Section R501-12-7 - Safety(1) The foster parent and their guests may not smoke any substance in the foster home or vehicle when a foster child is present or residing in the home and shall ensure that smoking materials are inaccessible to foster children.(2) The foster parent shall provide training to children regarding response to fire warnings and other instructions for life safety upon the initial placement of a foster child and annually thereafter. This includes an evacuation plan that also anticipates the evacuation of a foster child who is non-ambulatory or who has a disability.(3) The foster parent shall have a phone that can make outgoing calls and is recognizable to the 911 system on-site during any time that a foster child is present and shall post telephone numbers for emergency assistance, poison control, the emergency evacuation plan and the address of the home in a central location visible to the foster child.(4) The foster parent shall have a fully supplied first aid kit as recommended by the American Red Cross.(5) The foster parent shall inform the office or agency if they possess or use a firearm or other weapon.(6) A foster parent shall ensure that firearms, ammunition and other weapons are inaccessible to foster children.(7) The foster parent may not provide a weapon to a foster child or permit a foster child to possess a weapon except as outlined in Sections 76-10-509 through 76-10-509.7. (a) The foster parent does not have the authority of a parent or guardian to provide a dangerous weapon to a minor under Section 76-10-509.(b) The provider shall ensure the following regarding firearms in the foster home: (i) firearms are only stored together with ammunition in a locked container commercially manufactured for the secure storage of firearms;(ii) firearms not stored in a locked container commercially manufactured for the secure storage of firearms are unloaded and securely locked. Ammunition for these firearms is kept securely locked in a separate location;(iii) the locked storage for firearms and ammunition is not accessible through the same keys or combinations;(iv) keys and combinations utilized to open locked storage for firearms and ammunition are not be accessible to a foster child; and(vi) firearms are stored in display cases only if unloaded and made inoperable through the effective use of trigger locks, bolts removed, or other disabling methods.(8) Subsection R501-12-7(6) does not restrict an individual's rights regarding concealed weapons permits pursuant to Section 53-5-704.(9) The foster parent who has alcoholic beverages in their home may not consume in excess and shall ensure that the beverages are closely monitored and inaccessible to foster children.(10) The provider shall ensure hazardous materials remain locked when not in active use, and closely monitored while in active use, and shall ensure compliance with the following: (a) hazardous materials are stored in the manufacturer's original packaging together with the manufacturer's directions and warnings, or a container that complies with the manufacturer's directions and warnings and is clearly labeled with the contents, manufacturer's directions and warnings;(b) flammable substances, including gasoline and kerosene, are locked in a ventilated storage area separate from living areas, this requirement does not include substances contained within the storage tanks of equipment, including automobiles, lawnmowers, ATV's, boats and snow blowers; and(c) general, common use, household items are stored responsibly in consideration of the age, behavior, history, and cognitive and physical ability of each foster child in the home, and in consultation with the caseworker and child and family team regarding individual restrictions.(11) The foster parent shall comply with local laws and ordinances regarding the care and number of animals on their property.(12) The foster parent shall ensure that the foster child has the safety equipment, supervision, and training necessary for the foster child to safely participate in an activity that has an inherent risk of bodily harm, injury, or death.(a) These activities include participation in rock climbing, swimming, hunting, target practice, camping, hiking, use of recreational vehicles, and sports.(b) The foster parent shall take every precaution in allowing a foster child to participate in the respective activity as safely as possible to include:(i) wearing Department of Transportation or Snell-approved helmets when riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs);(ii) completing OHV education;(iii) completing personal watercraft or boating education;(iv) wearing Coast Guard-approved life jackets; and(v) completing hunter's education.(c) The foster parent shall follow any applicable statute pertaining to minors operating OHVs, personal watercraft, boats, and firearms.(13) The foster parent shall comply with any written safety plan or license parameter required by the office or agency, that establishes additional safety requirements to protect the foster child from hazardous conditions on the foster parent's property. A safety plan may not waive any applicable requirement of Rule R501-12.(14) The foster parent shall provide verification of compliance with the Utah Department of Health and Human Service's recommended immunization schedules for each individual residing in the home who is not a foster child. The foster parent may only be licensed or certified for placements of foster children who are over the age of 2 months and are currently immunized if vaccination compliance of residents in the home cannot be verified.(a) The oster parent shall disclose if any individual residing in the home is not in compliance with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services' recommended immunization schedules to the child placing agency before accepting a placement.(b) Newborn infants shall reach the required age and receive their first dose of required vaccinations to be considered appropriately immunized for their age.(15) The foster parent may not accept the placement of a foster child into their home outside any license conditions or parameters.Utah Admin. Code R501-12-7
Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2014-24, effective 11/17/2014Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2015-22, effective 10/23/2015Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2018-6, effective 2/23/2018Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2018-14, effective 7/1/2018Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-09, effective 5/11/2020Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-11, effective 5/11/2020Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-04, effective 2/1/2023Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-12, effective 5/31/2023