R501-12-15. Additional DCFS Kinship and Specified Home Licensure Considerations

  (1) An applicant may be licensed for the placement of a specific foster child or sibling group.

  (2) The home study shall be conducted by an approved DCFS kinship home study specialist or by the Office of Licensing.

  (3) A minimum of two reference letters received must be acceptable to the Agency or the Office of Licensing.

  (4) The home study safety inspection and background screening approvals shall be successfully completed prior to the placement of the child in the home.

  (5) The Office shall grant a kinship/specific probationary license upon receipt and approval of a completed kinship/specific packet submitted by DCFS.

  (a) The kinship/specific probationary license shall be issued for no more than five months until full compliance can be achieved in order to receive an initial license for the remainder of the licensing year.

  (b) An initial license may be issued at any time that compliance with probationary terms is met.

  (c) A probationary license whose terms are not met prior to the expiration of that license shall be extended in corrective or penalty status.

  (d) Initial license expiration dates shall be determined per R501-12-4-9.

  (6) A kinship/specific home license may not be utilized for the placement of any foster child other than the child designated on the license, and may not be utilized for respite care.

  (7) If a kinship/specific home desires to provide general foster care services, they will close their specific license and submit to the requirements of a general foster care license.

  (8) The Office of Licensing recognizes the importance of preserving family and cultural connections for children in foster care. In accordance with 62A-2-117.5 and the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. Secs. 1901-1963, the Office of Licensing may issue a waiver of any rule in regards to a kinship/specific home that does not impact the health and safety of the specific child or sibling group. This requires prior written approval by the Director of the Office of Licensing.