Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.04.18.362

Current through September 2, 2024

Section 16.04.18.362 - FAMILY HOME STUDY, APPLICATION PROCESS, AND CONTENT

An agency must complete or obtain a home study and application before approving the home for the placement of a child.

01.Required Information. The home study must meet the requirements outlined in IDAPA 16.06.01 and include the following:

a. When there is a change in persons residing in the home, the applicant must notify the agency of the change by the next working day, and the new adult member must complete a background check;

b. Social Security Number;

c. Description of individuals and family dynamics with each member of the household;

d. Documentation of any current or past family problems, including mental illness, substance abuse, addiction, and medical conditions;

e. Special needs of the applicant's children and a description of how they will adjust to a new member of the household;

f. Demonstrated understanding of the care that must be provided to the children served by the agency or express a willingness to learn how to provide that care;

g. The applicant has adequate time to provide care and supervision for children;

h. Demonstration of a home life that gives children the emotional stability they need. No marital or personal problems may exist within the family that would result in undue emotional strain in the home or be harmful to the interest of children placed in the home;

i. Applicant's experience with other support agencies or resources in their communities and their comfort level in seeking help from services outside the family;

j. Applicant's awareness of the potential for the child to have identity issues and loss regarding separation from birth parents;

k. Applicant's ability to accept a child's background and help the child cope with their past;

l. Applicant's understanding that the child will have questions about birth parents and other relatives; and

m. How the household will fulfill their transportation needs.

02.Pre-Adoptive Parent to Inform Agency of Changes. The pre-adoptive parent is responsible to keep the agency that completed the home study informed of changes in the family's circumstances, or of any subsequent decision against adoption.

03.Adoptive Placement Agreement. A home study is valid for the purposes of new adoptive placement for a period of one (1) year following the date of completion. Upon completion of an adoptive placement agreement, a home study remains valid for a period of two (2) years from the home study date of completion for the purpose of finalizing the adoption of the child(ren) for whom the adoptive placement agreement was written.

Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.04.18.362

Effective July 1, 2024 (Temporary)