorded in detail
				in foster homes record.
The report will include the following information:
1. Date and nature of complaint;
2. Source of complaint;
3. Reaction of the foster family;
4. Services offered to the family;
5. Conclusion of investigation; and
6. Corrective action.
CLOSING A FAMILY FOSTER HOME
Division's Decision
If it is deemed necessary by the DCFS County Office to close a
				foster home, a written summary will be prepared documenting past and present
				reasons for closure as well as all efforts by the DCFS County Office to
				eliminate the problem. The final assessment and determination of closure will
				be made by the Resource Worker and with assistance from designated county
				staff, the Area Manager and DCFS Central Office staff, if appropriate. The
				closure process will include a mandatory face-to-face conference with the
				foster parent(s) at which time reasons for the closure will be explained. The
				DCFS County Office will provide written notification of the closure including
				the reasons for the closure and one's right to appeal the decision by filing a
				grievance (For additional information, see Foster Parent Grievance Information
				Section).
By Request of Foster Family
If the foster family requests that their home be closed as a
				foster home, the Resource Worker will discuss the reasons for closure with the
				foster parents. The request for closure by the foster parents will be confirmed
				in writing by the Resource Worker and sent to the foster parents.
After a home has been closed at the request of the foster
				family, if the family wishes to re-open their home, the family and home must be
				reevaluated to insure that all areas of compliance are still met, and all
				criminal checks must be repeated.
If the family wishes to re-open their home within 5 years of
				their request to close it and discontinue providing foster care, the foster
				parents will not need to repeat the Foster Pride Adopt Pride Training.
FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT
Legal Factors Pertaining to Foster Care
All children entering foster care do so under authorization by
				the Court.
Legal custody constitutes authorization by the court for DCFS
				to assume physical control of a child. A child will never be placed in foster
				care without legal custody.
Arkansas Code Annotated §
								9-27-313 authorizes the Division to
				take emergency seventy-two (72) hour legal custody of any child who is in
				immediate danger when there is not sufficient time to petition for and obtain a
				court order.
Termination of parental rights with the power to consent to
				adoption is primarily granted in cases where the child cannot return home.
				Adoption may then occur without further notice to the birth/legal
				parents.
Selection of a Foster Care Home
Based on information from the family assessment the Family
				Service Worker will select the foster care home that best meets the child's
				needs.
The law requires that a child be placed in the least
				restrictive, most family like environment possible. A child will also be placed
				as close to his birth/legal parents as possible. Placement should be in the
				same county, unless the child needs special services not available in their
				originating county. This is to help facilitate visits with parents, siblings,
				relatives, or other people with whom the child has established bonds and
				supportive relationships. Factors taken into consideration in selecting a
				foster care home include the child's age, sex, religion, disabilities,
				interests, problems, existence as part of a sibling group, case plan, proximity
				to family (within a fifty mile radius), maintaining enrollment in the child's
				school, developmental needs of the child and, training and skills of foster
				parents. Consideration will be given to the foster parent's preferences as to
				children approved for their home. There will be no violation of the limitations
				of these preferences.
The Family Foster Home and Relative Foster
				Home
Family foster care and relative foster homes offer a less
				restrictive environment than other types of out-of-home placement and are
				particularly adapted to meet the developmental needs of a child.
A foster home is suitable for any child who can accept family
				life, attend community schools, and live in the community without posing a
				danger to self or others. This includes children with special needs.
Preparing the Family Foster Parents for Placement of a
				Child
The Family Service Worker will realistically describe the
				foster child to the foster parent when asking a family to accept a child.
				However, sometimes in emergency situations, all information may not be
				known.
The following will be included in the child's
				description:
* Age;
* Probable length of placement;
* Education and school information;
* Health of child, special health needs;
* Handicaps, special equipment, facilities, or help
				needed;
* Behavior, both positive and negative, that can be
				expected;
* Siblings and where located;
* Major reason the child is in foster care;
A general indication of the case plan including the plan for
				visitation of both parents and any siblings; and, Interests.
This information is confidential and should be treated as
				such.
The Family Service Worker will arrange pre-placement visits
				between the child and the foster family. Several visits are preferred, but a
				minimum of one pre-placement visit is required except in emergencies.
The Family Service Worker will know or at least meet the foster
				parents before taking a child for pre-placement or placement visits in a
				provider's home.
The Family Service Worker will discuss these
				pre-placement issues:
* [RIGHT POINTING INDEX] General requirements regarding the
				number of children that reside in the foster home, [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
* Where the child will be in school, how the child will get to
				school, arrangement for the transfer of school records, who will have a
				conference with the teacher or principal;
* Activities, toys, etc. the child enjoys, the child's likes,
				and fears the child may have;
* Financial arrangements;
* The foster parent's feelings on the impending
				placement;
* The foster parent's perception of the child;
* Maintaining the child's records; and,
* Medical needs and issues.
Foster parent(s) shall maintain records in accordance with
				DCFS' procedures and forms for the children placed with the family. The records
				shall include:
a. Health Records:
* Name, address, and telephone number of a person to contact in
				case of emergency and those persons authorized to give medical consent;
* A record of the child's medical and dental appointments,
				illnesses and health problems, prescribed medications, shot record and
				hospitalizations (Medical Passport).
b. Progress Records:
* The dates of arrival and departure of the child in the foster
				home;
* Progress notes on those areas of the child's case plan as
				indicated in the written agreement in which foster parents are involved;
* Journal of the child regarding significant events;
* School reports;
* Significant photographs of the child taken periodically;
				and,
* A record of the child's memberships, and participation in
				extracurricular activities.
Foster Parent Resource Worker
The Resource Worker helps foster parents understand that the
				child is going through a series of changes. Among these are: separation from
				the birth/legal parents and interacting with DCFS personnel, a new family, and
				new surroundings. The child in care can experience anxiety as a result of these
				changes. The Foster Parent Resource Worker suggests to the foster parents ways
				to help the child move through these changes. The Family Service Worker will
				also assist the foster family through difficulties which occur, emphasizing
				that there will be good times and bad times during the placement, and that the
				bad times are no reflection on their parenting ability. In part, the goal of
				support from the resource worker is to help assure continuity for children who
				are placed in their home. In supporting the foster parents, the Foster Parent
				Resource Worker will work with them to help prevent the potential harm that can
				come to a child due to several moves.
Placement of Children by a Sheriff or Chief of
				Police
In an emergency situation, a Sheriff or Chief of Police may
				place children in a DCFS Foster home. The foster parent must be well known to
				the Sheriff or Chief of Police, and they must determine that the foster home is
				safe and provides adequate accommodations for the child. The foster parent must
				notify DCFS county staff on the next business day after the placement of the
				child.
FINANCES
Board Payment
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] DCFS makes a monthly board payment to
				foster parents. This monthly board payment includes payment for room and board,
				clothing, ongoing school and personal supplies, and a small allowance for the
				child. The amount listed below is included in the monthly board payment and
				must be used for the child. All medical and dental services, including
				hospitalization, will be paid by Medicaid funds and /or state funds. Foster
				parents are expected to use a Medicaid provider for meeting the medical needs
				of the child. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
Generally, foster parents receive the board payment between the
				6th and 10th of each month. Checks may be received as early as the
				27th of the month, although this is not guaranteed.
				The monthly board payment is for the period starting on the
				27th of the month and ending the
				26th of the following month. For example, October's
				board payment is for the thirty days that begin September
				27th and end on October
				26th.
Other services or supplies needed by the child must be
				authorized and approved per DCFS policy. (See section on additional
				expenses.)
Foster parents shall receive a monthly board rate according to
				the following chart:
Board Payment Chart
Birth through 5 years
$400.00 Monthly
Board and Care
345.00
Clothing
40.00
Personal Needs
15.00
6 through 11 years
$450.00 Monthly
Board and Care
365.00
Clothing
55.00
School and Personal Needs (Personal supplies;
						  allowance)
30.00
12 through 14 years
$475.00 Monthly
Board and Care
375.00
Clothing
65.00
School and Personal Needs
35.00
(Personal supplies; extracurricular activates,
						  allowance)
15 through 21 years
$425.00 Monthly
Board and Care
355.00
Clothing
45.00
School and Personal Needs (Personal supplies;
						  allowance)
25.00
Board rates are established as part of policy, and any
				exception must receive prior approval. (For more information, see section on
				Special Board Rates)
Clothing
When a child first enters foster care, the Division may issue
				an initial clothing order for the purchase of new clothing. Initial clothing
				orders will be issued on case-by-case basis. Not all children will need to
				purchase new clothing as they may come into care with ample clothes from their
				home. The Family Service Worker will assess what clothing items are needed and
				issue the authorized amount of clothing allowance. Purchases will be made using
				the DHS-1914 process, which requires submission to and approval by the
				Financial Support Unit. Upon approval, a typical scenario might involve the
				foster parent selecting clothing and leaving it with appropriate customer
				service staff of the store, where the FSW may present and pay for the
				merchandise.
Foster parents should use the following guidelines:
1. Foster parents shall provide, with the
			 assistance of the Division, each child with their own clean, well fitting,
			 attractive, seasonal clothing appropriate to age, sex, individual needs, and
			 comparable to the community standards.
2. Foster parents shall include the child in
			 the choosing of their own clothing whenever possible and age
			 appropriate.
3. Foster parents
			 shall allow the child to bring and acquire personal belongings. The foster
			 parent should establish and maintain a personal property inventory.
4. Clothing and personal needs money paid
			 monthly to foster parents is based on the age of the child. The foster parents
			 are to spend that amount of money for the child. Money may be spent monthly or
			 may be saved and used for a larger purchase at a later time
5. Foster parents shall send all personal
			 clothing and belongings with the child when the child leaves the foster home.
			 To facilitate this, the foster parent should maintain a clothing inventory.
If a child is absent from the foster home for hospitalization
				or a trial placement for 10 days or less and is to return to that home, no
				change of status is necessary. However, the child's Family Service Worker must
				always be advised of an absence from the home.
The agency pays according to the number of nights a child is in
				the foster home. Payment for stays of less than twenty-four (24) hours will be
				based upon a daily rate determined by the Division. If a child is in the home
				for part of a month, a partial board payment will be made.
Foster Child's Personal Allowance
The foster parent will give an allowance to the child from the
				board payment. The amount of the child's allowance is decided by the foster
				parent, based on the child's age.
Special Board Rates
There are occasions when the regular board rate is inadequate
				when caring for a child with special needs. Foster parents may identify and
				document those needs so that the Family Service Worker can request
				authorization from the Area Manager for a special board rate.
Overpayments to Family Foster Parents
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] From time to time, foster parents may be
				overpaid on a board payment. If this happens, during the next month, the
				computer system may automatically generate a correction. The amount of the
				overpayment will become an accounts receivable due from the foster parent if
				restitution is not made prior to the next payment cycle. Per funding source,
				each subsequent board payment will be offset until the amount of the
				overpayment is recouped. The funding source of the board payment (federal or
				state funds) will determine whether the over payment is deducted from the next
				board payment. If funds are from the same funding source, it will be deducted
				from the next board payment. If it is not deducted, the Office of Finance and
				Administrative Services will send a notice of overpayment. Account reviews are
				processed monthly and overpayment statements are normally sent monthly.
A foster parent may contact the Foster Care Technical
				Assistance Unit at
				501-682-8345 for help with any
				overpayment statement. The unit will research the overpayment and provide an
				explanation. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
Reduced Board Rates
A child's board rate may sometimes need to be reduced rather
				than increased. This applies to those children who are residents of a state
				institution; e.g., School for the Deaf or Blind/ Rehabilitation Training
				Facility, Human Development Center or who are attending college and for whom
				the case plan includes visits in the family foster home on weekends, holidays,
				or summer vacation. Board Payments will only be made for a child visiting in a
				foster home for the actual time the child is there.
Foster Care Payment and Eligibility for Assistance and
				Food Stamps
Board payments, made by DCFS for the care of children in homes
				of public assistance recipients, are not considered as a resource in
				determining eligibility for assistance or the amount of the grant. This payment
				is designated for certain purposes and is not available to the foster parents.
				For any foster parent applying for food stamps, a re-evaluation of stable
				income will take place. This may impact the approval status of the foster
				home.
School Lunches
Foster children are eligible for free meals in all schools
				which participate in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs and in the
				Commodity-only schools.
WIC Programs
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] The Women, Infants and Children Food
				Program, WIC, is administered by the Health Department. The program provides,
				on a monthly basis, nutritious foods for pregnant and nursing women and infants
				and children up to age 5 years. Eligibility is determined by a medical
				assessment of nutrition risks such as iron poor blood and improper growth, etc.
				Foods provided by WIC are supplemental and are not intended to fulfill all
				nutritional needs for a month. Foster children may be eligible for WIC. [LEFT
				POINTING INDEX]
Replacement and/or Supplemental Clothing
A monthly allowance for clothing replacement is included in the
				board payment. During the months when there are no replacements, the clothing
				allowance must be saved for the months when more than usual amounts of clothing
				are needed. All receipts from the purchase of clothes must be retained and
				turned in to the Resource Worker at the quarterly visit.
With the approval of the DCFS County Office Supervisor and Area
				Manager, it is permissible to obtain another clothing order. This should happen
				only in an exceptional circumstance. The foster parent may request a
				"Replacement/Supplemental Clothing Order". These requests may not exceed
				$400.00 in one quarter.
The foster parent should contact the Family Service Worker in
				the event that this need should arise.
Payment for Medical Services
Medicaid is the primary source of medical payment for children
				in foster care.
If a child in the home does not receive a Medicaid card,
				contact the Family Service Worker. (A card should be received within a week for
				a new child and by the third of the month thereafter.) Although the FSW may
				provide a copy of the Medicaid Card for the foster parent to keep in the
				Medical Passport, and so that they may obtain medical services for the child,
				the actual Medicaid Card will be kept in the child's case record in the county
				office. When there are no Medicaid providers available in cases of emergency,
				the Family Services Worker (with the approval of the DCFS County Supervisor)
				will authorize and bill medical services via DHS-1914 or contract. In the event
				medical services are denied by Medicaid, the child's medical needs will be met
				with Foster Care funds. A child shall not be denied medical services because
				the child is not Medicaid eligible.
Additional Expenses
In addition to the items already listed, the following items
				are allowable with the approval of the DCFS County Office Supervisor:
* Required School Materials and School Fees, including athletic
				wear
.
Foster parents must have prior approval for such
				purchases.
* Graduation Expenses
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] The Division recognizes and values the
				importance of education and youth in foster care completing their education.
				There are certain expenses that can be purchased and/or reimbursed for senior
				year graduation. All these expenses whether purchased by the Division or
				reimbursed to the foster parent require prior approval.
High School Graduation expenses will be authorized for the
				following items:
Senior Ring: Maximum amount the Division will commit is
				250.00
Prom: Maximum total cost the Division will commit is $350.00.
				This cost shall include prom dress, alterations, tux, shoes, undergarments and
				tickets to prom (if there is a cost).
The Division will reimburse a maximum amount of $500.00 for
				cap/gown, invitations, thank you notes, and senior pictures. [LEFT POINTING
				INDEX]
* Cell Phones
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] The Division generally does not provide
				cell phones. If a foster family chooses to allow a child in care to purchase or
				use a cell phone, the Division will not be responsible for any expenses related
				to the purchase, use or abuse of the phone. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
* Holiday Allowance
Children will be provided additional funds so they may
				participate in Holiday giving. The amount will be based on the age of the
				child. Consult the Family Service Worker with regard to the amount provided.
				The money is included in the November check and is to be used by the child for
				purchasing gifts for biological family members and friends.
* Emergency medical services and drugs not purchasable by
				Medicaid.
* Non-Medical transportation provided by the foster parent or
				public carriers when directly related to the case plan for the child. (See
				Transportation section).
* Child care or Baby-sitting fees.
Child care or baby-sitting fees when required to attend
				training or for one's own children when transporting a child to services are
				also reimbursable. This does not include child care for a foster parent's
				employment.
Any other expenses must receive prior approval from the Area
				Manager. This can be requested by the Family Service Worker.
Children in Foster Care Trust Funds
When a child in the Foster Care Program has income from child
				support or Social Security benefits, DCFS will apply to become payee. The
				child's funds will be deposited into a trust account for the child if payee
				status is awarded to the Division. Separate accounts are maintained for each
				individual child in foster care, including those from the same sibling group.
				The funds in the account should be utilized solely for the individual child for
				whom the account was established, and no funds should be spent for any other
				child.
Foster care trust accounts are delineated into two distinct
				types: Dedicated and Regular. Each account type has different rules for how the
				funds may be spent.
Dedicated Trust Account
A Dedicated Account is usually funded from the Supplemental
				Security Income (SSI) Program administered by the Social Security
				Administration (SSA). SSA deposits funds in this type of account if the child
				is owed six or more months of retroactive payments. DCFS must obtain permission
				from the SSA to spend money from a Dedicated Account. With prior approval from
				the SSA, income in a Dedicated Account may be used for the following:
1. Medical Treatment; and
2. If pertaining to an impairment
* Personal needs assistance
* Housing modifications
* Special Equipment
* Therapy or rehabilitation, or
* Other items or services if approved by the SSA.
Regular Trust Account
Money in a Regular Account is usually income from child support
				or Social Security Survivor's (Title II) benefits.
Although these funds have fewer restrictions than a Dedicated
				Account, spending must be appropriately prioritized according to the child's
				needs:
1. Medical needs.
2. Reimbursement of board/contract
			 payments.
3. Clothing purchases:
* Initial clothing is limited to $150.00 upon entry into foster
				care.
* Supplemental clothing is limited to a maximum of $400.00 per
				calendar quarter.
4.
			 Education related expenses-including fees for extracurricular
			 activities-excluding school supplies which are covered in the monthly board
			 payment.
5. Miscellaneous
			 expenses-damaged/destroyed property, legal fees, restitution for stolen goods
			 etc.-Excluding clothing, toys and electronic equipment.
6. Electronic equipment purchases-must have
			 prior approval from the area manager.
7. Exceptional purchases, toys or video games
			 purchases outside of Christmas purchases must not exceed 20% or $500.00 of the
			 child's available trust account balance and be appropriate for the child's age
			 and/or disability. Expenditures exceeding 20% must have prior approval of the
			 supervisor and area manager.
After basic needs are met, purchases may be made for items or
				services that will enrich the child's life. Examples of this include, but are
				not limited to items such as tutoring, music lessons, and dance lessons.
Purchases utilizing the funds of trust accounts must be
				approved by the child's caseworker. In some instances approvals must also be
				approved by the caseworker's Supervisors, Area Managers, and/or DCFS Executive
				Staff.
Only DCFS staff is permitted to make purchases from the
				accounts. To maintain a child's eligibility for some Medicaid Programs, the
				balances in Regular Accounts must remain within limits set by the State and
				Federal Governments. For example, if a child is receiving SSI then the
				countable value of the Regular Trust Account must be under $2,000 at the end of
				each month. A report is available to DCFS staff that lists foster children with
				Regular Account balances of $1,000 or more.
Foster parents are encouraged to assist DCFS in identifying
				children's needs that can be met using foster care trust funds. Recommendations
				for purchases that meet the criteria discussed in this document should be made
				to caseworkers so DCFS may decide if money is available for the purchase from a
				trust account and so that DCFS may secure the necessary approvals to make the
				purchase.
Incidental Expenses
[RIGHT POINTING INDEX] An Incidental Expense Fund is
				established for the purpose of providing items and activities which serve to
				normalize a child's life experience while in care. For example, camp fees,
				music lessons, field trips, school uniforms and other items not specifically
				covered by other means can be met by this fund. The Incidental Expense Fund is
				intended for items or activities which cost $25.00 or more and use of the funds
				does not require prior approval. Items covered by the board payment are not
				eligible for reimbursement from this fund. In addition, these funds shall not
				be used for Holiday gifts. The Family Service Worker will assist the family
				foster parent to access these funds when the money is needed for a situation
				that meets the policy guidelines. [LEFT POINTING INDEX]
MEDICAL SERVICES
Medical Passport
In order to comply with health care standards in the interest
				of good clinical practice and effective service to children in foster care, an
				abbreviated health record ("Medical Passport") shall be completed by the Family
				Service Worker or Health Services Specialist for each child. The Medical
				Passport will include initial health screening, timely comprehensive health
				assessments and a descriptive health plan for each child.
The Family Service Worker or Health Service Unit shall request
				medical records on the child for the time prior to entry in foster care. The
				medical history information gathered shall be given to the physician who will
				do the comprehensive health assessment. The medical history is be used to
				supplement and correct the child's Medical Passport. Requests for medical
				records are documented on the Requested Medical Records Log, CFS-353.
The Medical Passport forms are to be completed during initial
				placement into foster care. The Family Service Worker shall complete forms
				Medi-Alert, CFS-362, Placement Plan - Placement Provider Information, CFS-6007.
				The Family Service Worker and the foster parent are to complete Receipt for
				Medical Passport, CFS-365* optional together. The CFS-352 is used for Initial
				Dental Exam, Medical, Vision, Hearing, & Psychological Episodic. The
				CFS-366 is used for the Initial Physical.
After each health care visit, the Family Service Worker, Health
				Service Unit, or Health Care Specialist shall collect records of the child's
				health care, keep the child's Medical Passport up to date, and shall provide
				the revised Passport to the child's foster parent.
Initial Health Screening
A child who enters the custody of DHS shall receive an initial
				health screening:
* not more than twenty-four hours after removal from home, if
				the reason for removal is an allegation of severe maltreatment or there is
				evidence of acute illness or injury.
* not more than seventy-two hours after removal from the home
				for all other children.
The foster parent should accompany the child to the initial
				screening, and to any appointments for on-going health or mental health
				services. If this is not possible, the foster parent shall be available by
				telephone to the person conducting the screening. The Family Service Worker or
				Health Service Unit shall inform the foster parent of the results of the
				screening, and any instructions for the child's care and treatment, and shall
				give the foster parent the name of the person who performed the screening, and
				the names of the child's prior health care providers, if known.
The initial health screening should include a head-to-toe
				physical. If possible the physical should be conducted by the child's Primary
				Care Physician,(PCP). Within the first thirty days the following tests will be
				conducted:
* a complete blood count;
* a check for anemia and infection;
* abnormalities in the urine (urinalysis);
* HIV, sickle cell and other communicable diseases, shall be
				considered for children in high risk groups. Immunizations, tuberculin skin
				test (TB), and lead poisoning levels are usually completed at the local County
				Health Office.
Upon completion of the initial health screening, the Family
				Service Worker or Health Service Unit shall complete the Medi-Alert, CFS-362
				form of the Medical Passport and give a copy to the child's foster
				parent.
All health screening requirements conform to the Child Welfare
				League of America's 1988 Standards for Health Care Services for Children in
				Out-of-Home Care as mandated by the Arkansas Child Welfare Reform Document,
				Attachment "A", dated February 24, 1992.
Assessing Health Needs
If the initial health screening indicates that treatment or
				further evaluation is needed within thirty days, the Family Service Worker or
				Health Service Unit shall ensure that the need is promptly met.
The foster parent should accompany the child to receive
				treatment, and shall consult with the health care provider about the child's
				health care needs. DCFS shall provide assistance with transportation, child
				care for other children in the foster home, and other necessary support to
				enable the foster parent to accompany the child to this and any subsequent
				health care visits. This assistance may either be provided through the use of
				DCFS staff, including paid or volunteer aides, or through agreements to
				reimburse the foster parent for such supportive services.
If a foster parent cannot accompany the child, the Family
				Service Worker or Health Service Unit shall accompany the child, and convey the
				health care provider's diagnosis and instructions to the foster parent. The
				Medical Passport shall be revised and this revision provided to the foster
				parent.
Comprehensive Health Assessment
A comprehensive health assessment should be completed within
				sixty days of placement.
The Comprehensive Health Assessment should be completed by a
				Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MDT should address and attempt to integrate
				the medical examination, a vision and hearing screening, speech and language
				assessment, and emotional, developmental, educational, social, and cultural
				aspects of the child's well being. Medications should be provided as
				necessary.
Within the first 60 days a dental examination should be
				completed for signs of infection, gross abnormalities, malocclusion, painful
				areas, inflammation of the gums, plaque deposits, decayed or missing teeth, and
				an assessment of the continuing dental hygiene practices for the child. All
				follow-up dental work that is recommended by the provider shall be completed in
				thirty days.
Birth/legal parents or relevant members of the extended family
				should be encouraged, where appropriate, to participate in the Comprehensive
				Health Assessment.
The Comprehensive Health Assessment should produce a written
				summary of the medical, mental health, educational, dental and social status
				and needs of the child. The Multidisciplinary Team shall complete the Child's
				Health Services Plan at the Comprehensive Assessment. The Family Service Worker
				or Health Service Unit shall provide copies of the health plan and updates to
				the child's birth/legal parents, foster parents, and the child if age ten or
				older within seven days.
Continuing Health Services
After the initial physical, dental, visual, and hearing
				examinations are completed during the Comprehensive Health Assessment, all
				subsequent examinations shall be accomplished as part of the ongoing Early
				Periodic Screening Diagnosis Treatment (EPSDT) screening program, based on the
				respective periodicity schedules. The medical provider will complete CFS-352 at
				each examination. A physical examination control schedule shall be maintained
				so that examinations are conducted according to the Health Department's EPSDT
				periodicity schedule. The Family Service Worker or Health Service Unit shall
				update the CFS-362, CFS-6007, CFS-368 as necessary, after each physical
				examination.
The initial screening can be received at any age. The Family
				Service Worker shall schedule all subsequent screenings according to the
				following periodicity schedules:
Medical Periodicity Schedule (02-08/95)
* 2-6 wks., 8-10 wks, 4 Mos., 6 mos., 9 mos., 12 mos., 15 mos.,
				18 mos., 24 mos., 3 yrs. 4yrs., 5yrs., 6 yrs., 8yrs., 10 yrs., 12 yrs., 14
				yrs., 16 yrs., 18 yrs., and 20 yrs.,
* prior to placement for adoption.
Dental Periodicity Schedule (02-08/95)
Age
Periodicity Schedule
6 Mo. to 1
one exam
1 to 21, an appointment will be scheduled every six months and
				the exam is to be completed within 30 days of the date scheduled.
Hearing Periodicity Schedule
Same as medical schedule until age 5, then one screen at age 12
				and age 18 (gross until age three, after age three, audiometer).
Vision Periodicity Schedule
Same as medical schedule until age 8, then at age 12, 14, 18
				and 20 (gross until age 3, vision test after age 3).
If a child needs a screening outside the periodicity schedule,
				the Family Service Worker may issue an EMS-694 marked, "Foster Child -
				Unscheduled EPSDT Screening authorized by the Division of Children and Family
				Services", 30 days before the appointment.
Mandatory Immunizations
State law requires that certain immunizations are obtained
				before a child enters school. Foster parents should assist in maintaining
				current immunizations. See Recommended Immunizations Timetable on next
				page.
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The immunization schedules shown above should serve as a
				guideline only; acceptable alternate schedules do exist, and consultation may
				be required in some cases.
Hospitalization
* When a foster child is hospitalized, the Family Service
				Worker working with the child must provide the hospital with the child's
				Medicaid number, if applicable, vital statistics, previous medical history, and
				other identifying information as indicated.
* The Family Service Worker signs both the admission forms and
				the required consent for surgery if indicated. A second opinion by a medical
				specialist will be obtained before major surgery whenever possible.
* The Family Service Worker completing admission forms must
				leave with the hospital the name and telephone number of the Worker to be
				contacted regarding the child.
* Foster parents shall not sign a foster child into the
				hospital or sign other medical or surgical consent. Physicians and hospitals
				may determine that an emergency exists and waive the usual required consent, or
				they may take consents on the telephone with a second party at the hospital
				listening and verifying the consent. The Foster Parents should notify the
				Family Service Worker immediately when a foster child is hospitalized. As soon
				as possible, the Family Service Worker shall visit the hospital and sign the
				required consents.
Prescription Drugs
Foster children are eligible for prescription drugs through the
				State Prescription Drug Program.
When there are no Medicaid providers available in cases of
				emergency, the Family Service Worker (with the approval of the DCFS County
				Supervisor) will authorize and bill for medication and medical services using a
				DHS-1914.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Educational Services
It is the responsibility of DCFS to provide educational
				opportunities to help each child meet their full potential. To insure that
				children in the custody of DHS receive a quality education, it is DCFS' policy
				to enroll foster children only in accredited public schools. Home Schooling is
				not permitted.
DCFS will not pay tuition for a foster child to attend a
				private school.
Tutoring can be purchased for a child in need of additional
				educational assistance. Consult the Family Service Worker regarding tutoring.
				Educational testing and counseling should be available to a foster child when
				they begin to make career/curriculum decisions. If a child desires to pursue
				college or vocational training after high school, the Family Service Worker
				will assist the child in the exploration of resources to pursue this
				plan.
Foster Care Staffings
A staffing is a meeting of key persons who are responsible
				directly or indirectly for problem solving and decision-making in regard to a
				child's case plan.
An initial staffing for the child is held within the first
				thirty days of the child's stay in foster care. Another staffing is held in 2
				months after the first staffing and every three (3) months thereafter.
Foster parents will be invited to all staffings on children
				currently in their care in accordance with the Foster Home Agreement Addendum,
				CFS-462 A. However, it may not be necessary for them to attend the entire
				staffing.
The Family Service Worker will inform the foster parent in
				advance of the purpose of the staffing, and what information, if any, that one
				may be called upon to present. Information presented may include the
				following:
* Observations about the child;
* If visits have occurred between the birth/legal family and
				the child, the child's reactions as perceived by the foster parent;
* The child's adjustment in one's home and community;
* Any problems the child is currently experiencing and
				difficulties this may be causing the family; and,
* Input regarding development of the case plan and the foster
				parent's assessment of progress in those areas.
Visitation Between/Among the Child and his Birth/Legal
				Parents/Siblings/Relatives
In order to achieve reunification of families, DCFS shall
				strive to ensure visitation be made available within the first five days of
				placement. Visits will be based on the families' needs and reasons for the home
				placement.
The foster parent plays a very important role in the visitation
				of the child with parents and siblings. This role includes acceptance of the
				visits, emotional preparation of the child and supportive follow up with both
				the child and the child's worker. The foster parent can help the child by
				preparing the child for changes in the family circumstances or anything that
				might be unexpected and difficult for the child to accept. The same supportive
				attitude is needed after the visit.
The foster parent's help is vital to the success of the child's
				visitation with family members. However, one may find visitation difficult in
				some situations. For example, a child may be returned upset, with lost
				clothing, uncombed hair, etc. These issues may cause one to question the value
				of the visits. At such times, it will help to discuss these feelings with the
				FSW and to remind one's self of the reasons for visitation. Frequently, with
				supportive understanding, such problems can be worked out satisfactorily for
				all concerned.
In any case, always report to the child's worker the reaction
				of the child to the visit and one's perceived observation.
DCFS Policy regarding visitation includes the
				following
:
A.
Parent/Child Visitation
1. Children in
			 foster care shall have at least weekly visits with their parents. However, in
			 the exercise of professional judgment, if such visits are contrary to the
			 health and welfare of the child, an exception may be made to omit the visits.
			 This provision shall not be construed to compel a child to visit with his/her
			 parents over the child's objection. Visitation shall be subject to the orders
			 of the presiding court.
2. A
			 visitation schedule shall be established within three days of initial
			 placement. Visits shall begin no later than five days from the date DHS assumes
			 custody of the child unless, in the exercise of professional judgment, such
			 visits are contrary to the health and welfare of the child or are impossible
			 due to circumstances outside DCFS' control. Visitation shall be subject to the
			 orders of the presiding court.
3.
			 Visits shall, if possible, take place in the parents' home or in the most
			 homelike setting available or in some appropriate educational or recreational
			 setting. The DHS office is the most restrictive setting for visits and should
			 be avoided if possible.
4. For
			 those children in foster care whose parents or legal guardians are
			 incarcerated, the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) social worker will be
			 contacted to arrange visitation between the child placed in an out-of-home
			 setting and his incarcerated parent(s) unless such visitation is prohibited by
			 the court, not recommended by a physician, etc.
5. Visits are to increase in frequency and
			 duration. This will include weekend visits leading up to the child's return
			 home, unless specific documented harm is caused by the visits.
6. Children in foster care shall have
			 reasonable opportunities to communicate in writing or by telephone with their
			 parents unless prohibited by court order.