Missouri Code of State Regulations › Title 13 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES › Division 35 - Children's Division › Chapter 60 - Licensing of Foster Family Homes › Section 13 CSR 35-60.040 - Physical and Environmental Standards

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 14, July 15, 2024
PURPOSE: This rule explains what physical and
				  environmental conditions are required for licensing and further describes
				  sleeping arrangements and fire and safety requirements.
(1) Conditions of the Home.
(A) The foster home shall be so located that
				a foster child has access to schools, recreational, religious, and other
				community resources.
(B) The home,
				grounds, and all structures on the grounds must be properly maintained in a
				clean, safe, and sanitary condition and in a reasonable state of repair within
				community standards.
(C) The home
				shall be of size and space and shall have furnishings and equipment to
				accommodate comfortably the foster parent(s) and all household
				members.
(D) The interior and
				exterior must be free from dangerous objects and conditions (meaning that any
				danger presented from such objects or conditions must be mitigated).
(E) The home shall have space for indoor play
				and access to outdoor play space. The outdoor play space shall be fenced when
				in the judgment of the division, nearby street traffic, railroad tracks, lakes,
				rivers, creeks, streams, swimming pools, or other potential hazards suggest the
				necessity for such fencing.
(F) The
				division may require inspection of the home by fire, health, sanitation,
				safety, or other officials, when in the agency's judgment such inspection is
				needed to assist the division in making a decision about the safety of the
				home. The home must comply with all local, county, and state
				ordinances.
(G) The home shall have
				heating and/or cooling as required by the geographic area, consistent with
				accepted community standards and in safe operating condition.
(H) The home's private water supply shall be
				adequate and safe for human consumption. The home's water supply may be
				required to be tested at the time of licensing, and the cost of testing will be
				covered by the applicant. If the private water supply is found to be unsafe for
				human consumption, an alternative source for drinking water shall be made
				available. The home's water heater shall be set in accordance with the
				manufacturer's recommended temperature setting.
(I) The interior of the home shall be free
				from an accumulation of visible dirt or any vermin, insect, or rodent
				infestation. The division may excuse compliance with this regulation with
				respect to a temporary infestation that the foster parent has taken appropriate
				steps to address.
(J) The home
				shall have adequate lighting, ventilation, and proper trash and recycling
				disposal, if recycling is available. Windows and doors shall be screened as
				needed unless the area is air conditioned.
(K) All interior doors shall be designed to
				permit the opening of a locked door from the outside in an emergency.
(L) The home shall have a properly operating
				kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, stove, and oven.
(M) The home shall have at least one (1)
				toilet, sink, and tub or shower in operating condition.
(N) Mobile Homes.
1. There shall be an exit at each end of the
				home.
2. The mobile home shall be
				skirted with latticed or solid skirting and securely anchored by cable to the
				ground.
(O) Household
				swimming pools shall include the following safety requirements:
1. A barrier on all sides. For the purpose of
				this regulation, the exterior non-climbable surface of an above-ground pool
				that is at least four feet (4') tall may constitute a barrier;
2. Methods of access through the barrier must
				be equipped with a safety device, such as a bolt lock;
3. Swimming pools must be equipped with a
				life saving device, such as a ring buoy; and
4. If the swimming pool cannot be emptied
				after each use, the pool must have a working pump and filtering
				system.
(P) Hot tubs and
				spas must have safety covers that are locked when not in use.