6004.1 A foster child living in a foster home has the right to:

1. (a) Have her or his health, safety, and welfare be the primary consideration in implementing these rules;
2. (b) Be consulted about or informed of all decisions made on his or her behalf as appropriate to the foster child's age;
3. (c) Safety and protection;
4. (d) Opportunities to develop emotionally, socially, physically, educationally, culturally, and spiritually in a nurturing environment;
5. (e) Information about the reason for the foster child's placement, and help in developing an explanation of the foster child's situation to others;
6. (f) Help in dealing with the effects of separation;
7. (g) Opportunities for continued connection with the foster child's family and others with whom the foster child has had meaningful relationships, unless such a connection would be harmful to the child's health or safety; and
8. (h) Return to the foster child's family or be placed in another permanent placement as expeditiously as possible consistent with the foster child's case plan.

6004.2 A foster child living in a foster home is responsible for:

1. (a) Keeping his or her room and possessions in good order and completing assigned daily or weekly chores, consistent with the foster child's age and level of development;
2. (b) Attending school or other alternate education or training programs, if the foster child is of school age; and
3. (c) Following appropriate minimum personal care and hygiene standards consistent with the foster child's physical and developmental capabilities.

6004.3 Nothing in this section of the DCMR shall be read to limit any other right, privilege, or opportunity provided to a foster child under this chapter of the DCMR or any other provision of law or policy.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 48 DCR 6617 (July 27, 2001).