Purpose and Reason:
Key changes that were made to 214-RICR-40-00-3 - Foster Care and Pre-Adoptive Regulations for Licensure:
Additions:
Definitions Section: Updated and expanded definitions, including terms like “Kinship Care,” “Non-Kinship Resource Caregiver,” and “Prudent Parenting Standard.”
Respite Care: Defined respite care as a new addition to support resource caregivers in providing temporary relief.
Firearm and Weapon Safety: Clarified storage requirements for firearms and ammunition, emphasizing that they must be locked and stored separately.
Lead Paint Safety: Required compliance with local lead certification standards and emphasized protections for children under six years old.
Training Requirements: New requirement for non-kinship caregivers to undergo training in first aid and CPR, and complete 15 hours of in-service training before license renewal.
Behavior Management and Discipline: Clear prohibitions on corporal punishment, with guidelines on acceptable discipline methods.
Health and Safety Standards: More detailed home safety and health requirements, including medical, psychological, and substance use screenings for caregivers and household members.
LGBTQI+ inclusivity
Emergency Procedures: Added protocols for developing and communicating emergency and disaster response plans for children in care.
Child’s Personal Property Rights: Guidelines ensuring that children in care have control over personal items, clothing, and gifts received during their stay.
Social and Recreational Activities: Guidance on supporting children’s involvement in age-appropriate activities to promote normalcy.
Dual Licensure: Clarified that resource caregivers may not hold multiple licenses for Supportive Living Arrangements and foster care, except in specific circumstances.
Removals:
Outdated Terminology: Terms such as “generic foster parent” were eliminated in favor of more updated language like “non-kinship resource caregiver.”
Redundant Provisions: Removed repetitive explanations, particularly around procedures for background checks and health history submissions.
Corporal Punishment Practices: Earlier references to outdated disciplinary methods were eliminated in favor of the new standards prohibiting such practices.
These changes aim to modernize the document, align it with current practices and safety requirements, and ensure clarity in the procedures for licensing caregivers, caring for, and protecting children in foster and pre-adoptive homes.
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