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

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

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

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

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

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

(5)           obtain the permission of the supervising agency if the child is to be out of the home for a period exceeding 72 hours;

(6)           report to the supervising agency any change of address before it occurs and any of the following within 72 hours of its occurrence:

(A)          changes in the membership of the household;

(B)          changes in physical or mental health of any household member;

(C)          criminal charges against any household member; and

(D)          changes in the financial resources or income of the household;

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

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

(9)           provide any child placed in the home with supervision that is appropriate for the child's age, intelligence, emotional make up, and past experiences and adhere to the supervision requirements specified in the out-of-home family services agreement or person-centered plan; and

(10)         agree to comply with Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Multiethnic Placement Act, which are incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments and editions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(11)         notify foster parents of their right to obtain personal liability insurance in accordance with G.S. 58-36-44.

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

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

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-10.1; 131D-10.2A; 131D-10.3; 131D-10.5; 143B-153;

Eff. September 1, 2007;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2017;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. October 3, 2017.